Our Team

Erica is a skilled therapist who helps her clients manage and overcome life’s problems with a gentle approach. Erica counsels children, adolescents, couples and families in need of short term or long term care. She has received training in several areas including Play Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Erica received her BA in Behavioral Sciences in Austin, Texas and she received her MA in Professional Counseling in Chicago, Illinois, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She later moved to Virginia and has enjoyed growing her skills and practice in the Coastal Virginia community.

Individual Therapy • Play Therapy

Kristen Alfonsi earned her Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Psychology from Old Dominion University, where she also received a Certificate in Addiction Prevention & Intervention. She is committed to helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate life’s challenges and mental health concerns, working with individuals aged 4 to 25 on issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, grief, low self-esteem, learning disorders, conduct challenges, and relational difficulties.

With a client-centered and inclusive approach, Kristen emphasizes the unique strengths and identities of each individual, creating a safe space for self-expression and growth. She utilizes evidence-based practices, including informed DBT, TF-CBT, Play as Therapy, Art as Therapy and CBT, adapting each method to meet her clients’ specific needs. Kristen is also a passionate advocate for change, dedicated to supporting diversity and promoting mental health awareness. Her work centers on empowering clients to build coping tools, manage stress, and navigate life’s transitions with confidence and resilience.

Autum believes in empowering individuals to authentically author their own story, breaking free from predetermined patterns or cycles. She uses an integrative approach that investigates the various parts that make up who we are, including the past, trauma, and family dynamics, while create coping skills to deal with life’s current challenges. Autum enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families from various walks of life, yet has a passion for exploring women’s issues, trauma, veterans and military issues, and couples counseling. As a Navy Veteran, Autum understands the unique challenges posed by military life and its impact on loved ones. Autum is an EMDRIA trained EMDR therapist and utilizes IFS techniques to further explore identity and sense of self. Autum supplements that work with informed DBT to create skills to cope with life’s everyday challenges. She has received level 1 training in the Gottman Method for working with couples. Autum also utilizes her experience as a yoga instructor to blend unique mindfulness practices with emotional regulation, communication, boundary setting, and self-compassion. Autum completed her Master of Education in Clinicial Mental Health Counseling at The College of William and Mary. Additionally, she received an Associate of Arts in Arabic Studies from the Defense Language Institute and Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Arizona State University. In her spare time, you can find Autum outdoors, drinking coffee, traveling, or spending time with her friends, family, and fur babies.

Individual Therapy • Couples Therapy

Becca is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech and her Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. Becca’s background includes individual and group counseling with children, adolescents, college students, adults and families. She has worked in a wide variety of settings including residential treatment, in-home and community settings, therapeutic day treatment, case management, counseling in a higher education setting and group private practice. Her style is warm, person-centered and strength-focused, using a theoretically eclectic approach tailored to client needs and goals. Becca welcomes adults to her practice at this time.

Individual Therapy

Kalynn graduated from the William & Mary Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with a concentration on Military and Veteran Counseling, awarded status as an 2024 NBCC Military Foundation Scholar. Applying her background as an Air Force Intelligence officer, she has a passion for evidence-based approaches to help clients connect to their truest selves. Kalynn values the use of mindfulness and acceptance in her practice, integrating lessons from her experience as a registered yoga instructor. She believes that fostering inner strengths and practicing self-acceptance creates lasting resiliency. She is also passionate about helping clients build the necessary skills to overcome challenges related to attachment concerns, ADHD, life transitions, and trauma along with strengthening nervous system resiliency to create a more grounded and centered life. Kalynn is a fully-trained EMDR clinician, offering this treatment modality for all-ages as well as couples. Kalynn is also a mother to an enthusiastic little boy and some of her interests include spending time with family, traveling, working on DIY projects, arts, practicing yoga, and learning something new at every opportunity.

