STAFF

clinical team

Kassandra “KASSY” Baltazar Alarcón, MSW, Bienestar Programs coordinator and Therapist

Kassy (she/her/ella) recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Clinical Social Work. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in social work from James Madison University in 2018. With a background of working in a maternal and child home visiting program for four years, she is especially familiar with the dynamics of attachment relationships and is skilled in providing treatment for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Kassy has experience working with diverse families and different populations, including immigrants and refugees. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, her passion is in working with Latinx individuals and making mental health access equitable. Kassy is committed to making meaningful connections and creating an inclusive environment for her clients.

Kara Castle, LCSW, Therapist and Referral Support specialist

Kara (she/her) helps her clients transform their experiences of stress, trauma, anxiety, and grief and re-establish boundaries for thriving in new experiences. She has a flexible style, responsive to one’s unique needs while drawing upon themes from feminist theory, trauma theory, attachment theory, mindfulness, and parts work. Kara received a master’s degree in social services from Bryn Mawr College, holds clinical social work licenses in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and is certified in nature informed therapy. She is inspired by the great outdoors, art, music, and community care.

Elizabeth E. Cobb, LCSW, Clinical Coordinator and Therapist🏳️‍🌈

Elizabeth (she/her) believes that change happens through relationship and that trust and safety are vital to healing. She enjoys helping clients become attuned to their needs and care for themselves in a way that allows for growth. Elizabeth utilizes experiential therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems. She also values the healing power of art and connection to nature. Elizabeth is passionate about providing LGBTQ+ affirming care and attends trainings to help her to better support clients with these identities. She received her master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and earned her clinical license in Durham, North Carolina, where she practiced before moving to Charlottesville. At The Women’s Initiative, she provides individual therapy, clinical supervision, and care to a variety of office plants.

Judith Curry-El, PhD, Therapist

Judith obtained her PhD degree from the University of Virginia in 1996. She also completed her residency and post-doctoral neuropsychology fellowship at the University of Virginia. She worked as the Mental Health Director at Greensville Correctional Center for two years and, in 2002, began working at Western State Hospital. Currently, she works as a part-time therapist at The Women’s Initiative. She is passionate about helping all women have access to mental health services. Judith’s interests include insight-oriented and mindfulness-based therapies.

Alyson Davis, LMFT, Sister Circle Director and Therapist

Alyson (she/her) received her master’s degree from Valdosta State University in marriage and family therapy. She has provided therapy services for individuals, couples, families and groups. Alyson practices utilizing person-centered strengths based interventions specifically working with Narrative, Internal Family Systems, and Solution Focused Therapy. Prior to her work as a therapist, Alyson worked within the communication and public relations field. Quickly, Alyson discovered a love for interpersonal relationships rather than organizational relations, helping clients to rebrand themselves with their preferred story. She is passionate about working with self-worth, trauma healing, cultural identity, generational family dynamics, and identity within relationships. In summary, she would describe her work as “learning to befriend yourself.” Her hobbies include writing, blogging, reading, listening to music, pop culture, and spending time with friends and family. She believes that an individual can either “forget everything and run, or face everything and rise; the choice is their own” —Zig Zigler. Alyson describes a client’s process as the overcomer’s journey, where the path on the road to progress can be a bumpy one, but it leads to resiliency, resourcefulness and perseverance.

Elise Gibson, LCSW, Therapist and General Counseling Clinical Group Coordinator

Elise (she/her) received her master's in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012. Prior to pursuing her graduate studies, she earned a bachelor’s in anthropology from the University of Virginia. Elise has clinical experience in a variety of settings, including community mental health and substance abuse treatment, early childhood home visiting, and working with medically under-resourced groups. She is currently participating in a fellowship through the Contemporary Freudian Society in Washington, DC. Through institute training, she hopes to integrate theories of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy into her work with clients. Elise is committed to practicing from a context-driven, person-in-environment and social justice-oriented perspective.

Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW, Sister Circle Therapist

Kishara (she/her) earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, minoring in sociology, from the University of Maine Farmington. She later received her master’s degree in social work from Boston University. Kishara is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She is passionate about social equity, woman empowerment, and navigating religious trauma. Kishara encourages individual and collective healing through sustaining safe, judgement-free, therapeutic spaces for clients.

Juanika Howard, LPC, Sister Circle Therapist and Program Specialist

Juanika (she/her) received her Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in psychology and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University. She has over nine years of mental health experience, working with children and adolescents through Region Ten Community Service Board, Albemarle County and Charlottesville City Schools. She has received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she utilizes in therapeutic sessions in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. She is passionate about working within the community to normalize mental health. Juanika is an active participant of the Central Virginia Clinicians of Color Network, C’Ville Walks with Heart, Prolyfyck (pronounced pro-lif-ic) run club, and Black Professional Network as well as community volunteering.

Elizabeth Irvin, LCSW, Executive Director

Elizabeth Irvin (she/her) has dedicated her career to promoting healing for women who have experienced trauma and working to assure that everyone has access to compassionate and effective care. She has a joint degree in law and social work from the University of North Carolina and has worked for more than 20 years providing mental health treatment for women. She joined The Women’s Initiative in 2009 as the agency’s first Spanish-speaking therapist, founding the Bienestar program to serve Latina women in our community. In 2013, she became the Executive Director and has guided the agency into becoming the second-largest provider of mental health care in the Charlottesville area and a leader in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. As a therapist, Elizabeth emphasizes a strengths-based perspective as she supports clients on their healing journeys from past traumas. Her clinical work incorporates EMDR, mindfulness-based practices, internal family systems, and grief work. She believes that every person possesses the strength and resilience they need to heal.

Karina Monroy, pROGRAMS AND dESIGN Coordinator

Karina (she/her/ella) is honored to welcome and support all clients. She received her bachelor’s degree in both art and anthropology from the University of California Santa Cruz in 2016 and has been working in Charlottesville’s nonprofit sector since 2018. As an artist and involved community member, Karina feels a deep passion for collective healing through the power of connection and creativity. She is thrilled to contribute to TWI’s vision and promote the importance of providing equitable and accessible mental health services to our communities.

miranda pax, msw, therapist

Miranda (she/her) received her master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Miranda believes in the healing power of relationships. She uses a strengths-based approach and strives to create an environment in which clients feel safe, empowered, and respected. As a therapist, Miranda incorporates a variety of clinical approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. Prior to pursuing clinical social work, Miranda spent more than a decade with the National Organization on Disability, working to advance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Ingrid Ramos, LPC, Bienestar program Director and Therapist

Ingrid (she/her/ella) has a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Universidad Tecnologica de Santiago. Her past work includes experience as Latino Services Program Coordinator at the Charlottesville League of Therapists where she worked with children, individuals, and families. She is passionate about her work with Hispanics and women's issues. Ingrid has experience working with issues of depression, anxiety, and trauma. At The Women's Initiative, she enjoys individual work with women, couples therapy, and group therapy for Latina women.

Paige Riddle, msw, therapist and resilience educator

Paige (she/her) has practiced social work in both the Shenandoah Valley and Southwestern Arizona following her graduations from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Social Work and Arizona State University with a Master of Social Work. With foundational experience in social services and re-entry programs, her most recent position involved providing community mental health care for Indigenous adults in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Paige views therapy as a collaborative, relational process that builds on individual and collective strengths to create a safe space for clients. She meets her clients’ unique needs through using her training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), and/or solution focused therapy. Paige enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and Texas Heeler, visiting the local library, and taking solo trips to botanical gardens.

Laura Snyder Brown, MSW, Resilience Program Director

Laura (she/her) believes TWI is doing vital work to help women experience their inherent worth, belonging, and power. She enjoys supporting women as they explore ways to care for themselves, to live joyfully, and to take action within their communities. A social worker by training, Laura has spent her career with nonprofits and faith-based organizations in the U.S. as well as in Central and South America. She has served in a range of roles including coordinator, grant-maker, convener, writer and gardener. Laura is eager to promote the vibrant and diverse programs of The Women’s Initiative and to enthusiastically support volunteers.

