Heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Meet
Our Team

Our psychotherapists have a variety of trauma-informed specialties, and provide the highest standard of mental health care. The Intake Coordinator at Gil Institute will carefully assess your needs and suggest a among our warm, supportive and well-trained team members.

Connect With Us

- Partners -

Eliana Gil

Ph.D.,LMFT,
RPT-S TM, ATR

Bio
Certifications
Specialized Services
Professional Affiliations

Eliana Gil

Ph.D.,LMFT, RPT-S TM, ATR

I am truly blessed! I love my work and I am thrilled to be living and practicing at a time when there are so many useful and exciting evidence- and practice-informed treatment models articulated by brilliant clinicians and researchers. I am so grateful to have been present to see the evolution of knowledge, skill, and data that now inform and guide our clinical efforts so that children and families get the very best we can offer. Over the last five years or so I have learned about wonderful attachment-based therapies like Circle of Security and Theraplay. I have also been obtaining an individual certification from Dr. Bruce Perry and these three models, along with the expressive therapies I embrace so fully, have ignited more optimism than ever before!! I look forward to continuing my life-long quest for learning and integrating trauma-informed practices with neuroscience.

I also continue my life-long commitment to training and education. To me, sharing what I've learned and offering meaningful training opportunities is a high priority. Over the years of being a public speaker, teacher, and consultant, I have found it rewarding to stimulate interest in a range of relevant topics such as working with traumatized children, play therapy and post-traumatic play, family play therapy, and relational treatments, among others. In addition, over the course of a long career, several assessment and treatment models have emerged in the context of varied clinical settings and with the assistance of talented colleagues. I look forward to continuing to share information in a relaxed and nurturing teaching environment and will also provide opportunities for colleagues to present their areas of expertise.

Gil Institute is a dream come true, a blending of my clinical, research, and training interests. My colleagues are like-minded and inspired to maintain a level of excellence and quality of care that is our collective goal and mission.

‍

Eliana Gil

Ph.D.,LMFT, RPT-S TM, ATR

Certifications

  • Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor (RPT-S)
  • Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

‍

Eliana Gil

Ph.D.,LMFT, RPT-S TM, ATR

Specialized Services

  • Starbright Training Institute

Eliana Gil

Ph.D.,LMFT, RPT-S TM, ATR

Professional Affiliations

  • Association for Play Therapy
  • Association for Art Therapy

Myriam Goldin

LCSW, RPT-S TM
‍

Bio
Certifications
Specialized Services
Professional Publications
Professional Affiliations
Teaching Experience

Myriam Goldin

LCSW, RPT-S TM

I am a clinical social worker with a passionate belief that play has the power to advance a healing process, and that healthy relationships have the power to serve as corrective experiences for individuals who have endured distressful and traumatic experiences. Grounded in these beliefs, I guide my clients to recover from interpersonal and sexual trauma by cultivating healthy relationships and attachments in their personal lives.

I have 21 years of experience in clinical and educational settings in the Northern Virginia area. I have provided  evidence-informed treatment to child, adolescent, and adult survivors of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.  In addition, I have worked with children and youth who experienced emotional and behavioral dysregulation, as well as symptoms such as anxiety or depression, sometimes as a result of  attachment disruption and losses. I prioritize dyadic work between parents and children in order to establish or strengthen attachment concerns. I also provide developmentally-appropriate assessment and treatment services to children with sexual behavior problems. My bilingual and bicultural background has served as an impetus for identifying and responding to issues of immigration, acculturation, and bi-culturalism, remaining sensitive to inviting clients to participate in therapy that is culturally-sensitive and may require non-traditional approaches.
‍
As a result of my commitment to improved and specialized services to traumatized children and families, I developed a strong presence as an advocate in our community. I have created and presented trainings on the issue of trauma promoting the power of healthy relationships as remedial experiences. I also provided educational guidance on trauma-focused integrated play therapy treatments at state, regional, national and international levels.
‍
I am currently a member of the Complex Trauma Foundation Trust, an organization that supports clinicians around the country with monthly consultations. Furthermore, The Complex Trauma Foundation Trust has selected Gil Institute (myself and a team of Gil Institute clinicians) to become the Virginia Hub for the delivery of trauma training in our community.
‍
I am a Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S™), a Certified Parent Educator in Circle of Security Parenting Groups, and a Certified Theraplay provider. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from George Mason University and my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am committed to nurture professionals in their quest to become well rounded play therapy clinicians

I have received specialized training in several play-based assessment and treatment models for traumatized children and youth including the Extended Play-Based Developmental Assessment ; Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Boundary Project Assessment and Treatment Program; Trauma-Focused Integrative Play Therapy, and the Marshack Interactional Method, an assessment protocol used by Theraplay providers. In addition, I have had training in the expressive therapies including  art, sand, and play therapy interventions, and have completed EMDR basic training. I am currently pursuing EMDR certification. I have also received specialized training in imagery education from the Center for Healing and Imagery.
‍
I am a founding partner of Gil Institute and feel excited to continue my individual, family and group work while nurturing my passion and commitment to training, education, and the clinical teachings of Dr. Gil.

I am originally from Argentina and have lived in the United States since 1985.

