Our Therapists

Elizabeth Galasso

Elizabeth uses a mindful, strengths-based, family systems based approach to support adolescents, adults, families and groups. She specializes in substance use and the intersection of mental health and addictions. She implements EMDR to support her clients as well. Liz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC, as well, is licensed to practice in Virginia and Delaware. Liz is the supervisor of the clinical program and is at the Supervisory rate. She has been practicing as a clinical social worker for over 15 years.

Katie Zale

Katie utilizes a blend of modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness to address anxiety, depression, disordered eating and life adjustments. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina, Virginia and Washington D.C. Katie is at the Independent level.

Dawn Parker

Dawn uses a person-centered, mindfulness approach to support adolescents, adults, and couples. She practices through a multicultural lens and works to achieve equity in mental healthcare through diversity, inclusion and advocacy, and supplements her practice with Brainspotting. Dawn is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia (#0704014660), and a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in DC. Dawn is at the Graduate level.

Aurena Green

Aurena uses mindfulness, person-centered, and yogic approaches to treat different forms of trauma in her clients. She’s trained in brain and body based modalities, including Brainspotting and EMDR, that create a safe environment for her clients to heal and explore. Aurena is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia (#0704014477), and a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in DC. Aurena is at the Graduate level.

Sheryl Walden

Sheryl uses a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, as well as Brainspotting, to address issues of attachment and relationships, grief and loss, anxiety and depression. Sheryl has experience working with adults, families, couples, young adults, and children. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC, as well as a LCSW-C in MD, and LCSW in CA. Sheryl is at the supervisory rate, and has been practicing as a clinical social worker for over 8 years.

Rebeca Carvajal

Rebeca implements a trauma-informed, mindfulness, Brainspotting and art-based approaches to treating different forms of trauma, in adolescents and adults. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington D.C and a National Board Certified Art Therapist. Rebeca is at the Independent level.

Teayra Turner

Teayra uses her engaged person-centered approach, as well as Brainspotting, EMDR and Mindfulness, to help adolescents and adults experiencing a variety of trauma and emotional distress. Teayra has experience working with addiction, depression, anxiety, race-based trauma, women’s issues, as well as grief and loss. Teayra is a Licensed Professional Counselor in DC, as well as a National Certified Counselor. Teayra is at the Independent level.

Hannah Braune Friedman

Hannah is an experienced trauma-informed therapist with over a decade of diverse experiences in the US and Israel. Her work experience includes, a domestic violence shelter, a rape crisis center, a mental health clinic, schools, and private settings. As such, she cherishes the opportunity to help her clients reduce anxiety, depression and many other normal symptoms coming out of trauma with implementation of mindfulness, EMDR, and Brainspotting. Hannah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC, as well as a LCSW-C in MD and LCSW in CT. Hannah is at the Experienced Independent level.

Alina McClerklin

Community Engagement Specialist
Alina offers both individual and couples therapy, and sex therapy. Her expertise covers relationships, sexuality, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma. Alina is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC. Alina is at the Independent level.

Megan Munzert

Megan uses mindfulness and experiential techniques along with Brainspotting. She specializes in PTSD, depression, relationship issues, and anxiety. Megan is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC. Megan is at the Independent level.

Stacey Thompson

Stacey utilizes techniques from body-oriented psychotherapies, mindfulness and brain-based therapies. She specializes in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, major life transitions, and those working to recover from traumatic experiences. Stacey is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC. Stacey is at the Independent level.

Regina Tosca

Community Engagement Specialist
Regina uses techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and much more, to treat issues such as grief, anxiety, and trauma. She has extensive experience working with chronic and terminal illness in a hospital setting. Regina is passionate about working with companion animal bereavement. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC. Regina is at the Independent level.

Dr. Julie Lopez

Founder/Strategist
Julie is the founder of the Viva Center and the creator of the Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice course. She offers short-term, intensive treatment for interested clients, which incorporates brain and body-based approaches like EMDR. Julie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) of DC. Julie is at the Expert level.