Our therapists offer EMDR therapy in Baltimore, MD

Guy-Edgard Doltaire is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of experience. He employs a compassionate and diverse approach to mental health care, emphasizing clinical expertise and cultivating meaningful relationships with his clients and their families. His work with children and adolescents, especially those facing ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, is vital as these individuals often require specialized support. His experience with grief, postpartum depression, and chronic pain management highlights his versatility in tackling a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges.

Guy-Edgard received his Master’s in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. His holistic approach integrates traditional and contemporary mental health interventions while maintaining an awareness of the cultural factors that influence how cognitive health is understood and addressed.

Guy-Edgard’s experience growing up in a community where mental health was stigmatized and psychotic crises were often misunderstood gave him a unique empathy and understanding of the challenges families face in addressing mental health issues in environments where such topics remain taboo. He looks forward to prioritizing your mental health.

Elionore is a multilicense, compassionate Doctorate of Nurse Practice Student, Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, and Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. She has three years of experience in chronic pain and mental health disorders, leveraging expertise in chronic pain disease management, pain management, and mental health disorders.

“Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health.” - Lauren Fogel Mersy, n.d.

Amanda Valltos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience, primarily working with children and adolescents. She is a caring advocate for her clients, patiently working through their anxieties and concerns by using a variety of mental health approaches that benefit clients individual needs.

Amanda completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at Salisbury University. She has always been drawn to kids and teens, especially those who are struggling. Amanda has experienced struggles socially and with her own self-confidence. Due to this Amanda is not only able to support teens and children’s needs but also relate to them on a level only someone who has “been there” can provide. Amanda utilizes problem solving, emotional expression and mindfulness as techniques to support her clients.

Amanda has a reputation for building strong relationships based on a foundation of genuine respect, trust, and communication. Her ability to break through message barriers and uncertainties is based on a working collaboration with clients, their family and in the school if applicable. She looks forward to addressing your therapeutic needs and goals as a team.

Carol Jones-Pinckney is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She has over 20 years of experience in the human services field working with various nonprofits but for the last 8 years provided therapy for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples.  

Carol applies a nonjudgmental, caring, strength-based, and integrative approach to therapy. Individualized assessments and treatment plans are key to achieving client goals. Carol maintains that collaboration, trust, and building a partnership are key ingredients to navigate through life’s struggles presented in therapy. Success is measured by how the client’s perception of the therapeutic process and engagement in sessions that work to achieve healthy and successful outcomes. 

Therapeutic modalities utilized in therapy include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, person-centered, couples therapy, and integrative interventions. The goal is to provide a caring and supportive environment for clients to feel comfortable sharing.  

Carol recognizes that clients often feel vulnerable and reluctant to begin counseling. Her approach is very warm and inviting acknowledging that this was a big step but the right decision to share emotions and feelings with someone new. Therapy is at the client’s pace and being mindful of the support each client needs.

Sara Smoley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and adjusting to life. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and her Bachelor of Arts from Concordia College, Bronxville.

"I will listen to your story and help you get to the heart of the matter. You are the expert on your journey and I am here to help you get to where you want to be," says Sara. "Everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes. I would be honored to be that person and help you to realize your full potential."

Carol Garey is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker with 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She works with adolescents, adults, and seniors, both individually and in groups. Carol specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate anxiety, ADHD, depression, and relational stress through a collaborative, trauma-informed approach.

Carol earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She blends trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems approaches to support long-term healing. Carol helps clients ease anxiety, sharpen focus, heal relational wounds, and build resilience using both practical skills and insight work.

Carol understands how anxiety, grief, burnout, or isolation can create self-doubt. She offers a warm, judgment-free space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered. She invites prospective clients to connect and explore how therapy might support their healing journey.

Lisandra Lysaith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 4 years of experience. She works with individuals facing a wide spectrum of mental health concerns, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, impulse control, and neuro-developmental disorders. Lisandra supports individuals struggling with daily functioning, navigating life transitions, or seeking greater emotional stability and clarity.

Lisandra earned a Master’s in Nursing from Walden University. Through medication management, psychoeducation, and therapeutic support, she empowers clients to understand symptoms, build coping skills, and achieve lasting wellness. Her focus is on empowering clients to build resilience and improve their overall quality of life.

Lisandra understands that seeking help can feel overwhelming. She provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients are truly heard and supported. If you’re ready to take control of your mental health and find balance, Lisandra invites you to reach out and begin your journey toward lasting mental wellness.

