The Clinicians

PMHNP, FNP

Alisha Shim

Alisha is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). She adopts a holistic approach to inspire hope and foster transformative changes in her clients’ lives.

Specializing in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, and ADHD, Alisha offers comprehensive care spanning all age groups, from adolescents to older adults. She integrates evidence-based practices with personalized care to promote optimal behavioral wellness. Alisha creates a nurturing environment for healing and personal growth, aiming to empower clients with the motivation and resources needed to achieve their goals.

PhD

Beverly Ornberg

Dr. Ornberg received her PhD from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, now Palo Alto University, in California and is licensed in Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  She did her post-doctoral year at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Center for Learning and Its Disorders and the Department of Developmental Pediatrics.  Prior to her graduate work, Dr. Ornberg worked as a registered nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit in California. Dr. Ornberg has extensive experience working with children, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary school-aged children.  She was affiliated with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program for about twelve years.  In the past, she also worked at the Lab School of Washington and in her own private practice.

Dr. Ornberg enjoys performing psychological and psychoeducational assessments across the age spectrum.  In terms of therapy, she works with children, ranging from elementary-aged to college and will accept new patients up to the age of twenty-five.

She lists her primary areas of interest as achievement testing, ADHD/ADD testing, child development and developmental delays, educational testing, learning disabilities (testing), parenting issues, autism and pervasive developmental disorders, psychological testing, and school issues.  She also provides treatment in the following areas: self-mutilation/self-harm, self-esteem/self-concept issues, test anxiety, panic disorder, oppositional defiant disorders, interpersonal problems, impulse control problems, grief/loss counseling, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, family conflict/problems, and general problems/daily life.

PsyD

Daniel Pardo

Dr. Pardo completed his PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Maryland, completing practicum experiences at the Loyola Clinical Centers, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, and Baltimore City Public Schools. He completed his doctoral internship at Andrus Children Centers in Yonkers, NY. In addition to extensive training with children and families, Dr. Pardo has been working with adults since earning his doctoral degree.

Dr. Pardo currently provides individual therapy for teens and adults from a cognitive behavioral and interpersonal framework. His approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based interventions within the context of a warm and supportive therapeutic environment. Dr. Pardo has been working with adults through teletherapy since 2019 and is comfortable guiding clients through their therapeutic journey in a virtual care environment. His areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship problems, adjustment related stress, and the emotional effects of chronic illness.

PhD

Heather Lasslett

Dr. Lasslett completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Texas, with practicum experiences in a community outpatient clinic, private practice, a federal women’s prison, and the Maryland VA Health Care System in Baltimore. She completed her doctoral internship at the Federal Medical Center in Devens, Massachusetts, a federal men’s prison.

Dr. Lasslett has experience with individual therapy and assessment for adolescents and adults. She works from a psychodynamic framework, and incorporates psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy techniques into her practice. Her areas of specialty include personality disorders, interpersonal problems, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic, behavioral problems, life transitions, grief and loss, stress and coping, self-esteem, self-harm, trauma, and severe mental illness.

MA, LCPC

Jacqueline Ritz

Jackie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Addiction Counselor through the State of Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Jackie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Baltimore and a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University in Towson Maryland. Jackie has been in the Human Service Field for over 25 years working with many diverse populations from various backgrounds ranging in age from adolescents to adults. Along with many years of Mental Health Counseling, Jackie has done extensive Substance Abuse Counseling from direct client counseling to Clinical Director.

​Jackie has also spent many years providing Mental Health Counseling to diverse populations in a variety of settings, including hospitals, prison settings, school settings, inpatient treatment facilities, community mental health agencies and private practice settings.

Jackie uses a Client-Centered Approach to meet individuals where their needs are. She believes that building a positive therapeutic relationship is the key to successful therapy results. Jackie is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Behavior Therapy.

PsyD

Jennifer Heidler-Gary

Dr. Heidler-Gary earned her Psy.D. from George Washington University, her M.S. from Loyola University, and her B.A. from Boston College. She completed practica at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Riverview Psychiatric Center, a state hospital in Maine.

She is currently pursuing specialization in the field of clinical neuropsychology, and her interests include assessment of attention and learning disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.

She also provides tailored therapeutic interventions addressing early/chronic trauma, dissociation, personality disorder, severe mental illness, anxiety, depression, and parent training interventions. Dr. Heidler-Gary conducts psychological and neuropsychological assessments for clients ages 6 to 90 and provides psychotherapy for clients ages 11 and older.

LCSW-C, MT-BC

Jessica Kirschensteiner

Jessica (she/her) completed her Bachelors of Music Therapy and Masters of Social Work in clinical/community counseling with a certificate in substance use counseling from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. She practiced for many years in NC in settings such as inpatient hospitals, community outreach teams, mobile crisis teams, vocational training programs, and care coordination. She returned to her home state of MD and began practicing in an outpatient setting combining medical and behavioral health along with LGBTQIA and HIV specialty care. She believes in working on not only the mental health of an individual but also physical, social, creative, and spiritual aspects as well.

