Favorite Quote: " How you gonna win when you ain't right within?" Lauryn Hill
Dr. La' Toya "Nicole" Edwards, LCSW
Clinical Director & Lead Therapist
Are you the strong friend, but sometimes feel that you have no one to lean on? Having relationships issues, hate your job, or need help navigating this thing called Adult-ing? I enjoy working with individuals who appear to be whole, yet feel lost and unseen; I address the impact that both trauma and healing have on the WHOLE person. Providing out the box therapy, with a holistic twist, I infuse humor, reiki, yoga essential oils, and realness. I have dedicated my life to helping Millennials, Gen Zs (ages 16- 45), and their families break generational curses.
I practice a mind, body, and soul approach. Meaning, I address the person and their environment, helping young adults get their whole life! I am not a nod and smile therapist. I roll up my sleeves with you, and together we come up with solutions to tackle this thing called life. There are going be times that you are not gonna like me, but a part of therapy is unpacking and revealing some things that we oftentimes try to mask and hide. My goal is to work along side you and help you become a better person than when you started with me.
Favorite Quote: "If you scared to take chances, you will never have the answers." - Nas
Michael Tinsley, LCSW
Therapist
I am a Graduate of Howard University and UNC Charlotte, I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. I have a passion for working with individuals, couples and families who seek change to become happier, healthier and gain control over obstacles that are weighing them down. I have several years of experience in working with children, adults, and families, on a broad array of issues ranging from depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, schizophrenia, substance abuse and trauma. I provide culturally competent care and use a Strength Based Approach when working with clients. I also specialize in helping African American males deal with oppressive systems and obstacles.
Favorite Quote: "Nothing will work, unless you do." - Maya Angelou
Courtneí Brockington , MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Therapist
I consider myself to be a compassionate and hard-working individual who has a heart for helping people. My work experience includes working with children and teens in both in- home, inpatient, and residential settings.
Born in New York, but raised in Virginia, my passion involves working with individuals, couples, and families who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD/ADD, adjustment issues, work-life balance, grief, relationship issues, and trauma. I also love conducting group therapy sessions because there truly is healing in community.
Coming to therapy for the first time can be intimidating and/or scary. When approaching therapy, My goal is to work collaboratively with you so you do not feel like you are walking alone during this journey. My second goal is that during our time together you feel empowered, challenged, and motivated. I use a strength based approach, where I infuse CBT, DBT, and solution focused therapy to help you overcome barriers.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Minor in African Studies from Howard University and a Master Degree in Clinical Social Work from Norfolk State University.
ShaniQuia Todd, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Therapist
Supportive, collaborative, safe, and non-judgement environment are the words that come to mind when you think of therapy with ShaniQuia. She has experience working in residential, inpatient, intensive in-home, reunification, foster care and now outpatient providing individual, family, and group counseling. She has an interest in working with teens and adults who have experience past trauma, low self esteem, feeling stuck, struggling with adjusting to life circumstances, transitions, depression, anxiety, and overall seeing the best and pulling out your best utilizing strength base, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative, and solution focus to name a few. ShaniQuia also feels that one of her strengths is helping individuals express their feelings in positive assertive ways and to help others gain clarity on self destructive thinking patterns. She has a heart to help those who feel unseen, used, and as a result project their pain onto others. She is a native of Chesapeake, VA and a proud alum and two time social work graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and Norfolk State University.
Favorite Quote: "It's easy to hear the voices of others and often very difficult to hear your own. Every person you meet is going to want something different from you. The question is: What do you want for yourself?" - Beyoncé Knowles
Ashley Wright, LCSW
Therapist
Ashley is a graduate of Norfolk State University, holding both a Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work. As a native of the city of Portsmouth, Ashley has always possessed the desire to help others. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults providing therapeutic individual, group, and/or family psychotherapy with varying mental health diagnosis.
Ashley is a licensed eligible Clinical Therapist with the experience of working within community-based services, school-based services, residential treatment, jails, acute-inpatient treatment, and managed care organizations. She is committed to assisting clients to learn how to heal/cope with a wide range of issues such as : anxiety, depression, trauma/ PTSD, anger management, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), social skills, grief and loss, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
Overall, Ashley enjoys empowering others and engaging people in the process of positive change. Through her strength-based approach, she strives to assist children, adults, and families maintain their stability and is committed to providing effective, evidenced based treatments services to various populations by promoting healing and growth.
Favorite Quote: "You've always had the Power, my Dear. You just had to learn it for yourself."
- Glenda the Good Witch
Titania Kizer, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Therapist
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a Master's degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that empathy and connection have the power to bring about transformation and I take great pride in establishing a trustworthy and open therapeutic relationship, creating a safe space where you feel seen, heard, and validated.
I specialize in working with individuals across various age groups, including children, adolescents, teens, and adults. My clients come to me with a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem/self-worth, trauma, life transitions, stress, and parenting challenges. Also, I embrace an integrative approach to therapy that incorporates Narrative and Play Therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed interventions.
