Stephanie Natter, MA, ATR-BC, CGP, LCPAT

Stephanie Natter is the founder and director of Expressive Therapy Center. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist and Certified Group Psychotherapist who uses a family-centered approach in her treatment of children, adolescents and adults. Ms. Natter received her masters degree in Art Therapy from the George Washington University.

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Before opening the center, she had provided individual and group therapy services at well-known institutions such as Chestnut Lodge Psychiatric Hospital, The Foundation School of Montgomery County, and the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents.

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Ms. Natter has been providing individual, group, and family therapy along with parental support since opening the center in 1996.  In addition, she provides clinical supervision for colleagues and graduate students at local universities completing their masters and doctoral degrees. She holds an ATR-BC certification granted by the American Art Therapy Credentials Board and is also a member of the American Art Therapy Association and the Group Psychotherapy Association.

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Veena Datta, MS, LCPC, NCC

Veena Datta is the associate director of Expressive Therapy Center. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She is also a certified life coach with previous experience as an attorney. Ms. Datta works with clients of diverse ages and backgrounds with varied concerns in individual and group settings. She uses an integrative and a holistic lens to view and meet each client's unique needs. Ms. Datta specializes in helping clients with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress, life and career transitions, personal growth, and finding more meaning and purpose in life. While she utilizes several therapeutic methods, her overall approach is informed by a client-centered and existential perspective with an emphasis on a blend of cognitive behavioral modalities and mindfulness-based practices. 

At Expressive Therapy Center, Ms. Datta helped launch and currently manages Employee Wellness Program (EWP), which offers companies and organizations mental health support for their employees. For more information on EWP, please click here.

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Peter Burchard, PhD

Dr. Peter Burchard is a clinical psychologist with over forty years of experience. He was trained in Family Systems at the University of Michigan, and Psychodynamic Theory at the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies of Adelphi University where he received his Ph.D. As the Clinical Director of the Kennedy Krieger School for eight years, he specialized in group therapy with children and adolescents, supervised clinicians, and worked collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary staff. Trained in Group Therapy at the Washington School of Psychiatry, he has presented nationally on working with children in groups. An article on his work with children, “Teach Your Therapist Well”, was published in the
professional journal, Voices.

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A central focus of Dr. Burchard’s work is Mindfulness. Teaching this skill is effective in targeting specific problems such as attention, anxiety and self-regulation However, by learning to approach one’s own experience and relationships through Mindfulness, Dr. Burchard has discovered that people are able to expand the quality of their life and relationships in significant and rewarding ways.

Integrating a wide range of clinical perspectives with the knowledge of his many years of clinical experience, Dr. Burchard is able to be a partner in building the kind of relationship that produces an enduring and substantial change. His clinical collaboration with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups is centered on the needs and goals with whom he is working. Together a safe therapeutic environment is created, strengths that weren’t known previously become recognized, and the result is positive change and growth.

Greta Carlson, PsyD

Dr. Greta Carlson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who graduated from the George Washington University in 2019. She completed her APA-accredited pre-doctoral psychology internship through Friends Hospital, working with adolescents with severe mood disorders, complex PTSD, psychosis, OCD, and ADHD and their families. Dr. Carlson engaged in her post-doctoral fellowship in trauma and dissociative disorders at Sheppard Pratt’s Trauma Disorders Program. She has experience treating complex PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder in inpatient and outpatient settings. During her doctoral studies, Dr. Carlson completed clinical externships at Expressive Therapy Center and The Lodge Program, working with children and adolescents ages 3-16 years old in individual and group psychotherapy. She also completed psychological assessments with projective testing in both settings, in addition to forensic assessments with adolescents at the D.C. Superior Courts. While Dr. Carlson’s clinical interests lie in psychodynamic psychotherapy and play therapy, she also employs techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Dr. Carlson is very passionate about her therapeutic and assessment work with children, adolescents, and their families. 

Aaron Cooper, LCSW-C

Aaron Cooper is a licensed clinical social worker with over ten years of experience treating adolescents, adults, and families in a wide variety of settings.  Mr. Cooper earned a master of social work degree from New York University, having specialized course work in mental health, substance abuse treatment and international social work.  As a student, Mr. Cooper was trained at Elmhurst Hospital Center, providing urgent mental health care on home visits and in the psychiatric ER.  While residing in New York, Mr. Cooper provided clinical care to incarcerated adolescents and adults in two county jail systems.  He assisted the Department of Health in developing and rolling out a specialized CBT program for patients on a forensic Mental Observation Unit on Rikers Island.  In addition to correctional social work, Mr. Cooper was also a therapist for children and families at a community outpatient clinic in Queens, NY.

