Counseling Team
Sheri Mitschelen, LCSW, RPT-S
Sheri Mitschelen, LCSW, RPT-S, a co-founder and the Executive Director of The Heart Leaf Center, has over 35 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families as a Clinical Social Worker. She is also the founder and owner of Crossroads Family Counseling Center, a for-profit mental health organization, which she has run for over 30 years. She has been recognized as One of the “Best Child Therapists in the Area”, by her peers in the Washingtonian magazine and in 2023 received the prestigious Anne Stewart Play Therapy award by the Virginia Play Therapy Association, recognized as a top contributor in the field of Play Therapy.
Sheri was the President of the Virginia Association for Play Therapy (VAPT) for four years.
Sheri is passionate about play therapy and created a play therapy training program through Crossroads Family Counseling Center to provide low cost, high quality play therapy training to professionals in the community. She also has presented on numerous play therapy topics locally, nationally and internationally for many organizations such as: The Association for Play Therapy, The Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Institute, Virginia Association for Play Therapy, University of Maryland Continuing Education program as well as Fairfax County Public Schools.
She also has been an Adjunct Faculty member at Virginia Tech., Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program teaching Play Therapy, an Adjunct faculty member at George Mason University and Catholic University of America in the Schools of Social Work.
Contact information: sheri@heartleafcenter.org, 703-472-1725
Tracey Wilson, LPC
Tracey serves as the Program Director at THLC, bringing over 3 years of dedicated service to the organization. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Tracey offers specialized support to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her diverse background includes previous experience in residential treatment and in-home services for children, as well as a distinguished career in the Air Force (4 years active duty, 8 years reserves) and in law enforcement, which provides a unique perspective to her counseling practice.
In her role as Program Director, Tracey is responsible for overseeing staff and interns within the Playful Heart Training Program, coordinating intakes for THLC, providing direct counseling to children and families, and leading the Organizational Culture Committee.
Tracey is committed to a client-centered approach, tailoring her therapeutic strategies to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals. She adeptly integrates play therapy modalities to foster strong rapport and develop therapeutic relationships that encourage healing and progress. Tracey is deeply passionate about addressing the needs of children and enhancing families’ capacity to provide effective support, thereby promoting healthy functioning within the family unit.
With extensive experience in individual and family therapy and crisis stabilization, Tracey’s areas of focus include anxiety, depression, substance use/abuse, relationship/family issues, Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD), anger management, behavioral issues, and emotional disturbance. She also enjoys providing psychoeducation and working with diverse and multicultural clients. Tracey employs an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing evidence-based techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and Solution-Focused methodologies, adapting her interventions to each client’s specific needs and treatment objectives. Tracey is also actively working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Contact information: tracey@heartleafcenter.org, 571-932-3245
Rohini Aadipudi, MEd
Rohini Aadipudi is a Resident in Counseling having obtained 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.
Contact Information: Rohini@heartleafcenter.org, 703-828-5027
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
Matt Beebe, MEd
Matt Beebe is a Resident in Counseling, Coordinator for the Community and School Therapy (CAST) program. He is a former THLC Graduate intern who received his Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from George Mason University. Matt has worked at THLC for over one year coordinating our School Partnership program with Fairfax County Public Schools. He provides counseling in the schools as well as in the out-patient program. He also oversees the Data and Research Committee. In 2024, Matt Beebe was recognized as Virginia Health Care Foundation’s Mental Health Champion of the Year for his work providing counseling to students in the schools and coordinating the CAST program to increase the number of families engaging in the program. Matt was previously a special education teacher in FCPS and uses his knowledge and experiences to support families and schools when working with children.
Contact: matt@heartleafcenter.org, 703-646-1189
Liza Fitzgerald, MSW
Liza Fitzgerald earned her master’s degree in social work from George Mason University in May 2023 with a clinical focus on children and families. During this time, Liza received training in Child-Centered Play Therapy as an Intern at The Heart Leaf Center. She loves creating spaces where children can express themselves without constraint and fostering a relationship where they are seen and accepted as they are. Liza loves working alongside children, teens, families, parents, and couples to help them grow through their difficulties and strengthen their relationships.
Liza holds her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University. She is married and has three children. Liza also feels a strong connection to military families struggling through some of the highs and lows of these life experiences, as she spent 16 years as a military spouse while her husband served in the Army. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family, friends, and cat, Jimmy.