Lee graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Liberty University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Belmont Abbey College and an Early Childhood Development certificate from Gaston College. She has taught preschool through middle school age children including those with special needs and those with behavioral difficulties. Her passion is working with young people and seeing them grow and finding their strengths. Lee has an extensive background in early childhood development and has been a presenter at NAEYC Conferences and was Teacher of the Year at Sherwood Elementary School. Being a mother of three teenage children, Lee can understand many of the issues that bring families to counseling. She believes counseling can serve as a safe space to begin the healing process and make positive changes for a more fulfilling life. Using strength-based and solution focused approaches Lee works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Lee is a SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) certified couple’s facilitator who can help couples start their marriage on a positive note or help married couples embrace differences and build a stronger marriage through intimacy and communication. In her free time Lee enjoys time in the mountains, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Individual Therapy • Couples Therapy • Play Therapy

Meghan earned her degree from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Liberty University. She also has an MS in Organizational and Human Resource Development and a Certification in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation from Abilene Christian University. Her dedication is focused on helping individuals flourish and navigate personal challenges, tough transitions, and crises. She employs an integrative, humanistic approach to therapy, empowering clients to lead fulfilling lives. Advocating a holistic perspective on authentic living, she customizes her treatment to accommodate each client’s specific needs and aspirations. With two decades of experience as a military spouse, she is well aware of the unique challenges that service members and their families face. Outside of counseling, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, three children, and two dogs. She enjoys camping, discovering new places, baking bread, writing, being creative, and gardening.

David Bunting is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings for over twenty years. He employs an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of each new client. David believes in building upon people’s strengths in the present with solution-focused goals aimed toward contentment. Offering a holistic approach utilizing systems theory and cognitive behavioral therapy, David provides honest language, along with humor, to genuinely relate to his clients. Helping individuals interpret their beliefs about life, guiding them towards a healthier self and enhancing their relationships with others is all part of the journey. David received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from James Madison University in 1993 and his Master of Social Work from East Carolina University in 1995. David’s experience in school counseling led him to obtain an Educational Specialist degree from The George Washington University in 2007.

Individual Therapy

Margaret is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about creating a safe place for clients to develop self-awareness, process difficult emotions, implement healthy coping skills, create new patterns, accept hard truths, and break dysfunctional cycles. Margaret earned her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and is a military spouse. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, ADHD, adjustment disorder, behavioral disorders, gender and sexual identity issues, grief, trauma, spirituality issues, and relational conflicts. Margaret provides therapy through a person-centered approach where she meets each client where they are with genuine empathy and compassion. Margaret incorporates therapeutic techniques from Gestalt Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, and Existential Therapy, and Mindfulness into treatment to assist clients with positive change and healing. Margaret’s hope for all her clients is they leave sessions feeling heard, seen, and truly known.

Individual Therapy

Caitlin is a licensed counselor with a passion for joining with others in their subjective experiences to make desired changes in their lives. Caitlin earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and completed her residency at CoVa. Caitlin applies a holistic and person-centered approach to therapy, incorporating meaning-centered existential therapy, positive psychology, CBT, and DBT interventions into treatment. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in navigating life transitions, severe behavioral and conduct issues, homelessness, depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual identity, trauma, and relationship strain. Caitlin also has a passion for parenting support for challenging parent-child relationships and has training in Love & Logic parent training. She recognizes that by creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment, clients can learn to redefine dysfunctional boundaries, to reconnect with a sense of meaning for their lives, and to ultimately make lasting changes in their lives and relationships.

Individual Therapy

Sam is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia; she graduated from Virginia Tech with her undergraduate (B.S. in Human Development) and graduate degrees (M.A. in Counselor Education). As a therapist, she is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to healing and personal growth. Sam is also a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy, a Clinical Supervisor with the Virginia Board of Counseling, and is EMDR-trained.

With extensive experience working with children as young as two years old, as well as adolescents, teenagers, and young adults, Sam focuses on providing person-centered care while integrating systems theory, cultural competency, and trauma-aware practices. Sam is deeply passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment where her clients can explore their challenges and find healing. Sam believes in the power of building strong therapeutic relationships, and she works collaboratively with clients to help them overcome obstacles, set goals, and achieve lasting positive change. She utilizes Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) with children as Sam believes play is the language of children and the therapeutic powers of play are healing for all children.

Whether you are seeking help for yourself or your child, Sam’s goal is to empower you to reach your fullest potential and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.

