Our Team

programs key:

Bienestar

Bienestar purple logo with flower illustration

Sister Circle

Sister Circle orange logo with flower illustration

LGBTQ+

LGBTQ teal logo with flower illustration

Counselors

Featured
Kassandra “Kassy” Baltazar Alarcón, MSW
Kassandra “Kassy” Baltazar Alarcón, MSW

Bienestar Programs Coordinator and Therapist

Kassy (she/her/ella) is a bilingual therapist with experience in maternal and child home visiting programs, and skilled in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She works with diverse families, including immigrants and refugees, and values intergenerational healing. As a Latina, Kassy uses creativity and expressive art practices to work with Latinas and the Latine community, focusing on nurturing and reparenting the inner mother and child while honoring ancestral lineages.

Kara Castle, LCSW
Kara Castle, LCSW

Therapist and Referral Support Specialist

Kara (she/her) shines light on each participant’s inherent wisdom as they deepen their relationship to themselves. She provides a peaceful, warm, and motivating therapeutic space as they transform their experiences of stress, trauma, anxiety, and grief and learn to re-work boundaries for thriving in new realities. Kara has a psychodynamic style and draws upon practices within somatic therapy, IFS parts work, polyvagal theory, and nature-informed therapy.

Elizabeth E. Cobb, LCSW 🏳️‍🌈
Elizabeth E. Cobb, LCSW 🏳️‍🌈

Clinical Coordinator and Therapist

Elizabeth (she/her) believes trusting relationships are vital to healing. She enjoys helping clients in becoming attuned to own their needs, utilizing experiential therapeutic modalities such as EMDR and internal family systems to aid this process. Elizabeth values the healing power of art and nature and is passionate about LGBTQ+ affirming care. At TWI, she provides individual therapy and clinical supervision, in addition to tending to the office plants.

Judith Curry-El, PhD
Judith Curry-El, PhD

Therapist

Judith (she/her) obtained her PhD degree from the University of Virginia in 1996, where she also completed her residency and post-doctoral neuropsychology fellowship. She has worked at Western State Hospital and as the mental health director at Greensville Correctional Center. Judith is passionate about helping all women have access to mental health services. Her interests include insight-oriented and mindfulness-based therapies.

Alyson Davis, LMFT
Alyson Davis, LMFT

Sister Circle Director and Therapist

Alyson (she/her) is a narrative therapist who believes in healing through storytelling — not reinventing individuals, but instead helping individuals reclaim themselves. Her identities are Black, cisgender, heterosexual, married, stepmother, mid-30s, spiritual, and from a middle-class military family originally from the southern region of the United States. In addition to narrative practices, she utilizes solution-focused, person-centered, collaborative, strengths-based approaches. Her work helps community members become their own allies.

Elise Gibson, LCSW
Elise Gibson, LCSW

Therapist and General Counseling Clinical Group Coordinator

Elise's (she/her) clinical approach is eclectic while being strongly rooted in psychodynamic theory, feminist theory, and attachment theory. She pays special attention to her clients' process of telling their stories, with a focus on non-verbal cues and glimmers of their internal experience. Elise sees the responsible and humble use of self as highly important and tries her best to practice from a context-driven, social justice-oriented perspective.

Kishara Joy Griffin, MSW
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 healing and working collaboratively to support meaningful change.

Juanika Howard, LPC
Juanika Howard, LPC

Sister Circle Therapist and Program Specialist

Juanika (she/her) received her BS from ODU in psychology and counseling and her MS in mental health counseling from Longwood. She utilizes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive art therapy interventions, and mindfulness in sessions. Juanika walks alongside community members on their journeys to increase supportive and creative resources that meet their needs, and is passionate about normalizing mental health and being in community with others.

Elizabeth Irvin, LCSW
Elizabeth Irvin, LCSW

Executive Director

Elizabeth (she/her) joined the agency in 2009 as its first Spanish-speaking therapist, founding the Bienestar program to serve Latina women in our community. In 2013, she became 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, incorporating mindfulness-based practices, internal family systems, and grief work.

Miranda Pax, MSW
Miranda Pax, MSW

Therapist

Miranda (she/her) believes in the healing power of relationships. She uses a strengths-based approach and strives to create an environment in which participants feel safe, respected, and empowered. Miranda draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including mindfulness, parts work, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Prior to becoming a therapist, Miranda spent more than a decade working to advance disability inclusion.

Ingrid Ramos, LPC
Ingrid Ramos, LPC

Bienestar Program Director and Therapist

Ingrid (she/her/ella) is a Dominican-American Latina dedicated to community mental health. She has a bachelor’s in psychology from Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA) and a Master of Arts degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. For the last 16 years, Ingrid has been dedicated to serving the Latine community as a counselor. Her passion is to inspire others in their well-being, resilience, hope, and collective healing.