Upon returning home to Rockville, Mr. Cooper began working as a therapist with the Montgomery County Adult Drug Court Treatment Program.  He has also become a state certified social work supervisor and has had the pleasure of helping to supervise University of Maryland social work master’s students at Expressive Therapy Center.  Mr. Cooper brings a person-centered and solution-focused approach to his practice.  He enjoys collaborating with clients to help them identify and overcome challenging thoughts and behaviors in order to reach their personal potential.

Corine Crowley, PhD

Corine Crowley is a licensed clinical psychologist in Maryland. She completed her doctoral studies at The Catholic University of America with a specialization in Children, Families, and Cultures. Dr. Crowley has experience using therapy and psychological assessment with inpatient and outpatients populations with a wide variety of presenting problems including mood disorders, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, social skills deficits, anger management, stress, and personal growth.

At the Expressive Therapy Center, Dr. Crowley emphasizes cultivating a strong relationship with clients in individual, group, and family therapies. The strength of this relationship helps to encourage growth in a safe and welcoming environment. In addition, she believes thorough assessment helps to clarify concerns so that problems can be targeted accurately. She utilizes eclectic techniques including play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and insight-oriented therapy in order to best meet the needs of children, adolescents, and adults. She also provides parenting skills training and conducts psychological and psycho-educational assessments. Workshops and seminars on a diverse range of topics in mental health can be provided upon request.

Natascha Dillon, PsyD

Dr. Natascha Dillon is a graduate of the American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP), Washington, DC campus' Clinical Psychology program. She also has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University and a Master's in Clinical Psychology from ASPP. Dr. Dillon has vast experience in conducting psychoeducational and psychological assessments, and treating individuals with a variety of problems. Prior to obtaining her Psy.D., she worked as a nurse in the areas of gerontology, mental health, youth detention, addictions, and with intellectually disabled populations. Her clinical interests lie in working with diverse populations- children/adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Although Dr. Dillon has been extensively trained in psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, Adlerian, family systems, and Gottman couples therapies, she utilizes an integrative approach tailored to meet the needs of her clients. She has also conducted stress management seminars for the Miss Maryland Scholarship Organization and domestic violence workshops at the University of Maryland.

Matthew Fishleder, MA, LCMFT

Matthew is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) in Maryland with over 12 years of professional experience in the field of psychotherapy. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Matthew completed a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA, including a graduate practicum at the McAuley Institute adolescent inpatient unit and therapeutic school. He later balanced work at Kaiser Permanente addressing prenatal substance use with a private practice focused on adults, children, and teens. More recently, Matthew served as the Assistant Director of the Therapeutic Nursery Program at The Lourie Center before returning to direct clinical work at Expressive Therapy Center.

In his work at the Expressive Therapy Center, Matthew integrates techniques from Play Therapy, Humanistic and Existential Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness approaches, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to develop an individualized plan for treating the whole person. Matthew specializes in working with individuals and families with focus on anxiety, depression, meaning-making, self-esteem, life transitions, behavioral difficulties, grief and loss, and parenting strategies. The breadth and depth of Matthew’s clinical experience is reflected in his clinical flexibility and capacity for integrating these interventions within the context of a secure therapeutic working relationship. His belief is that the science of psychotherapy must be balanced with an artful dance in which the therapist is tasked with empathically “looking out the patient’s window” while also guiding them toward authentic and sustainable growth.

Dayna Goldsmith, LMSW, JD

Dayna has over 15 years of experience working with individuals of all ages facing a variety of mental health and personal challenges. Dayna earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. As a clinical intern, Dayna worked with adolescents and adults experiencing serious mental health difficulties through both a full day group program and a DBT based intensive outpatient program. Dayna’s prior degrees include a Juris Doctorate from Columbia Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. As an attorney, Dayna represented children in abuse and neglect cases, advocating for children’s best interest while engaging parents, foster parents, and family members to secure services and assure a safe living environment for the child. 