Individual Therapy • Play Therapy

Kimberly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR). She graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School – Art Therapy and Counseling Program in 2000 and has experience working with others individually or in group settings with a variety of mental health concerns. Kimberly’s years of experience include residential and day school treatment with children and adolescents, art therapy treatment with the military, school-based art therapy groups, and group work with substance abuse and trauma. Kimberly utilizes a Client-Centered and Strengths-Based approach that may be integrated with Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Guided Imagery, and Psycho-education to foster growth and help clients meet their full potential. Kimberly carries additional training in EMDR and Yoga (RYT). She recognizes the power of the therapeutic relationship and will provide a safe, non-judgemental environment to explore thoughts, ideas and feelings. Counseling sessions will be a collaborative effort to develop effective tools and techniques to handle life challenges.

Individual Therapy • Art Therapy

Jess is a Resident in Counseling who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. Prior to her counseling career, Jess gained valuable experience working in corporate finance and the legal field, where she developed a keen understanding of the complexities and stresses that individuals face in high-pressure environments. This unique background allows her to offer clients insights into the interplay between professional stressors and personal well-being.
During her academic journey, Jess completed her field experience requirements at COVA, where she honed her skills and deepened her passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. She takes a holistic, person-centered approach that recognizes each client as an expert in their own life, fostering an environment where open dialogue and self-discovery can thrive. Jess believes that counseling is a vital resource for building self-awareness and developing effective coping skills to address life’s challenges.
As an Authorized Brainspotting Practitioner, Jess is committed to integrating this innovative therapeutic technique into her practice. Brainspotting is an evidence-based approach that helps clients access and process traumatic memories by connecting eye positioning with emotional experiences, facilitating deep healing and resolution. This method enriches her therapeutic toolbox, allowing her to address various concerns with compassion and efficacy.
In addition to Brainspotting, Jess champions the incorporation of mindfulness and positive thinking into daily activities, encouraging clients to cultivate resilience and a positive mindset.

Chelsea graduated from George Mason University with a master’s degree in clinical social work and is currently completing supervision for clinical licensure. Prior to completing her specialization field practicum with Cova, Chelsea worked as a graduate social work intern at the Mason and Partners Clinic where she was able to work with an interdisciplinary team to provide care for adults, children, and families. Recognizing the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors on one’s well-being, Chelsea offers individualized support for each person’s unique needs. She thrives when she can foster a safe environment for the collaborative exploration of thoughts and emotions. Chelsea provides trauma informed counseling services in both English and Spanish and has a passion for working with teens and young adults, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In session, Chelsea incorporates interventions which draw from Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Together, Chelsea works with clients to process life’s challenges and explore where core beliefs originate; teaching tools which draw from her client’s strengths and empower them to take steps towards a more balanced, healthier, and happier life.

Individual Therapy • Couples Therapy

Mary is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Cova. She joined the team while finishing her requirements for licensure, and continues her good work helping numerous individuals through CoVa. She uses a mobilizing, solution-focused approach to crisis intervention, personal coaching, and recovery processes. Her theoretical standpoint embodies DBT and CBT principles, mindfulness, psychoeducation, philosophical inquisition, exposure/immersion therapy, graduated acceptance therapy, art as therapy, and other creative outlets to animate the mirth of self-understanding. While trying to detangle life’s serious issues, she tries to align with the client a sense of bonding, respect, empathy, perspective, direction, and (comic) relief. She believes that one of the most therapeutic things in life is a laugh.

Individual Therapy • Couples Therapy

Ritika is a graduate student at Northwestern University in working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, with a specialization in child and adolescent counseling. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in leadership and social change from Virginia Tech. Ritika’s background includes psychology research focusing on emotional dysregulation and parental factors within the child and adolescent population and work as a mental health coach on a pediatric psychiatric unit for over two years. She has experience with utilizing crisis prevention intervention techniques, applying the use of healthy coping skills, and conducting group therapy integrating certifications in both CBT and DBT.
Ritika is passionate about providing a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for clients of all ages. She hopes to focus on providing play therapy services and is excited to be able to continue to support her local community!

Rojean is a counseling resident holding a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William and Mary. Her dedication lies in guiding adults and children from different walks of life on their path to healing and self-discovery. Her therapeutic approach integrates person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy with a strength-based methodology, all while respecting and embracing the diverse cultural backgrounds and belief systems of her clients. She is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management to assist individuals in crisis. Rojean is bilingual and proficient in providing counseling services in Arabic and Kurdish. With experience working with individuals from various backgrounds, her ultimate goal is to empower them to overcome their challenges. Her areas of interest include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, anger management, transition and adjustment, grief, relationship difficulties, and crisis. She endeavors to establish a safe and nurturing space where individuals can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions.