Myriam Goldin

LCSW, RPT-S TM

Certifications

  • Completed Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies through the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute, MA. 2017-2018 Cohort.
  • Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S)
  • Certified Theraplay Practitioner and Supervisor
  • Certified Parent Educator in Circle of Security Parenting Groups
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

‍

Myriam Goldin

LCSW, RPT-S TM

Specialized Services

  • Experience providing evidence-informed treatment to children; adolescents, and adults survivors of trauma.
  • Received specialty training in conducting Extended Play-Based Developmental Assessment; Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; and Trauma-Focused Integrative Play Therapy.
  • Received specialty training in imagery education from the Center for Healing and Imagery.
  • Facilitated parenting support, psycho-education and process groups.
  • Conducted groups for sexually abused children and adolescents, and for adolescents experiencing chronic stress due to exposure to multiple life adversities.

‍

Myriam Goldin

LCSW, RPT-S TM

Professional Publications

  • Goldin, M. (2010). A Tornado Disrupts the Wedding to the Relief of the Unwilling Bride: A girl’s quest for healing after being abused (149-170). New York, NY: The Guildford Press.
  • Co-authored a chapter on Crenshaw's and Stewart's book: Play Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Theory and Practice. Guilford Press (2015).

‍

Myriam Goldin

LCSW, RPT-S TM

Professional Affiliations

  • Association for Play Therapy
  • Virginia Association for Play Therapy

‍

Myriam Goldin

LCSW, RPT-S TM

Teaching Experience

  • Adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work from 2008-2012. Myriam taught clinical practice and the delivery of social work services in school settings.
  • Guest lecturer at the University of Virginia, Northern Virginia Campus, and local school districts on the subject of trauma and learning.
  • International lecturer on integrated approach to working with abused children: play therapy and other approaches

‍

- Therapists -

Amy Anderson

LPC, RPT-S TM

Amy Anderson

LPC, RPT-S TM

Amy Anderson’s foundational belief (and experience) is that children want to be healthy and will do the work necessary to process trauma and develop healthier behaviors when provided with appropriate support to do so. She also recognizes that parents love their children and are doing their best. Parenting is challenging! Parent coaching and/or family therapy can be very helpful in addition to therapy for the child.

Amy is a licensed professional counselor with 30 years of experience. She earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Marymount University and also has a Master’s in Social Ethics from Yale University. She is a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor and now provides supervision to other clinicians seeking this designation as well as for licensure in Virginia.
‍
Amy has specialized training and years of experience in Non-directive Child-Centered Play Therapy, SensoryTrauma-focused Play Therapy, Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART), Level 1 Theraplay, Sand Tray, and Adoption and Attachment. She works primarily with children as young as 2 years old to the age of 10.

She worked as a Senior Clinician for Fairfax County Mental Health, first with adults with serious mental illness and she also worked for Fairfax County Emergency Services providing crisis intervention in the community for adults and children. Then, for 18 years, she worked with young children doing mostly trauma work with them as well as parent coaching and support. After retiring from Fairfax County, Amy joined the Gil Institute in 2021. She is currently working part-time.

Andrea Driggs McLeod

LCSW, RPT-S TM

Andrea Driggs McLeod

LCSW, RPT-S TM

Andrea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and received her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work with a focus on Child and Family Mental Health from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Andrea is currently certified as a Child-Centered Play Therapist, a Foundational Level Theraplay Practitioner, and is Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S). Andrea has received specialized training in several play-based assessment and treatment models for traumatized children and youth including the Extended Play-Based Developmental Assessment ; Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Boundary Project Assessment and Treatment Program; Trauma-Focused Integrative Play Therapy, and the Marshack Interactional Method, an assessment protocol used by Theraplay providers. In addition, she has had extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, expressive therapies including art, sand, and play therapy interventions.

Andrea Driggs McLeod has experience working with children and families in a variety of settings including the child welfare system, the school setting, and private therapy settings. Andrea facilitates both individual and group therapy centered on a variety of social, emotional, and academic challenges including those experiencing anxiety, depression, anger management, behavioral difficulties, trauma, and loss.

Azi Amirsadri

M.Ed., LMFT, RPT TM

Azi Amirsadri

M.Ed., LMFT, RPT TM

Azi Amirsadri is a full-time therapist at the Gil Institute. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Virginia, a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and a Parenting Coordinator. Azi graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in French. She then received her Master's degree in Counseling at George Mason University, in Fairfax VA and her Post-Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech University.

Azi has worked in various clinical and school settings and has extensive experience working with at-risk adolescents. She is trained in the Extended Play-Based Developmental Assessment (EPBDA, Gil) and received specialized training to offer Boundary Project services for problem sexual behaviors in young and school-aged children. In addition, she utilizes evidence-based and trauma-informed therapy programs including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT) and Trauma-Focused Integrated Play Therapy (TF IPT.)
‍
Azi enjoys working with families and believes in a systemic approach to therapy. She is fluent in French and Farsi.

Claira Ford

LPC, RPT TM

Claira Ford

LPC, RPT TM

Claira is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and the District of Columbia and is a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Claira holds a master’s degree in School Counseling from George Washington University and has 15 years’ experience working with children and adolescents. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Claira also has training in Trauma-Focused Integrative Play Therapy and several assessment models that include: Extended-Play Based Developmental Assessment and the Marshack Interactional Method. Additionally, she has completed Level 1 Theraplay--a play therapy method grounded in attachment theory that uses play between a child and their caregiver to support the development of secure attachments.