Laura “Lo” Somel, MSW, Bilingual Therapist and Access specialist

Lo Somel (she/her/ella) recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Social Work degree. She has experience working with diverse populations such as children with special education needs, refugees, undocumented immigrants, and families in poverty. Lo also served in the Peace Corps, working with women artisans in a rural Moroccan village. She believes that mental health services are an integral part of individual and community health and well-being.

Audrey Stefenson, LPC, THERAPIST

Audrey (she/her) received her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. She utilizes trauma-informed, mindfulness-based approaches with a focus on parts work, polyvagal theory, and positive neuroplasticity. She is passionate about bringing self-care alive through experiential practices and honoring each person's unique background, response to stress, and needs. Whether providing therapy or facilitating a group, Audrey believes in the power of compassionate presence — towards our internal and external worlds — to foster connection, safety, healing, and growth. She loves to play outside in her free time and has a special interest in exploring different avenues of nature connection.

Shelly Wood, LCSW, Clinical Services director and Therapist

A native of Charlottesville, Shelly (she/her) has a master’s degree in social work from VCU and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. Her passion is empowering women to reach their full potential as well as an overall sense of well-being. As a therapist, Shelly regularly incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and mindfulness techniques into her practice. Shelly values working out in the community and collaborating with other organizations to provide much-needed services, such as leading monthly wellness discussions at JABA’s Mary Williams Day Center. She is also a facilitator of the Central Virginia Clinicians of Color Network, which seeks to increase our community’s capacity to provide culturally responsive mental health care.

Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW, Therapist and Clinical Training Coordinator

Emily (she/her) completed her master’s degree in social work at VCU in 2013. Previously, she received an MFA in creative nonfiction writing at the University of New Orleans and participated in several community-based efforts to address trauma and race, first in Greensboro, NC, and then in New Orleans. Her clinical background in intensive, community-based treatment has helped her appreciate the multiple and intersecting layers of experience that influence well-being and mental health, as well as the importance of meeting clients where they are. Although she draws from a range of treatment modalities including training in DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness, her clinical practice is grounded in a commitment to social justice, sensitivity to trauma, and belief in relationships as sites of healing and growth.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Hyacinth Bellerose, LGBTQ+ Program Co-Coordinator

Hyacinth Bellerose (she/her) is a transgender community organizer and aspiring abolitionist. She is the founder of Friendly City Safe Space and is excited to be serving in the role of LGBTQ+ program co-coordinator at TWI. Hyacinth is passionate about queer theory, community building, resilience, and unpacking the impact of white supremacy on her body and work. Also a musician and poet, Hyacinth loves to approach her work creatively.

Dana Eagle, Development mANAGER

Dana (she/her) worked in development with the American Heart Association for 25 years, including eight years in Charlottesville. She then worked as a development manager for the March of Dimes in Richmond and Roanoke. She has a core belief that mental health services should be available to all, regardless of ability to pay, and is excited to join The Women’s Initiative to support its mission.

LISA GAUDET, OFFICE Manager🏳️‍🌈

Lisa (she/her) comes to TWI with significant experience as an office manager and small business owner, and most recently as the general manager of Kardinal Hall. She happily resides in majestic Nelson County with her two teenage daughters and perpetual toddler of a dog. Lisa is passionate about and dedicated to furthering her understanding, empathy, and compassion towards marginalized communities and POC. In her spare time, she volunteers at a horse rescue in Afton and enjoys taking pottery and belly dancing classes.

Latricia Giles, M.Div, LGBTQ+ Program Co-Coordinator

Latricia Giles, M.Div (she/her), has a passion for people and the planet and is committed to the collective liberation of all people. She has worked in various spaces to advance and elevate issues around economic inequity, housing justice, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and social and climate justice. Latricia is a graduate of Wake Forest University School of Divinity and Winston-Salem State University. #GoDeacs, #RamPride! 

