History of The Heart Leaf Center
Together, founders Sheri Mitschelen, RPT, LCSW and Lisa Lam, RPT, LCSW, saw a need to offer high-quality play-based counseling to children and families who could not otherwise access mental health services. In addition, the creators envisioned a therapy center that would embrace new clinicians as they learned the practice of play therapy and offer continuing education opportunities for established therapists who needed these skills in their own offices. This would add more qualified therapists in the area, ready to help children and families, and therefore reduce long wait times for qualified play therapists. The Heart Leaf Center was founded in March 2021 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to empower children and families to reach their fullest potential by providing high quality, low-cost mental health care. We provide play therapy services to underserved populations, including military families, by eliminating difficulties in accessing services such as cultural issues, finances, transportation, and more.
Our Name
Founder Sheri Mitschelen and Treasurer Richard Walker raised their son and daughter on Heart Leaf Street, inspired by the growth and love on their street, our organization is built on having a heart for our clients and their wellbeing. The Heart Leaf Center has a big heart for our clients and clinicians, focusing on relationship building, supporting their needs and long term health.
Sheri Mitschelen, LCSW, RPT-S is the Owner of Crossroads Family Counseling Center, a for-profit private pay program. She specializes in play therapy for children, adolescents and families. Sheri is passionate about Play Therapy and the value of Play. She provides play therapy training locally, nationally, and internationally. She was the former President of the Virginia Association for Play Therapy.
Lisa Lam, LCSW, RPT, has a deep passion for providing play therapy to children and families. Her dedication lies in delivering services embedded in schools and the community, ensuring accessibility. As the former Lead School Behavioral Health Therapist at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and a committed Therapist with the Community Service Board, Lisa has consistently championed the well-being of children and families.