Before starting her practice at the GIL Institute, Claira worked in outpatient settings and in special education schools in the District and Virginia. She has extensive experience collaborating with the Department of Social Services and working with children in the foster care system. She specializes in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, ADHD, attachment disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and trauma histories.

As part of her practice, Claira incorporates expressive arts which can include art, sand tray, and play therapy. She believes that individuals of all ages have an innate capacity to move towards wholeness when given the right support and environment. Claira aims to work collaboratively with children and families to find their natural strengths and resources to find solutions and grow.

Courtney Jenkins

LCSW

Courtney Jenkins

LCSW

Courtney Jenkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia. She graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA with an undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communication. Courtney received her master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Courtney has worked with families that vary in both cultural and socioeconomic status. She has significant experience in the fields of foster care, adoption, reunification, and school social work. In addition, she has experience providing individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. Courtney has received specialized training in Trauma-Focused Integrative Play Therapy and the Marshack Interactional Method, an assessment protocol used by Theraplay providers.

Treatment areas include stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, attachment, and grief/loss. Also, Courtney has supported children with socio-emotional concerns, academic challenges, and diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Courtney enjoys helping clients not only identify, but highlight their strengths and resiliency.

Daman Reynolds

LMFT

Daman Reynolds

LMFT

Daman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master's degree from Virginia Tech. He has over a decade experience working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in both private practice and agency settings. He began his career at a non-profit serving children and families under the VOCA grant (victims of crime act), where he was first exposed to play therapy, sandtray therapy, and other play-based and expressive modalities shown to be powerful tools in both the assessment and treatment of trauma in children and adults. He went on to work as the first ever male therapist hired by Fairfax County's Domestic and Sexual Violence Services where he supported adults and children recovering from sexual and/or physical assault. Daman next worked as an in-home therapist for families with children at risk of removal from the home, where he guided the family and community in developing safety nets and strategies to allow families to stay intact. In his most recent agency work Daman was a therapist at a therapeutic boarding school for teenage girls. In this capacity Daman acted as the individual and family therapist and leader of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals providing full wrap-around services to the young women in the program. Since becoming licensed Daman has continuously maintained either a full or part-time private practice where he serves individuals, couples, and families dealing with a wide range of struggles.

Daman has a strong belief in the ability of the individual to be his/her own best healer, and sees himself as providing support and guidance for individuals to know themselves and find their own best solutions. In his work he places great emphasis on discovering, celebrating, and building on strengths. He has a strong belief in the power of words, relationships, play, humor, mindfulness, and experience in finding happiness and reaching goals.

Emily Prusator

LCSW, RPT TM

Emily Prusator

LCSW, RPT TM

Emily Prusator is a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human and Organizational Development and Women’s and Gender Studies with a minor in Child Development from Vanderbilt University. Emily earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in Gender Violence Intervention. She has received specialized training in play therapy and received her RPT credentials in 2020.

Emily has ten years of experience in fundraising, research, and advocacy for survivors of trauma. She has been providing direct, clinical grief and trauma services for children and their families for over six years in school, community, and office settings. Emily’s earliest clinical work was in providing school-based Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to children ages 6-17 years with complex trauma. More recently, her work has centered on providing group and individual services to children and adults who are navigating trauma, loss, or the intersection of both. Emily has also received training in play therapy, including integration of sand therapy, the expressive arts, sensory integration work, and particular assessment methods such as the Extended Play-Based Developmental Assessment. Emily is certified in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR to support children, youth, and adults in processing traumatic experiences.

Emily is passionate about promoting healthy attachments between children and the important adults in their lives. She pursues this passion through her ongoing training role at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing and her clinical role at the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education.

Emily Uhar

LCSW, RPT TM

Emily Uhar

LCSW, RPT TM

Emily Uhar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and New York, and a Registered Play Therapist, She earned her Bachelor's degree in sociology from Hendrix College in Arkansas and her Master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago. Emily has received specialized training in trauma-focused play therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and expressive therapies. She has worked in several clinical settings helping children with trauma, including schools, community outpatient clinics, and private practice.

Emily is a trauma-focused therapist that uses play and expressive therapies to support the growth and the healing of child clients. She provides assessment services (including Assessment for Children with Sexual Behavior Problems) and evidence-based therapy.

Heather McTaggart Bryan

LPC, RPT TM

Heather McTaggart Bryan

LPC, RPT TM

Heather McTaggart Bryan, a full-time therapist at Gil Institute. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Heather is also a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). She graduated from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Heather received her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings with diverse populations in New York, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. She has a wide variety of clinical experience and specializes in the treatment of traumatized children, adolescents, families and children with sexualized behaviors. She has received focused training in child and adolescent therapy and is currently working towards completion of a certificate in Play Therapy.

Mrs. Bryan is a trauma-informed therapist who utilizes play and expressive therapies to assist children whose lives are affected by issues of sexual abuse, family violence, loss and bereavement. She currently provides assessment services (Extended Play-Based Developmental Assessment, Marschak Interactional Method (MIM), and Assessment for Children with Sexual Behavior Problems). In addition, she utilizes evidence-based and trauma-informed therapy programs including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT) and Trauma-Focused Integrated Play Therapy (TF IPT).

