Counseling Team
Lisa Lam, LCSW, RPT
Lisa Lam is the Executive Director and co-founder of The Heart Leaf Center (THLC), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) with a specialization in working with children, adolescents, and military-connected families. Proven by her experience, she is a strategic thinker who excels at developing innovative mental health programs to meet the evolving needs of individuals, families, and communities. Her track record demonstrates her ability to envision the future of mental health services and implement proactive interventions accordingly.
During her tenure as Clinical Director of THLC, Lisa has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the organization’s outpatient services and training programs. Notably, she spearheaded the creation of The School and Community Mental Health Access Partnership, which successfully integrated play-based services into Fairfax County Elementary Schools.
Previously, Lisa served as a Lead Therapist in the School Behavioral Health Program (SBHP) at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. In this role, she demonstrated exceptional clinical and administrative leadership, effectively coordinating program functions and driving program development. Lisa’s ability to forge strong partnerships within the military-connected community was evident through her contributions as the Chair and co-Creator of the Fort Belvoir Community Collaboration Team. Additionally, she served as the Co-Facilitator and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (FBCH) Representative for the garrison Process Action Team (PAT). Lisa’s dedication and strategic planning related to these initiatives earned her recognition, including Civilian Achievement Awards and ACE Awards for Excellence.
Lisa earned her Master’s in Social Work from East Carolina University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her educational background, coupled with her diverse leadership experiences, enables her to bring a strategic, comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to her work at The Heart Leaf Center.
Contact: lisa@heartleafcenter.org, 571-601-2822
Tracey Wilson, LPC
Tracey is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Tracey utilizes a client-centered approach, to meet client’s specific and unique needs and wants. Tracey seeks to establish a strong rapport and developing a therapeutic relationship that foster healing and progress. Tracey is passionate about treating children’s needs and improving the family’s ability to provide effective support for the child to promote healthy functioning of the child within the family.
Tracey has 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. Additionally, she enjoys psychoeducation and working with diverse/multicultural clients. Tracey’s approach to therapy is eclectic; using evidence-based techniques that have been proven to help with specific problems and adapting her approach to each client’s unique needs and treatment goals. She most often uses interventions from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and Solution-Focused methodologies.
Tracey Wilson received an Associate in Law Enforcement, and a Bachelor of Science In Liberal Studies (Sociology) from Southern University A& M College and a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Arlington Virginia. Tracey has also worked in intensive-in-home therapy and mental health skills building.
Contact information: tracey@heartleafcenter.org, 571-932-3245
Mariam Abdelwahab, MEd
Mariam Abdelwahab is a Resident in Counseling, and received her M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Mason University. She is passionate about providing holistic mental health care to children and families through a person/child centered, collaborative and multicultural approach. She is eager to join The Heart Leaf Center Team, to learn more about the unique modality of Play Therapy, and provide meaningful care for children, adolescents and families.
Prior to pursuing her masters, Mariam spent 5 years facilitating self advocacy and development programs for immigrant adolescents. While this is her first experience in a clinical setting, Mariam is eager to bring in her multicultural competencies and experiences into a counseling setting to connect with diverse clients and families.
Mariam holds her Bachelors of Science in Communications, and certificate in Global Studies from the University Pittsburgh. Mariam is passionate about travel and has studied abroad in multiple continents. She enjoys hiking, cooking, exercising and volunteering in the community. Mariam also has her Zumba teaching certification and looks forward to providing empowering and fun wellness opportunities for women in her community.
Contact: mariam@heartleafcenter.org, 412-559-1529
Lisa Batres, LCSW
Lisa Batres, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. Lisa has experience working with children, adolescents, and parents in a variety of settings including residential treatment center, home-based counseling, and school-based counseling. She is a bi-lingual therapist who speaks Spanish as well as English and has a compassionate approach to identify the natural strengths each family has to help them move closer towards their goals. Lisa provides individual sessions, family sessions, and parent sessions tailoring to the needs of each family using different treatment modalities such as play therapy, art therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
Lisa has worked with children and adolescents who have needed support with anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, peer conflict, sexual identity, anger, self-esteem, self-harm, and school avoidance. Lisa strives to create a safe space for the child and the parents so that both can have a space to begin their healing process and regain a sense of empowerment.
Lisa earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology and Latin American Studies from the University of Virginia and her Master in Social Work from Boston College.