Liza is thrilled to be part of The Heart Leaf Center and considers working with children and their families a privilege.
Contact: liza@heartleafcenter.org, 571-293-0461
Irene Fanous
Irene Fanous is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She grew up in Northern Virginia as part of the Egyptian immigrant community.
Irene plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in trauma-informed practices with minority communities and with artists and other creatives. She has worked with adolescent and adult clients who have experienced trauma, as well as individuals at risk due to behavior or serious mental illnesses.
Irene enjoys creative writing, filmmaking, and mindful meditation. She believes that mental wellness honors the holistic self by supporting our self-fulfillment, and works alongside our physical, psychological, spiritual, and intellectual health, and our engagement with social community.
Irene received her Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from the University of Virginia. Prior to studying for her Master’s degree, Irene worked in clinical research administration and health consumer writing.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Ariel Gonzalez, M.S.
Ariel Gonzalez, M.S., is an intake 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
Deborah McKay, M.A.
Deborah McKay is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia, holding a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she focused on humanistic and depth‑oriented psychotherapeutic approaches. Her clinical experience includes working with adults, couples, children, and families navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, and marital distress. Deborah has also worked as a volunteer developing and running an art‑based enrichment program for children attending a local community-based after school program and teaching yoga for teenagers in a residential program at the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center. Her training spans systems theory, psychodynamic theory, play therapy, and sand tray therapy. Deborah completed her graduate thesis on individual psychological development and is currently pursuing licensure as an LPC‑R in Virginia
Contact: Deborah@heartleafcenter.org
Makeez Qaderi, MEd
Makeez is a Resident in Counseling. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Mason University. She also holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) in Social Work and Psychology.
As a second-generation Afghan-American, Makeez brings a unique set of lived experiences to her work. She deeply understands the importance of cultural identity, belonging, and the journey of self-exploration. She is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space where individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities feel seen, heard, and supported. Makeez enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, families, immigrants, and refugees. She primarily uses a humanistic approach to therapy, while incorporating expressive arts and cognitive behavioral techniques to support her clients growth and healing.
Her goal as a resident counselor is to build strong, trusting therapeutic relationships where clients feel respected, understood, and validated. She strongly believes in treating every individual with dignity and compassion. Outside of counseling, Makeez enjoys spending time with her family and close friends. She loves exploring other cultures, traveling, learning languages, and connecting with nature. She also finds joy in mindfulness, music, dance, Broadway shows, poetry, and reading.
Contact: makeez@heartleafcenter.org, 703-829-6859
Diva Rojas, MSW, ACSW
Diva Rojas, MSW, ACSW, Supervisee in Social Work, I am passionate about working with preschoolers, school age children, preteens and young adults. I strive to engage parents in their children’s treatment plan and enjoy helping children recognize their emotions. I help parents understand the emotions children can experience and support families developing a constructive dialogue. I guide children in the process of advocating for themselves with teachers, classmates and other adults, and help them understand that their voice matters despite their age. My therapy styles involve CBT, Play Therapy, Talk Therapy, Person- Centered approach, Behavior Therapy, Emotional regulation and Child Parent Therapy.
I have experience in various areas of social work (schools, social services, medical and mental health), I have always been drawn to family dynamics. Most recently, I was a school Social Worker for both Alexandria and Fairfax County schools working with preschoolers.
I am bilingual in both English and Spanish and as a Latina, I like being able to help immigrant families and their children understand the differences and beauty between the American and Latin cultures and learn to embrace them both.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in special education from George Mason University. Shortly after obtaining my Bachelors, I moved to Florida and enrolled in Barry University in order to obtain my Master of Social Work. I am currently an Academic Certified School Social Worker with the state of Virginia and recently I applied to obtain my clinical hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Contact: diva@heartleafcenter.org, 571-766-6499
Anastasia Schlaefer, MSW
Anastasia is a Supervisee in Social Work with a Masters in Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from George Mason University in 2023 and will graduated with her MSW in the spring of 2024.
She has prior experience working with youth and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities at the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Service Board, and also spent time working with Haymarket Food Pantry. Her goal for the future is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and continue on to become a certified trauma-informed counselor for youth and families. She believes early intervention can be very important in helping individuals to live a safe, successful, and supported life despite the hardships they may have faced. This is why she has a strong passion for supporting youth and their family members.
She believes everyone deserves access to quality mental and physical health care. That is why she is very passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and caring environment for her clients throughout her future career as a social worker.
