Our Counselors

Ashley Groeper, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Ashley Groeper is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with an MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Originally from North Carolina, she moved to Virginia in 2007 to pursue her passion of helping people. 

Ashley is experienced with couples, families, and individuals experiencing adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, addiction, and complex disorders such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar and Major Depression. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral therapy and utilizes a Person-Centered Approach.

Ashley’s warmth, acceptance and empathy will enable you to find hope and healing.

Education

Liberty University
Master's in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life stages and changes
• Adjustment
• Grief & Loss
• Addiction
• Relationships
• Assertiveness

Brent Burhite, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Brent Burhite is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Virginia who has over 24 years of healthcare experience.  He has worked as a nursing assistant, EMT, Registered Nurse and PMHNP.  He specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, sleep disturbances and helping individuals cope with overall life stressors.  He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Minot State University in 2005 and his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in 2018 and is currently serving in the United States Air Force.  

Brent emphasizes the use of evidence based psychopharmacology coupled with cognitive behavioral strategies to treat mental health symptoms.  He strongly believes in a holistic approach to mental health care and stresses interprofessional collaboration with peers to meet unique client needs.  He is a firm believer that medication management is only a portion of treating mental health concerns and will help clients utilize all resources available to meet their treatment objectives.  

Brent seeks to form an authentic relationship with his clients in order to achieve therapeutic goals.  He understands that building a strong client/provider relationship is key to successful treatment and strives to create an honest, open and comfortable atmosphere to foster growth and healing. 

Education

Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss
• Military issues

Bridget Famogun, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Bridget U. Famogun is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science degree as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) PMHNP, and she is Board Certified. Before becoming PMHNP, Bridget was a Psychiatric Registered Nurse for eight years with a history of working in the hospital & clinical Trial care setting. Bridget completed her Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Walden University and graduated with honors. 

Bridget earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, in 2010, and has worked in the nursing field since then.

Bridget is skilled in Psychiatric Assessment, Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medication Management, Health Promotion, Crisis Intervention, Clinical Supervision, and Healthcare Management.

Bridget has a passion for working with vulnerable populations. She is a firm believer in a holistic approach to treating disturbances in mental health that can involve medication management, psychotherapy, and alternative treatment modalities. Additionally, Bridget is interested in working with patients with eating disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and talk therapy. Moreover, she is proficient in working with adult ADD, psychotic, mood, self-esteem, stress management, anger management, and anxiety disorders.

Bridget's main goal and focus as a PMHNP at Thriveworks is to grow and connect her knowledge and understanding of the brain's biology and interconnections, with the neuropathology of psychiatric illnesses and psychotherapy and prescriptive practice.

Education

Walden University
Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Psych Testing
• Autism
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
• CBT

Camille Brenke, PMHNP

**Camille offers services in Spanish.

Philosophy of Care

Camille is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia who has experience working with children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychosis and dementia. She completed her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also holds a minor in Spanish and certificate in Community Engagement.

Camille is a culturally sensitive and queer-affirming provider. She has a special interest in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as alternative and complementary medicines.

Camille seeks to establish a genuine relationship with you and collaborate on creating a treatment plan that is both evidence based and centered on you. It will focus on meeting your goals and improving quality of life.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Science

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
• Alternative and Complementary medicine

Catherine Ben-Agu, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified licensed Psychiatric Nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has 10 years of experience in nursing, six of which are focused in psychiatry. Catherine attended Walden University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Through her many years of experience, she has been able to partner with children, adolescents, adults, as well as geriatric clients who seek help with diverse psychiatric problems. Catherine specializes in facilitating significant improvement in their presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation. She is experienced in various psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, ADD, personality disorders, SUD, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and many more. Through great interpersonal and communication skills, Catherine is able to establish trust, and communicate with clients in a therapeutic manner that upholds respect and preserves client’s dignity and autonomy. She is culturally competent, nonjudgmental, and uses compassion, empathy, and active listening in all her interaction with clients. Catherine desires to collaborate with you in a caring/therapeutic relationship aimed to provide support, assist you in building your strengths as well as meet your healthcare goals of living a healthier more fulfilling life.

Education

Walden University
Masters Degree

Specialties

• ADD/ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression Counseling
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD
• Christian Counseling
• CBT
• Schizophrenia Spectrum
• Anger Management
• Self-Harm

Crystal Miller-Williams, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Crystal Miller-Williams is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in both primary and psychiatry; diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children, adolescents, and adults. Some of her practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia. Over the course of ten years of medical practice, Crystal has had the privilege of working in many practice areas, including primary care, family practice, gynecology, and internal medicine.

