Meet The Staff

Brooke Stanley, M.S., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor / Director / Site Supervisor

 *Not accepting new clients*

Brooke has been a dedicated counselor since 2009 and currently serves as the Director of Empowerment Therapy Center. With a deep passion for creating meaningful change in individuals, families, and the broader community, she is committed to fostering a practice that reflects compassion, integrity, and high-quality care.

Brooke is intentional about building a team of experienced, ethical clinicians who share her passion for service and bring diverse perspectives and approaches to the work. Brooke is continually responsive to the evolving needs of the community, developing new programs and services that align with both client needs and the mission of the practice.

At the heart of Empowerment Therapy Center is a culture that Brooke carefully nurtures-one that resembles a healthy, supportive family. She believes that a strong, connected team enhances morale, facilitates effective case coordination, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for clients.

Dawn Aronson, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist / Site Supervisor

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Virginia since 2000, Dawn has experience helping people find solutions to their struggles. Approaching therapy as a collaboration, she aims to help you identify obstacles as well as strengths to determine solutions for the issues affecting your life. Her mission is to guide and encourage you to achieve a more functional, peaceful and healthy way of life. She has years of successful experience and has helped a wide variety of adults, couples, children and families reach their goals.

Areas of interest and specialization include but are not limited to Relationship issues, Couples and Families, Mood Disorders, Anxiety/Panic and Coping with life change, Trauma/Abuse, Grief, Career and Workplace difficulties, Self Esteem, ADHD and Conduct issues, Communication Issues, Personality Disorders, Multicultural concerns, Internet Addiction, Eating Disorders, Chronic Health concerns, and Christian Focused Counseling.

Tyler Grosskopf, M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor / Site Supervisor

Tyler has been a counselor since 2016, and is passionate about empowering individuals with a solution-focused approach. Through collaboration, she works with her clients to create personalized solutions in a safe environment where her clients are free to be their most authentic selves. Tyler works with children, teens, and young adults. She utilizes a strengths-based perspective along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients manage depression, anxiety, anger, life transitions, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Tyler also runs a confidence-building group therapy program for middle schoolers and high-schoolers.

Nadia Aziz, M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor / Site Supervisor

Katherine Kraft, M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Katherine has eight years of experience including teaching, mentoring, coaching, and counseling; she has provided clinical mental health therapeutic services since 2018. Katherine has had the privilege of working with diverse populations in parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. Working with children, teenagers, individuals, and couples Katherine is passionate about providing support, respect, unconditional positive regard, and a safe space for clients to express themselves in a nonjudgmental environment. She seeks to collaborate with clients in helping them grow, gain coping skills, overcome obstacles, work through transitions, determine strengths, and find hope. Katherine approaches therapy from a holistic perspective, taking into account an individual’s mind, body, and emotions. She considers an individual’s history, as well as the present, and how they pertain to future aspirations and goals. Katherine ascribes to mostly Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior, Person-Centered, and Solution-Focused Therapies. Katherine works with, but is not limited to, assisting clients in the following areas: anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, self-esteem, relationship problems, decision-making, career planning, communication, assertiveness skills, and boundaries.

Bayley Lee, M.S., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Bayley would like her clients to think of her as their copilot on the journey to self-discovery. She understands that life’s roads can be bumpy and full of twists and turns, and doesn’t want you to have to navigate them alone. Bayley enjoys working together with her clients to find a path that helps them reach their destination. Her ideal client feels overwhelmed by their emotions, and struggles with intense mood swings, or impulsive behaviors. Maybe they have tried other therapists, but need a more practical approach. They might be dealing with Gender Dysphoria, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, or intense anxiety/ depression.

Bayley specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT). This practical, skills-based approach helps clients navigate intense emotions. Bayley will work with her clients on understanding and regulating emotions, improving relationships, building distress tolerance, and cultivating mindfulness. Her goal is to empower her clients with tools to manage their feelings.

Elizabeth Mohaupt, M.A., NCC, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Beth is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia and a National Certified Counselor. She started in the field of counseling in 2007 and has worked in Residential care, Intensive In-Home Counseling, Therapeutic Day Treatment, Skill-Building services, and outpatient therapy. Beth has a passion in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is well-versed in treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, impulse-control, trauma, anger management, behavioral concerns in children and adolescents, and parenting. Beth’s main approach to counseling is person-centered, but she also incorporates mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work. She likes to empower and guide each individual to make the changes that they desire to make in their own lives.

