Maha M. Abdel-Kader, M.D.
Board Certified Psychiatrist
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Dr. Abdel-Kader obtained her medical degree from Cairo University, Egypt in 1994. After relocating to the United States, she completed an externship at George Town University hospitals, followed by four years of residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Abdel-Kader moved back to the Northern Virginia area and has been working in one of the area’s regional hospitals as a staff Psychiatrist. Dr. Abdel- Kader received her Board Certification by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 2003.
With almost 27 years of experience treating the vast majority of Psychiatric disorders, she has developed a special interest in treating Mood, Anxiety and Attention Deficit Disorders. Dr. Abdel-Kader strives to combine the most recent advances in Psychopharmacology with a wholistic approach which helps restore balance and wellness by the principles of mind-body medicine.
Psychiatrists
Zaigham Ansari, M.D.
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Dr. Ansari is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in practice since 1999. He graduated from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. Dr. Ansari sees children ages four and older with various diagnoses including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Developmental Delay, Behavioral and School Issues, etc. Dr Ansari also served as an AD Psychiatrist in the USAF and has knowledge in dealing with issues related to AD troops and their families. He speaks English and Urdu (Pakistani).
Edward Janke, M.D.
An Ohio native, Dr. Janke followed a winding path to Potomac Psychological Center.
After graduating from Kenyon College with a double major in English and Chemistry, he completed his medical training at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. He then traveled to North Carolina, for a psychiatry residency in Chapel Hill and a fellowship at Duke University.
He served in the US Air Force at Wilford Hall in San Antonio, first leading their consult service then directing the psychiatry residency program.
After separating from the Air Force, he joined the faculty of The Ohio State University, again leading their consult service and directing the residency program.
With 9/11, he felt called back to federal service and joined the team at Walter Reed, working with combat-injured soldiers, sailors and Marines. He retired from federal service in March 2022 and moved to Leesburg where he soon joined Potomac Psychological Center.
He received numerous teaching and service awards, including Teacher of the Year, Overall Faculty of the Year, The Meritorious Service Medal, Commander’s Award for Civilian Service and Outstanding Award for Civilian Service.
Hemalatha Mukhara, M.D.
Board Certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
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Dr. Hemalatha Mukhara, M.D. is a board certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist who received her medical degree from Madurai Kamaraj University in India. She completed her medical training at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) where she completed a three year residency in General Psychiatry and a two year fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. While at UTMB, Dr. Mukhara held the coveted position of Chief Resident of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program. After graduation she joined Devereux Texas Treatment Network as Medical Director of a long term residential unit and as a consultant for Harris County Juvenile Probation Department.
Dr. Mukhara is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Mukhara joined Potomac Psychological Center in February of 2009 and also does outpatient work at Prince William Hospital.
Therapists
Samantha Aviles, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
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Dr. Samantha Aviles is a Clinical Psychologist in Virginia. Dr. Aviles received her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from George Mason University in 2008 and her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2018. Dr. Aviles completed her predoctoral training at the Haymount Institute where she provided psychological testing to a wide population. In addition, she completed a one year post-doctoral residency at Prince William Family Counseling, where she provided psychological testing and outpatient treatment for children, adolescents, families, and adults presenting with a range of clinical issues. Dr. Aviles specializes in the psychological evaluation of children, adolescents, and adults with proficiency in the assessment of learning, neuropsychological, and social-emotional functioning. Dr. Aviles is also certified in the assessment of autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Aviles works with children, adolescents, and adults, specializing in behavioral problems, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. She uses an integrative approach with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Ruth Brown, M.A., LPC
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Ruth comes to Potomac Psychological with over 25 years of experience in treating adolescents, adults, and families. She specializes in substance abuse, EMDR for trauma, cognitive behavioral therapy, and anger management. Ruth is a Certified EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) therapist. This is a therapy for trauma, both small and large traumas. She is well versed in general mental health issues, including mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. Ruth formerly worked at Loudoun County Mental Health and North Springs Behavioral Health, both in Leesburg, VA. Ruth has her Master’s in Counseling from Marymount University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2001. Ruth says about her work, “I have such passion for what I do because I know that everyone gets better. Who they are when they come in will be different by the end of their therapy. As with all things, therapy takes motivation and commitment. If you have those 2 things, regardless of your diagnosis or your life circumstances, you will be a good candidate for therapy.”
