Providers

Alicia Dacey, Licensed Clinical Marriage Family & Therapist.

As a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer individual, marital/couple, and family therapy. I am committed to providing you with a safe, caring and trusting environment to address your unique situation. The process of therapy can support and encourage self-discovery, personal growth, self-reflection, insight, personal fulfillment, and relationship enhancement. I invite you to call me for a free phone consultation to see if my services may be a good fit for what you are looking for. I am accepting new clients into my practice at this time. I have daytime and evening weekday hours available.

I assist individuals, couples, and families with: relationship problems, infidelity, loss of desire/connection, parenting, blended-family issues, separation/divorce, grief/loss, PTSD/trauma, work-related stress, depression, bipolar, anxiety, families affected by drug/alcohol addiction, LGBTQ are welcome, and alternative/polyamorous couples are welcome.

I also work with couples dealing with infertility/IVF/IUI/FET, pregnancy and cancer, trauma from miscarriage and difficult or life-threatening pregnancy or birth complications, difficulty with the transition to parenthood, postpartum psychiatric disorders, and transition from maternity/paternity leave to going back to work.

Marriage and family therapists are uniquely prepared to work with the complex dynamics and patterns found in all relationships and families. I am a Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists as well as an AAMFT-Approved Clinical Supervisor.

Come follow our Facebook page at Frederick Center for Marriage and Family and Therapy, LLC to get every day relationship and mental health tips.

Formal Education and Training

Public Leadership Citation, University of Maryland College Park, 1999
B.A., Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, 2001
M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Maryland College Park, 2004
Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, LCM211, State of Maryland
I have completed Level 3 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Appeared on 90-Day Fiance on TLC on May 25, 2020
Clinical Fellow, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensed Approved Supervisor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Clinical Member, MetroMFT
Member, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce
Member, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Melvis Ngalla-Oluka, RN, BSN, MSN/PMHNP-BC

Melvis Ngalla-Oluka is a compassionate and highly skilled board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in outpatient settings.

She has a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health, from the University of Delaware, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Towson University.

Melvis is committed to providing holistic and individualistic care to her patients, which is tailored to each patient's unique needs and experiences. Her core values of compassion, respect, integrity, and high standards of professionalism drive her approach to care.

She formulates treatment plans based on evidenced-based practices, encourages patient education and informed decision-making. Melvis specializes in a wide range of mental health disorders including: Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Insomnia, ADHD, PTSD, and Schizophrenia.

Overall, Melvis is a dedicated PMHNP, who advocates for her patients and is committed to helping them live better quality lives.

Qualifications

Master of Science in Nursing, PMHNP 2019

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2013

Associates Degree in Nursing, 2011

Rhoda Mwangi, BSN, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC

As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) I offer compassionate, cordial, confidential, empathetic, and holistic psychiatric services geared towards restoring hope, healing, and changing lives. Everyday life experiences can have far reaching psychiatric impact capable of affecting our social life, mental health, familial relationships, careers, finances, pursuit for education etc. I work with adults, young adults, and adolescent populations. My areas of specialization include mood disorders (such as depression, bipolar disorder), eating disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, crisis stabilization and medication management spanning across adult, adolescent, and geriatric populations.

Qualifications

Master of Science in Nursing, 2021

Bachelor of science Nursing, 2012

Ethical leadership: Moral Distress and Ethical Practice Environments.

Handle with Care Behavior Management Program.

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training

Licensures

Controlled Dangerous Substances License (CDS)- State of Maryland

DEA Mid-Level Practitioner License (Controlled Substance prescription License)

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)-PMH

Certified Registered Psychiatric Nurse

Meghan Harrington-Patton, LCPC

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I have clinical experience working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief/loss, trauma, attention deficit disorder, PANDA/PANS, self-esteem, and spiritual issues. I aim to create a safe, welcoming environment where we can work as a team to foster self- awareness, self-care, and build insight into current issues. I will help you to develop tools to navigate life’s challenges to create and sustain meaningful change.

I draw from a variety of theoretical orientations in order to match the unique needs of each client, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Bibliotherapy; Breathwork; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT); Play Therapy; Solutions Focused Therapy; Strength-Based Therapy; Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Qualifications:
BS, English and History, Secondary Education, 2001.
MS, Pastoral Counseling, Loyola University, Maryland, 2009.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LC4973, State of Maryland.
National Board of Certified Counselor, 253529.

Professional Member, American Counseling Association (ACA)

Diane Ochalek, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

If you are struggling with the recent work, and school cancellations put in place to mitigate our risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, I can offer some help. We have implemented teletherapy for our clients in need of counseling during these stressful times. We can offer services to couples, and individuals, but in addition I can assist with families that are struggling with managing school aged children in the home on a regular basis that may have behavioral or mental health issues, or that present challenges with learning differences. Some of you may also need to telework while taking on full time child-care and home schooling. I have over thirty years of experience working with children and families and would be happy to assist you with these or any other family issues you may be dealing with in these difficult days.

As a Licensed Clinical social worker I provide individual, couples, child, adolescent, and family counseling. I have worked with individuals with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, marital and blended family problems, substance abuse, and sexual identity. I also have a great deal of experience working with children with behavioral issues and learning disabilities, and issues around adoption and attachment. I also work with couples dealing with infertility, adoptions, and parenting issues. I utilize a strengths-based approach informed by psychodynamic theory. My aim is to help utilize your strengths while gaining an understanding of life experiences that may influence your current functioning in both positive and negative ways. Working together we can help you gain a better understanding of what may be holding you back from reaching your goals and full potential.