Jessica is trained in CBT, CBTp, DBT, IDDT, MI, ACT, EMDR, and the creative/arts therapies with an emphasis on music therapy. She has experience in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, life adjustments, grief and loss, trauma, pregnancy and post partum, parenting/relational/work stress including parenting of special needs children, LGBTQIA, and group therapy. She is trained in Gender affirming assessment for surgery.

LCPC

Jon Judge

I believe in a person-centered approach to helping others. No one knows you as well as you. My role is to collaborate, encourage, and offer a perspective and possible tools to help you design a life that better meets the results you sought therapy to help accomplish.

I have ten years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups in achieving their goals through the practice of various modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, solution-based Therapies, and Experiential and Mindfulness practices.

At this time, my work is primarily focused on helping individuals and couples who are facing challenges with depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, as well as other concerns and stressors that come with everyday living.

LPC

Kim Machado

Kim Machado has a background in classical music, particularly opera, and has performed in many spaces such Carnegie Hall, Ely Cathedral, and the Kennedy center. Ms. Machado’s love of music and the arts have contributed to her creativity in her therapeutic work. She uses a compassionate, existential, and psychodynamic approach to treating Eating Disorders and Trauma Disorders. Member of The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and EMDR trained, Ms. Machado utilizes EMDR therapy to help patients process their trauma and dislodge old negative believes. Depending on the severity of Eating Disorder behaviors, Ms. Machado may require Eating Disorder patients to work with a registered dietitian. This ensures the patient has accountability nutritionally and has someone that can provide food education and guidance into intuitive eating.

Ms. Machado is familiar with and utilizes Psychodrama, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment Focused-EMDR, and Focal Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Anorexia when appropriate. In her spare time, Ms. Machado enjoys writing, traveling, and learning languages. She speaks Italian and is currently learning Norwegian and Korean.

PsyD

Lisa Arge

PhD

Mark Cooper

Dr. Cooper is a Maryland licensed psychologist and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. He earned his Ph.D. from Kent State University with practicum experience at a university counseling center, a master’s internship at the Sheppard Pratt Hospital, and a doctoral internship at a day treatment program for children and adolescents with emotional disabilities. In addition, Dr. Cooper is a retired school psychologist, a former teacher, and has also served as an adjunct professor at Towson University and Capella University.

Dr. Cooper has extensive experience in psychological assessment and individual therapy. Treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic approaches, behavioral therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, behavioral disorders, and specific learning disabilities.

DNP, PMHNP-BC

Mary Anne Smith

Mary Anne Smith is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who treats individuals with a range of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and PTSD.

In this role, she performs comprehensive assessments, offering patients an opportunity to discuss current symptoms and concerns about their mental health. Mary Anne provides teens, adults, seniors, and their families education about disease processes. She aims to educate and work with her clients in the development of collaborative treatment plans that address individual needs and goals.

Mary Anne completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Dallas Baptist University, a Master’s degree at Southern Mississippi University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She completed a Postmasters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification at University of Mississippi Medical Center.

LCPC

Michael Cardaci

Michael Cardaci is a full-time private practitioner with 30+ years of mental health experience. He is a dedicated, client-focused psychotherapist with experience serving diverse client populations across the age spectrum whose concerns include a broad range of concerns and psychiatric disorders. Clients regard him as a down-to-earth therapist. He enjoys working in a professional setting with invested clinicians where he can apply his knowledge and skills in a practical and proactive manner.

Michael focuses on individual psychotherapy with conjoint therapy sessions as needed for adult clients and individual and family therapy for children and adolescents. He will see children, adolescents, adults, and seniors (4 ½ to 60+ years-old) whose challenges include, though are not limited to, Attention-Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Problems, Emotional Regulation Issues, Grief & Loss, Interpersonal Conflicts & Interactions, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders (Bipolar & Depressive Disorders), Parent-Child & Sibling Relationships, Quality of Life Concerns, Stress Management, and Trauma Recovery.

Michael has been trained in a broad range of clinical approaches and takes an eclectic client-focus approach to treatment. In this clinic, he and his clients tend to draw the following approaches — Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Ericksonian Metaphor-Narrative, Eye Movement Integration (EMI), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (MB-CBT), Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Process-Oriented & Problem-Focused Therapy, Psychophysiological Regulation Modalities, Social-Cognitive Therapy, and Social Learning Approaches. In his Primer to Psychotherapy, Michael begins by helping clients develop an understanding and apply several concepts including Locus of Control, Perception-Emotion, and Radical Acceptance.