Jennifer Hannett

LCSW, RPT TM

Jennifer Hannett

LCSW, RPT TM

Jennifer Hannett is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) with a Master's degree in Social Work from New York University. Jennifer is licensed as a clinical social worker in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia and is a board approved clinical supervisor in Virginia and Maryland. Jennifer has over 20 years experience working as a social worker and/or therapist with vulnerable children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups in multiple roles and settings, including: adoption, therapeutic foster care, adolescent residential treatment, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and CPS. Jennifer worked in the field of adoption for 13 years, most recently having served as the Director of the Virginia and Maryland offices of Children’s Home Society of MN, an international adoption agency. Jennifer currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member with The Catholic University of America (CUA) and Simmons University schools of social work. Jennifer works as a Team Leader and Psychotherapist with The Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education and has received specialized training in Theraplay, expressive therapies (sand therapy and play therapy), trauma, attachment, and EMDR. Jennifer practices an integrative, trauma-informed, and strength-based approach with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. Jennifer has a passion for guiding others to find their natural strength and ability to heal from difficult and traumatic experiences in order to live happier and more fulfilling lives.

Katie Miller

LCSW, RPT TM

Katie Miller

LCSW, RPT TM

Katie Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Mary Washington in Sociology with a concentration in Cultural Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Katie has received specialized training in Sand Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Integrated Play Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy. She uses techniques from these trainings in her work with children, adolescents, and families with varying social/emotional challenges, including mild psychosis, issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders, trauma, anger management, anxiety, depression, and difficult behaviors.

Katie’s therapy is assisted by her service dog, Ryder, a trained Facility Dog through Canine Companions for Independence. Ryder compliments Katie’s services by offering an alternative way to connect with clients as well as to regulate children’s emotions when they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Katie enjoys integrating her passion for children and animals and loves seeing the positive and therapeutic connections that are formed.   

Katie has received several recent awards for her work with at-risk youth in the state of Virginia. In 2016, Katie was named Northern Virginian of the Year by Northern Virginia Magazine. She was also named National Association of Private Special Education Center’s (NAPSEC) Related Services Provider of the Year in 2016 for her work with children and adolescents at Phillips School, Annandale.

Katie also has training and experience supporting young people and families around gender identity development. She utilizes the gender affirmative model of care to support gender expansive young people in living their authentic selves.

Kelly Walker

LMFT

Kelly Walker

LMFT

Kelly Walker earned her undergraduate degree as the department valedictorian of Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, both from Brigham Young University. She worked at the university’s Comprehensive Clinic with individuals, couples, and families dealing with many challenges such as depression, anxiety, marital distress, and family dynamics. She taught undergraduate courses on marriage and counseling skills. She also worked at BYU’s Women’s Services where she counseled, gave presentations, and ran support groups on a wide range of topics to meet the needs of the student body, including body image, preparation for marriage, and communication skills.

Kelly worked as a therapist at a preschool for low-income children, counseling both the children and their families. She has also designed and taught courses at Northern Virginia Community College including Introduction to Psychology, and Psychology of Marriage. Kelly has volunteered extensively with children and adolescents in her community, both teaching classes and running life skills programs.

Kelly has training in systems theory, play therapy, sand tray therapy, pastoral counseling, and communication skills. Kelly is currently collecting supervised hours toward licensure as an MFT in Virginia and she is being supervised by Dr. Eliana Gil.

Lizzie Chitale

LMFT

Lizzie Chitale

LMFT

Lizzie Chitale is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her master's degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia. She is passionate about helping families, couples, and individuals reach their full potential through insight, acceptance, and integrity. Lizzie works from a humanistic perspective, and believes humans are inherently good at heart and mean well. She believes that change and healing happen through meaningful relationships, including the one between therapist and client. Lizzie plays an active role in helping clients to identify unhealthy patterns and how they first developed and she creates a safe, non-judgmental environment to help her clients identify and express their deepest emotions. She specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults who may struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma & PTSD, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, family conflicts, sexuality and identity issues. Lizzie is especially interested in issues of social justice and believes that they are relevant and necessary to address in the therapy room. She also has a strong belief in the connection between the mind and body and is an avid yogi. Lizzie has completed her 200-hour teacher training in Baptiste Power Yoga. She offers clients the option to incorporate the fundamentals of Yoga to promote treatment goals.

While at Drexel, Lizzie received specialized training in cultural competency and issues of social justice from Ken Hardy. She prioritizes providing treatment to a diverse populations, acknowledging how people's experiences may differ greatly based on their cultural background.

Ms. Chitale is working towards her play therapy certification under the supervision of Dr. Eliana Gil, and her EMDR certification. She completed her basic EMDR training in March of 2022.

Mary Moussa

LCSW

Mary Moussa

LCSW

Mary Moussa is a Licensed Clinical Counselor in the state of Virginia. She holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Moussa has a substance abuse certificate to work with individuals with addiction problems. She received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help children with severe trauma histories. Ms. Moussa has also received specialized training in Sand Therapy, Play Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Integrated Play Therapy (TF IPT).

Ms. Moussa has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, partial hospital programs, and outpatient mental health programs. She has experience providing evidenced-informed individual, family-focused, and group therapy treatment to children, adolescents, and adults impacted by trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Mary is also fluent in Arabic and has studied women's rights and child-parent relationships as they pertain to Middle Eastern culture.