Ruben Molina, M.A.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Ruben believes that balance is essential to living life to the fullest. His goal is to help children, adolescents, and adults, learn to navigate through difficult circumstances, and to instill hope, and motivate clients to go after their life goals. It is Ruben’s genuine desire to enter into the broken life of a person and become a bridge through which they can walk to the other side of their brokenness with a new perspective. Ruben has been providing counseling services since 2015, and speaks Spanish and English fluently.

Kali Quigley, M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Sometimes we feel misunderstood, need someone to talk to without fear of judgement, have someone listen and provide insight into what we are experiencing, or just need help obtaining mental health.  Whatever the reason, Kali will be there to support you on your journey; she is dedicated to empowering and providing advocacy for her clients. Kali has a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University, and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Northwestern University with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Counseling. Kali has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Kali’s theoretical orientation is integrative, pulling from Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Multicultural Counseling, and always approaches treatment from a Person Centered Approach.  Kali specializes in treating clients who are suffering from ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, communication issues, and life transitions, among others. You are the expert in your life, and Kali will work with you on your goals, tailoring her theoretical orientation to your needs.

Megan Schiaffo, M.A., LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Megan has an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. She has clinical experience working with individuals and groups of all ages, but she primarily works with preteens, teens and adults. She works with clients on a wide range of issues, including (but not limited to) ADHD symptom management, anxiety, disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, communication and assertiveness skills, attachment styles, self-esteem issues, phase of life issues, grief, and various other mental health concerns. Megan primarily works from a person-centered theoretical approach, but incorporates elements of existentialism, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy. She believes that each client is the guide of their own individual therapeutic journey, and that through collaboration and connection, she and each client can work together to achieve their mental health and wellness goals and improve overall quality of life.

Patrick Bobst, M.S.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Patrick provides online/telehealth counseling services to individuals, couples, and groups. He works with clients on issues including depression, anxiety, grief, life-stage transitions, self-esteem, communication and interpersonal relationships and other mental health concerns. Patrick believes that the key to a successful therapeutic relationship is the establishment of a genuine and trusting rapport with his clients. Patrick utilizes different therapeutic approaches including Solution Focus Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Psychodynamic intervention styles. Patrick works collaboratively with each client to define a plan that will lead to achieving therapeutic goals, resulting in a return to wellness and a fuller, more enjoyable life.

Shakarla Brown, M.S.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Shakarla is a Licensed Resident in Counseling who has experience providing counseling to children, adolescents, and adults. She provides support and counseling to individuals who experience various challenges, such as clinical depression, anxiety, stress management, ADHD, Autism, life phase challenges, and substance abuse. She is passionate about helping individuals change their self-perception and improve their self-worth by fighting negative core beliefs and establishing healthy ones. Her therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Christian Counseling, and Motivational Interviewing. Shakarla believes that daily victories are as significant as obtaining life goals.

Leigh D’Lugos, M.Ed.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Leigh received a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health from George Mason University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University. She works primarily with adults, and provides both in-person and on-line/telehealth therapy. Leigh uses a trauma-informed, and person-centered approach to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals, including assisting them with accessing their own inner resources for positive change and healing. Leigh has training in and experience using a wide variety of therapeutic methods including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness-based practices. She also has training in complex trauma and dissociation. Leigh’s approach honors the unique aspects of each client, and she has experience working with individuals with diverse ethnicities, cultures, religious/spiritual traditions, genders, and sexual orientations. She works with clients on a wide range of issues including anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ related issues, grief, relationship issues, addiction, dissociative disorders, and trauma and stress related disorders including PTSD.

Rebecca Fisher, M.S, M.A.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Rebecca has an M.A. in Pastoral Clinical Mental Health from Marymount University and an M.S. in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University. A second-career therapist, she brings decades of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly to her counseling practice. Rebecca uses a person-centered approach as the foundation for treatment, introducing-as appropriate-state-of-the-art modalities that can help clients-individually, as couples, or as families-manage everyday challenges, move through critical situations, and assist them in personal growth.

Alexa Haines, MBA, M.A., NCC

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Alexa earned her MBA from UMGC and went on to receive her master’s in counseling from Northwestern University. Her journey to become a therapist was shaped by a profound season of personal loss during the pandemic-an experience that motivated her to help others find the caring support she once sought. She specializes in working with individuals navigating neurodiversity (including autism, ADHD, and PDA profiles). Other areas of interest, but not limited to, include supporting clients coping with anxiety, chronic illness, depression, grief, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and trauma. She is equally passionate about serving individuals of diverse and marginalized identities. Alexa’s integrative approach to counseling weaves together insights from psychodynamic theory, solution-focused methods, multicultural counseling, and trauma-informed techniques like EMDR. Above all, she believes the core of healing lies in the therapeutic relationship itself-a space where trust, vulnerability, and curiosity allow true transformation to unfold. She strives to help clients see the potential in their differences and harness their unique strengths. Whether you’re seeking more self-understanding, relief from overwhelm, or new paths forward, she will walk alongside you every step of the way.