Dayna embraces a holistic, strengths-based approach. Her focus is on providing counseling directed toward improving self-esteem and self-awareness, establishing an understanding of the mind-body connection, developing effective coping skills, and improving overall mental health and life satisfaction. With younger clients, Dayna recognizes the importance of involving parents in treatment and the impact that individual challenges can have upon the whole family. Dayna draws from a variety of modalities, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness approaches. 

Dayna works with children, adolescents, and adults both individually and in groups.

Adria Grey, LCPC, NCC

Adria Grey is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a National Certified Counselor. Mrs. Grey earned a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She has worked with children, adolescents, and their families for the past 10 years. She has extensive experience working with at-risk youth and providing supportive services. She has worked in residential facilities for adolescents and adults, as well as in-home based services. She has provided wrap around services and initial intakes within the residential setting. She has experience with inpatient substance abuse treatment and has provided assessments in this setting.  In a private practice setting, she has worked with individuals, couples, and groups and implements a variety of expressive therapies within her practice. 

She introduces a person-centered approach within her theoretical perspective but also incorporates techniques from a variety of disciplines to meet the needs of her clients. She provides social skills and supportive groups for children and adolescents struggling with awareness, perspective taking and interactions with peers. Her group work extends over a wide range and often utilizes creative expression. She continues to advance her knowledge and background with training, development, and new opportunities. Currently, she is seeking her Registered Play Therapy (RPT) license.

Adria has chosen this field as she enjoys helping others realize the strengths and tools, they already possess to support themselves through life’s everyday challenges.
 

Christopher Michaels, MSW, LMSW

Christopher has been working in mental health since 2014 supporting both children and adult clients with a variety of challenges including mood disorders, addictions, personality disorders, developmental disorders, housing insecurity, joblessness, and neurodegenerative disease. 

Christopher lives and promotes a non-judgmental “curiosity-first” perspective in which personal and interpersonal challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth. He uses a trauma-informed approach, pulling from multiple modalities to encourage the strengthening of mindfulness, self-esteem, and healthy nervous system response to challenging situations. 

Christopher earned his Master of Social Work degree with a clinical focus from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He works with individuals, couples, and groups.

Shani Missner MD, PhD, LMSW, CLCP

“I pray that these things never end,
The sand and the sea,
The rustle of the waters,
Lightning of the Heavens,
The prayer of Humankind.”

- Hannah Senesh 1921-1944

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Dr. Missner focuses on creating a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients and uses a holistic approach to mental well-being. By establishing trust and integrating multiple interventions for mind and body, she enables clients to find fulfillment and peace. Dr. Missner integrates psychotherapeutic interventions with medical and pharmacological understanding for the personalized care of each client. She has worked at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Veterans Administration Hospital, Sheppard Pratt Outside Mental Health Clinic and Linkages to Learning in the areas of mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, psychotic, and substance use disorders, as well as trauma. She graduated with an LMSW from the Catholic University of America, she earned her PhD in Pharmacology and MD both from Georgetown University. She also has much experience working as a certified life care planner (CLCP) in a vast array of mental and physical conditions. 

Dr. Missner partners with children, adolescents, adults, and families in the journey for change, utilizing an array of psychotherapy interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic theory, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and family systems theory. Clients participate actively in treatment by establishing their goals, capitalizing on their strengths, and reflecting on the techniques that they respond to. In this manner, children, adolescents and adults can achieve mastery and aspirations. Therapy is tailored to the needs of the individual in one-on-one sessions and/or group therapy. 

Dr. Missner works with people from diverse cultures, having herself lived in The Netherlands and Israel. She is fluent in Hebrew and has an appreciation for assisting clients with acculturation, integration of minority cultures, and transgenerational trauma. Dr. Missner also champions a strong faith-based practice for those clients that seek to incorporate spiritual belief into their mental health.

Vicky Nogales MS, LCPC

Vicky Nogales graduated from Walden University, achieving a Masters in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy. She also has graduate degrees in Family Systems Therapy and Educational Psychology from the Universidad Católica del Uruguay, as well as a specialization in Conflict Resolution Management from the Pontificia Universidad de Chile. She has also received training in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Career Counseling, and Narrative therapies.