Crystal prefers the patient centered approach, along with the integration of  therapy, daily physical movement and improved sleep practices as foundations for care. Overall Crystal tends to be more conservative in her prescribing practices, especially in regards to prescribing controlled substances such as benzodiazepines.

Education

University of Michigan-Flint
MSN

Specialties

• ADHD
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Medication Management

Dr. Marcela Mejia, PsyD

** Services are offered in English and Spanish
** Individual and Couples Therapy 

Doctor Marcela Mejia is a licensed psychologist, in the state of Florida and Virginia, specializing in helping adolescents and adults understand and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University and her Doctorate of Psychology, with Utmost Distinction, from Albizu University.

Dr. Mejia utilizes cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, strength-based, mindfulness-based, and humanistic approaches to therapy. She focuses on each individual holistically, studying the client’s point of view at all stages of the treatment through assessment of their current emotional and mental state. She is committed to providing a nurturing environment and helping clients develop coping skills so they can unlock their creativity and thrive, becoming the best version of themselves.

There are times in life when we face personal, professional, or relationship challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about ourselves or our choices. Dr. Mejia offers her knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you find peace of mind, unload your suffering and pain, renew your sense of hope and freedom, and make healthy choices to move toward a full, authentic, and harmonious life.

Dr. Mejia’s specialties:

• Depression
• Anxiety / Stress
• Trauma and PTSD
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Anger management & Communication
• Relationship issues
• Grief / Loss
• Drug and Alcohol Addiction / Abuse
• Coping with Life transitions (i.e., divorce, becoming a care giver, job loss, re-establishment sense of self / identity)

Fawn Workman, APRN, FNP-C, PHMNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Fawn Workman is a dual-board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia, and has more than 20 years of nursing experience in providing biopsychosocial care to patients and families of all ages and stages. Fawn’s experience as both a ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ health NP assists her in her holistic approach to care.  She completed her Bachelors in Nursing at Liberty University, and both her Master’s in Nursing degree (FNP) and post-master’s psychiatry specialization (PMHNP) at Frontier Nursing University. 

Fawn desires to work with you to develop a plan for treatment. She prescribes medication, when appropriate, as an add-on to non-medication therapies. These may include (as indicated and accepted by you): counseling and behavioral therapies; lifestyle, social, spiritual, and self-care needs; consideration of possible underlying medical/ health needs and conditions that can contribute to symptoms (in collaboration with your medical care providers); meditation/ prayer; and other therapies. 

Fawn recognizes that most people, at some point, have rough patches in life. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. She encourages you to reach out and discuss the issues that are most important to you on your path towards mental wellness, and together help you realize and strengthen your abilities, and work towards meeting your goals.

Education

Frontier Nursing University
Master's in Nursing and Post Master's Psychiatry Specialization

Specialties

• Medication management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Women’s mental health
• Special interest in Tourette’s Syndrome

Germaine Kelley-Pope, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Germaine is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certified to provide mental health and substance abuse services to patients across the lifespan. She has over 12 years of experience working as a nurse in the mental health specialty. She has special interest in mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and substance use disorders. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society.

As a dedicated and compassionate provider, she provides patient centered care that respects each patient's unique physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental strengths and challenges. She works with patients to explore the root cause of problems and the best treatment plan for meeting the patient’s goal. This can include medications, psychotherapy or combination of both.

Life is full of challenges that can be difficult to overcome without inner strength, effective coping skills, and a good support system. Germaine strives to provide every patient with the support, skills, and unconditional respect they need as they embark on their journey to wellness and recovery.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Sleep Disorder

Jaclyn Boykin, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Jaclyn Boykin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia who has 4 years’ experience working with adults, children, families, couples, and the military who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, parenting, and serious mental illness. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Troy University and received her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Walden University. Jaclyn is currently working towards her PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision at Walden University. 

Jaclyn utilizes individualized, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to therapy. Jaclyn works to maintain the creativity, flexibility and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual, couple, and family.

Jaclyn strives to develop and maintain a warm and caring relationship with you in order to support in building on your strengths and provides encouragement and direction towards meeting your goals and identifying balance to address life’s challenges.