Tammie Howard, M.Ed., MSN, RN

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Tammie is a Licensed Resident in Counseling, and a second career professional, with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and backgrounds, addressing issues related to trauma, life transitions, relationships, identity/cultural issues, and disabilities. Tammie utilizes an integrated person-centered counseling approach, incorporating aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness/Mindful Self- Compassion, Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to address the unique needs of each client. Tammie believes that we all encounter challenges as we live out our life stories and understands that healing can feel overwhelming and difficult. Her goal is to partner with clients in a safe, non-judgmental space to empower them to heal and to live in wellness.

Nadine Lampton, M.A., QMHP-A

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Nadine graduated from Marymount University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With over 8 years of experience in the field, Nadine has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds as a counselor, case manager and educator, supporting them through significant challenges such as trauma, life transitions, crisis intervention, mental health concerns, body image and self esteem difficulties, communication difficulties, and substance abuse. Her approach is informed by a trauma-sensitive framework, recognizing that many individuals carry deeper wounds that require a more nuanced and compassionate response. She is utilizes a range of modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Gottman Therapy Method, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Art Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. Nadine primarily works with older adolescents, couples and adults, and she offers flexible virtual scheduling to accommodate clients’ busy lives. She believes that everyone deserves to feel safe and accepted in therapy, regardless of their race, gender, or culture. Her ultimate goal is to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, and to empower them to live a life that is authentic and fulfilling.

Kaylah McCuller, M.Ed.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Kaylah graduated from George Mason University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her pronouns are she/her. Kaylah has clinical experience working with preteens, teens, young adults, and adults. She has worked with individuals with needs such as Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Self Esteem, Body Image, Interpersonal Relationship Issues, and various other needs. Kaylah primarily comes from an integrative approach with a Person Centered foundation, pulling from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Multicultural Counseling, and Mindfulness. Kaylah is passionate about providing a safe space for clients, and working alongside them as they express themselves.

Tiara Neal, M.A.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Tiara understands that life is a journey filled with many ups & downs. She believes that sometimes we need guidance navigating through challenges, a listening ear, or even motivation. Her goal is to help clients understand themselves and gain the tools they need to maintain a healthy and functional life.

Tiara has experience working with young adults, teens, adolescents, and children that have faced various challenges including Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, family conflict, and many others.

Tiara believes it is essential to work together as a team with clients so they can become their “best self.” Tiara wants to help her clients make lemonade when life gives them lemons.

Jordan Reina, M.A.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Jordan received her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. She has clinical experience working with individuals and groups, and primarily works with children, teens, and adults. She utilizes a person-centered and strengths-based approach, as well as incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and existentialism techniques and interventions. She recognizes that therapy is not one-size-fits-all and works with her clients in ways that feel most appropriate and effective for their specific needs. Jordan helps clients manage depression, anxiety, emotional-regulation, communication skills, OCD, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, relationships, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and various other mental health concerns. Jordan also runs a confidence building group for teens. She believes in creating a safe-space for all clients in which they feel they can be their most authentic selves. Through collaboration, Jordan guides and encourages her clients as they work toward developing a greater understanding of themselves and uncovering solutions for issues affecting their lives.

Brittany Summers, M.A.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Brittany provides in person and telehealth counseling for individuals and couples. She works with teens, adults, and couples on issues including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-confidence, communication, ADHD, and Autism. Her therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Art Therapy, and Mindfulness. She believes that it is important for each client to feel safe and respected, while also being able to provide each client with a space where they can share their story. She is passionate about working with clients collaboratively to tackle what has brought them to therapy, change any negative self-images, change negative thoughts, and manage symptoms to create manageable goals that are achievable and can lead to a more fulfilling self. Brittany believes that each client has a unique story, and by working collaboratively with each client, a new, healthier narrative can be created together.

Christian Thacker, M.A.