In her free time she enjoys spending time in nature. You can often find her rock climbing, taking her pets on hikes, and having a nice picnic in the sun. She is a big fan of reading and is always on the lookout for new fantasy books to dive into!
Contact: anastasia@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
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
Xiaolu Zhang, MEd
Contact: Xiaolu@heartleafcenter.org, 703-829-6859
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
Nicole Bohnett
Nicole Bohnett is a master’s in counseling student at Divine Mercy University, currently completing her internship at Heart Leaf Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and has previous experience working with children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disorders. Nicole has a deep passion for understanding the beauty and uniqueness of every individual, grounded in her belief that each person is inherently good.
Fluent in Spanish, she is especially interested in serving multicultural populations and building therapeutic relationships that honor each person’s dignity and story. Nicole is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Heart Leaf Center team as she continues her journey toward becoming a professional counselor.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Devin Caldwell
Devin Caldwell is a graduate student at George Mason University, pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. She has over 20 years of experience nurturing children’s social and emotional growth and building rapport with children and their families.
Devin believes that life brings us challenges at every age. Sometimes, we need assistance to develop new skills to overcome those challenges. She is committed to meeting clients where they are and offering an environment free of judgment that allows time to process big feelings and create helpful behaviors. Devin’s passion is helping families better communicate and thrive together. She believes that fun, compassion, and recognizing family members’ strengths can help families connect and better understand one another. Devin partners with children and their families to build practical emotional resilience and skills that lead to emotional well-being.
Devin enjoys walking her German Shepherd, reading historical fiction novels, paddle boarding, volunteering at her church, and playing board games with her husband and children in her free time.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Alyssa Lacey
Alyssa Lacey is a graduate student at Marymount University, pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Hawaii.
Alyssa is committed to creating a safe, supportive space for all her clients while advocating for equitable mental health care, especially for multicultural individuals and families. She uses a holistic, person-centered approach that honors each person’s uniqueness, recognizing the influence of social factors on mental health and overall well-being.
Alyssa has a particular interest in working with children, helping them build positive relationships, develop essential social and emotional skills, and explore different roles to foster growth.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, exploring the arts in D.C., reading a good book, and spending time with her husband and pets.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Connie Lebowitz
Kangjie (Connie) Lebowitz is a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at PennWest University with a clinical focus. She is honored to join The Heart Leaf Center as an intern. Connie has received professional training in play therapy, trauma-informed care, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)- informed approaches. Her clinical interests center on helping children feel safe, seen, and empowered to express their inner worlds through play, creativity, and connection.
As a bilingual practitioner fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese, Connie brings a deep appreciation for cultural sensitivity and cultural humility. As a mother of two children who are deaf and hard of hearing, Connie is deeply attuned to the power of nonverbal communication and is a passionate advocate for American Sign Language (ASL). She believes all children deserve to be heard—whether through words, play, gestures, or signs—and she strives to create therapeutic spaces where each child’s voice and identity are honored.
Connie is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the Heart Leaf Center team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids and family, going into nature, reading, and meditating.
Contact: Connie@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Amy Prestidge
Amy Prestidge is a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and currently completing her internship at the Heart Leaf Center. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology and has over 10 years of experience working with children, in child welfare, trauma, and in behavioral health – specifically serious mental illness. Amy has a deep understanding that life can be tough, and we all need a space to process emotions and develop skills to overcome current and future challenges. Amy is dedicated to supporting clients in their unique journeys, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their emotions and develop positive, lasting behaviors. She is passionate about helping families overcome adversity. Amy enjoys spending time with her two cats, playing board games, watching baseball, bird watching, kayaking, and anything nature and outdoors! Amy is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Heart Leaf Center team as she continues her journey toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Heather Schildge
Heather Schildge is a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a Master of Social Work with a clinical focus. She is transitioning into social work after a career as a lawyer, diplomat and international development leader with the federal government. Working primarily with the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, she completed multi-year assignments in the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Iraq, mostly accompanied by her family. Heather is passionate about working across cultures and fostering environments where people’s unique talents are welcomed and utilized.
Heather is thrilled to work with The Heart Leaf Center. As a mother of three young adult children, she cares deeply about helping children and adolescents learn and discover their strengths, as well as supporting families through the joys and challenges of raising children in a complex world.
In addition to her current graduate studies, Heather holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (BA), Harvard (JD) and Tufts (MA). In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, and baking.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163