Dr. Pamela Oriaifo is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of experience. She specializes in supporting those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, OCD, trauma, stress, and bipolar disorder, among other concerns. Dr. Oriaifo’s devotion to mental health care stems from an early patient encounter during which her strength was redirected to the support of all persons with mental health issues. She brings to her practice the totality of her professional experiences in other healthcare areas such as general nursing and family care.

Dr. Oriaifo holds Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Liberty University. She draws upon clinical techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing in addition to engaging patients with a warm and welcoming interpersonal approach.

If you are seeking a comfortable and reassuring environment where you can engage in safe, open-ended discussion, Dr. Oriaifo is ready to meet you! She will develop an individualized treatment plan to help you meet your goals. Schedule an appointment today!

Nicolas Kuiate Tekam is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) since 2021. Nicolas manages and treats adult patients with a range of mental health issues. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep issues, and stress across the lifespan. Nicolas is compassionate and dedicated to his patients and looks forward at their speedy recovery. His aim is to make a difference in people’s lives and community. He was initially drawn to the mental health field to have a positive effect on people and to help those in need of care. Nicolas enjoys helping a wide range of patients of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Nicolas completed both his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing. He completed his PMHNP at Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. Nicolas uses a holistic approach coupled with the latest evidence-based research for treatment and management of his patients. He also applies patient-centered care and ethical consideration in his approach to treatment.

Nicolas was born and raised in Cameroon. Growing up, he witnessed people suffer with mental illness but could not pinpoint what was going on. But today Nicolas understands better and cannot wait to positively impact people's lives.

Orin Greene is a board-certified adult Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 9 years of experience. He specializes in medication management for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Orin values open communication and takes time to understand each person’s unique needs. He collaborates closely with clients to ensure treatment is effective, well-tolerated, and aligned with their overall well-being.

He holds a Master’s in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Orin brings clinical expertise and a warm, attentive presence to every session. He works with clients to simplify the process, clarify options, and support sustainable progress.

Orin believes reaching out for support is a brave step; it doesn’t have to feel heavy. He brings warmth, encouragement, and positive energy to each session, creating a space where clients feel hopeful and supported. He is honored to walk alongside clients as they take that first step toward healing.

Nadine Kakanou is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who has 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Nadine completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Walden University. A PMHNP is tasked with evaluating a patient’s mental health status by assessing their relevant medical background, conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifying potential issues that might negatively impact a patient's mental health. The primary concern of individuals suffering from mental health problems is accessing mental health care professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care and offer preventive strategies. Although PMHNPs receive intense training to meet mental health patients' needs, their roles are poorly understood because regulatory barriers have limited the entire scope of the practice.

Due to the complexity of human beings in understanding their lives and illness experience, a PMHNP requires the ability to access situations from different perspectives, not only through a psychological lens but also from a biological and development view, while recognizing the perspective of stakeholders affected. Besides, mental health disorders affect the ability to communicate experiences, and their symptoms may not conform to conventional diagnostic criteria. PMHNPs need to have a high tolerance of uncertainties and a willingness to frequently re-evaluate assessments upon discovering new information.

In addition to diagnosing and treating disease, PMHNPs nurture resilience and growth capacity because of the impact of psychiatric disorders on patients' growth and development abilities. The existing healthcare system may fail to address the complexity of problems suffered by patients completely. Consequently, PMHNPs need to effectively advocate for patients to acquire all the services needed to meet their mental health needs. They also need to push for the development of more effective services. In conclusion, PMHNPs are well prepared and equipped to provide independent and effective psychiatric care and treatment to effectively meet the needs of mental health patients.

Makedah Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over five years of experience counseling children, teens, and adults. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and issues related to life changes, identity, trauma, and stress. Makedah believes in collaborating with her clients to support them on their journey of self-discovery..

Makedah earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, internal family systems, trauma-informed therapy, and somatic therapy to help clients connect mind and body while building a strong therapeutic relationship.

Makedah understands that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming. She is committed to creating a transparent, welcoming, and safe environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. She invites you to take the next step toward emotional wellness and begin your journey today.

Allie Hoffer, Licensed Master Social Worker, comes to Thriveworks with over 3 years of experience. Allie brings a deep understanding of the impact of poverty, homelessness, and systemic oppression through both nonprofit work and lived experience. Allie is a good fit for those who value authenticity, laugh easily, think deeply about culture and identity, and are ready to explore their lives with curiosity and compassion.