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Before moving to the United States, Ms.Nogales, worked at the Catholic University of Uruguay as a professor in Counseling Strategies in Educational Setting, Career Counseling, and Systems Theories of Psychotherapies both for undergraduate and graduate students. She also has a background in research, studying family systems and their adaptability and communication styles related to family satisfaction. Ms. Nogales was also clinical director for Vocare, a career-counseling clinic in the Dominican Republic, focusing mainly on young adult career planning. She has been in the clinical field for over 15 years, working on prevention through couples’ and parents’ workshops, as well as providing individual, couples and family therapy.

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Vicky approaches therapy with warmth, genuineness, and enthusiasm. She also believes that therapy provides the individual a space for voicing his/her needs in a healthy way and strengthening relationships through the use of narratives, conflict resolution, humor, and flexibility. Using an eclectic perspective, adapted to what each family, couple or individual needs, Emotion Focused, Narrative Therapies , the Gottman Approach and the Virginia Satir’s Communications Approaches, guide her sessions.  Gottman’s approach to parenting, Emotion Coaching: The Heart of Parenting, is also a part of her systemic view.

Carmen Paulson, MA, LCPC

Carmen Paulson graduated with a master’s in Art Therapy from George Washington University in 2018.  Carmen has worked across multiple settings such as school, home, clinic and community based therapy.  When working with clients, Carmen focuses on narratives created through the intersection of cultural, social and gender identities. In her practice, Carmen combines art therapy and play therapy with theories pertaining to overcoming adversity such as strengths based therapy and trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy. Carmen is bilingual in Spanish and has experience working with immigrant families. Carmen also specializes in working with LGBTQIA youth and aims to create an affirming therapeutic space for diverse and fluid identities.

Jacy Perkins, PMH, CNS-BC

Jacy Perkins is licensed as a Clinical Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing as well as a Registered Nurse. She completed her education at Catholic University of America in 1994, and has served children and families ever since. At Children's National Medical Center, Ms. Perkins oversaw the Child and Adolescent Day Treatment Program. She also assisted in the assessment and diagnosis of patients, provided group, family and individual therapy, and worked with parents to develop behavior plans and contracts.

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At Expressive Therapy Center, Ms. Perkins works with children, adolescent and adults individually as well as in group therapy settings.

Kristen Pilgrim, MA, RDT, RBT

Kristen Pilgrim is a Registered Drama Therapist. She received her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Drama Therapy from Lesley University. Prior to that she obtained her B.A. in theatre and psychology from the College of William and Mary. In addition to her work at Expressive Therapy Center, Kristen works with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, thought disorders, eating disorders, and trauma in Dominion Hospital’s inpatient setting. Kristen has been using drama therapy with adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities for many years as a teaching artist with ArtStream, an inclusive theatre company.  Additionally, she is a teaching artist affiliated with several educational theatre companies and has worked with kids from elementary through high school on original musicals, straight plays, and Shakespeare productions. Kristen is also a Registered Behavior Technician with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and has worked with children and young adults on the Autism Spectrum for the past 5 years. 

Kristen’s person-centered therapeutic approach intentionally uses theatre tools such as story-telling, play, improvisation, roles and relationships, and movement to create therapeutic change. She believes in the power of the mind-body connection to bring problems out of our heads and into the world to be more fully explored. She aims to help clients fully integrate their experiences using both traditional talk therapy and action oriented expressive therapy. 

Susan Rail, LCSW-C

Susan Rail has provided individual, group, and family therapy throughout her professional career. She specializes in treating Anxiety, OCD, Depression and Mood Dysregulation using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Training, Relaxation Techniques, and Insight-Oriented Therapy.  Ms. Rail helps each individual to face and manage both positive and difficult life events, stressors, and personal challenges so day to day living can feel more peaceful, successful, and fulfilling.  She also believes in the value of establishing a connected, trusting relationship with each client which is crucial for positive change to take place.

Other areas of expertise:

• Mood Disorders

• ADHD

• Self-esteem issues

• Motivation issues

• School problems

• Behavioral problems

• Social skills deficits

• Family Problems

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Attachment issues related to adoption and/or abuse/neglect backgrounds

Ms. Rail is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C).  She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park in 1987, and her Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1992.  