Ms. Moussa believes that childhood is the single most important time for endless possibilities and growth, prioritizing the treatment of childhood trauma as critical to reclaiming early developmental opportunities. Her specialty areas include family work to optimize the establishment or maintenance of nurturing, healing environments for children. Her approach emphasizes building on each youth's individual strengths and interests, as well as nurturing their unique aspirations.

Nicole Smith

LCSW

Nicole Smith

LCSW

Nicole Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. Nicole earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland-College Park and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialization in Children and Families from Howard University. Nicole is Certified in Trauma Treatment with Children and Adolescents and has received specialized training in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescent Responding to Chronic Stress. Nicole has more than 10 years of experience in the DC Metropolitan area providing clinical services including individual, family and group therapies to children, adolescents, and families. Nicole has a worked in schools, private practice, and within a Community Service Board as a therapist and therapist supervisor. Nicole utilizes an integrative approach in treatment to support children and families coping with various clinical issues including trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, community violence, and chronic stress.

Rebecca Lyn Gillam

LPC, ATR-BC, CEDS

Rebecca Lyn Gillam

LPC, ATR-BC, CEDS

Rebecca is a board-certified art therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia and a certified eating disorder specialist through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Rebecca received a Master’s degree from the College of New Rochelle in New York.

The College of New Rochelle offered a research-based program, as well as a certificate program in thanatology (dying, death, grief, mourning and bereavement) directed by Dr. Kenneth Doka, a senior consultant for the Hospice Foundation of America. Rebecca's focus in graduate school was pediatric palliative and hospice care, which was influenced by her involvement as an undergraduate at Arcadia University in the Pennsylvania Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care task force. During graduate school, Rebecca had the opportunity to train in trauma informed care working as a research assistant on a study partially funded through an NIMH grant on “the efficacy of an adjunctive trauma-focused art therapy intervention in reducing chronic child post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in an inpatient psychiatric facility for youth”

(Lyshak-Stelzer et. Al. 2007). Dr. Claude Chemtob, a co-investigator on the study, conducted multiple studies in New York around this time investigating PTSD symptoms on children and mothers (often surrounding the events of September 11, 2001). Rebecca additionally interned through Free Arts New York assisting with adjunctive family centered group programing at the Court of Innovation site on the Bronx Court Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes unit and Little Sisters of Assumption Family Center primarily supporting recently immigrated families. Following her experience within the children’s facility, Rebecca interned at Bronx Psychiatric Center, an adult state-run facility. At this facility, Rebecca trained under Toshiko Kobayashi learning to run trauma focused origami groups in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Her final graduate yearlong internship was at Hackensack University Medical Center on the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology unit within the Child Life department providing art therapy and medical play for patients.

Following graduation, Rebecca worked at a group private practice and multiple treatment facilities (a residential facility, partial hospitalization program (PHP), and an intensive outpatient program (IOP)) with primary diagnosis of eating or feeding disorders. Rebecca completed her certification as an eating disorder specialist through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) in 2020. Rebecca remains passionate about working with trauma survivors and beginning to utilize and expand her experience with play therapy approaches. Rebecca is currently working to complete her play therapy certification under the supervision of Dr. Eliana Gil. Rebecca is additionally completing her basic EMDR training.

As a board-certified art therapist, Rebecca integrates creative expression into sessions whenever client’s express interest. While working with clients having the primary diagnosis of an eating or feeding disorder, Rebecca has utilized Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), cognitive restructuring, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Rebecca is trained to provide meal support and aid families in rebuilding boundaries and trusting relationships. Utilizing common mechanisms and theories as in Common Factor theory, Rebecca supports clients in accomplishing desired change.

Sandra Triveri

LPC

Sandra Triveri

LPC

Sandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Belgrano and completed coursework towards a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Flores, both in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has taught Family Systems and Family Therapy courses as faculty within the University of Buenos Aires and the University of Flores.

Sandra’s experience and expertise are in the areas of attachment, trauma, and loss. She is a certified Infant Mental Health Specialist IMH-E® in VA, Level III (Clinical) and she is currently completing her certification as an Early Childhood Mental Health Clinical Mentor ECMH-E® in VA, Level IV. She has experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments for infant, toddlers and young children as well as parent-child relational assessments. She has also worked extensively with school age children, adolescents, and their families. She has received specialized training in attachment-based therapies, Theraplay Level I, Child-parent Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Structural family therapy, EMDR and expressive therapies including art, sand and play therapy.

Sandra has more than 25 years of experience providing clinical services to young children, adolescents, and their families. She is affiliated to the Virginia Association for Infant Mental Health (VAIMH), she serves on the Early Childhood Mental Health Virginia Advisory Board (ECMHVA) and the Healthy Families Arlington Advisory Board. Sandra has lived in the United States since 2001. Her bicultural, bilingual background informs her work on behalf of children and families from diverse ethnic and cultural origins. Sandra has a profound interest in cultural issues impacting family systems, relational trauma, and child development. She believes nurturing and responsive relationships during the first years of a young child’s life weave the fabric and foundation for all other development and help buffer the developing brain from situations of stress and trauma. Clinical services during this stage can have a powerful and lasting effect. She has a special interest in partnering with parents to strengthen nurturing relationships with their children to enhance environments that promote children’s healing and growth.