Michael served for several years on the board of his professional association, Licensed Clinical Professionals of Maryland, as the Legislative Chairperson and the President. Clinically, Michael is interested in advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye-Movement Integration (EMI-EMDR), Metaphor-Narrative, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), Mind-Body-Spirit Integration, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), and Psychophysiological Treatment Approaches (Bio-/Neuro-feedback & Psychophysiological Regulation Techniques). He also enjoys creative pursuits (e.g., aqua-scaping, fine art, web design, writing, etc.,), reading (sci-fi to neuro-biology and trauma and recovery) and is versed in technology including building computers, software, and video games

LCPC

Nada Wilson

My name is Nada Wilson, I am a wife and mother of two children. I am originally from Egypt and speak fluent Arabic and English.

I have experience working with Co-occurring Disorders, Depression, Personality Disorders, Bipolar, Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders and Family Relationships. I hold a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lancaster Bible College. I like to develop a supportive, trusting and caring relationship with my clients to instill hope. I use Integral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches that assist in drawing client’s own strengths and resources. Clients will find it is possible to overcome the issues they are facing as they move along their life’s journey toward a greater sense of self, resiliency, integrity and resourcefulness. I have a strong passion and unique skill set for helping people heal from their stressors. I enjoy working with people guiding them on how to make positive lasting changes in their lives.

When I’m not seeing psychotherapy clients, I’m cooking, crafting and traveling the world.

NP

Olukeim Omogoke

Olukemi Roseline Omogoke is a Talented Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Refresh Mental Health. She came in with more than 6 years professional experience in the field of behavioral health care.

Kemi, as she loves to be called, has a Master degree in the Nursing Sciences. In the past six years, Kemi have cared and treated a multicultural population with diverse background across life span in different settings. Her inpatient experiences include medical, mental, and Hospice service. As a community Nurse Practitioner; Kemi serves the minority and the underprivileged population in DC, restoring their health and providing counseling to get them on the road to stability.

As an outpatient Psychiatric NP, Kemi treats the whole patient, addressing not just their illness, but also bringing them to their highest potential, irrespective of their diagnosis. Kemi strives to help all patients irrespective of the condition they are in and makes every effort to earn her patients’ confidence and trust.  She joins Refresh as a Psychiatric NP providing nonjudgmental and careful empathy and a deep understanding of the stigma associated with mental illness.

PhD

Pamela Hain

Dr. Hain completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY and received both her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology and the University of Maryland. She has done extensive research in weight reduction and family relationships as correlates of eating attitudes, behaviors, depression and body satisfaction. She has recently started working with individuals who are contemplating surgical options for weight reduction assessing the readiness for surgery, as well as enhancing post-surgery success.

In addition to her extensive knowledge of eating disorders, she has experience working with personality disorders, depression, anxiety and stress in all ages. She has worked in both school-based and clinical settings with children and adults with mood disorders, ADHD, and anxiety. She also enjoys working with parents in providing specific skills to more successfully navigate and negotiate parenting challenges.

She has worked in both school-based and clinical settings treating children with various issues including: ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, mood and anxiety disorders using social-skills training, techniques for improving self-control, and behavioral strategies for addressing anger management. She works with parents in providing specific skills to more successfully negotiate parenting challenges and coordinated programs to address specific issues, such as bullying.

PsyD

Ronald Love Jr.

Dr. Ronald Love, Jr. is a Licensed Psychologist in the Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. He earned his Doctor of Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago campus, a Master of Arts in Psychology in Education at the Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Love completed his APA-accredited internship at The John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (Maryland Department of Health) and has an accomplished background working with youth and adults in the legal/justice system, residential facilities, schools, private practice, and community settings.

Dr. Love is interested in working with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds and/or urban settings, as well as individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, or individuals who have experienced community-based trauma. Dr. Love is trained in Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, and other strength-based approaches. Dr. Love uses an integrative approach to therapy, with a goal of meeting the client where they are at and finding the right approach to help with the client’s needs.

PhD

Roseanne Middleton

Dr. Middleton is a warm, engaging, and industrious licensed psychologist with an established background providing comprehensive mental health treatment for adults across the lifespan. Dr. Middleton brings over 25 years of experience as a clinical psychologist in private practice for those seeking tools to effectively manage and navigate a broad range of mental health concerns—including Anxiety and Mood Disorders—,trauma, interpersonal dysfunction, and major life challenges. She employs evidence-based practices from various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and the Gottman method working with adults and couples to promote the development of new perspectives and skills aimed at improving overall biopsychosocial well-being.

LCPC, CAC-AD

Samuel Woldemichael

My name is Samuel and I have deep respect and admiration for any person willing to seek improvement in a therapeutic environment. I was born in Ethiopia, raised in Maryland. I have worked as a counselor/therapist since 2004 and have had great success working with people to improve their quality of life.