Contact: Lisa@heartleafcenter.org, 703-249-9614
Matt Beebe, MEd
Matt Beebe is a Resident in Counseling, and received his Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from George Mason University. He focuses on working with youth and their families. Matt used to be a special education teacher with Fairfax County Public schools. He strives to use his knowledge of clinical therapy combined with his knowledge of the school system to support families and children/adolescents.
Matt believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in counseling sessions. Connecting with and validating clients is Matt’s biggest strength.
He also strives to acknowledge and discuss racial, cultural, and societal issues that occur with clients, especially those from marginalized populations. Matt believes that Counseling with a multicultural focus is critically important.
Matt is originally from Western New York. He is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia and holds a B.S. in Childhood Inclusive Education.
Contact: matt@heartleafcenter.org, 703-646-1189
Susan Daly, MSW
Susan is a Supervisee working toward licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Susan has been a school social worker for Fairfax County Public Schools since 2021. Prior to that she worked as a school social worker in Central Virginia for 25 years. She also has experience in the hospital and social services settings. Susan’s professional interests include supporting diverse families, using art and play in therapy and addressing areas such as trauma, learning challenges and anxiety and depression with an emphasis on developing her clients’ strengths, empathy and resilience. Susan incorporates mindfulness and yoga in her work. She is a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200).
Susan has Bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Virginia. She earned a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1994. She completed a yoga teacher certification in 2021. Susan is currently enrolled in an advanced yoga certification program.
Contact: Susan@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Masumeh Farchtchi, LMFT
Masumeh Farchtchi, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Masumeh enjoys working with children, teens and families as they reach their goals through a range of challenging contexts, including: complex trauma, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, developmental disability, domestic violence, family life cycle transitions like launching, family conflict, and grief and bereavement.
Masumeh collaborates with her clients to create a unique journey of healing, growth, connection, and change, according to their goals. Masumeh draws on a mix of play therapy, narrative therapy, structural family therapy, internal family systems, trauma-informed care, and other strengths-based approaches tailored to the needs of individuals, couples, and families. She has special interest in chronic illness, disablement experiences, social justice, and diversity. She strives to deliver evidence-based techniques through a culturally-informed lens.
Masumeh holds a Bachelor of Art in Psychology with a minor in English Literature from Mary Baldwin University and a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Marriage and Family Therapy program. Masumeh has also worked in intensive at-home behavior therapy (ABA), community-based crisis intervention, community-based social programming, and education.
Contact: Masumeh@heartleafcenter.org, (703) 679-7286
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
Jennifer Gisin, MSW
Jennifer Gisin, MSW. Jennifer is passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment to facilitate positive growth and change for her clients. Jennifer anchors her therapeutic work in a uniquely tailored approach for each child, working from a strengths based perspective to foster and nurture the unique and special dynamics already residing within the child. She invites family involvement to create a holistic approach that will support continued long term healing for the whole family system.
Samantha Renner, MS
Samantha earned her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, parents, and families to address varying concerns, including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and school/home behavioral issues.
Samantha Renner (she/her) earned her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech and is currently a resident in Marriage and Family Therapy. Samantha comes from a background that looks at all parts of a family system and believes in the importance of looking beyond the individual into how their relationships with others and themselves shape who they are. Samantha believes in creating space for families, children, adolescents, and couples to explore their experiences in a safe, supportive environment that is open to all.
Samantha enjoys working with young children utilizing play-based therapies such as child centered play therapy, CPRT and theraplay to provide a voice for the child to share their experiences. She believes in including the family in every step of the process, so there is transparent dialogue and collaboration on how to best support the family system.
Samantha also works with families and couples to address family based issues, parenting, and parenting during divorce. Samantha pulls from models such as EFT, Narrative and strength based approaches to help families share their story and be heard among one another.
Further, Samantha specifically works with suicidal ideation, self-harm concerns, depression, anxiety, exploration of identity, and ADHD. Samantha believes in including family members in these processes and focuses on how best to support her clients in navigating difficult life experiences.
Samantha values transparency and authenticity in the therapy room. She believes that awareness and exploration of life experiences and skills allows the opportunity for change. Samantha aims to create a safe environment to walk along clients in their journey to better understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Contact: samantha@heartleafcenter.org, 757-525-2715
Mandy Robitaille, MSW
Mandy Robitaille, MSW, Supervisee in Clinical Social Work. Mandy strives to provide support and relief by offering a nurturing and safe therapeutic environment for children, adolescents, and families. Mandy is passionate about helping individuals and families become empowered by realizing their potential and gaining new perspectives, knowledge, and skills in order to overcome life’s challenges. Mandy demonstrates an appreciation for the importance of connection and the ways in which relationships influence well-being by encouraging self-advocacy, exploration of current relationships, and identification and utilization of healthy boundaries. Mandy uses a strengths-based and solutions-focused approach with clients in order to establish rapport as well as build a strong therapeutic foundation for progress.
