Our Team

Our experienced and highly skilled team is ready to support you and your family in becoming the best version of yourselves. We listen without judgment, helping you unlock your healing potential, and offering compassionate care through evidence-based practices. We believe every person’s story is unique, and we’re committed to providing personalized care with empathy and respect.

Our team, many of whom are military spouses or veterans themselves, is passionately committed to serving those who serve our country. We are a credentialed Tricare provider and will ensure you receive the top-tier service you deserve.

We serve people from all cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. For Christian clients, please ask about faith-based therapy or coaching which can intentionally integrate your Christian beliefs and practices.

We look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.

Stacey Tasler Crosson

LMFT 

 

Practicing Since: 1998

Stacey has over 30 years’ experience in the people-helping business. As a spouse of a retired U.S. military member, she offers a shared perspective of the demands of military life. Stacey provides a developed Christian lens on matters of the heart and mind. Stacey works with a broad spectrum of clients, applying an integrative approach to counseling which considers the needs, strengths, and personalities of the people she works with. She finds great satisfaction in working with any individual, couple or family who desire to bring growth and change to their lives and relationships.  Stacey holds a Bachelor’s degree from Concordia University-St. Paul and a Master’s of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University, Florida. She is EMDR certified and has extensive experience in Gottman Couples Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy. Stacey is licensed in Virginia, Colorado, and Nebraska.

Issues Served: Abuse/Neglect, Anger Management, Anxiety/Panic, Behavioral Issues, Blended Family, Career Counseling, Chronic Illness/Pain, Codependency, Depression, Divorce, Geriatric, Grief/Bereavement, Infertility, Infidelity, Loss/Abandonment, Marital/Premarital, Miscarriages, PTSD, Self-esteem/self-worth, Self-harm, Sex therapy, Sexual Abuse, Sleep/Insomnia, Trauma, Retirement Transition, and Workplace Issues

Stacey sees clients ages 12 through adult (she will see children upon request) and offers in person and virtual counseling. Stacey is licensed in Virginia #0717001506.

 

LeeAnn Gumulasukas LPC

Practicing Since: 2010

LeeAnn creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their concerns. She holds hope for clients when they struggle to find it themselves, celebrating victories and overcoming barriers together. LeeAnn feels privileged to be part of the healing journey, witnessing growth, healing, and freedom in ways clients never thought possible. Something amazing happens when someone is willing to look at a challenging or painful place in their life and allow change to take place.  LeeAnn is a strengths-based, trauma-informed clinician and primarily uses elements of Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing as therapeutic approaches. LeeAnn received he Master’s degree from University of Wisconsin, Stout. LeeAnn is licensed in Virginia and Georgia.

Issues Served: Abuse/Neglect, ADD/ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety/Panic, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Grief/Bereavement, Infidelity, Loss/Abandonment, Process Addictions (i.e. food, gambling, other), PTSD, Self Esteem, Self-Harm, Sleep Disorders, Substance Dependence (i.e. drug/alcohol), Suicidal Ideation, Trauma, Workplace Issues

LeeAnn sees clients ages 18 and up and offers virtual counseling. LeeAnn is licensed in Virginia #0701008515.

Sarah Nies

LPC, ATR-BC

Practicing Since: 2016

Sarah creates a caring and supportive environment, championing clients in self-discovery and healing. After earning a Master’s in Art Education and a Master’s in Art Therapy at , Sarah continued expanding her knowledge and techniques, incorporating art into therapy. She is a Board-Certified Art Therapist and co-directed a Trauma Informed Art therapy clinic. Sarah is EMDR certified. She is a world traveler, explorer, life-long learner, and lover of books. 

Issues Served: Abortion, Abuse/Neglect, Adoption/Foster Care, Anxiety/Panic, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Codependency, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Bereavement, Infertility, Infidelity, Intellectual Disabilities, Abandonment, Miscarriages, OCD, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, PTSD, Self Esteem, Self-Harm, Abuse, Trauma, Workplace Issues

Sarah sees clients ages 12 through adult and offers in person and virtual counseling. Sarah is licensed in Virginia #0701010507. 