Lauren is Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds a certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). She is certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) and has received training in several areas such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She is a native Hampton Roads resident who has a deep passion for serving her community and meeting clients where they are at. She earned both her B.S. in Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, life transitions, substance abuse, and trauma. Lauren uses a strengths based and solution focused approach to assist her clients. Sessions with Lauren will be supportive and collaborative as she helps you navigate becoming the best version of yourself. When she is not in the office, you can find her spending time riding/caring for horses at the barn or enjoying nature with her dogs.

EMDR • Individual Therapy • Couples Therapy

Mayzie is an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a minor in Psychology. She hopes and is excited to attend a Graduate program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the near future. Mayzie loves working with people and is especially excited by the idea of working with children, as well as couples. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends, going to the beach, and traveling.

Kim believes that therapy (and life) are about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and embracing growth. She strives to treat the whole person and make therapy a personalized experience. Kim views clients as masters of their own stories and empowers people to be agents of change in their own lives. Kim graduated with her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. She holds an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BA from Virginia Tech in Marketing Management. Kim is passionate about taking an integrative and holistic approach using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (thoughts/actions), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Reality Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Art Therapy techniques. Kim believes that being person centered, relatable and having a good sense of humor connects her to her clients. She uses her past experience to enrich her empathy and motivation to serve children (4+), teens, young adults, midlifers and older adults in the community. In her free time Kim enjoys playing tennis (a lot), traveling and spending time with her family and dog, Wilson.

Individual Therapy

My name is Savannah Pierce, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. I obtained a Master’s of science degree at Longwood University in the field of Mental Health Counseling. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and positive psychology techniques while using a client-centered approach. Throughout my clinical journey, I found my passion entails working with individuals and families from all walks of life who are ready to make changes in their lives. My passion includes working with adolescents/teens and the LGBTQ+ community who struggle with depression, self-harm, self-esteem, identity and anxiety issues. I strive to provide a safe space to discuss feelings, relationships and coping strategies to live a more successful and happy life with all clients.

Individual Therapy • Play Therapy

Juan was born in El Salvador where at the age of 21 founded a rehabilitation center for drug and alcohol addicts. During that time Juan saw the need to become better prepared to help people with traumatic pasts and moved to the United States in 2004 to complete his degree in Counseling at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. He graduated with his masters in 2008 and has continued to reside in the Virginia Beach area since then. Since graduating in 2008, Juan has worked both full time and part time as a counselor. During this time he also became involved in a local church where he youth pastored for 7 years and has currently been senior pastor for almost four years. As a pastor, Juan has in-depth knowledge of Biblical principles that can be applied to many areas and challenges in one’s life. He also has extensive experience with trauma-related issues and utilizes approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Integration (EMI). In addition, Juan is fluent in both English and Spanish. Juan has a passion to help individuals, marriages, and families live more fulfilling and healthier lives by helping them overcome unresolved issues that hold them back or by giving them coping skills to face present challenges. He believes in providing the safest place possible for clients to share their story and explore thoughts and emotions.

Individual Therapy • Couples Therapy

Halyn Pearson received her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with CoVa. She believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and working with clients to create a safe space. Halyn’s goal is to support individuals in developing insight, expanding their coping skills, processing grief and loss, and healing unresolved trauma. She is passionate about working with individuals who seek to make meaningful changes in their lives. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults who are ready to start their journey toward becoming their best self. Maintaining an integrative approach, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based practices, positive psychology, play as therapy, and expressive arts. She has additional training and experience in sand tray therapy, animal assisted play therapy, EMDR and dialectical behavioral therapy. Halyn’s therapy dog, Zeke, is often available to aid sessions. It is truly special when individuals allow Halyn to be apart of their lives, and can be vulnerable with her as you walk together in the healing process, whatever that may look like for you.

Individual Therapy • Play Therapy

Anna is currently a graduate student working on her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William & Mary where she also received her Bachelor’s Degree double majoring in Psychology and International Relations in 2024. Anna is excited to begin her experience as a counselor and work with clients of all ages and identities. She believes in creating a welcoming and inclusive therapeutic space by working through a multicultural lens that recognizes the strengths of all clients’ cultural backgrounds. Anna’s approach to counseling includes techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). She is passionate about collaborating with clients to develop personalized strategies and be a guide on their mental health journey. She hopes to support clients navigating stressors such as grief and loss, life transitions, and difficulties in close relationships. Anna enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with friends in her free time.