Mandy has experience in individual and family therapy, client advocacy, crisis prevention and intervention, and safety planning. Mandy’s areas of focus includes processing and healing from trauma, behavioral and emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidality. Mandy is passionate about supporting, affirming, and empowering all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Mandy completed her Bachelor of Social Science and Master of Social Work at Brandman University in Irvine, California and is currently earning supervision hours for clinical licensure in Social Work.
Contact information: mandy@heartleafcenter.org, 404-455-1219
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
Rougui Toure
Rougui Toure, MSW, QMHP A/C, is a Supervisee in Social Work. I am interested in providing person-centered care. I know that seeking out mental health services can be a daunting task and I am here every step of the way to assist you with any of your mental health needs.
My clinical experience includes working with high-risk populations, high need populations, the BIPOC community and the LGBQIA community. I provide services to adults, teenagers, and children. I have worked in outpatient clinics and pediatric clinics. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders such as major depression, bipolar, PMDD, perinatal related mood disorders, and PTSD. My main treatment modalities are CBT, play therapy, family therapy and DBT. I provide services in various languages: French, Wolof, Fulani, Spanish and English. Culture is very important to me; I spend my free time traveling globally.
Prior to working as a therapist, I spent many years working in international human rights, specifically forced migration. I am proud to be a returned Peace Corps Volunteer and an AmeriCorps Volunteer Alumnus.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in French Literature and History from the University of Virginia College at Wise, VA in June 2014, a Bachelor’s Degree in Government/International Relations Ewha Women’s University – Seoul, KR in June 2014, and earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from George Mason University in 2022. I am currently working towards earning my Clinical Licensure for Virginia.
Contact: rougui@heartleafcenter.org, 202-922-7157
Kayla Williams, MA
Kayla Williams, Resident in Counseling, received her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health through George Washington University. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, parents, and families to address varying concerns. Through her empathetic nature and passion for children and families, Kayla hopes to better support children and families through their various challenges.
Kayla graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College in May of 2019. Kayla decided to pursue Clinical Mental Health after watching many of the people closest to her have a troubling experience as a child and adolescent.
Kayla has a number of experiences working with children. Her experience started when she was in high school. She tutored and mentored elementary aged school. As she matriculated in her studies, her passion for children continued to grow. While in college she worked with Jumpstart and supported underserved preschool children in literacy to prepare them for Kindergarten. She also mentored high school students who attended alternative schools. Previously, Kayla worked as an assistant teacher at an elementary school supporting all ages.
One of Kayla’s biggest goals is to continue to bridge the gap between children, adolescents, and their families. Some of Kayla’s hobbies include reading a good book, spending time with loved ones, and exploring new things.
Contact: kayla@heartleafcenter.org, 703-286-9296
Alice Zic, MPH, LCSW
Alice Zic, MPH, LCSW specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Alice takes a relational approach, joining with each individual to create space for the challenges of the outside world to be safely explored in the therapeutic relationship. She incorporates play therapy, sand therapy, and trauma-informed approaches to provide culturally responsive mental health care. She values the connection between the mind and body throughout these techniques.
Alice’s areas of focus include supporting individuals and families in balancing systemic stress while also navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, disability, chronic illness, shame, low self-esteem, and experiences related to neurodivergence. Alice is also passionate about parent coaching and empowering parents to feel more capable, confidence, and connected with their children. Additionally, Alice has a special interest in issues relating to acculturation, immigration stress, and multicultural identity. She is bilingual in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and is conversational in Mandarin Chinese.
Alice completed her Bachelor of Science in biology and neuroscience from Wake Forest University, her Master of Public Health (MPH) from George Washington University, and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from George Mason University.
Contact: alice@heartleafcenter.org, 703-634-9733
O'neil Nation
O’neil is a graduate student working towards his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Mason University. He is passionate about helping kids learn to better cope with life, relationship issues, and mental health conditions. O’neil is currently an ABA therapist which applies behavioral analysis to help clients decrease maladaptive behaviors and promote helpful behaviors. His goal is to provide the best services for kids in need so they can function in their daily life and increase their well-being.
O’neil’s theoretical approach centers around cognitive behavioral therapy which involves the connections between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. He believes our negative thoughts can lead to problems in our behaviors. He also believes it is important to build a therapeutic relationship so that it promotes positive change for the client.