‍

Teresa Dias

LMHC, LPC RPTTM

Teresa Dias

LMHC, LPC RPTTM

Teresa has an undergraduate degree in expressive therapies from Lesley University in MA where she also earned her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in drama therapy. She is a licensed mental health counselor in MA ( LMHC)  and Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia (LPC). She pursued additional training in play therapy and is a registered play therapist (RPT TM).

Her work experience has been both with children, families, and adults. She worked with Eliot Community Human Services in their outpatient clinic, with at-risk youth and their families. Also through Eliot, she was placed in several k-8 public schools and provided school-based play therapy. Most recently, she worked with Ellenhorn, a private community integration program for adults with mental illness. Throughout these work settings, she has prioritized expressive therapies, such as art, sand, and drama therapy and worked with children and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder.

Teresa also has a special interest in attachment theory and promoting healthy parent-child attachment and towards that end became a certified Circle of Security Parent Educator, as well as a Theraplay level 1 practitioner. Both techniques promote responsive attunement between children and their caregivers.

Teresa has also received EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) basic training and has helped clients reframe and manage their traumatic histories. Her interest in trauma was further deepened when she delivered the ARC (Attachment, Regulation and Competency) program to children and families, as part of a research project in MA.

Teresa's primary therapy approach is client centered, informed by attachment and trauma theories. She is excited to work as a part-time telehealth provider for the Gil institute.

- Residents and Interns -

Abby Potash

MSW,LSW

Abby Potash

MSW, LSW

Abby Potash is passionate about helping people who have experienced trauma as well as any life situation that impedes individuals from living a full enriched life. Abby has her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Chestnut Hill College in Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of Social Services from Bryn Mawr College. She is licensed in Pennsylvania and approved by the Virginia Board of Social Work to practice clinical social work and pursue her LCSW under the supervision of Jennifer Hannet as her Board approved Clinical supervisor.

Abby has certificates in Contemporary Approaches to Group Therapy, Child and Family Wellbeing, Trauma, CBT and is trained in EMDR. She has presented modalities of treatment to therapists on how to help parents, siblings and other family members when they have a missing, deceased or sexually exploited child.

Abby has 23 years’ experience serving families with missing, safely recovered, located deceased and sexually exploited children. She has assisted in reunifications of children abducted by parents, with their searching families. Abby’s scope of treatment includes helping people experiencing ambiguous loss, grief and loss, death of a child/sibling, relationship issues, couples therapy, PTSD, childhood sexual trauma, abuse and neglect, play therapy, expressive therapies, parenting skills, and aging.

Abby serves on the Board of the Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She volunteers for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children providing peer support to those in need. She assists at Amber Alert Family Roundtables and Survivor Roundtables. She contributed to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s publication The Crime of Parental Abduction and wrote a chapter in Perspectives on Missing Persons Cases.

Cassie Herring

MMFT

Cassie Herring

MMFT

Cassie Herring is a Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Arts from Hampton University in 2021 and then earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University in 2023. Cassie is honored to be working toward full Marriage and Family Therapy licensure under the supervision of Dr. Eliana Gil.
‍
Cassie is passionate about providing a warm and non-judgmental space for clients to unburden their hearts and lean into healing. She takes a client-centered approach informed by her training in Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST). During her time as a clinician at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, she worked with individuals, families, and children of varying ages experiencing trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and blended family challenges.

Although Cassie is drawn to Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy, she also believes strongly in the power of art and expressive therapies to facilitate change. She considers it a privilege to hold space for the tender experiences of others and looks forward to serving diverse populations and systems.

Cynthia Christiansen

MSW

Cynthia Christiansen

MSW | Resident Supervisee in Social Work

Cynthia was born in Arlington, Virginia and raised in Fairfax County. She graduated from Marymount University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, while minoring in Human Services. Upon graduation, she worked as an Eligibility Health Care Specialist in Fairfax County where she discovered her passion for assisting underserved populations and those affected by trauma. Cynthia continued her education, earning her Master’s Degree in Social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012.

As a graduate student, Cynthia worked as an Early Childhood Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools FECEP/Head Start Program, serving families and children affected by trauma. She served on a committee focused on researching the effects of domestic violence on early childhood development and developing best practices and training modules for colleagues serving affected children. Cynthia also played a significant role in the implementation of the Devereaux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA), a program that provides screening and treatment planning for Pre-K children with social and emotional risk factors. Cynthia spent the last year of her graduate studies as an intern for the Office for Women Domestic and Sexual Violence Services with Fairfax County Government, where she provided counseling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Cynthia worked for Fairfax County Government from 2012-2015 for The Department of Family Services, and later for Adult Protective Services, where she conducted investigative services and case management through home visits, and connecting families to appropriate resources.

Cynthia continued her career after relocating to San Antonio, Texas, where she worked as an inner-city elementary school Social Worker, as well as an Early Childhood Specialist for the New Braunfels Independent School District Head Start Program until the birth of her first child.

Cynthia has 9 years of experience in social work. She prides herself as being a well-rounded clinical resident with experience gained from a variety of positions held throughout her career. Her bilingual skills in English and Spanish allow her to serve a variety of clients. She is honored to complete her LCSW residency at the Gil Institute under the supervision of Myriam Goldin. She is passionate about working with trauma survivors and is looking forward to assisting individuals to begin the healing journey and establish healthy relationships.

