Therapeutic Services at Play

Mrs. Washington adopts a collaborative approach, prioritizing a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients. She is dedicated to supporting children and adolescents as they navigate life’s transitions and challenges. With extensive experience in child welfare services, she now specializes in helping young people cope with trauma‑related 

Mrs. Washington adopts a collaborative approach, prioritizing a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients. She is dedicated to supporting children and adolescents as they navigate life’s transitions and challenges. With extensive experience in child welfare services, she now specializes in helping young people cope with trauma‑related concerns, including abuse, neglect, anxiety, depression, and other stressors that impact healthy development.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from Savannah State University and a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Mrs. Washington has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2005.Her clinical expertise is further strengthened by numerous advanced trainings, including a comprehensive three‑year program at the Washington School of Psychiatry, which deepened her understanding of psychodynamic principles and practice. She is also a Registered Play Therapist, skilled in child‑centered play therapy.

Mrs. Washington incorporates evidence‑based approaches such as Trauma‑informed Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a focus on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to emotional and behavioral difficulties. Additionally, she is trained in MATCH-ADTC an evidence‑based treatment model designed specifically for children that treats anxiety, depression, trauma and conduct behavior..

Vanessa Jenkins has over 25 years of experience  working with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in helping adults manage substance use, arising from ongoing trauma, peer pressure, and other distressing life events. Vanessa has a   M.Ed., QMHP, CSAP and specializes in addiction care. She is committed to aiding both adults 

Vanessa Jenkins has over 25 years of experience  working with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in helping adults manage substance use, arising from ongoing trauma, peer pressure, and other distressing life events. Vanessa has a   M.Ed., QMHP, CSAP and specializes in addiction care. She is committed to aiding both adults and adolescents in their recovery from trauma-related challenges. She is adept at fostering excellent relationships with her peers and working collaboratively with community providers. She recognize the dangers inherent in high-stress, trauma-exposed work settings, and her work focuses on improving stress management, promoting healthier lifestyle choices, and facilitating recovery through established mindfulness and self-regulation techniques. Her approach is designed to enhance concentration, reduce negative thinking, and increase awareness of the present moment.

Ms. Mack is a passionate educator and supportive foster parent with a holistic approach to equip children and parents with tools for success.  She is recognized for her ability to work with families towards reunification of their children in the foster care system. 

 With over 35 years in the public school system, she brings the following 

Ms. Mack is a passionate educator and supportive foster parent with a holistic approach to equip children and parents with tools for success.  She is recognized for her ability to work with families towards reunification of their children in the foster care system. 

 With over 35 years in the public school system, she brings the following credentials to her work:  BS in education and an M.A.Ed. 

 -22 years as a teacher

- 13 years as a school principal

-10 years as a Foster Parent

- Arlington County Foster Parent of the year  in 2017

-Two successful adoptions through Arlington County

She is a strong advocate for parents and children. She creates an environment where both, parent and child can thrive and grow together. With many years of experience in the education system, she is well-versed in working with children who have behavioral issues, school refusal, and developmental needs. Collaborating with caregivers, and other community partners, she develops advanced solutions to the myriad challenges that children and families face. Additionally, she is a proponent of the CLEARR method, which stands for Communication, Love, Empathy, Awareness, Rules, and Respect. She looks forward to helping parents gain the necessary skills needed to be successful. 

Mr. Washington, a U.S. Army retiree, currently serves as the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity within the federal government. He dedicates his free time to mentoring at‑risk youth from underserved communities, demonstrating exceptional commitment by fostering empathy, offering affirmation, and proactively addressing their concerns.

Mr. Washington, a U.S. Army retiree, currently serves as the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity within the federal government. He dedicates his free time to mentoring at‑risk youth from underserved communities, demonstrating exceptional commitment by fostering empathy, offering affirmation, and proactively addressing their concerns. In this role, he provides supportive guidance focused on building knowledge, resilience, and coping strategies to help young people navigate life’s challenges.

Mr. Washington holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Science in Administration (MSA) with a specialization in Leadership. In his role as an HR Manager, he is committed to ensuring the efficient and effective execution of organizational activities, supporting the smooth operation of related functions. He responsibly oversees daily processes to enhance workflow and promote operational excellence.