O’neil has lived in northern Virginia his whole life and was raised in a Jamaican and black household. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is a Registered Behavioral Technician. He has a mentor in the counseling field who guides him to grow as a person and be the best version of himself.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Kate Clark
Kate Clark is a student intern working toward her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Washington University. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing grief and loss, self-esteem challenges, interpersonal/family conflict, anxiety, and depression. Kate believes the relationship between client and counselor is of utmost importance, and strives to create a warm, safe, and empathetic environment for her clients to explore. She uses a client-centered approach, and enjoys integrating play, art, sand tray, and other expressive counseling interventions.
Kate received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Virginia, and subsequently received her Masters’ in Public Policy and Leadership from the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Public Policy and Leadership. Prior to pursuing counseling, Kate spent several years as a contractor within the federal government. She is passionate about pursuing change and advocating for her clients at not only an individual level, but also at a systemic level. Upon graduation, Kate looks forward to pursuing full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Sara Cochran
Sara Cochran is a graduate student obtaining her Masters in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Dickinson College.
For the past 4 years, Sara has worked with Sunrise Senior Living in their activities department first as an Assistant and then as a Coordinator. Working through the Covid-19 pandemic and in the years after, she has seen the value of social connections in maintaining mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Outside of work, Sara has been involved in Curvy Girls Scoliosis Support Groups for the past 13 years. Sara has been a support group Leader, Regional Mentor and has served on the Board of Directors since 2015. Through Curvy Girls, Sara has seen the benefits of peer and individual support when coping with a medical diagnosis.
Sara is passionate about person-centered care and patient advocacy. She plans to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to counsel clients through life’s challenges and provide them with the tools to realize the changes they seek.
Contact: sara@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Madeline Cutrone
Madeline is a student intern working towards her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health at Adams State University. She is passionate about working with children, especially since becoming a mother and having to personally navigate through the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Madeline received her Bachelors of Science in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2016 and a graduate certificate in Global Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2018. She started out working as a Research Associate on various clinical trials for several years. Madeline then worked as a Registered Behavior Technician with Butterfly Effects and a Mental Health Technician at a Pediatric Behavioral Hospital in Norfolk, VA. Madeline believes in the power of trauma-informed therapy to foster empathy. She strives to hold a safe space for the child and family to navigate through life’s many challenges and strengthen relationships. Madeline aspires to approach therapy in a holistic, child-centered manner. She is very excited for the opportunity to learn more about Play Therapy as well as strengthen her skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Rachel Keller
Rachel Keller is a part time, first year MSW student at VCU and is interning at the Heart Leaf Center. She works at a non-profit organization called RAINN as a support specialist. She loves cars, food and nature. Her main goal is to become a victim advocate.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Dega Sabrie
Dega Sabrie is a graduate student working towards her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Mason University. She is passionate about helping children develop behavioral skills and become the best version of themselves. Since 2018, Dega has worked as a Registered Behavioral Therapist providing one-on-one Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy for children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders. She works collaboratively to create strategies to help facilitate functional living and improve their quality of life. Dega’s experience extends to career counseling young adults with developmental disabilities providing job coaching and mentorship.
Populations of interest include children and families, teens, and immigrants of all ages. She incorporates Person-centered, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy theories, taking an integrated approach to tailor and meet each client’s unique needs. Dega’s clinical training encompasses body image, emotional regulation, and working with parents to name a few areas of expertise. She has extensive experience in supporting immigrant families and marginalized populations.
Contact: dega@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Anastasia Schlaefer
Anastasia is a graduate student obtaining her 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 graduate 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: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163
Ashley Stern
Ashley is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at George Mason University, she is eager to bring her diverse experience and knowledge to support clients in need. With a background in education, including several years as a teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, she has had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and families from various backgrounds.
A therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and empathy is the foundation of effective counseling. She is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for her clients to feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions. She aims to help clients identify and develop their strengths, empower them to overcome challenges and promote their well-being.
She is dedicated to providing her clients with the highest quality of care and she is committed to ongoing professional development to enhance her knowledge and skills. She looks forward to working with children, adolescents, and families to help them achieve their goals and live their best lives.
After graduating from High School in northern Virginia, Ashley completed her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at The University of Michigan. She is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is excited to continue her career in this area.
In her free time, she enjoys golfing and exploring new restaurants as an avid foodie.
Contact: info@heartleafcenter.org, 703-397-8163