Qualifications:

· Years in Practice: 28+

· School: University of Maryland at Baltimore

· Year Graduated: 1991

· License and State: Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1993

Ari Bonagofski, Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist

As a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, I assist individuals (all ages are welcome), couples, and families through difficult situations such as depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and relationship challenges. I also work with couples dealing with infertility, the transition to parenthood, and the transition from maternity/paternity leave to going back to work. Using a strengths-based and systemic perspective, I emphasize your courage and bravery in working through a variety of situations. My role as your therapist is to be an empathic collaborator in your journey. I recognize we have all been through our own unique experiences. I do my best to foster an environment that feels safe and supportive while together we create attainable goals and a plan of treatment that you feel will help you reach those goals.

I use a variety of theoretical orientations depending on what is best for each client. These theories include cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy. When working with children, I use play therapy in combination with additional approaches such as child-parent relationship training. I utilize Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work with couples to help improve their communication, strengthen their friendship, and build deeper connections.

Qualifications:

· BS in Psychology, 2015

· MA in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, 2018

· Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, LGM814, State of Maryland

· Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Jordan Wagner, Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist

As a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide individual, family, and couples therapy. I have clinical experience working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship issues, grief/loss, trauma, body image issues, and self esteem. I aim to create a safe, welcoming environment where we can work as a team to foster self awareness, build insight into current issues, develop tools to navigate life challenges, and create and sustain meaningful change.

I draw from a variety of theoretical orientations in order to match the unique needs of each client, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems theory. When working with clients with eating disorders, I utilize enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy to provide evidence-based treatment and work towards recovery goals. When working with couples, I utilize Gottman Method Couples Therapy to help couples address conflict, strengthen their friendship, and build healthy, loving connections. I also work with people who need help with the transition to parenthood, postpartum psychiatric disorders, and the transition from maternity/paternity leave to going back to work.

Qualifications:
BS, Family and Human Services, 2017
MS, Marriage and Family Therapy, 2020
Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, LGM810, State of Maryland
Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Professional Member, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Camina Hirota, Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist

As a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide individual, couples, child, adolescent, and family therapy services. I have clinical experience working with issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, and issues affecting the LGBTQ community. My goal is to help you find your strengths and feel empowered to make positive changes. I utilize solution-focused and client-centered techniques with an emphasis in multicultural psychology. I will collaborate with you to heal from past hurt, manage career and relationship stressors, and establish meaningful connections with others.

In therapy, one can make significant changes and develop the skills needed to overcome obstacles to live a more satisfying and successful life. My hope is to provide a warm, non-judgmental, and safe environment where you can address the challenges preventing you from living at your best. If you are looking for extra support and guidance through a difficult situation, or are ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals in your journey of self-discovery and growth.

Qualifications:
BA in Psychology, 2017
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, 2020
Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, LGM868, State of Maryland
Spanish: intermediate proficiency level

Evenny (Ev) Milliner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hello. My name is Evenny (Ev) Milliner. I’m a Licensed Social Worker in Maryland and I provide services in English and Spanish. Quality client care that is trauma informed is what drives the work that I do.

I help children, youth, adults, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and pursue a better quality of life. I like to incorporate mindfulness exercises, meditations, games, art, and activities into my work.

As a Black Latina I understand the importance of cultural, religious, and spiritual identity. I am intentional about incorporating cultural, religious, and spiritual aspects into therapy that allow you to feel safe and respected.

While a professional, I still consider myself a student. I am learning about you and continuing to pursue education to provide the best and up to date services. I am a current student of the Sexual Health Alliance, an AACCET certified program, in pursuit of my Sex Therapy Certification.

I look forward to working with you in the discovery of self and the pursuit of that which you desire.

Qualifications:

Master of Social Work – Howard University

Bachelor of Social Work – Andrews University

License Master of Social Work in the State of Maryland

Fluent in Spanish and English

Training and Experienced in Trauma-Informed Care

Training and Experience in working with Survivors of Human Trafficking

Training and Experience in Displaced Populations

(Unaccompanied Refugee Minors, Refugees, Survivors of Disaster and War, Undocumented Immigrants, Persons Experiencing/Experienced Homelessness)

Training and Experience in working with Children and Youth

Hola. Me llamo Evenny (Ev) Milliner. Soy una terapeuta con licencia en Maryland y brindo servicios en inglés y español. La atención de calidad que está informada sobre el trauma es lo que impulsa el trabajo que hago.

Ayudo a niños, jóvenes, adultos, parejas y familias a navegar los desafíos de la vida y buscar una mejor calidad de vida. Me gusta incorporar ejercicios de atención plena, meditaciones, juegos, arte y actividades en mis servicios.

Como afrolatina, entiendo la importancia de la identidad cultural, religiosa y espiritual. Tengo la intención de incorporar aspectos culturales, religiosos y espirituales en la terapia que le permitan sentirse seguro y respetado.

Mientras soy un profesional, todavía me considero un estudiante. Estoy aprendiendo sobre usted y continuando mi educación para proporcionar los mejores y actualizados servicios. Soy un estudiante actual de la Alianza de Salud Sexual, un programa certificado por AACCET, en busca de mi Certificación de Terapia Sexual.

Espero con interés trabajar con ustedes en el descubrimiento de sí mismos y la búsqueda de lo que desean.

Calificaciones:

Maestría en Trabajo Social – Howard University, USA

Licenciatura en Trabajo Social – Andrews University, USA

Maestría en Trabajo Social en el Estado de Maryland

Con fluidez en español e inglés

Capacitación y Experiencia en Atención de Trauma Informado

Capacitación y Experiencia en el trabajo con Sobrevivientes de Trata de Personas

Capacitación y Experiencia en Poblaciones Desplazadas

(Menores Refugiados no Acompañados, Refugiados, Sobrevivientes de Desastres y Guerra, Inmigrantes Indocumentados, Personas con Experiencia/Sin Hogar)

Capacitación y Experiencia en el trabajo con Niños y Jóvenes