Keyana M Waterman

MS, MFT-I

Keyana M Waterman

LMMS, MFT-IFT

Keyana is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern for the state of Virginia and Florida. She has earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Delaware State University and recently completed a Master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

She is under supervision by Eliana Gil, Ph.D.,LMFT, RPT-S TM, ATR, as she is completing her required hours towards becoming a LMFT.

With background experience in case management, her therapeutic approach has been tailored towards goal oriented and collaborative work. Working with individuals, couples, and families she has been able to support and guide clients experiencing substance abuse, suicidal idealization, health issues, mental illness diagnosis, and homelessness while serving at homeless shelters and halfway homes. Keyana has provided therapy with adolescents, young adults, and college students in school settings and private practices using solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing for numerous presenting issues.

Keyana aims for clients to have a safe and respectful environment where they can express their day-to-day challenges such as anxiety, depression, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, and life transitions. She believes in helping clients find their true selves by gaining awareness of their situations, emotions, strengths, and limitations while she provides guidance and support in the therapeutic journey.

Margaret Kajeckas

MSW

Margaret Kajeckas

MSW

Margaret Kajeckas has a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from George Mason University. She has completed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) basic training and Level 1 training in Theraplay, an evidence-based form of parent-child psychotherapy that supports healthy child/caregiver attachment.  Margaret is currently working toward her LCSW in Virginia and is currently under the supervision of Jennifer Hannett, LCSW. 

In her 25-year career, Margaret has always worked to improve the lives of children and families. She began by working for the US Congress on education and child nutrition policy. She then lived in Africa for 13 years working on education and child health projects. Now she uses her skills as a psychotherapist to help children, adolescents and their caregivers live happier, less anxious, and more fulfilling lives. As a social work student, Margaret interned at the Phillips School in Annandale counseling children and adolescents dealing with PTSD, anxiety, poor impulse control, attachment issues and low self-esteem using play and sand therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, talk therapy, mindfulness and art making.

Margaret has a special interest in adoption, is an adoptive mother, and serves on the board of Formed Families Forward, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster, kinship and adoptive families of children and youth with disabilities and other special needs in the Northern Virginia area. She is delighted for the opportunity to work at the Gil Institute to continue learning and serving families. Margaret believes that healthy connections are life-giving and healing, and that change is always possible.

Megan Reilly

Megan Reilly


Megan Reilly has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently working towards licensure in Virginia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is being supervised by Jennifer Hannett, LCSW, RPT as she completes her residency.

Megan spent her graduate internship at the Gil Institute and at YearUp, a non-profit that helps college-aged students across the opportunity divide receive an education. She has specialized training in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, as well as Theraplay (she is a level 1 practitioner). She is especially focused on fostering healthy attachments between caregivers and children. She also works with adolescents who are experiencing anxiety as well as children who have experienced loss and are coping with grief.

Sam Fastow

Sam Fastow

Sam Fastow earned his Bachelor of arts in Applied Communications with a concentration in Adult & Organizational Development from Temple University. Currently, as a Graduate Level Intern at GITRE, he is pursuing his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount University and is under the supervision of Dr. Eliana Gil, LMFT, RPT-S TM, ATR

Sam has a wealth of expertise from various roles including mental health advocacy and raising awareness about issues pertaining to childhood traumas. Specializing in supporting children, adolescents, and their families, Sam has delivered direct support services in diverse settings in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including partial hospitalization, inpatient care, and community mobile crisis support programs. In addition to experience in multiple clinical settings, Sam has a background collaborating with mental health professionals, community members and law enforcement agencies to spread awareness to combat child sexual exploitation.

Sam is committed to cultivating a positive and safe therapeutic environment and utilizes a person-centered approach to support youth clients and their families on their healing journeys. He also prioritizes the unique challenges within family systems, collaborating closely with clients and their families to identify specific needs, creating tailored plans to strengthen relationships, overcome obstacles, and embark on a path toward self-discovery and personal growth.

Sandy Miyamoto

MSW

Sandy Miyamoto

MSW

As a Resident Supervisee in Social Work, Sandy Miyamoto feels tremendously grateful to be a part of the GITRE team. Under the supervision of Jennifer Hannet, Sandy provides counseling services for individuals, couples and families. Sandy studied clinical social work at Simmons College in Boston. She has her Masters in Social Work, and has been approved by the Virginia Board of Social Work to practice clinical social work and pursue her LCSW licensure with Jennifer Hannet as her Board approved Clinical Supervisor.

Sandy is empathetic in her person-centered and strengths-based approach and anchors her therapeutic work with all individuals, couples, and families in evidence-based approaches that are rooted in multi-theoretical frameworks. Her integrative clinical lens and practice is informed by evidence-based approaches including: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Sandy has also received specialized training in Extended Play Based Development Assessment and Sand Therapy with Dr. Eliana Gil. She is also passionate about integrating the creative arts including music and art as an expressive and therapeutic pathway towards healing and empowerment.

Sandy’s experiences include providing mental health support for individuals grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces, as a Grief and Loss Care Group counselor for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). As a previous adoption social worker, Sandy interviewed and helped prepare families for adoption and conducted post-adoption family interviews and child assessments to determine that their relational, psychosocial, nutritional, medical and educational needs were being met.