Paige Riddle, MSW
Paige Riddle, MSW

Therapist and Resilience Educator

Paige (she/her) has provided direct social work services in the Shenandoah Valley and southwestern Arizona. She views therapy as a collaborative, relational process that builds on individual and collective strengths. While Paige has training in different modalities, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, she prioritizes an emotion-focused approach to build a strong therapeutic relationship that fosters safety and attunement.

Laura “Lo” Somel, MSW
Laura “Lo” Somel, MSW

Bilingual Therapist and Access Specialist

Lo (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 mental health services are an integral part of individual and community health and well-being.

Shelly Wood, LCSW
Shelly Wood, LCSW

Clinical Services Director and Therapist

Shelly (she/her) holds an MSW from VCU and bachelor’s degree from UVA. She incorporates CBT, IFS, EMDR, and mindfulness in trauma healing, emphasizing the power of safety in therapeutic relationships, and is trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Shelly values community education, supporting monthly discussions at JABA’s Mary Williams Center. She is a member of the Central Virginia Clinicians of Color Network and Chihamba West African Dance and Drumming Company.

Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW
Emily Zeanah Shelton, LCSW

Therapist and Clinical Training Coordinator

Emily (she/her) completed her master’s degree in social work at VCU. 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. Emily draws from DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness, and her clinical practice is grounded in a commitment to social justice, sensitivity to trauma, and belief in relationships as sites of healing and growth.

Operations and Programs Staff

Featured
Hyacinth Bellerose 🏳️‍🌈
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
Dana Eagle

Development Manager

Dana (she/her) has dedicated her career to nonprofit development. She joined TWI in 2020 and brings more than 25 years of experience with a focus on organizational, fund, strategic planning, corporate, and individual relationship development. Dana is passionate about her belief that mental health services should be available to all, regardless of ability to pay.

Lisa Gaudet 🏳️‍🌈
Lisa Gaudet 🏳️‍🌈

Office Manager

Lisa (she/her) brings over 15 years of administrative experience to TWI as an office manager, executive assistant, and small-business owner. She happily resides in majestic Nelson County as a mother to two college-aged children and a fur toddler. Lisa is passionate about and dedicated to furthering understanding, empathy, and compassion toward marginalized communities and, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, is a strong advocate for transgender rights.

Latricia Giles, M.Div 🏳️‍🌈
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
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 reporting. She also provides support for development/fundraising needs: from database setup and reporting to fundraising website pages and marketing materials. Amy particularly enjoys being part of the Challenge Into Change team, as the program celebrates women’s stories of growth and healing. She has been part of TWI since 2010.

Andrea Mayfield
Andrea Mayfield

Deputy Director of Administration and Culture

Andrea (she/her) leads the strategic direction of administration at TWI. She directs cultural humility, human resources, communications, and facilities and collaborates with the Executive Director to manage finance and development. Andrea is passionate about cultivating an organizational culture that reflects the agency’s commitments to racial equity and social justice and strengthening partnerships with local organizations and individuals to increase access to mental health and wellness resources for our communities.

Alma Molina
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.

Karina Monroy
Karina Monroy

Programs and Design Coordinator

Karina (she/her/ella) is passionate about supporting communities and individuals in creating and rediscovering their personal paths towards healing. She received her bachelor’s degree in art and anthropology from UC Santa Cruz in 2016 and is currently pursuing her master’s in art therapy at The George Washington University. As an artist and student art therapist, Karina is motivated and moved by the decolonial power of collective healing through connection and creativity.

Susan Osmanzada
Susan Osmanzada

Executive Specialist

Susan Osmanzada (she/her) has an extensive background in clinical research and a commitment to equitable mental health care. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration, bringing valuable expertise from her healthcare experience. Motivated by her belief in the necessity of accessible mental health services, Susan has joined TWI as an executive specialist. She is dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness.

Camille Weaver Smith
Camille Weaver Smith

Communications Manager

Camille (she/her) leads the agency's communications and marketing strategy. She served as editor and associate director of digital communications at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business for more than 10 years after starting her career in nonprofit event management and marketing. Camille is passionate about destigmatizing and expanding access to mental health care for all communities and cherishes the opportunity to support individuals on their healing journeys.

Ellonde Smith
Ellonde Smith

Client Support Specialist

Ellonde (she/her) previously worked as a legal assistant and worked directly with the DSS Attorney and Charlottesville’s Department of Social Services. She is passionate about children being in safe homes. Ellonde is Jamaican by birth, also Canadian. She believes everyone should be treated equally, loves church, and believes in the power and impact of forgiveness. As a client support specialist, Ellonde helps connect women with the agency’s services.