Education

Walden University
Master's in Clinical Psychology

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Self esteem
• Life transitions
• Anger management
• Parenting 
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss
• ADHD
• Serious Mental Illness

Katherine Hughes, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Katherine Hughes is a dual, board-certified Nurse practitioner with specialties in family and psychiatric mental health. She received her undergraduate nursing degree from Georgetown University in 1996, her masters in family specialty in 2012 from George Mason University, her post master's certificate in psychiatric mental health specialty in 2019 from George Mason University and her doctorate from Maryville University in 2015.

Katherine's goal is to build a collaborative relationship with patients, listen to their unique needs and implement a plan that affects positive change. She utilizes a combination of medication management and psychotherapy when necessary, implementing cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and solution focused therapy techniques. As a nurse practitioner, Katherine looks at and values the whole person when considering treatment goals.

Education

George Mason University
Maryville University

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia

Kathleen Roberts, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Kathleen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who has over six years of experience working with individuals who have experienced domestic and sexual violence, childhood abuse, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Kathleen obtained her bachelor's degree in social work from Longwood University, and her Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014. 

Kathleen is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a therapeutic modality for working through trauma. She also incorporates mindfulness, relational, and strengths-based approaches in her work with each individual. She recognizes each individual brings his or her own unique experiences and perspectives to therapy, and tailors each session to the individual. Kathleen also enjoys a collaborative relationship with her clients, so each client feels empowered to reach his or her goals. 

If you are looking to take the next step in your journey toward healing, Kathleen will be honored to walk alongside you. She recognizes the courage needed to start therapy, and will provide a space that feels safe and warm to work through life’s stressors. 

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's of Social Work

Specialties

• Panic Counseling
• Phobia Counseling
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• PTSD
• EDMR
• CBT
• Academic and Work Issues

Kelly Hopkins, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Kelly Hopkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, and she holds certifications in the areas of substance use disorders and trauma.  Kelly has 13 years of experience in a variety of settings in the behavioral health field, working with culturally diverse populations with mood disorders, personality disorders, and addictions.  Kelly completed her Bachelor of Arts from Longwood University and she received her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Kelly utilizes a combination of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual’s needs.  These include person-centered, trauma-informed, cognitive behavioral, dialectal behavioral, motivational interviewing, and interpersonal.

Kelly looks forward to developing a collaborative relationship with you to build upon your strengths and work towards improving your quality of life.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling

Specialties

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Addictions
• Anxiety and Panic Disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Gender Specific Issues

Landon Sheriff, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Landon Sheriff is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia with 10 years of experience with adults and children who are seeking assistance managing: depression, anxiety, life changes, family issues, autism, urges to self-harm, suicidality, trauma, and the transition and ongoing difficulty with adoption and foster care.  Landon received his Master of Arts from Liberty University in Professional Counseling and in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Landon specializes in a cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy that focuses on how you view and interpret information, what it tells you, and how your interpretation affects how you feel, think, and what you do.  The focus of this form of therapy is to learn how to filter and process information in a way that breeds confidence, awareness, and clearer thinking.

Landon seeks to build a genuine and warm relationship with you in order to empower you to reach your goals and to live the best life you can.  Landon’s philosophy on the counseling relationship focuses on collaboration as you have the power to make great strides towards your goals and dreams.

Education

Liberty University
Master's in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-harm/Suicidal thoughts
• Family issues
• Adoption/Foster Care
• Self-Esteem
• Trauma
• Autism/Intellectual Disabilities

Linda Modelfino, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Linda Modelfino is a psychiatric nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has  been working in healthcare for over 26 years. Linda’s background consists of  acute psychiatry in a hospital setting, ICU, management and education. She  assists her clients to overcome their difficulties with depression, anxiety, mood  instability, trauma, ADHD, behavioral and other disorders. She obtained her bachelor's degree in nursing from VCU/MCV and her Master’s degree in Nursing  from Wilkes University. 

Linda doesn’t just provide medication management to her patient’s but also seeks  to get to know her patients and understand what’s important to them, their  struggles, where they have been and assist them with helping to obtain their  goals for the future. She believes in a biopsychosocial approach to help patients  get to their highest level of functioning and life satisfaction. 

Life is always throwing curveballs, don’t struggle alone. Let’s collaborate together  and help your child who is struggling in school, your depression that keeps you  from being able to function or your mood instability that is causing problems  within the family. 

Education

Wilkes University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Schizophrenia 
• Insomnia 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder 
• Personality Disorders 
• Trauma/PTSD 
• Adjustment disorders 
• Depression/Anxiety 
• ADHD 
• Bipolar disorders
• Child psychiatry

Mary Ellen Patton, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Mary Ellen Patton is an LCSW, licensed in both Virginia and Kentucky, who started her career in Nursing in 1979.