 

Carrie Bravinder

LPC

Practicing Since: 1998

Carrie believes a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to the counseling process. She wants her clients to feel safe, understood, and accepted as she works with them to achieve their goals. As a military spouse, Carrie understands firsthand the unique challenges military families face. She enjoys working with couples on relationship issues, women struggling with depression and anxiety, and individuals dealing with chronic illness.  After completing her master’s degree at Cincinnati Christian University, Carrie obtained additional training in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Carrie is married to an Air Force Chaplain and has two sons. She enjoys spending time with family as well as reading, cooking, and yoga. Carrie is licensed in Virginia, Colorado, Florida, and Texas.

Issues Served: Abortion, Anxiety/Panic, Bipolar Disorder, Blended Family, Career Counseling, Chronic Illness/Pain, Codependency, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief/Bereavement, Infertility, Infidelity, Loss/Abandonment, Marital/Premarital, Miscarriages, OCD, Oncology, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, PTSD, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sleep Disorders, Trauma, Workplace Issues

Carrie sees clients ages 12 through adult and offers virtual counseling only. Carrie is licensed in Virginia #0701011497.

 

Melissa Hoffman

LPC

 

Practicing Since: 2007

Melissa builds strong therapeutic relationships based on empathy, respect, and support, helping clients set and achieve their goals. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and strength-based approaches to guide clients. With 12 years of experience, Melissa is a licensed counselor in Virginia and Colorado. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Family Studies from Concordia University-St. Paul and a Master’s in Community Counseling-Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Northern Colorado. Melissa has worked in various settings, including community mental health, private practice, and teletherapy, with a focus on empowering women through depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship issues. As a military spouse, she understands the challenges of frequent life changes and enjoys helping others navigate them. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Melissa is licensed in Virginia, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Issues Served: Anger Management, Anxiety/Panic, Career Counseling, Codependency, Depression, Divorce, Grief/Bereavement, Infidelity, Loss/Abandonment, Self Esteem, Workplace Issues

Melissa sees clients ages 18 and up and offers virtual counseling only. Melissa is licensed in Virginia #0701008656.

Claudia McDowell

LCSW

Practicing Since: 1998

Claudia has over 20 years of experience working with children and families, using a strength-based approach and incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed practices. She has advanced training in trauma, executive functioning, grief counseling, and anxiety, and is bilingual in Spanish. Claudia holds a BSW from James Madison University and an MSW from the University of Georgia. She spent 13 years in foster care and adoption before working as a school-based mental health clinician for the past 12 years. Claudia has been married for over 20 years and enjoys camping, being outdoors, and exploring national parks.

Issues Served: ADD/ADHD, Adoption/Foster Care, Anxiety/Panic, Behavioral Issues, Blended Family, Depression, Loss/Abandonment, Self Esteem, Workplace Issues

Claudia sees client ages 6 through adult and offers in person and virtual counseling. Claudia is licensed in Virginia #0904005916.

Chelsea Jefferson

LCSW

Practicing Since: 2016

Chelsea has experience with a variety of populations, situations, and backgrounds. The foundation of her experience was accumulated in a residential setting for children and adolescents. Chelsea’s specialty lies in treating trauma and adverse childhood experiences. She received her Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. Chelsea is married and has 3 children.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time traveling with her family.  She also enjoys reading, crocheting, playing video games, gardening, spending time outdoors, and playing with her menagerie of animals.

Issues Served: Abortion, Abuse/Neglect, Adoption/Foster Care, Anger Management, Anxiety/Panic, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Blended Family, Career Counseling, Codependency, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Grief/Bereavement, Infertility, Infidelity, Loss/Abandonment, Miscarriages, OCD, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Process Addictions (i.e. food, gambling, other), PTSD, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Workplace Issues

Chelsea sees client ages 5 through Adult and offers in person and virtual counseling. Chelsea is licensed in the state of Virginia #0904014493.

Jennifer Schalow

LPC

Practicing Since: 2010
Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in trauma-informed care and mental health. As the spouse of a U.S. Army Special Forces Chaplain and a First Responder team member herself, she brings a personal and professional understanding of the pressures faced by military families and first responder professions. Jennifer provides a clinically advanced and spiritually attuned approach to care, integrating neuropsychology, trauma recovery, and Christian faith for clients who desire a holistic path to healing.
Jennifer works with individuals across diverse backgrounds, including service members, first responders, survivors of religious and cultural trauma, and those navigating the long-term effects of childhood adversity. Her approach combines neuroscience-informed therapy with deep compassion and cultural sensitivity, helping clients reclaim their identity, restore emotional balance, and experience lasting transformation.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and doctoral-level training in both psychology and theology. She is a certified trauma specialist and has extensive experience in resilience-building, attachment theory, moral injury, and spiritually integrated therapy. She is licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Virginia and serves clients in virtual settings.
Issues Served: Trauma, PTSD, Religious and Spiritual Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Identity and Purpose, Moral Injury, Marital/Premarital Counseling, Codependency, Childhood Abuse and Neglect, Military Family Stress, Infidelity Recovery, Self-esteem, Emotional Regulation, Grief/Loss, Leadership Fatigue, Cultural and Faith Deconstruction, and Burnout Recovery