Laura Snyder Brown, MSW
Laura Snyder Brown, MSW

Resilience Program Director

Laura (she/her) is honored to support TWI in opening healing, liberatory spaces and promoting resilience for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. A graduate of Swarthmore College and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, she has served as a leader for nonprofits in the areas of international grant-making, grassroots women’s organizations, affordable housing, and faith-based intentional community.

Supporting Counselors and Counseling Interns

Featured
Katie Allen, LPC
Katie Allen, LPC

Pro Bono Therapist

Katie (she/her) is a licensed professional counselor originally from Charlottesville. After obtaining her undergraduate degree at William & Mary and master's in counseling at Boston University, she lived for four years in Pittsburgh, PA, working in community mental health. Back in Charlottesville with her young family, Katie utilizes a combination of dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other strengths-based approaches to support clients' needs at local outpatient practice.

Varinia Garcia Anderson, M.Ed., LPC
Varinia Garcia Anderson, M.Ed., LPC

Bilingual Therapist

Varinia (she/her/ella) received a BA in psychology from Roanoke College and an M.Ed in counseling from VCU. She has focused on providing mental health services primarily to the local Hispanic population. Varinia is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR, play therapy, family therapy, and mindfulness. She is a strong advocate for our immigrant population, who inspire her to provide healing to those who need encouragement and strength.

Debi Daniel, MFT
Debi Daniel, MFT

Pro Bono Therapist

Debi (she/her) received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Touro University. She enjoys working with her clients through trauma-informed, internal family systems, dialectical behavior therapy, and emotion-focused therapy lenses. Debi believes communication is key and feels that most problems can be explored and resolved with partnership and collaboration. She brings a multicultural perspective from her African upbringing and is particularly interested in working with multicultural communities.

Laura Dowell
Laura Dowell

Intern

Laura (she/her) is a Supervisee in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a BA in English and served three years in Americorps in Boston Public Schools, administering academic and arts curriculum for students. After working with the unhoused at a humanitarian organization in Canada, Laura moved to Charlottesville with her family. She approaches the therapeutic relationship from a strengths-based, person-centered approach rooted in compassionate listening and support.

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

Therapist

Shelley (she/her) highly values trust and connection for humans to heal, and brings her authentic self and transparency into session to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. She believes through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. Shelley works from an attachment-based, person-centered approach to therapy for people from all walks of life who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal problems.

Ashley Jones-Watkins, MA
Ashley Jones-Watkins, MA

Intern

Ashley (she/her) is currently a student at Liberty University for a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. For the last five years, she has worked in the human services and mental health realm throughout the Central Virginia area. Being raised 30 minutes outside of Charlottesville, Ashley is very knowledgeable about the services available to those in the area. She uses a person-centered approach in her counseling.

Rachael LeMasters, LMSW
Rachael LeMasters, LMSW

Pro Bono Therapist

Rachael LeMasters (she/her) graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Social Work degree and received a certificate in family systems theory from the Tavistock and Portman Trust. She has experience working with diverse populations, including families with complex needs and refugees. Using a strengths perspective, Rachael builds an empathic connection with each client. Additionally, she is particularly interested in how systems and relationships interact with individual goals.

H Peterson 🏳️‍🌈
H Peterson 🏳️‍🌈

Intern

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.

Kris Shafer, MA
Kris Shafer, MA

Pro Bono Therapist

Kris (she/her) is passionate about women empowerment and equity as well as honoring each person's unique perspective and background. She uses a person-centered and trauma informed approach to create connection with and safety for clients. She received her master's degree in counseling from Messiah University and bachelor's in psychology from the University of Virginia. Prior to a career in counseling, Kris served in the military for 21 years.

Racheal Smetana, PsyD
Racheal Smetana, PsyD

Pro Bono Therapist

Racheal (she/her) received her PsyD in clinical psychology from Adler University, completing her pre-doctoral internship at Allegheny General Hospital and her postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at UVA. As a therapist, she practices from a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) orientation, with a person-centered and strengths-based approach. In her free time, Racheal volunteers with local nonprofit organizations, is an avid runner, and enjoys spending time with her dog.

Maren Ward, LCSW
Maren Ward, LCSW

Pro Bono Therapist

Maren (she/her) has worked in the counseling field for over 20 years, spending the past 15 years focusing on crisis counseling and assessments. At The Women’s Initiative, Maren works to create a therapeutic connection between herself and the client that allows for a safe exploration of the client's challenges as well as current and past relationships while accessing and processing emotions to allow for relief, healing, insight, and growth.

Professional Portraits Credit: Andrew Shurtleff