In addition to her work, Ruth has 4 grown children. At home now, are Ruth and her 2 greyhound dogs, Grady and Dee Dee.
Fiona Brown, M.A., LPC
Fiona is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with children and adolescents with substance use, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues and trauma. Fiona received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from James Madison University and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Virginia.
For the past 10 years Fiona has worked primarily with children and adolescents providing individual, family and group therapy. She uses a strength-based, solution-focused cognitive behavioral approach to helping clients find motivation for change and instill hope in the change process.
Matthew Buban, LCSW
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Matthew Buban is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with children and adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues and trauma. He received a Bachelor of the Arts in Philosophy from St. John’s College, and a Master of Social Work from West Virginia University. For the last twelve years, Matthew has worked in a psychiatric inpatient setting focusing on assisting clients and their families by utilizing strength-based, solution-focused CBT and DBT therapeutic interventions.
Matthew is dedicated to providing clinical services that are client-centered and focus on empowering individuals to make necessary changes in their lives.
Jennifer Evans
LPC
Jennifer Evans comes to Potomac Psychological Center from Loudoun County Mental Health where she specialized in treating substance abuse disorders in adolescents and adults. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from James Madison University and her Master’s of Education in Counseling from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Jennifer is a Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with adolescents and adults in inpatient, outpatient, residential and community mental health settings.
Jennifer offers individual, family, and couples therapy and utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach in working with mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse related issues, and behavioral concerns.
Nick Gentile, M.A., LPC
Director of Clinical Services
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Nick Gentile, M.A., LPC received a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts from Appalachian State. He gained valuable clinical experience working in a psychiatric hospital setting with adolescents. He currently sees children, adolescents, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress management and behavior problems. He also sees families addressing a multitude of systems within the therapeutic context.
Nick practices with a cognitive behavioral approach and is client-centered in setting treatment goals.
Anna Goist, LPC
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Anna Goist is a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Virginia, specializing in working with children, adolescents & adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, with an extensive focus in family therapy. Anna has over fifteen years of experience working in a variety of settings including outpatient, school, home, residential placement and acute hospital settings. As an undergraduate, she double majored with Psychology and Art, receiving a B.F.A from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2005 and a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from The George Washington University in 2013. Anna utilizes a combination of cognitive behavioral and strength-based approaches as well as being versed in expressive/non-verbal therapies. She is currently pursuing her board certification in Art Therapy.
Dawn Russ Gingras, M.A., LPC
Dawn Russ Gingras has over 15 years experience helping people with mental health and substance abuse problems through inpatient, outpatient and drug court experiences. She works with a diverse population of individuals and couples over the age of 18 using an integrated approach developed with each individual client’s needs and strengths in mind utilizing cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing/enhancement, EMDR, and solution focused therapy models.
Dawn is committed to supporting the person in their personal healing journey is open to all faith perspectives as well as the 12-steps and rational recovery models. Her special interests include mood disorders, co-occurring disorders, trauma resolution, women’s issues, stress management and transitional issues. Dawn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certified by the Virginia Board of Counseling and has been with Potomac Psychological Center since 2009. Dawn earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida.
Sherry Hoover, M.A
LPC
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Sherry Hoover received both of her Master's of Arts degrees from Marymount University in Counseling Psychology and Forensic Psychology. Over the years she has held many posts in various therapeutic settings ranging from inpatient, outpatient, residential and community mental health. She gained experience at a dual diagnosis practice in San Diego and volunteered with military families from Camp Pendleton.