I believe that each person's therapy journey is as unique and multidimensional as they are, and my ultimate goal is to help you expand the lens through which you see yourself and with self-compassion and grace not only blossom in your healing journey but also rediscover your own spirit of resilience.
Favorite Quote: "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!
Audrey Hepburn
Latasha Jones-Patterson, LCSW
Therapist
Have you ever wanted a place to vent without someone judging you or making you feel bad? Do you isolate yourself because you feel no one would understand you, or they may look at you differently? Have you ever felt unworthy, unlovable, or that you didn't matter? Are you raising someone else's kids, and is it stressing you out, even if you decided to assist? Are you raising your own kids and it's stressing you out? Are you a teenager and are dealing with some form of anxiety, whether anxiety in social settings or in general or are you dealing with depression and thoughts that you would be better off dead? Are you involved in the Child Welfare System, such as a child in foster care or Child Protective Services coming by? Have you recently lost someone close to you, whether through death or to the system?
I know I asked about various scenarios, but this is how many people feel nowadays or what they are going through. I want you to know that I can be that listening ear to assist you through life's challenges. The fact that you are looking at this page lets me know that you are looking for help in your life. I work with individuals and families seeking help with school, career, relationships, life changes, parenting, child welfare, loss, trauma, and economic stressors. I am here to be a listening ear, to listen to you nonjudgmentally, and you wouldn't have to worry about me telling your business to anyone.
I'm Latasha Jones-Patterson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping people overcome their mental health concerns. I utilize a Person-Centered modality, including Empowerment Theory, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with a somatic focus.
Favorite Quote: “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” - Maya Angelou
Tazhane Jackson, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Therapist
I am passionate about working with individuals and families to become the best version of themselves providing support and encouragement throughout their journey. I hold a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University, currently working towards licensure in clinical social work. I am passionate about working with vulnerable populations in assisting with overcoming barriers to success. I attempt to meet client’s where they are and help them recognize their own potential. I believe in taking a person-center and strengths-based approach in services. I am compassionate, hardworking, and devoted to client success.
My experience includes working as a specialized Social Worker in the intake, adoption, and foster care units assisting families to reunification and permanency, therapeutic mentoring, and case management. I also have experience providing individual/family assessments and counseling, co-facilitating groups, and providing crisis intervention services in a community-based setting. My goal is to provide the best possible support, guidance, and clinical intervention to enhance the lives of each individual and family I serve. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and cooking.
Nari
Holistic Emotional Support Animal
I am a long hair miniature dachshund, and my mom is La' Toya. I can sense distress, depression, and anxiety in clients. If you want me in a counseling session, I am there to provide non-judgmental support and soft ears to scratch and I can peek my head into the camera during the session if you ever need me virtually. My favorite way to show support is to offer my paw. I just want you to know you are not alone on your journey to healing and this 4-legged soul just want you to know you matter!
My favorite forms of self-care are hide and seek, yoga (downward facing dog and Savasana), sitting by the mat and watching clients do yoga and/or receiving reiki, tug the rope, snuggling, and chasing or chewing a good stick.
Fun Fact: My name mean wild child and gentle soul and I live up to it every day of my life.
Favorite Quote - "A beautiful woman is a beautiful woman but a beautiful woman with a brain is a lethal combination." - Armirah
Armirah Stephens, M.A. , Resident in MFT
Therapist
Inez Beverly Prosser, Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, and Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum. Names that sparked my interest in becoming a clinician. During my time at Spelman College, I studied the work of these women and how they made their mark in mental health for people of color and knew that I wanted to leave my own mark on mental health through my work as a clinician. I am a graduate of both Spelman College and Syracuse University. I hold a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy. I am a Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy. My targeted theories use when I provide care is narrative therapy and strategic therapy. I utilize these two forms of therapy the most because I believe that everyone has their own story to tell and mapping out that story through counseling can be helpful to individuals who need assistance on navigating to the next chapter in their life. The thing that I enjoy most from working with clients is assisting them to tap into the resilience that lies within them. While also observing their progress and tap into the strength that it takes for them to continue their personal narrative. I am most passionate about couples, military communities, and families. During my free time, I enjoy making candles and spending time with my family and friends.
Monica Manley, MSW
Therapist
I am a graduate of North Carolina A&T with a bachelor's in social work as well as a graduate of the University of New England with a Master's in Social Work. I have worked with children and adolescents since I can remember from babysitting, to after school care, therapeutic day treatment, and child and adolescent case manager. I have conducted group and individual sessions with adolescents. Beginning this journey is a dream come true and I will make sure to give my best self to those I come in contact with. I've always had a soft spot for children, I want adolescents to be their best self and most importantly have the foundation needed to process what they are feeling and understand their feelings are valid no matter what people may say or think.
Overall, I enjoy being in the presence of children and adolescents, they keep me updated with all the new dances as well as slang used. I am super excited to begin this journey and I pray my services will help those I come in contact with. When I am not working as a therapist, I am spending time with my family and coaching. Working with me is a team approach, where you never feel alone.
Favorite Quote: "So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."