Licensed Resident in Counseling

Christian is currently enrolled in Liberty University’s CACREP accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. He has clinical experience working with teens, couples, groups, and adults. He utilizes a Cognitive-Behavioral approach and incorporates elements of person centered, acceptance and commitment therapy, and internal family systems. Christian has experience working with individuals who deal with depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, emotional regulation, and interpersonal conflicts. Christian embraces and believes in empowering clients to live a meaningful and authentic life.

Jordan Toney, M.A., CFT™

Licensed Resident in Counseling
Certified Financial Therapist

Jordan graduated from Regent University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jordan works with clients in treating a wide range of issues, including anxiety and mood disorders, emotional regulation, life transitions, and stress management. He also works with individuals on money-related concerns, such as financial anxiety, compulsive spending, and gambling. Additionally, he offers couples therapy to support partners in enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, rebuilding trust, and strengthening their connection. Jordan embraces a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of various life domains, including relationships, work, spirituality, and finances. His therapeutic framework integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy alongside elements of Existentialism. Jordan works to create a safe and non-judgemental space where his clients can feel comfortable to be themselves, work collaboratively, and create new ways of engaging with the world.

Brenda Eribo, B.A.

Counseling Intern

Stress, loneliness, anxiety, shame, grief, and other unwanted experiences can feel overwhelming when they barge or burrow into our lives. Brenda believes that we all have what it takes to foster well-being, relying on both internal and external supports. In therapy together, you will work on discovering how. She aims to create a trusted safe space in which clients can authentically express all sides of themselves and gently cultivate mindful self-compassion, curiosity, empathy, calm, insights, connection, and resilience.

A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with decades of human capital management experience, Brenda is currently completing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount University. She harmonizes evidence-based practices with an ability to personalize treatment, as the culturally sensitive techniques she uses are tailored to individual situations, values, symptoms, and capabilities. Viewed through a multicultural lens, Brenda’s relational humanistic approach is attachment-informed and strengths-based while also integrating elements of CBT, somatic, and solution-focused therapy. Because therapy requires a commitment for you to face and work through challenging issues, she may also encourage incorporating moments of therapeutically appropriate humor along the way.

Whether searching for symptom relief, belonging, clarity, growth, identity, community, peace, or authentic thriving, clients can find support for attaining their goals and healing with this therapist. Brenda highly values diversity, understands firsthand the experience of living in different countries and cultures, and is fluent in Russian. She is currently working with individuals and groups, and will soon be available to see couples, as well.

Kayla Evans, B.A.

Counseling Intern
Kayla Evans is currently a Master’s student on the path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She is passionate about creating a safe, affirming, and culturally sensitive space where clients can feel seen, heard, and supported. She brings a deep appreciation for the importance of cultural awareness and strives to honor each client’s unique background and story.

Kayla’s counseling approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and guided by a client-centered philosophy. She believes therapy should be a collaborative journey, where treatment goals are tailored to align with what’s most important to the client. Kayla enjoys using creative strategies to explore emotions, build coping tools, and support healing-whether that means incorporating art, music,or other expressive methods that resonate with her clients.

Kayla has had the privilege of working as an intensive in-home counselor with children and teens, and also spent meaningful time supporting pregnant women in a shelter setting. These experiences have helped shape the compassionate and holistic lens that Kayla brings to therapy today. She especially loves working with kids and adolescents, but welcomes clients of all ages and walks of life. Kayla’s goal is to support you in a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, concerns, and goals at your own pace. Wherever you are on your journey, she will walk alongside you.

Jessica Fox, B.A.

Counseling Intern

Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from George Mason University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She is committed to providing comprehensive and empathetic support, fostering a safe environment for client growth.
Jessica uses an integrated therapeutic approach, primarily drawing from person-centered, strengths-based, and feminist perspectives. This enables her to customize methods to each client’s unique needs, emphasizing their strengths and empowering them to address challenges and foster personal growth. She works with clients of all ages, with a focus on adolescents, young adults and women.
Jessica is currently accepting new clients under supervision.

Skyler Howell, B.S.

Counseling Intern

At the core of her work is a passion for fostering authentic connection, healing, and growth across diverse populations. With over a decade of combined experience in community and public care service, technology, and mental health, she bring’s a unique and multidisciplinary perspective to relationship and family dynamics. She proudly served six years on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, where she honed advanced communication skills and engaged in cross-cultural collaboration both domestically and internationally. Her military background instilled in her a deep understanding of teamwork, resilience, and the complexities of human behavior in high-pressure environments.

Ammal Mahmood, B.S.