Jennifer sees clients ages 16 and up and offers virtual. Jennifer is licensed in Tennessee #7418, Virginia# 070101284, and Arkansas# A1510131.

Susan McAlister

LPC

Susan’s counseling environment fosters a warm, compassionate, and honest atmosphere. She diligently strives to comprehend the unique needs of her clients and collaborates with them to identify their distinctive strength-based solutions. Susan’s primary objective is to assist clients in achieving their goals and fostering their overall well-being. Susan employs an eclectic approach that caters to the diverse needs of her clients. She holds strong belief in the power of psychoeducation as a potent tool for both self-understanding and transformative change.
Recognizing that individuals are multifaceted beings encompassing physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects, Susan aspires to help clients recognize that an imbalance in any of these dimensions can adversely affect their overall well-being. Furthermore, she acknowledges that certain challenges may lie beyond an individual’s control and endeavors to assist them in adapting in ways that promote their growth and enable them to progress in peace and confidence.
Susan earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is a certified life coach and she has a certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) from the University of North Texas. She holds critical incident stress management certifications in assisting individuals in crisis, facilitating group crisis intervention, addressing grief following trauma, comprehending suicide, and managing school crises. Additionally, she has been certified as a Chaplain for the Rapid Response Team with BGEA.
Susan is married with four grown children and has shared her passion for working in youth ministries with her husband. Susan and her husband moved to the Shenandoah Valley and are enjoying connecting with their new church family. Susan also enjoys coffee dates with friends, gardening, walking, reading, and going on adventures with her husband. 
Susan is licensed in the state of Virginia # 0701015365. Currently, she is providing exclusively virtual counseling services.

Randall Rhodes

 

LPC

Practicing Since: 2017

Randall believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for helping clients address mental health concerns and life challenges. Having lived in Virginia for many years, he has developed meaningful relationships with current and former military members and their families, gaining firsthand insight into the unique stresses of military service. His background in family therapy further supports his work with military families navigating the strains of deployment and transition.
Randall’s professional experience includes working in hospital settings, where he deepened his understanding of grief, loss, and resilience. He also brings experience from the corporate world, which enhances his ability to work with clients facing workplace and vocational challenges and equips him to relate to individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Randall holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Regent University, as well as a degree in Theology. He is trained in EMDR therapy and integrates both clinical expertise and thoughtful awareness of faith and spirituality when desired by clients.
Issues Served: Anger Management, Anxiety/Panic, Trauma, Depression, Relationship Issues, Workplace and Vocational Issues, Grief & Loss, Religious and Spiritual Issues, Faith Deconstruction, Family Counseling, Suicidal Ideation.  Randall sees clients aged 16 and older, offers family counseling, and provides virtual sessions. He is licensed in Virginia and Massachusetts.

Silvia Phoebus

 

LPC, CSAC, CEAP

Silvia Phoebus, LPC, CSAC, CEAP, believes that genuine connection and emotional safety are the foundation for meaningful change. Having grown up in a military family and later served as a military spouse, she brings firsthand understanding of the resilience, loss, and adaptability that come with military life.
Silvia has over a decade of experience in trauma-informed care, counseling, and coaching. Her background includes work with individuals and couples navigating conflict, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and major life transitions. She previously provided non-medical counseling and resilience training to military communities, teaching communication, parenting, and stress management skills.
As both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Silvia provides a balanced, skill-focused approach that helps clients regulate emotions, strengthen self-trust, and build lasting recovery. Her therapeutic style is person-centered and collaborative, blending CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based interventions to support emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and long-term well-being.
Silvia holds dual master’s degrees—one in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma and another in Clinical Counseling from Lamar University. She is licensed in Virginia and offers virtual and upcoming in-person counseling in the Chesapeake area.