AMY K. LANE, Finance Manager

Amy (she/her) oversees all TWI financial needs including coordination with our accountant, collection and analysis of agency data, and support of the development database and reports. She also provides support and coordination on branding as well as on print materials for fundraising and marketing. As part of the Challenge into Change Committee, Amy designs the marketing materials and print anthology for the annual writing contest celebrating women’s stories of growth and healing. Amy has been part of the TWI team since 2010.

Andrea Mayfield, Deputy Director of Administration and Culture

Andrea (she/her) leads the strategic direction of administrative services and cultural humility including general operations, human resources, communications, equity and inclusion, facilities, and IT. She is dedicated to developing an organizational culture that reflects the agency’s commitments to racial equity and social justice and strengthening community partnerships. Andrea is inspired by gentle hikes in Shenandoah National Park, playing board games with her family, and exploring Charlottesville’s restaurant scene.

Alma Molina, Bilingual Client Support Specialist

Alma (she/her/ella) is an artist originally from Chile who has worked for several years engaging communities with cultural and artistic institutions and manifestations. More recently, she’s been an art manager and artist educator with various women’s organizations and is currently developing an art research project related to maternity. As one of TWI’s client support specialist, she helps connect women with the agency’s services.

camille weaver smith, communications manager

Camille (she/her) leads the agency’s communications and marketing strategy to reduce mental health stigma and promote its counseling, social connection, and education programs. She joined The Women’s Initiative from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business where she partnered with the development, alumni relations, and communication and marketing teams for more than 10 years serving as editor and managing digital communications and marketing efforts to alumni and donors. Prior to Darden, she worked in development and marketing at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A passionate advocate for mental health care, racial equity, and inclusivity, Camille is excited to support TWI in helping women, members of the gender-expansive community, and folx of color on their healing journeys.

Ellonde Smith, Client Support Specialist

Ellonde (she/her) previously worked as a legal assistant and worked directly with the DSS Attorney and the Department of Social Services in Charlottesville. She is passionate about children being in safe homes. Ellonde is Canadian and Jamaican by birth. She is a big believer that everyone should be treated equally and loves to promote the importance of mental well-being with anyone who seems to need help or reaches out for help. She loves going to church and strongly believes in the power and impact of forgiveness. As a client support specialist, Ellonde helps connect women with the agency’s services.

Interns

Laura Dowell

Laura (she/her) is a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University working towards a master's degree in clinical social work. She previously earned her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Mary Washington. Laura served three years in Americorps in Boston Public Schools, managing academic and arts curriculum for students, and also worked at a humanitarian organization in Calgary, AB, Canada, as an employment coach for the homeless, before moving to Charlottesville to raise her kids. She is interested in somatic, experiential and cognitive behavioral models, and approaches the therapeutic relationship from a strengths-based, person-centered approach rooted in compassionate listening and support.

H Peterson🏳️‍🌈

H (they/them) is a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University working towards a master's degree in Clinical Social Work. They previously earned their bachelor's in fine art through the VCUarts program and understand the importance of having a creative outlet. As a nonbinary therapist, H is interested in working with and for other members of the LGBTQ+ community and fostering a supportive, affirming environment.

additional PROVIDERS

Shelley Faulkner, MA, Ed.S., Therapist🏳️‍🌈

As a therapist, Shelley (she/her) views connection as the most powerful healer: Humans are hardwired for connection, and that connection is the source of a sense of safety and belonging, which is where healing can begin. She works primarily from an attachment-based approach, and values forming genuine connections with her clients in order to build safety and trust. She is passionate about providing affirmative care for queer and gender-variant clients and bringing more visibility to their experiences. She wholeheartedly believes that relational and affirmative therapy practices are vital for the overall health and well-being of all people, including folx who identify as gender variant. Her master’s research at James Madison University focused on supporting parents of gender-variant youth in order to ensure better health and well-being for those children. She has worked with children, adolescents, and families for more than 15 years.