About Us
Mala K. Tandon, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Tandon is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Mindful One. She has been in practice for over 20 years. She works from a strengths-based perspective, based on empowerment and recognizing inner wisdom. Her area of expertise is in treatment of trauma, specifically sexual abuse trauma. Integrating mindfulness in her clinical work is her passion. Dr. Tandon comes with an eclectic approach to therapy-integrating traditional therapeutic approaches with newest evidence based practices to bring insight and empowerment to clients. Her person-centered approach has a deep impact on various age groups and populations as well as treatment outcomes.
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Dr. Tandon earned her doctorate degree from APA-accredited institution, The American School of Professional Psychology. She is passionate about cultivating mindful self-awareness and empathy in her supervisees and budding clinicians. Dr. Tandon offers Mindfulness groups for professionals and separately for clients. Her Mindful Parenting group has been sought out by far and wide. Her compassion and empowering approach is much appreciated by her clients, colleagues and supervisees equally. Dr. Tandon’s passion for travel and curiosity to learn has inculcated a deep understanding of different cultures, reflecting in her work with clients.
Mavis Y. McHenry
Clinical Psychotherapist
Mavis Y. McHenry has been a counselor for over ten years. Ms. McHenry attended Mansfield University of Pennsylvania where she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology. Subsequently, she earned a certification in Children's Mental Health at the University of Washington. Ms. McHenry has developed expertise in the emotional impact of child abuse and neglect, and has clinical interests in multicultural issues (systemic bias effect on mental health diagnosis), personality disorders, anxiety, phobias, and depression. Ms. McHenry's desire to heal the trauma experience and make a difference in the life of one individual at a time drives her commitment and passion to serve others.
Ms. McHenry believes in diversity and that the ability to learn and experience other cultures creates an environment of inclusion and acceptance. With this primary principal and basic understanding, Ms. McHenry has successfully engaged youth and adults in a meaningful therapeutic experience. Ms. McHenry's therapeutic approach is empowering individuals to discover the solution to life challenges through self introspection, clinical guidance, and self-care.
Craig Gordon, LPC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Craig Gordon is a Licensed Professional Counselor and specializes in evidence-based treatment for trauma and stress-related disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, self-injury, and personality disorders. His training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Existential Therapy. He has intensive training in CBT by Dr. John Ludgate and in Couples Therapy through the Gottman Method. He conducts neuropsychological assessments and diagnostic services for behavioral, cognitive and functional deficits. He has extensive experience helping military service members and their families.
He has Master’s degrees in Educational Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from East Carolina University. He completed his CACREP accredited internship as a school-based mental health therapist through Jewish Family Services International KidSuccess Program where he worked with Refugee and Immigrant Youth in a public school setting dealing with trauma and anxiety issues. He is pursuing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Laurel Osmer Cerrud, LCSW, EDLE
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Laurel Osmer Cerrud's work supporting mental health began in 1997. As a clinical social worker, her focus of practice has been in supporting children and adolescents with challenges in their development or environment. Work on trauma such as sexual abuse and physical abuse have been a focus. This work has involved therapeutic assessments and play therapy interventions. Beyond this, supporting young people with the challenges of Depression and Anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral approaches has also been a focus.
Beyond the walls of a clinic, she has also supported growth and development within the school setting. In this environment, she has been able to provide support to children ages 2 to 18 in a variety of ways. She offered tangible support to families in need. In moving into a Substance Abuse Counseling role, work involved individual and small group psycho-educational meetings and assessments. She has been able to support students learning about the effects of substance on themselves, their families, and community. More recently, as an Assistant Principal, she has been able to support student’s development and growth in both the elementary and middle school levels. Her work has involved training staff on best practices for Responsive Classroom, Restorative Justice and PBIS support. She has also helped staff learn strategies and techniques for supporting English Language Learners. Furthermore, she ensures that students in need of specialized support can access it through the school student support team.
Her passion lies in supporting others to attain their goals and dreams, ensuring access to the tools and strategies they need to get there. She utilizes CBT and Mindfulness strategies to help with this process.
Irvin Hernandez-Perez
Psychotherapist
Irvin Hernandez-Perez is a Doctoral Candidate from Pontifical Catholic University's Clinical Psychology Program. He has worked as an intake social services specialist, crisis emergency clinician, case manager and as a psychologist intern as part of his doctoral degree requirements in Clinical psychology. He has been providing direct services in the mental health and social services field for over 14 years.
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Originally from Puerto Rico, he moved to the United States in 2014 to pursue his childhood dream to live the “American dream” and pursue more opportunities to grow professionally. He currently works as Anger Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment (ADAPT) Program’s Counselor with Fairfax County as part of the Family Services Division. Previously he worked as a Home-Based Program Manager for another agency in Fairfax County, which allowed him to collaborate with the county and create positive connections and enhance his network serving families in the county. Before working in Virginia, he worked in Washington D.C. as Family Services Specialist through a non-profit providing direct services to homeless youth and their families. He has always considered himself as a passionate, driven clinician who is committed to work and help families of immigrants, trauma survivors, adolescents and grief survivors. In December of 2020, he obtained a certification as a Grief Counseling Specialist that allowed to enhance his knowledge working with grief, loss, and bereavement.