- Dr. Suess
Danielle Pham, MSW Clinical Intern
Danielle is a Boston University student finishing her clinical master's in social work degree. She currently has a Bachelor's in Sociology and has spent the past five years working in California and Virginia in an array of community roles. She has prior experience working with children and adults working through neurodivergent social skill building, substance use, or chronic homelessness as a behavioral therapist and case manager. She has a passion for ensuring people in the community feel empowered and valued; that everyone has a place, and she would like nothing more than to support them in determining what that is for them. She strives to help others recognize their strengths and believes we are capable of change as we navigate the twists and turns of life.
I love what I do and am eager to continue growing and learning as I help others do the same. I enjoy the process of getting to know one's life and history and take great pride in being a part of a chapter in their life. I'm a goofball at heart and strive to help others feel welcomed and heard when working with me. Tell me a joke, corn puns are my favorite! While working with me, I want my clients to experience both support like one would get from a close friend, but to also challenge you to continuously reflect and grow. I believe we are stronger as individuals and as a community when we work together to help one another. I like working with people of all walks of life who are trying to find the balance and peace through the ups and downs life throws at us. I promise even the most put together people are also trying to figure things out. I hope to provide services that encourage others to live their life in a way that brings them joy no matter what challenges come their way. I like to incorporate movement and art during sessions. Sometimes words are hard to express and by having other ways to signal and identify what we are experiencing, it makes it easier to advocate and articulate our needs and wants.
Outside of therapy, I am a singer with my best performances in my kitchen most likely burning a dish I googled and improvised on. I am a big advocate of the relationship of physical health and mental health working with one another and enjoy coaching boxing and weightlifting. I am a big musical theater gal and love cinema. I cherish the little things in life such as cuddles with all my animals and cool breezes on a sunny day during a car ride.
Favorite Quote:" Fear, uncertainty, and discomfort are your compasses for growth." -Barack Obama
Jasmine Johnson
Master In Counseling Intern
I am a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a master's level clinical mental health counseling degree from William and Mary. I have experience in intensive in- home counseling, providing both individual and family counseling to individuals with ADHD, depression, and PTSD. As a native of the Hampton Roads area, I am eager to help individuals see the light at the end of the tunnel in the midst of struggles and issues that arise in life. As a therapist intern, I strive to provide a collaborative yet creative approach with clients to navigate through the therapeutic journey. I have an interest in working with those who have experienced trauma, depression, PTSD, and military communities. While I do not operate from an specific approach, I will pull from a variety of therapeutic approaches and techniques to best align with your needs and goals.
Rickkita Riddick, BSW Intern
Care Coordinator
I am Rickkita Riddick and I have a strong passion for helping others. I am currently a senior at Norfolk State University pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Social Work. I have a strong commitment to community service and development. I have tenured experience in working with youth in a residential setting with mental disabilities and behavioral issues. In addition, my strengths are empowering, educating, and elevating people from all walks of life using various activities under therapeutic modalities. I look forward to contributing to your success in your therapeutic goals.
Rickkita is the 2022 NASWVA's Student of the Year. Her heart for the community has been recognized as ACHI community leader of the year in 2019 and she was recognized by Ellen Degeneres in October 2020. Rikkita will be helping you with resources, groups, and workshops on topics and issues that are relevant to the community.
Favorite Quote: "Define who you are and what you are, and be clear on that. Meditate on that and then, live..." Nipsey Hussle
Sheryl Dunn, LCSW
Therapist
Being a native of Suffolk, Virginia, I felt it was imperative to initiate my career and community service in the Hampton Roads area. I have worked in the capacity of a case manager for a local Community Services Board servicing individuals with dual diagnoses: substance use as well as serious mental health disorders. Thereafter and intermittently I have had the honor to work as a medical social worker for hospice agencies. I have also worked as a care manager for a high level hospital system prior to transitioning to become a care coordinator for a managed care organization.
Therapy has always been a passion of mine. It is a privilege to have others entrust their thoughts with me. Once I had the opportunity to see the powerful impact therapy can have on folks I have felt compelled to return to private practice.
I attended the prestigious Norfolk State University for undergraduate and graduate studies in Social Work. I look forward to further advances in my studies not only for myself but the well-being of populations I have the pleasure to work with.
Administration
Favorite Quote:" Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." -Maya Angelou
Milaka Owens, BSBA-BM, MBA
Intake Coordinator & Office Manager
Warm, kind, and southern hospitality is what you get when you receive a response from Milaka.
Milaka Owens is the Intake Coordinator and Office Manager with Thriving Well Holistic Wellness Solutions. She will be the first person you come in contact with before you see your therapist. She brings over 10 years of administrative experience in office and business management. Milaka graduated with a BS in Business Administration and Management from The University of Southern Mississippi, as well as her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Belhaven University.
Milaka has a passion for helping others and a love for all things having to do with organization. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children and traveling.
I chose this quote because I believe with the work and passion that I give to my clients and the world, it makes a difference in their lives and in turn makes me a rainbow in their cloud. I try to cultivate loving kindness as a daily practice in my life. I tune in to my heart, practice empathy and use that empathy to connect to the people around me in a meaningful way. Even if it's just a small gesture, I still try to make a positive impact on their lives/business in some way each day.