Sherry utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach in working with mood disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and behavioral issues with individuals of various ages, couples and families. She is also an American Red Cross Mental Health Disaster Relief Worker who has worked with victims at the Pentagon after 9/11 and of hurricane Katrina.
Stacey Lefing, PsyD
Dr. Stacey Lefing is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Illinois and is credentialed with the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. She completed post-doctoral training at a group practice in Indiana, where she worked for five years and provided psychological evaluations, neuropsychological evaluations, and individual therapy, before moving to Virginia. She specializes in the psychological evaluations of children, adolescents, and adults, including evaluation of academic, cognitive/intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning, personality testing, and pre-surgical evaluations for spinal cord stimulators. She also provides individual therapy with adults who experience anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief/loss, self-esteem issues, and other challenges, incorporating psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Kristin Mischou, LMFT
Kristin Mischou is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, licensed by the Virginia Board of Counseling and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She started her professional career in in Los Angeles, CA and has worked there in the mental health field for 15 years, primarily in residential, community-based and juvenile detention center settings providing individual and family therapy with adolescents. She was a clinical supervisor for 5 years just prior to relocating back to Virginia and joining Potomac Psychological Center. Kristin utilizes a humanistic approach grounded in existential therapy, motivational interviewing and narrative therapeutic techniques. She works as a collaborator with the client using their unique qualities to help them identify their stressors, increase self-understanding and change any self-destructive thoughts, behaviors, patterns to help them find personal fulfilment.
Kristin works with adolescents and adults dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral/oppositional issues, transitional issues, anger management, trauma-related issues.
Maddy Munday, LCSW
Maddy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults with Autism, mood disorders, anxiety, behavioral issues, and trauma. Maddy has experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Maddy received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Bachelor of Social Work from James Madison University and her Master of Social Work from George Mason University. For the past six years, Maddy has worked in a psychiatric residential setting providing individual, family, and group therapy for children and adolescents and their families.
Maddy provides trauma-informed CBT interventions and utilizes a collaborative approach to counseling in an effort to foster positivity, healing, and change. Maddy meets clients where they are in their therapeutic process while using strength-based approaches and integrating various treatment modalities to best meet the needs and goals of her clients.
McKenna O'Shea, Psy.D.
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Dr. McKenna O’Shea is a Clinical Psychologist in Virginia. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology, with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience, from Fairfield University in 2016 and completed her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University in 2022. During graduate school, Dr. O’Shea worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds in different mental health settings such as community mental health centers, inpatient hospitals, and VA hospitals. Dr. O’Shea completed her predoctoral training at the White River Junction VA Medical Center where she worked with Veterans with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. In addition, she completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Washington DC VA Medical Center with the Trauma Services Program, where she specialized in providing different cognitive behavioral techniques to treat PTSD including, CPT, Prolonged Exposure therapy, DBT, and ACT. Dr. O’Shea works with adults and specializes in the treatment of PTSD/complex trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and life transitions. She uses an integrative approach with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients reach their therapy goals.
Sonya Ruparelia, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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Dr. Sonya Ruparelia received her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University in 1998 and her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology in 2004. Dr. Ruparelia completed her predoctoral training at a residential treatment center for severely emotionally disturbed youth in New York. In addition, she completed a one year post-doctoral residency at the Fairfax County Mental Health Services, where she provided psychological testing and outpatient treatment for children, adolescents, families, and adults presenting with a range of clinical issues.
Dr. Ruparelia works with children, adolescents, and adults, specializing in the treatment of mood disorders (e.g., depression), anxiety disorders, and behavioral problems (e.g., ADHD and Conduct Disorder). She has a particular interest in working with individuals with a history of trauma and loss. Dr. Ruparelia provides cognitive and social/emotional evaluations, individual, play, and family therapy, parent guidance, and anger management.