Justine Sime, MA
Resident in Counseling
Justine Sime is licensed as a Resident in Counseling. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2020 with a master’s degree in counseling. Justine has experience working with children and adolescents from her time spent as an intern in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She also has experience working with clients from various backgrounds (race, age, ethnicity). Justine’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and relationship issues. Justine is foundationally trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates its principles while working with clients.
Justine takes a person-centered approach and believes that therapy should be a collaborative effort between client and therapist. She highlights client strengths and empowers them to enact positive changes in their lives. Justine is committed to helping her clients grow and reach their goals.
Alexis Joyner-Harris, MA
Psychotherapist
Alexis Joyner-Harris is currently a clinical psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP). She completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of Maryland University College in 2018. Alexis currently holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology which she obtained from TCSPP in July 2021. She has prior therapy and assessment experience which she obtained from a ten-month internship at a private practice in Maryland. Alexis has also volunteered with the Crisis Text Line where she provided support to individuals experiencing issues such as depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, etc. Her interest includes mental health issues pertaining to children and adolescents along with working families. Alexis’ clinical interests also include working with individuals who have experienced trauma. She is most oriented in the Cognitive Behavioral therapeutic orientation. However, she believes in an integrative approach that is best suited for the clients needs.
Nashwa Ghali, MA
Psychotherapist
Nashwa Ghali earned her bachelor's degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology at George Mason University in 2019. She currently holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology which she obtained from TCSPP in July 2022. She has prior experience in neuropsychological assessment and diagnostic services for behavioral, cognitive, and functional deficits which she obtained from a twelve-month internship at Children’s National Hospital.
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Nashwa is fluent in Arabic and is interested in working with individuals 10-30 years of age. She currently provides treatment for the following: Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Family Therapy/Parenting Conflict, Couple/Marital Conflict, Grief, Peer Relationships, Self-Esteem, and Stress. She utilizes theories and approaches from multiple therapeutic modalities, including CBT, psychodynamic, family and systems, and humanistic therapies, as she believes in an integrative approach that is best suited for the client's needs. She enjoys connecting and working with diverse populations and integrating the client’s culture, values, and beliefs in part of the therapy process.
Mikaella Robles, MA
Psychotherapist
Mikaella Robles is currently pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) from APA-accredited institution, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TSCPP). She completed her undergraduate studies in neuroscience and minored in psychology at George Mason University in 2019. Mikaella will be graduating with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in July of 2022. She has experience in conducting intakes and psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. She also has multiple years of experience connecting clients with the appropriate service providers as an office manager and intake coordinator at an out-patient level. Mikaella’s clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, executive functioning, and building self-awareness into individual’s thoughts and behaviors. She enjoys working with young children and adolescents alongside with their families as well as adults. She implements Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy by integrating techniques from each orientation to utilize an approach that is best suited for each individual client’s needs.
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Gianni Voytilla
Doctoral Student
Gianni Voytilla is currently pursuing her doctorate at Gallaudet University. She has prior experience as a trainee at Gallaudet’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), where she provided psychotherapeutic and neuropsychological services in spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL) to college students (ages 18-27) who are hearing, hard of hearing or deaf, with various cultural experiences and LGBTQ+ identities.
Gianni’s therapeutic approach is patient-centered, gender-affirming, trauma-sensitive, and culturally aware. She emphasizes creating a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients in which they feel supported and empowered to tackle their goals towards increased wellbeing. Her clinical interests include trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD and interpersonal relationship difficulty. In order to adapt to the needs of her clients, she provides integrative psychotherapeutic services that combine techniques and concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and attachment theory.
Lydia Smith
Doctoral Student
Lydia Smith (she/her) is currently pursuing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Catholic University of America (CUA). Lydia worked as a clinical research coordinator at Harvard Medical School's Center for Mindfulness and Compassion for two years before pursuing her doctorate. She has experience providing therapeutic services and has provided neuropsychological assessments to adults and older adults.
Lydia's approach to therapy is client-centered, trauma-sensitive, culturally humble, collaborative, and empowering. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, and building client insight. Lydia employs an integrative approach, combining mindfulness-based interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindful Self Compassion), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Internal Family Systems to implement personalized care for each client.
Lashauna Bellamy
Doctoral Student
Lashauna Bellamy is currently pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Stevenson University. With experience in providing psychotherapy and neuropsychological assessments to adults, she has developed a nuanced understanding of various mental health issues. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic, and psychodynamic methods to create personalized treatment plans. Additionally, she incorporates mindfulness meditation into her practice, helping clients achieve greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
She has a strong desire and experience working with couples, particularly those from intercultural backgrounds. Passionate about holistic and client-centered care, she strives to support individuals and couples on their journey to mental well-being.
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Administrative Staff
Benji Royer
Operations Coordinator
Ben Royer joined Mindful One after two years of working as an Administrative Assistant and Public Relations/Quality Assurance Coordinator for another small behavior health practice that specialized in comprehensive DBT services. He is thrilled to be utilizing his skills in client relations, mindfulness practices, and clinical knowledge from his DBT training, in order to execute and oversee operations here at M1. He is also the proud dad to his furry little girl, Willow.
Carolyn Guirguis
Administrative Assistant
Carolyn Guirguis is a full-time student who is currently in pursuit of a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from George Mason University. She plans to continue her education further after completing her B.S. degree. She has always had a passion for bringing a light into the world and she is over joyous to do so in being a part of the Mindful One team. She is zealous to love those around her and she also enjoys spending her time reading around her kitty and rescue dog or staying active.