Counseling Intern

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but clients do not have to do it alone. Ammal offers a warm, collaborative space where children, teens, adults, couples, families, and older adults can reflect, process, and grow. Together with her clients, she focuses on uncovering strengths, healing from stressors, and moving toward meaningful change, always centering the work on each individual’s story, values, and goals.

Ammal works with clients navigating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, family or relationship conflict, grief and loss, trauma, identity exploration, prenatal and postpartum challenges, spiritual concerns, life transitions, and marital or premarital issues. She also provides support to survivors of abuse and individuals impacted by it.

Her approach is flexible and tailored to the unique needs of each person or family. Ammal draws from several evidence-based models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Expressive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Multicultural Counseling to create the best fit for every client.

She offers both in-person and virtual counseling sessions and is available in English, Urdu, and Hindi. Whether clients are seeking clarity, connection, or healing, Ammal is committed to walking alongside them as they take their next steps forward.

Danielle Richardson, B.A.

Counseling Intern

Danielle is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at William & Mary. Danielle uses a collaborative approach to help individuals and couples with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, confidence, trauma, communication issues, and infidelity. Her person-centered approach integrates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and internal family systems (IFS). She also uses art therapy, guided meditation, and somatic therapy techniques to help clients process emotions and heal from trauma. Danielle is passionate about working with people from diverse backgrounds and providing a safe place for clients to address uncomfortable feelings, understand themselves better, and create the lives they want to have.

Archisha (Archy) Singh, B.A

Counseling Intern

Archy strives to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and understood. She believes in building a strong therapeutic relationship rooted in unconditional positive regard above all, offering a compassionate and empowering environment for self-exploration. Through empathetic, evidence-based guidance, Archy helps clients uncover deeper emotional, mental, and spiritual insights, leading to greater fulfillment and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Archy’s therapeutic approach is primarily person-centered, with influences from psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy, ensuring a tailored experience that meets each client where they are. Archy is passionate about working with BIPOC and marginalized populations navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relational challenges. Her services are always grounded in a deep understanding and consideration of multiculturalism, feminism, and sociopolitical factors.

Archy is currently in the last year of her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount University, a CACREP accredited institution. During her time in the program, she had the chance to present her research titled “The Misdiagnosis of Trauma Patients” at the MR-CA conference in Germany. Archy also holds a Bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Virginia.

Archy was born and raised in the DMV area with heavy Eastern spiritual influences due to spending time living in India as a child and her mom being a devoted yoga teacher. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction, fashion, practicing yoga, interior design, trying new restaurants, and can always be found rewatching a sitcom with her cat to unwind.

Melissa Van Fossen, B.S.

Counseling Intern

Melissa is a graduate student at Wake Forest University with a passion for mindfulness based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She takes a compassionate, person-centered approach and works with children as young as four, teens, adults, and families. Melissa has experience supporting clients dealing with general emotional regulation concerns, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. She also believes that therapy isn’t only for when something feels “wrong,” and anyone can benefit from being heard, validated, and learning new ways of thinking and coping.

Jiwen Yang, B.S.

Counseling Intern

Jiwen is currently completing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount University, a CACREP-accredited program. She has clinical experience working with teens, couples, and adults, and supports clients navigating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, mood disorders, OCD, grief, relationship issues, racial identity, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and person-centered. She draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. She also offers faith-based support for clients who wish to incorporate their spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process.

As an immigrant herself, she brings a deep understanding of the emotional complexities involved in adjusting to a new environment, maintaining cultural identity, and rediscovering one’s sense of self. She is committed to creating a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients feel supported and empowered in their journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Sierra Utley

Lead Administrative Assistant

Sierra has been with Empowerment since April 2023 and serves as the Lead Administrative Assistant. She is the main point of contact for clients and provides support to therapists and staff. Sierra manages new client onboarding, maintains communication with clients, handles scheduling, phone calls, keeping the practice running smoothly day-to-day.

Her passion for this field comes from her belief in the importance of mental health and her desire to help others feel supported during their journey. She enjoys being a part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives and takes pride in creating a welcoming, organized experience for both clients and clinicians.

Robby Stanley

Administrative Assistant

Robby made a meaningful career shift into the mental health field in 2022, following two decades in the elevator industry. Throughout his previous career, he mentored and supported numerous apprentices, guided by a strong belief in the power of compassion, respect, and encouragement. This commitment to helping others naturally led him to pursue his passion in mental health.

Today, Robby plays a vital role in supporting both staff and clients by combining his practical experience with a deep understanding of human connection. He provides essential logistical, administrative, and operational support to help create a welcoming, organized, and efficient environment where healing and growth can thrive.