Community and School Therapy (CAST) Team
Ariel Gonzalez, M.S.
Ariel Gonzalez, M.S., is a resident in counseling and Spanish Language interpreter who assists the intake coordinators with Spanish to English and English to Spanish translations. She also assists clients with psycho-education about counseling and helping them with the intake process. Ariel is a graduate of Walden University in 2024, and a former intern at THLC working in the out-patient and CAST program
Contact: Ariel@heartleafcenter.org
Rohini Aadipudi
Rohini Aadipudi is a graduate student obtaining her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Mason University. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2022. She brings three years of hands-on experience as a Behavioral Therapist providing one-on-one Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy for children with autism and other developmental challenges. Collaboratively, she worked to design and implement tailored strategies aimed at promoting functional independence and enhancing their overall quality of life.
With a strong interest and dedication to working with children, Rohini firmly believes in the significance of early intervention in enabling individuals to lead secure, fulfilling lives despite adversities. Her passion lies in supporting youth and their families through this crucial journey.
She actively addresses and engages in discussions surrounding racial, cultural, and societal issues pertinent to her clients, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. She advocates for counseling with a multicultural perspective, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to quality mental and physical healthcare for all. Committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and empathetic therapeutic environment, Rohini prioritizes the well-being and growth of her clients.
Mariam Abdelwahab, MEd
Mariam Abdelwahab is a Resident in Counseling. She is passionate about providing holistic mental health care to diverse children and families through a child/person centered, collaborative and multicultural approach to provide meaningful care for children, adolescents and families. Mariam predominantly utilizes non directive play, sand tray, expressive art, and other expressive modalities that provide clients with safe and developmentally appropriate ways to process their inner and outer worlds, and to develop the tools necessary for growth. Mariam is working on her Registered Play Therapy Credential.
Mariam has experience providing play therapy directly in schools and coordinates with teachers, counselors and administrators regarding school related behavioral and emotional issues. Mariam has worked closely with parents in the schools, and outpatient counseling setting, working to support parents and caretakers with psycho education and connection, to address the overall family unit, and collaboration with treatment goals.
Mariam has experience working with diverse clients, including English as a second language and immigrant families, neurodivergent families, military families, etc and finds beauty in meeting families where they are at, engaging protective factors and resources within culture/society, faith, language, etc., alongside treatment. Mariam is bilingual in Spanish.
Prior to pursuing her masters, Mariam spent 5 years facilitating self advocacy and development programs for immigrant adolescents.
Mariam received her M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Mason University, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and
Rhetoric from the University of Pittsburgh.
Contact: mariam@heartleafcenter.org, 412-559-1529
Gissela Aparicio-Lopez
Gissela Aparicio-Lopez is a graduate student at George Mason University pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She holds a
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. Gissela has extensive experience working in school environments with children on the autism spectrum as well as children with emotional disorders. Additionally, she has served as a case manager in reunification services, supporting unaccompanied minors and their families.
Gissela believes that children offer valuable lessons through their perspectives and experiences. At the same time, she is committed to equipping them with essential skills that foster personal growth and enhance their overall quality of life.
Contact: gissela@heartleafcenter.org, 240-343-7006
Jasmine Simmons, MSW
Jasmine Simmons is a Supervisee in Social Work. She received her Masters of Social Work with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families from George Mason University in 2023 and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Concentration in Applied Sociology from the University of Tampa in 2020.
Jasmine is passionate about providing her clients with the proper tools and resources to help them achieve their goals. She uses both a person-centered and strengths based approach while incorporating different therapeutic modalities. She is committed to meeting her clients where they are and working together to become the best version of themselves. While also supporting clients and their families in a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment. Her work focuses on creating spaces where children feel seen, heard, and empowered, while partnering with families to foster growth, healing and connection. Jasmine is currently working to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Jasmine has lived in the Northern Virginia area for many years but has also lived in Florida, Alabama and New York. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, and learning new hobbies.
Contact: Jasmine@heartleafcenter.org, 571-307-4294