Ms. Rail holds a certification as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) with knowledge and training on Applied Neuroscience for Treating Anxiety, Panic, and Worry. 
Ms. Rail has extensive experience and expertise working with children, adolescents and their families, and adults in a variety of settings, including psychiatric inpatient units, psychiatric day treatment centers, therapeutic foster care, and outpatient settings.  She also was the Clinical Director of Oakmont School, a therapeutic middle school and high school for kids with emotional difficulties.
At Expressive Therapy Center, Ms. Rail works with children, adolescents, and adults ages 10 and above and provides individual therapy, family therapy and parenting support. 
 

Jennifer Robertson, LCPC, NCC

Jennifer Robertson has worked with children between ages 2-18 years since 2000 on an individualized therapeutic level.  Throughout her time in the field, Jennifer has gained experience with children, families and educators from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to provide a client centered approach that supports children in managing their feelings and improve the family dynamic. She is experienced working in both clinical and in-home settings, in schools from preschool through high school, and with the child’s team of educators, child specialists and other supportive adults.

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Jennifer’s goal is to provide a welcoming, safe, non-judgmental space that allows the client to connect, gain strategies, build individual and relationship resilience and facilitate hope and healing. By fostering bonds, building self-esteem, teaching somatic awareness, presence, focus, and mindfulness; the child and family will work together to restore peace and balance in the family system. 

Andree Schillesci, MA, BC-DMT

Andree Schillesci is a Board Certified Dance Movement Therapist. Ms. Schillesci earned a Masters of Arts in Dance Movement Therapy from Goucher College and has worked with children, adolescents and their families for the past 20 years. She has extensive experience treating children in the spectrum areas of communication. In addition, Ms. Schillesci taught at Gallaudet University using dance/movement therapy to increase and integrate socialization skills among prelingually deaf children. She often incorporates sign language and nonverbal techniques as well as verbalization to enhance communication and interpersonal skills. Ms. Schillesci’s recent training will begin to engage yoga techniques in her practice with children and adults.

Kimberly Schlosser, LCSW-C

Ms. Schlosser received her MSW from The University of Maryland and postgraduate training from The Ackerman Institute for the Family in New York. She has been providing clinical services to children, adolescents, and adults through individual, couple and group counseling since 1995. Before joining ETC, she provided clinical services at JSSA Rockville, The Pathways Schools, Chestnut Lodge Psychiatric Hospital, Fenton House Crisis Center and Beth Israel Medical Center for Addiction. Additionally, she provides post-production aftercare services for reality television participants.

Ms. Schlosser counsels individuals, couples, families, and groups through transitions with the aim of empowering her clients to meet life challenges. She uses her vast clinical experience and the latest research to inform her practice with sound, practical guidance with her clients. Whether she is working with an individual, couple, or family, she attempts to create better understanding and increase empathy.
 

Heather Stemas, MEd, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Heather Stemas graduated with a masters degree in Art Therapy from Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan.  Heather has clinical experience in various settings such as community mental health, inpatient child psychiatry, and at Children's National Hospital for over 20 years with children and adolescents facing acute, chronic and terminal illness; also offering psychosocial and bereavement support groups for families and self-care workshops with hospital staff.  Heather's compassionate, inclusive, family-centered approach weaves evidence-based cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, art and play therapy techniques to promote social and coping skills, increased feelings of empowerment and self-esteem, and to transform anxiety and pain into meaning and growth.

She is registered and board-certified, as well as a certified clinical supervisor through the Art Therapy Credentials Board, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist through the State of Maryland.

Daniel Wagner, PsyD

Dr. Wagner is a licensed psychologist in both Maryland and New York. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Long Island University/C.W. Post, and his B.A. in Theatre Arts from Brandeis University. Dr. Wagner has extensive experience in treating children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings and for a multitude of presenting problems. Using primarily a Cognitive-Behavioral model with influences from other orientations, Dr. Wagner's therapy includes coping skills training, mindfulness, and relaxation, emotion management, social and interpersonal effectiveness skills, and other problem-solving strategies aimed at helping people gain more understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Dr. Wagner remains active in the research pertaining to Dialectical Behavior Therapy and has presented a paper at a national conference on an assessment for impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, interpersonal chaos, and confusion about self.

At Expressive Therapy Center, he works with clients of all ages providing individual, group, couples, and family therapy.  He also works as the K-5 school counselor at McDonogh School in Owings Mills, MD and is an adjunct professor in Psychology at Stevenson University.