Allie has a Master’s in Social Work from Boise State University and specializes in trauma-informed, eclectic care. They use eye movement desensitization reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic techniques to support healing. Their therapy space is open, reflective, and designed to foster nervous system regulation, insight, and transformation.

Life can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s world, but there’s nothing wrong with you. Survival strategies are powerful, but therapy can help you learn to thrive. If you're seeking a safe space to reconnect with yourself, process pain, and build a more meaningful life, Allie is here to help. They’ve been there—and they get it.

Kalkidan Yilma is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. She is dedicated to fostering positive change, growth, and empowerment in the lives of her clients. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to navigate life's challenges. Kalkidan specializes in helping clients navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. Kalkidan completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

With a background working in both clinical and community settings, she was able to hone her skills in individual and group therapy. She tailors her methods to meet the needs of her clients by utilizing various treatments such as trauma-informed therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.

Kalkidan's warm and empathic demeanor creates a space where clients feel heard and understood. She actively involves clients in therapy and believes in the power of collaboration in developing a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Her goal is to guide individuals in building resilience, improving well-being, and strengthening their quality of life.

Anne Donohue is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical in the state of Maryland with more than 20 years of experience in various mental health settings. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University Long Beach in 1995, and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 1991. 

Anne approaches counseling as a collaboration between counselor and client and utilizes a client-centered, strength-based approach to care. She works to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space in which she can help clients work towards meaningful change.

Dr. Joseph Bullock is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who treats a wide range of mental health issues in adults. Dr. Bullock has over 30 years of experience as a professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and administrator. His professional background includes serving as the Director of Substance Abuse Services for the Arlington County Department of Human Services in Arlington, Virginia. He has also worked as a consultant to the United States Navy providing training and clinical supervision services to counselors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and has provided workshops on mental health, substance abuse, and other counseling related topics.

Dr. Bullock completed his Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Virginia Polytechnic University. He holds the Preceptor of the Year Award 2012 from the Danya Institute. Through counseling, Dr. Bullock assists clients to find their way to emotional freedom so they can begin to experience the life they intended to live with regard to relationships and mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Dr. Bullock seeks to counsel, coach, and encourage those who may be struggling to achieve in a particular area of life or feel that their growth has halted. What sets Dr. Bullock apart is his expert use of insight and compassion in conjunction with working with his client to co-create the exact plan to achieve their desired life experience. Dr. Bullock’s goal as a counselor is to provide support and practical feedback to help people resolve current problems and gain more satisfaction out of life, both present and future. He works to help people find or reconnect to their own inner spiritual strength and resolve. He is committed to helping people enjoy life more fully.

Kaitlin is a Licensed Certified Social Worker Clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various treatment settings. She focuses on treating those who are experiencing impacts in various areas of life as a result of anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, self-harm behaviors, and more. Kaitlin is certified as an ADHD clinical services provider focusing primarily on young adults and adults with ADHD.

She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Hood College; and received her Master’s of Social Work Degree with a specialization in children and families, through the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Kaitlin has had the opportunity to help clients manage anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, family and relationship conflicts during different phases of life. She has also worked with adults and juveniles in the legal system while detained and preparing for re-entry into the community. 

Kaitlin uses a person-centered and strengths-based approach while drawing on various treatment models including, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), mindfulness-based and systems theory methods. Kaitlin strives to create a calm, safe, therapeutic environment for each client while working together to help clients achieve their goals. She is an active listener providing encouragement, empathy, and compassion to all of her clients. Kaitlin also challenges clients to push themselves out of their comfort zones to encourage growth and guidance in their life’s journey.

Beginning in 2013, Darwin Green trained as a substance abuse counselor as a civilian at a Marine Corps Base. He continued counseling studies and training since then, working with clients of diverse and varied backgrounds in a shifting and changing world.

Mr. Green started with a career diploma at Penn Foster career school as a military spouse. He interned at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at their Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center. From there, Mr. Green acquired a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University. Afterward, he spent some time participating as a research assistant for the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he was trained in PTSD assessment tools. Mr. Green gained his provisional license in Drug and Alcohol Counseling (PLDAC) in the state of Nebraska. Mr. Green then went through the Johns Hopkins masters degree program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, afterward acquiring his Graduate License (LGPC) in Maryland.

"Changes in life can be difficult and leave us stranded. Sometimes we need a different perspective to gain enough clarity to move past the obstacles that present themselves at difficult moments," says Mr. Green. "I am here to lend a hand, to listen to you, and to support you through your growth."