Our Mission
We are a team of therapists who are dedicated to eliminating the stigma of mental illness. We are committed to creating a safe environment for clients to unpack their burdens, discover their unique strengths so that that are able to live richer, happier lives.
We believe that our role in your health and wellness journey is to provide an unconditionally supportive space for you to grapple with difficult, sometimes painful, aspects of your life. We will use our clinical knowledge and expertise to teach you skills that will empower you to spearhead your journey toward RELEASING, RESTORING, and RENEWING your JOY. We believe that empowerment is the foundation for healing.
We look forward to the opportunity to work alongside you in achieving your goals through the development of individualized services to meet your unique needs.
Meet Our Team
Welcome I feel privileged to lead a team of highly skilled and sought after Mental Health Clinicians. As the Clinical Director, I wear a lot of hats. Most importantly, I take pride in ensuring that every client we serve is treated with respect and dignity.
You may be reaching out for support for a variety of reasons, not limited to:
- You may be experiencing stress (at home, school, work, etc).
- You may have recently experienced a loss (death, job loss, moved to a new state, divorce/separation, etc).
- You might have a child who is having a hard time adjusting to a new school (or grade, or a change in the family) and you're not sure how to support him/her/they.
- You may be having difficulty in your relationship.
- You LOVE your job, but you find yourself feeling burned out and overwhelmed.
- You experienced abuse or a traumatic experience (in the present or past) that is impacting your life
- You are a mental health professional and are experiencing compassion fatigue
There are a variety of life transitions that you may experience that could benefit from the support of a therapist. Congratulations on taking this step.
What can you expect?
You can expect to be accepted, supported and understood without judgment. I strive to create a safe space for all of my clients. I will honor your beliefs and values. I will rely on your expertise (and lived experience) to develop goals that are realistic and aligned with your desired outcome.
Where I've been...
Dr. Kamal Wright-Cunningham
Assistant Clinical Director
Specialties: Child & Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Trauma, Grief, Depression and Anxiety
I enjoy working with adolescents, adults and couples. The clients I work with come from a variety of backgrounds and are in various different stages of life.
What many of them have in common is that they've experienced trauma, grief or life transition. Many of the adolescents I work with have witnessed or been a victim of a traumatic event, experience depression, anxiety, and have challenges with self esteem.
I also enjoy working with adults facing a myriad of challenges. Many of the couples I work with would like to improve communication, intimacy and in some cases recover from infidelity.
I have extensive experience working with our nation's most vulnerable youth and families. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (MD & DC) and Supervisor with over fifteen years of counseling experience working with at-risk adolescents and families of under-served communities living in Boston, Massachusetts, New York City, and the Washington, DC metro area.
I join with clients on their journey to wellness. I am a trauma trained clinician and utilize this approach combined with person-centered practices. I have successfully worked with clients who struggle with problems such as: depression, anxiety, untreated grief and loss, sexual trauma, substance abuse, self-injurious behaviors, and parent-child relational problems.
Ms. Genardra Pugh
Career Coach, Therapist
Specialties: Career Services, Coaching Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Young Adult, Depression, and Solution-Focused Counseling Services
You find yourself stuck and want to move FORWARD in your life.... I am here to assist.
I work with clients who are interested in creating change in their personal lives, careers and relationships.
You may find yourself:
- Struggling to identify your ideal career
- Feeling dissatisfied in your current job
- Need to revamp your resume, but aren't sure where to start?
- Need assistant preparing for job interviews?
- You are a current college student and are struggling academically
- You are a experiencing depression or anxiety and would like to find more effective coping strategies?
- Do you find yourself in relationships that leave you feeling icky? Devalued? Like Deja vu?
I enjoy working with young and middle age adults who are ready for a CHANGE in their life. Whether that be a new job, career, recovering from a relationship or restoring a current one. I work with clients to uncover their interests, desires and values so that they can create their ideal life. I use a variety of tools and assessments to help clients achieve their goals.
I've worked as Rehabilitation Counselor for the past 5 years and am in the process of re-certifying as a Licensed Professional Counselor under the supervision of Dr. Ajita M. Robinson.
More information:
Educational Background
Shantelle Wright-Cunningham began her career in education almost twenty years ago as a high school science teacher at Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, MD. While at Potomac High School, Shantelle taught Biology, Earth Science, Human Anatomy and Medical Science. She has also taught other science classes such as AP Biology and Microbiology. Shantelle joined the MAPCS teaching staff in 2005 and taught several science classes (Biology, Honors Biology and Environmental Science), as well as became the Master Teacher for the BUILD Entrepreneurship Program in DC. For three consecutive years, at least one cohort of her students came in 1st place at the annual BUILD Business Competitions, held at The George Washington University.
I value your need for safety, confidentiality, and respect, and believe there are many avenues to well-being. Thus, I will follow your lead while supporting your process. My theoretical orientation is a unique blend of transpersonal and cognitive approaches – I view spirituality and creativity as essential elements of health and wholeness, and employ practical techniques drawn from conventional research-based treatments.
I have a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy / Counseling, and am a nationally certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and Counselor (NCC). I am also credentialed as an Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS) and Approved Counseling Supervisor (ACS).
Ms. Kiana Thompson has a passion for helping those facing troubling issues and lacking the support to understand and overcome their issues. Kiana has a special gift with children, adolescents and young adults. Ms. Thompson believes that in therapy, it is important to establish a strong rapport with her clients and understand their relationships with family, community, and other systems.
Kiana has helped her clients cope with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues including stress, anxiety, family issues, self-image, significant life events, effective communication, and major transitions. Kiana’s experiences have exposed her to different cultures, multiple perspectives, and aided in understanding different social, cognitive, and behavioral development.
In life we are often caught between what we are thinking and what we are feeling. It sometimes becomes challenging to find a balance. Sometimes the wounding that we are feeling comes from the relationships we have (or lack of )with friends and loved ones.
As a couple and family therapist, I am specially trained to work with individuals, couples, and families. I believe in the importance of systemic relationships and using those to understand my client’s lived experiences and relationships and how they connect to the person sitting in the room.
Heather Kramer has been working with children in various capacities for the last fifteen years, and she brings her lifelong passion and gift for working with children, adolescents, and families into her work as a counselor. She draws from various theoretical backgrounds, including DBT, Child Centered Play Therapy, Relationship Enhancement, and sand therapy, to give each client the opportunity to express themselves, gain new skills, and find the internal and external resources to deal with life's changes and challenges. Each session is grounded in a contextual understanding of every client as existing not only as an individual but also as part of a family system and a wider community, and further at their own unique intersection of various identities. Heather works to honor every part of the client's self, seeking out strengths as well as needs. She has a particular passion for working with clients who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, whether they have concerns around their identity or are simply seeking a safe place to turn during life's difficult moments.