Our Team

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MA, LPC-S, NCC, Play Therapy Supervisee, EMDR Trained 

Melanie has an eclectic approach to counseling, using cognitive behavioral therapy and a person-centered approach that recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual she works with. She is always searching for more resources for bibliotherapy and creative therapeutic approaches! Melanie loves working with children and enjoys helping them achieve their full potential.

Melanie completed her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in D.C. But she has worn many hats in her career already! Melanie has a BS in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and she has worked with children and families for over 30 years as an educator and caregiver. 

Melanie is a former military child and is married to a military spouse, which has allowed her to travel the world and be versed in the trials and tribulations of military children and families. Melanie is also the mother of a special needs adult who is now 22, so she has a wealth of experience navigating the special education and health care mazes.  Melanie is currently submitting her requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist! 

Melanie enjoys her fabulous family, gardening, and hiking outdoors. She has hiked the Grand Canyon twice! 

 MA, LPC-S, CCMHC, NCC, EMDR Trained, Play Therapy Supervisee

Sean specializes in treating anxiety, trauma, stress, and low self-esteem through the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and a person-centered therapeutic approach. He loves working with children, adolescents, young adults, veterans, and military family members.   

Sean has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Northern Arizona University and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. 

Sean is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) and as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In addition to completing EMDR Basic Training, Sean has completed Prolonged Exposure training for PTSD.

 MS, Resident in Counseling

Phoebe brings a warm, supportive, and forward-thinking approach to our team, developed through her work with neurodivergent adolescents and teenagers. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the unique challenges young people face and the importance of providing a safe, respectful space where they can learn and grow. 

Phoebe has a master of science degree in Counseling from Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, a bachelor’s in psychology from Hawaii Pacific University, and an associate degree in practical nursing from the Community College of the Air Force.

Phoebe's approaches counseling through a systemic perspective, recognizing the powerful influence of family and social environments on overall well-being.

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Phoebe also brings the values of community and connection into her work. Before becoming a therapist, she served six years in the Air Force, an experience that continues to shape her dedication and compassion. 

She specializes in supporting adolescents and teens through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem struggles, or life transitions. Drawing on evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques, she works to help her clients discover their unique strengths and cultivate resilience. Her goal is for every client to feel understood, valued, and empowered to be their most authentic selves, and she invites adolescents and teens to take the next step in their journey with her toward growth and healing.

Phoebe has daytime and evening appointment availability for in-person or virtual sessions.

MA, Resident in Counseling

Symantha holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Marymount University.

Symantha works individually with kids, teens, and adults, supporting clients through anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, and questions of identity. She draws primarily from CBT and person-centered approaches, adjusting her style to what each client needs—sometimes that means structure and concrete tools; other times, it means simply holding space for someone to be heard without an agenda.

Outside the therapy room, Symantha is a retired collegiate athlete. The discipline, resilience, and teamwork she built through sport continue to shape how she shows up for her clients, especially when setting goals and pushing through hard moments. She's also a self-proclaimed Marvel nerd and isn't shy about bringing that same enthusiasm and playfulness into sessions when appropriate.

Symantha also believes healing doesn't have to be heavy all the time. She brings warmth and a genuine sense of humor into her work because laughter has real therapeutic value—it can build trust, ease tension, and remind clients that growth doesn't require constant seriousness. She's not afraid to get in the trenches with her clients, meeting them exactly where they are without judgment, and walking alongside them rather than simply directing from the sidelines.

Above all, Symantha is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and never rushed. Her goal is to help clients navigate their challenges, uncover their strengths, and move toward healing and growth at their own pace. She believes everyone's story matters, and she'd love the opportunity to connect with you and learn more about yours.

Symantha sees clients in person and via telehealth, accepts both insurance and private pay, and offers daytime and evening appointment availability.

MA, Resident in Counseling

Rebekah is a graduate of Liberty University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently a Resident in Counseling working toward licensure as an Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has passed the  National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

Rebekah primarily works with adolescents and teens navigating emotional regulation, school-related challenges, self-esteem, life transitions, and developmental areas. With specialized training in supporting neurodivergent children, Rebekah incorporates play-based interventions to help younger clients communicate, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. She also works with adults experiencing relationship challenges, transitions into adulthood, and the unique opportunities and challenges that accompany different seasons of life. 

Rebekah takes a collaborative approach, using CBT, client-centered, and strengths-based counseling interventions based on each client's individual needs and goals. She strives to create a supportive and welcoming environment where clients feel heard and respected, and believes that with the proper support, each person can uncover the tools they need for healing and growth through resilience.

With a personal connection to the military community, Rebekah particularly appreciates the experiences of service members and their families. She approaches this work with compassion and understanding, valuing the opportunity to support individuals and families through periods of transition, challenge, and growth.

Outside of counseling, Rebekah enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, playing guitar, and traveling. She enjoys exploring new places and learning from the unique stories and experiences of others.

Rebekah offers daytime and evening appointments, both in person and virtually, and welcomes clients of all ages.

Master's Level Mental Health Counseling Intern under the Supervision of Melanie Shoemaker-Gleason

 Sabrena Songowa, MS, is a Mental Health Counseling Intern currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University under the supervision of Melanie Shoemaker-Gleason.

With seven years of experience as a Certified Life Coach, Sabrena is passionate about helping adults, couples, and children navigate life's challenges. She works alongside her clients to overcome the effects of anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma and major life transitions. Her goal is to provide a supportive environment where clients can better understand their experiences, build on their strengths, and develop healthy coping skills that promote lasting change.

Sabrena provides a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported throughout the counseling process. She works with clients using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and play therapy-inspired techniques for children.

She believes that meaningful change is possible when individuals are equipped with the tools needed to move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. 

Sabrena has daytime and evening appointment availability for in-person or virtual sessions.

Resident therapy dog in training

Koda is a 4+ year-old Yorkie-poo who is working on his listening and people skills. Koda has no social anxiety, and he loves giving puppy kisses, receiving lots of pets, and playing fetch with anyone willing.

He has completed three weeks of intensive training and is working on maintaining his learned commands. 

Koda loves to run, jump, play fetch, chew on dog toys, and he is known to regularly sleep on the job (Koda has mastered taking self-care naps at work).

Resident therapy cat in training

Raymond is a very gentle 8+ year-old orange tabby. He is a rescue cat and trauma survivor who is working on overcoming his social anxiety. Raymond loves lots of attention and has a powerful purr. When he isn't napping or eating, Raymond is working on overcoming his past trauma and fear of new people. Raymond was adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Lorton Campus, which is just around the corner from our office at the Lorton Workhouse.  Adopt a Cat | Animal Shelter