Ruth Stephen, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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Dr. Ruth Stephen is a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia. She completed her masters and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. She has worked in various settings including outpatient, inpatient and forensic treatment. Her clinical work has ranged from individual, marriage, family and group therapy, psychoeducational groups as well as cognitive and social/emotional evaluations with children, adolescents and adults. Her clinical interests include working with adolescents and adults on management of mood and anxiety, behavioral modification and personality disorders. Interpersonal theory and cognitive-behavioral approach are incorporated into her treatment style.
Stacey Stickley. M.A., LPC
Director of Operations
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Stacey Stickley, M.A., LPC, began private practice with Sterling Behavioral Health Services in 2001. She moved to the Potomac Psychological Center in 2006 and has been here ever since. She received her Bachelor of Arts from The College of William and Mary in Virginia and her Master of Arts in clinical psychology from Loyola College in Maryland. Ms. Stickley offers individual, family, and couples therapy employing a cognitive-behavioral approach to address anxiety and mood disorders and behavioral issues. Prior to transitioning to private practice, she gained valuable clinical experience in residential settings. She started her professional career in a residential substance abuse (dual diagnosis) treatment center for adolescents outside of Winchester, VA. She also worked in an adult acute psychiatric hospital unit and a long-term adolescent residential hospital in Loudoun County addressing combined mental health and behavioral problems.
Her vast experience with chronic and severe mental health issues helps her connect within the therapeutic relationship with clients, ages 6-60, who span diverse socio- and economic backgrounds.
Angela Walloga, LCSW
Angela Walloga is an LCSW who received her Master's in Clinical Social Work in 2012 at the University of Central Florida. Throughout her career she has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings both inpatient and outpatient supporting people who were struggling with depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress. As her career evolved she began to focus on learning more about how we emotionally grow throughout childhood and what impact early relationships have on our adult relationships. With a depth of training and experience working with complex trauma she brings deep understanding to the therapy session. She helps clients to understand themselves holistically mind, body, and spirit. This brings deep healing & growth to those who work with her.
Resident in Counseling
Emily Gold, M.A.
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Emily Gold is a resident under the supervision of Stacey Stickley, MA, LPC. She has her Resident License in Counseling and has her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Social Work. Emily believes that everyone deserves to feel empowered, seen, and at peace. Through an authentic and empathic therapeutic relationship, her objective is to help each client find the tools they need to be successful, cope with life’s challenges, and accomplish personal goals. Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, body image, self-confidence, self-harm, or life transitions, she believes that everyone has the personal strength and ability to create healthy patterns, resilience, and become the most well and thriving version of themself. Emily utilizes a holistic therapeutic approach, including person-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Counseling should be collaborative, confidential, and in a comfortable and accepting environment. Clients guide the process, finding how they can best reach their full potential.
Student Interns
Dania Abutaah graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2021. She is currently in her third and final year of graduate school studying clinical mental health counseling in order to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor. She has been in the field for about five years. She has experience working with many different age groups with different diagnoses. Dania has a particular interest in treating anxiety, depression and some types of trauma.
Cindy R. Wallace, MDiv, DMin, MA student
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Cindy Wallace is a student starting her practicum and internship under the supervision of Stacey Stickley, MA, LPC. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from William Carey College in 1994, a Master of Divinity degree from Truett Seminary at Baylor University in 2004, and her Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2013. She is completing a Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Military and Veteran Counseling from The College of William & Mary. Cindy has 20 years of experience in healthcare working in hospice and inpatient and outpatient mental health. She holds specialty certifications in Critical Incident Stress Management, Suicide Prevention, and Thanatology, the study of death, dying, and bereavement. She has worked at the Washington DC VA Medical Center since 2019 serving veterans, families, and staff. Cindy has experience working with military service members, veterans, and civilians with moral injury, military and childhood trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and thoughts of self-harm. She has a trauma-focused, holistic approach that is person-centered focusing on empathy, authenticity, active listening and reflection. She incorporates mindfulness based practices to emphasize the mind, body, soul connection.
Dania Abutaah