Since starting in this field, her clinical focus has been: Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, PTSD, Grief and Loss and Life Stressors. She has been in the field for 30 years and is a compassionate person with a desire to help people.

Her counseling approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Stress Management. She is a collaborative and goal focused clinician who understands that you are the expert in your own life and will work with you to tailor treatment to meet your unique and specific needs

Education

Norfolk State University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Relationships
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD
• EDMR

Meghan Rise, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Meghan Rise is a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia who has been working in psychiatric care since 2013. Meghan has worked in many different capacities as a mental health provider including working with adults, children, and families across the lifespan. She received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. 

Meghan is highly experienced in medication management and treatment for clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, as well as a variety of individual mental health disorders. She believes medication is a tool to help cope with mental health disorders and can be highly effective when paired with other treatments such as therapy. 

Meghan’s strength is listening to your needs and finding solutions to help meet your goals. She aims to build a warm and respectful partnership with each of her clients. She looks forward to working with you!

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, and PTSD)
• Bipolar and Mood Disorders 
• ADHD 
• Postpartum Depression / Anxiety
• Grief / Adjustment Disorders

Suvi Hyytiainen, A-GNP, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Suvi Hyytiainen was born in Finland. Suvi completed her undergraduate nursing degree in Finland and has worked in Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom prior to moving to the United States. Suvi has completed the graduate nursing degrees in the United States. Suvi is a board-certified adult geriatric and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Suvi believes in humanistic philosophy of holistic care for both mind and body and has a commitment to individualized and comprehensive care for the patients.

In her free time, Suvi enjoys outdoors, hiking with her friends and rescue Australian Cattle dog, Topi.

Education

Wilkes University
Post Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Walden University
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Pirkanmaa Polytechnic
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression, Bipolar and Other Mood Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders, Including PTSD
• Grief and Adjustment Disorders
• Insomnia
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Reminiscence Therapy

Uche Umejei, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Uche Umejei is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and is licensed in the State of Virginia with over 20 years’ experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She has been working in Mental Health and Behavioral Services for over 10 years.  She is experienced in treating adults with both medical and mental illnesses.  Being both Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she applies integrative health care model in dealing with her patients.

Uche completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Norfolk State University, Master’s degree at Hampton University as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctorate degree at Old Dominion University, all in Virginia.  She completed her Post Master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP).  In her training as a PMHNP, she acquired extensive knowledge with children’s and adults’ mental health care such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar disorder, substance abuse and Insomnia.

Uche focuses on evaluating and diagnosing patients, along with treating them with psychotherapies. She prescribes medications and focuses on a holistic approach to healthcare. She diagnoses mental health issues, including substance abuse, depression, PTSD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, anxiety disorder for both adults and children. With you working with her, she will be able to manage your mental illness and get you back to living your normal life. She is responsible for assessing your mental health status by studying your medical history, performing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and identify risk factors that might be affecting your mental health. She manages your medications and ensures that your medications are accomplishing their intended job and also manage whatever side effects they may have.

She is compassionate and empathetic.  She educates and informs patients and their families about mental health issues and steps they can take to boost their care.  She takes care of mental illness of patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics and all people between.  She determines most effective plan of care by utilizing the knowledge of psychotherapy modalities and psychopharmacology, and in collaboration with other professionals to provide the best treatment for the patient.  She feels rewarded when she sees the changes and growth in her patients that she has facilitated.

Education

Hampton University
Family Nurse Practitioner

Old Dominion University
Doctorate

Specialties

• ADHD for both children and adult
• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Substance Abuse
• Insomnia
• Eating disorder

Yasim Clark, LPC, CSOTP

Philosophy of Care

I am a firm believer in transformation and patience. These are two key components to life and also effective counseling. We are all constantly inundated with educational, financial, spiritual, and career conflicts which lead to traumatic events. The struggle to maintain balance in our lives can be difficult, especially since covid-19 has altered life as we have known it. Stress and uncertainty can cause depression, anxiety, PTSD, and high-risk behaviors (i.e. sexual promiscuity, defiance, anger outbursts) in an attempt to cope alone. Therapy is a unique and transforming process, which can be rewarding in many different ways. It is Important for a client and therapist to embark on the journey together with respect and trust in one another. If this sounds like you please feel free to contact me.

Education

Walden University
Master of Science

Specialties

• Relationships
• Depression
• PTSD
• CBT
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• Sexual Offenders