My approach to therapy is to treat each person as a unique individual with potential to improve emotional health. Often times, emotional injuries such as abandonment, betrayal, injustice and rejection can cause long term damage, preventing us from experiencing peace of mind or joy. Similar to physical injuries, emotional injuries can heal if treated with the proper amount of care and nurture. Therapy is a tool to learn how to heal emotional injuries, and trauma, in order to have the strength to strive towards our ultimate potential. Depression, anxiety, anger and many other symptoms are often the byproduct of unresolved emotional injuries. Also, therapy is able to increase self-awareness in order to form better relationships with loved ones and stop a cycle of despair and self-destructive behavior. I wish you the best in your journey towards wellbeing.”

PsyD

Sanah Khalid

Dr. Khalid completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Maryland. She has a diverse professional background, having worked in community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, and private practice settings. Dr. Khalid is particularly skilled in neuropsychological and psychological assessment and has extensive experience addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and grief.

Her clinical expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of individuals, and she employs evidence-based treatment modalities customized to meet each client’s unique needs. Dr. Khalid’s primary clinical interests include ADHD assessment, psychoeducational testing, learning disabilities, and autism evaluation. Additionally, she offers therapeutic treatment for self-esteem and self-concept issues, mood issues, interpersonal and adjustment challenges, and life transitions.

MD

Shobhit Negi

Dr. Negi has been working in the field of psychiatry since 2005. His postdoctoral training consisted of two years residency in psychiatry at Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, India. From 2001-2005 he was a resident in psychiatry at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC and received his Board Certification in Psychiatry in 2006. His fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry was at the University of Maryland School of Medicine/Sheppard Pratt Health System followed by receiving his Board Certification in 2013 in the Subspecialty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

At the Perelman School of Medicine his fellowship was in forensic psychiatry achieving Board Certification in the Subspecialty of Forensic Psychiatry in 2015. Dr. Negi is available to see patients starting at age six on up.

LCPC, LPC-S, NCC, MAC

Steve Moore

Steve is a Licensed Professional and Nationally Board-Certified Counselor with a Master Addictions Counseling designation in the states of Connecticut, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Texas and Washington State. He has 20 years of counseling experience, and he is a United States Air Force Veteran who has counseled veterans. Steve has also been adopted (twice) so he is very empathetic and conscientious about the issues adopted children face as young adults. Steve also specializes in the treatment of substance use/abuse issues because he has been clean and sober for 34 years himself. Steve received his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Oklahoma in 1998.

Steve’s philosophy as a counselor is to treat you as a unique individual, worthy of unconditional acceptance, regardless of your circumstances or struggles. He will come alongside, challenge, and encourage you to find healing emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Steve’s practical view of counseling is that he treats the counseling process as a journey of self-exploration by you, meant to increase your level of self-understanding and self-awareness. Steve acts as your guide or facilitator during your journey of self-discovery.

PsyD

Tavia Morgan

Dr. Morgan completed her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology with practicum experiences in middle schools, a private practice, and an outpatient clinic. She completed her internship and post-doctoral training at the Sullivan Center for Children providing therapy and psychological testing services to children, adolescents, and families. Additional experience includes work at a state prison and completing psychological assessments for the State of Maryland Social Security Administration.

Dr. Morgan works with children, adolescents, and adults using a variety of methodologies and specializes in psychological assessment of all age groups.

LCSW-C

Ted Michener

I have been a therapist for the past several years, who has a passion for helping people improve their mental health. I  graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work.

I have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  I have also worked with children as young as 8 years old, teenagers, adults and senior citizens.

LCSW

Thaddeus Miksinski

An extensive range of experiences and graduate training in the social, clinical, educational and athletic arenas has led me to a highly qualified professional career in providing services, especially in clinical settings.  It’s a pleasure to work with patients to assist them in creating forward momentum for themselves so they can improve their mental fitness and realize their goals.

PhD

William Hopkins

Dr. Hopkins provides individual and family therapy for adults and adolescents suffering from a range of emotional and behavioral problems. He employs strategic, psychodynamic, behavioral and hypnotherapeutic principles and techniques in this work.

LCSW-C

Zoe Morris

As a therapist, I use a strength-based approach to help clients navigate through various difficulties and stressors in their life. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults. I use a variety of modalities in treatment such as Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. My belief is that individuals are unique and therapy will be tailored to meet your specific needs. My goal is to meet the client where they are at and have the client involved in creating goals for themselves. I look forward to supporting you on your journey!

Some things about me: I moved to Northern Virginia with my fiance and have spent the past couple of years getting to know Alexandria and Falls Church. I’ll be moving back to my hometown of Columbia in the fall. In my free time, I love checking out new coffee shops and trying new restaurants. I enjoy going to workout classes such as solidcore and cycling. I like to spend time with my friends and family.