Jamie is a graduate student at East Carolina University working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jamie graduated from Old Dominion University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a minor in Psychology. Jamie is passionate about supporting individuals through their mental health journeys and is committed to expanding her knowledge and skills as a clinician. Throughout her academic journey, she gained an understanding of counseling theories, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices. Jamie has a person-centered and relational approach to therapy. She will create a safe space for individuals to be able to explore their emotions and unpack their experiences. Jamie is committed to creating a warm and non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore their true selves, meeting you wherever you are at. When she is not working or doing school work she enjoys traveling, fashion/beauty, as well as scrapbooking. Jamie also spends a lot of time with her dog, Moose, and loved ones!

Asia is a graduate student at Grand Canyon University, working toward her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. Through her education and hands-on experience, Asia has built a solid understanding of counseling techniques, ethical practice, and how to create meaningful therapeutic connections. Asia enjoys working with children, teens, and adults, and she approaches each client with empathy, openness, and curiosity. Her style is rooted in client-centered therapy and mindfulness, and she often weaves in creativity, humor, art, or play to meet clients where they are. She has a special interest in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, and trauma. Asia believes that healing happens in safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and accepted as they are. She’s committed to offering that kind of environment and walking alongside clients as they explore their emotions and stories at their own pace. Outside of the therapy room, Asia enjoys spending time with her partner and their two dogs, Lucky and Roscoe. She also loves painting, tending to her plants, exercising, and traveling.

Kali earned her M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary in Public Policy and Sociology. Kali is a member of the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, Phi Kappa Phi, and Counselors for Social Justice. Kali is passionate about helping people navigate mental health challenges, life stressors, and transitions, especially children and adolescents. Kali has experience working with individuals ranging in age from 4 to 75+ years old struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, PTSD, learning disorders, low self-esteem, conduct problems, and relational issues. Kali aims to help clients explore presenting concerns from a holistic perspective that considers how one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health are interconnected. Kali utilizes an eclectic approach that combines cognitive behavioral, person-centered, solution focused, and strength-based therapeutic modalities. Additionally, she frequently incorporates play, art, games, and mindfulness into sessions. Kali aims to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs and creates a safe, warm, empowering, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. She believes it is critical to work collaboratively with clients to explore presenting concerns and develop adaptive coping strategies. Kali ultimately seeks to support clients in discovering ways to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Kali was born and raised in Virginia Beach and enjoys spending time with loved ones, going to the beach, traveling, exercising, listening to music, and trying new things in her free time.

Alyssa strives to make therapy a meaningful experience through providing genuine support, safety, transparency, warmth, humor, and acceptance. She believes in meeting her clients where they are and is committed to working alongside them while developing positive coping skills to make desired life changes. Alyssa’s approach is integrative and collaborative. She implements CBT, DBT, and expressive arts into her work so that her clients can develop skills to promote a more immediate shift in mood and sense of wellness. Alyssa carries additional experience/training in EMDR, Play Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and has completed a DBT intensive program. She works with children and adults with specific interests in treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, self-esteem, and parenting concerns.

Individual Therapy • Play Therapy

Rachel graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and graduated from William and Mary with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Counseling. She believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and believes that counseling is a place where therapists can overcome issues, make positive changes, and heal. Rachel is a EMDRIA trained EMDR therapist and supplements that with Informed DBT and Strengths-Based Therapy.

Individual Therapy

Todd received his BA in Behavioral Sciences in Austin, Texas in 1998, received his MA in Psychology in Chicago, Illinois in 2000 and his JD from Regent University in 2005. He has handled over 1000 matters and observed first hand the devestating effect conflict can have, even on the party who “wins”. As a result of that experience, he is driven to assist clients in discovering solutions through conflict resolution and coaching in relationships, employment, litigation and any other area in need of guidance or conflict resolution. He has designed a mediation program through Cova which is solution based, successful and affordable. Todd is also an owner of the Dickerson & Smith Law Group in Virginia Beach.