Sandy has worked as a recreation leader for Fairfax County’s Therapeutic Recreation Services for children, where her work included providing specialized instruction in art and sensory based therapeutic activities to children with varying intellectual and physical special needs and abilities. Sandy has practiced as an outpatient mental health clinician and mental health coordinator in community social service agencies where she provided individual counseling services for individuals of diverse race, ability, age, gender, spiritual and cultural identities. She has also facilitated daily therapeutic and psychoeducation groups for a partial hospitalization program in Fairfax County for individuals stepping down from inpatient psychiatric care as they re-enter their family and community environments. Her experience also includes providing mental health support in residential program settings for adult men recovering from substance use disorders and also for single young mothers and their children experiencing homelessness. Sandy is bilingual and has working proficiency in Korean as a second language.

Sandy is committed to lifelong learning, serving and teaching and recognizes the central importance of human relationships as a powerful vehicle for change. As a doctorate student, she is currently focusing on community care and counseling education with a specialization in traumatology. She is examining various systemic influences that contribute to the incidence of traumatic experiences and is passionate about reducing the stigmas that prevent individuals from freely accessing the mental health care and support that they need.

Teryn Gilmore

MA, Ed.D Candidate

Teryn Gilmore

MA, Ed.D Candidate

Teryn Gilmore is a doctoral candidate at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, having completed her studies in Educational Psychology in Washington, D.C. Ms. Gilmore earned a master's in counseling and bachelor's in communications from Xavier University of Louisiana. She received her Play Therapy certification from the City University of New York.

Ms. Gilmore has worked as a clinician in community mental health and school settings, practicing trauma-informed therapy for at-risk children from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. She implemented therapeutic programming and sensitivity training in schools throughout East Brooklyn, New York to support learning and emotional deficits for students so they could succeed in traditional classroom environments. She continues to research how schools can respond to the mental health needs of students with evidence-based practices and enriching learning opportunities.

Ms. Gilmore specializes in how to help children with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, acute, chronic and complex trauma and is trained in sand tray therapy, child-centered play therapy, and child-centered approaches to grief and loss. She is currently working towards her LCPC in Maryland and Virginia and she is currently under the supervision of Dr. Eliana Gil.

Sandra Triveri

LPC

Sandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Belgranoand completed coursework towards a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Flores, both in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has taught Family Systems and Family Therapy courses asfaculty within the University of Buenos Aires and the University of Flores.

- Intake Coordinator -

Malvolia Gregory

LPSC, MFT

Malvolia Gregory

LPSC, MFT

I am a retired Virginia State Licensed Professional School Counselor who has worked in the Fairfax County Public School System as well as the D.C. Public School System. I completed my undergraduate work in Education from D.C. Teacher's College in Washington, D.C. and earned my Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. I completed the Post Master’s Program in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech. I am a native of Georgia. I am married and have two adult children.

As a result of my counseling background, I bring a wealth of experience to the Gil Institute. I have worked extensively with at-risk children and adolescents experiencing socio-emotional, academic and relational challenges. I have facilitated parenting workshops and I continue to use psycho-education and parent coaching as integral parts of the treatment plan

I have been able to integrate my knowledge and skills while working in various clinical settings. In addition to providing group, family and individual therapy, I have had the opportunity to further support the Gil Institute by transitioning into the role of Intake Coordinator.

I enjoy learning and working with my gifted, extraordinary colleagues at the Gil Institute. I have the benefit of working with a special group of individuals who have also been inspired by the genius of Dr. Eliana Gil. We share the same vision, the same passion and share the same level of commitment to providing quality clinical services.

Teryn Gilmore

MA, Ed.D Candidate

Teryn Gilmore is a doctoral candidate at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, having completed her studies in Educational Psychology in Washington, D.C. Ms. Gilmore earned a master's in counseling and bachelor's in communications from Xavier University of Louisiana. She received her Play Therapy certification from the City University of New York.

Ms. Gilmore has worked as a clinician in community mental health and school settings, practicing trauma-informed therapy for at-risk children from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. She implemented therapeutic programming and sensitivity training in schools throughout East Brooklyn, New York to support learning and emotional deficits for students so they could succeed in traditional classroom environments. She continues to research how schools can respond to the mental health needs of students with evidence-based practices and enriching learning opportunities.

Ms. Gilmore specializes in how to help children with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, acute, chronic and complex trauma and is trained in sand tray therapy, child-centered play therapy, and child-centered approaches to grief and loss. She is currently working towards her LCPC in Maryland and Virginia and she is currently under the supervision of Dr. Eliana Gil.

Our assessments review several areas of therapy to help determine the best treatment option for you.

Book An Intake

2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 610, Fairfax, VA 22031

Gil Institute

About UsOur TeamServicesTrainingContact Us

Resources

For SchoolsFor Children and TeensFor CaregiversFor Professional Adult Clients

Contact Us

Info@gilinstitute.com+1 (703) 560-2600

© Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved

More FREE! Copy & Paste Components at Digital Bake

Go to Digital Bake
Shrink this box

More FREE! Copy & Paste Components at Digital Bake

Shrink 
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWLETTER
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWLETTER