Connection begins when we feel seen, understood and validated.”
Specialties/Populations
Sheryl works with children, couples, adolescents, adults and families, and specializes in providing trauma-informed therapy to those experiencing the challenges of foster and adoptive care, life transitions and relationships, grief, stress and anxiety.
Sheryl has experience supporting individuals and groups toward work-place wellness, and works with clients of diverse cultural, religious and sexual identities.
Sheryl can support clients located in DC, MD, and CA.
Trainings/Modalities/Certifications
Sheryl focuses on a collaborative, person-centered approach. She believes that therapy is a partnership and enjoys walking with people on their path to self-exploration.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Certified, Levels 1 and 2
- Strength-Based Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- CBT & Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trust-Based Relational Intervention
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Brainspotting
Clinical Experience
Sheryl’s previous experience includes work with foster and adoptive families, in-home work with parents and young adults, individuals and groups within a psychiatric hospital and community based agencies.
Other Skills and Experiences
Sheryl has completed the Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies from The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute, in Boston, MA, as well as Domestic Violence Training from the Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment, in Washington D.C.
Sheryl is also a Certified Mediator, trained at the County of Riverside Community Action Partnership Dispute Resolution Center.
Education
Sheryl earned a Master of Social Work from Boston University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in DC, MD and CA.

To learn more about working with this clinician, please email marygrace@vivapartnership.com for more information.
First Meeting Documents
In preparation for the first visit, you will be asked to fill out the following forms:
Informed Consent
Each of our Clinical Associates is a licensed practitioner. As required by licensure, treatment under a licensed practitioner is confidential. This form explains limitations to that confidentiality required by licensure. It also outlines the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship and co-responsibility for treatment outcomes.
Financial Agreement
This form outlines The Viva Center’s financial policies. Here at Viva, we offer special accommodations to assist with cash flow and to simplify payments. As a professional courtesy, clients opting to pay with a credit card are not billed until the end of the month, although fees are technically due at the time of service. This allows time for insurance to send reimbursement closer to the time of payment.
Client Questionnaire
This form serves 2 purposes: It helps to capture the baseline experience when beginning treatment, allowing for an opportunity to take stock of current status. It also helps the clinician gather important background information without taking extra time in the first session. The first page of this form is required, and the others are supplemental. It is fine to exercise the decision to leave out any areas of the form. Please keep in mind any areas elected not to be disclosed at this time may be relevant to treatment outcomes.
Credit Card Authorization Form
This form is only required if electing to use a credit card to pay for services. Conveniently, this form only needs to be filled out once and is stored securely. Payment with cash or checks is also accepted.