Mediation • Life Coaching

Amena earned her Master of Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Services. Born and raised in New York City, Amena has traveled and lived throughout the United States. She is passionate about providing culturally responsive therapy, particularly to clients from diverse backgrounds where mental health stigmas may exist. Using a combination of strength-based therapy and client-centered therapy, Amena strives to provide a safe and affirming space for the individual to be seen, heard, and empowered.

With a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches, Amena specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions tailoring interventions to meet everyone’s unique needs and goals. Amena enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. As a military spouse and mother, she is passionate about working with the military community and perinatal mental health conditions.

Stephanie is a graduate student at William and Mary pursuing her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She previously received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology through Old Dominion University and has career experience in training and leadership development. She is excited to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Stephanie’s approach is a blend of client-centered therapy, mindfulness practices, and a focus on self-compassion. Recognizing that you are the expert on your own life, her goal is to provide a safe and supportive space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In sessions, she will suggest mindfulness practices to enhance self-awareness, manage stress, and foster a greater sense of inner peace. Her favorite ways to spend time are soaking up the sun where she can find it, being with her partner and fur babies, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

Rebecca is passionate about holistic wellness and understands that each client has unique needs. She takes an integrative approach to counseling, incorporating emotion-focused therapy, strengths-based therapy, and person-centered therapy into her counseling style. Rebecca enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, self-esteem issues, and low confidence. Additionally, Rebecca has a special interest in working with couples and military families. As an extension of her specialization and interests, Rebecca has received Gottman level 1 & 2 training, further developing her skills in couples work. She received her bachelor’s degree in global affairs and French from George Mason University. Currently, she is a graduate student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the College of William & Mary with a military and veteran specialization. As a military spouse, Rebecca is familiar with the challenges military spouses and families face. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband, her two children, and her Maine Coon, Gus. Her favorite self-care activities include being outdoors, reading, and baking.

Emily Catherine graduated from Liberty University. She feels most herself when she is connecting with other people which makes her a great asset to CoVa.

Ashara is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia. Ashara holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, both from Liberty University. A lifelong learner, she considers herself a “forever student” and is continually seeking opportunities for growth and development. Ashara takes a person-centered approach, aiming to create a warm, collaborative, and safe space. She blends evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy techniques to help clients feel heard, supported, and empowered on their journey.

She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan—from young children and adolescents to adults—addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, self-esteem, life transitions, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Ashara has a particular interest in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, especially those with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. She also has a strong passion for supporting neurodiverse clients, including those with autism and ADHD, and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where all clients can show up as their authentic selves.

She views therapy as a safe and transformative space . Ashara believes that every individual is the expert of their experience and considers it an honor to walk alongside clients as they work toward meaningful change.

David Watts received his Bachelors of Science degree in psychology from University of Mary Washington, his Masters of Arts in Counseling, cum laude, and Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. David has experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups regarding anxiety and depressive disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, substance use and abuse, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, gender and sexuality issues, personality disorders, developmental disorders and identity issues, spirituality/faith issues, and systemic family issues. In addition, he has worked with state and federally mandated clients. David believes change, healing, and wholeness is always possible for those willing to engage in the hard but rewarding work of therapy. He considers it an honor to partner with clients in reaching their goals.

Individual Therapy • Couples Therapy

Our Team

Erica Sartwell

Kristen Alfonsi

Autum Boyer, NCC, M.Ed, RYT

Becca Brown, LPC

Kalynn Browning

Lee Burnett, MA

Meghan Byrem

David Bunting, Ed.S., LCSW

Margaret Campbell, LPC

Caitlin Cavanaugh, LPC

Sam Conlin, LPC

Kim Fisher, ATR, LPC

Jess Hales

Chelsea Hedrick, MSW

Mary Hull, LPC

Ritika Kaloji

Rojean Kassabo

Lauren Lock, MA, CSAC

Mayzie McCall

Kim McClernon, LPC

Savannah Pierce, LPC

Juan Milla LPC

Halyn Pearson, LPC

Anna Riley

Jamie Rivera

Asia Roberts

Kali Roomsburg

Alyssa Ross, LPC

Rachel Sabourin, LPC, M Ed

P. Todd Sartwell, MA, ESQ.

Amena Scharf

Stephanie Seaton

Rebecca Scott

Emily Catherine Thomas

Ashara Vaughn

David Watts, LPC