Our Team

  • Deborah Elder, LCSW

    Deborah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005. She provides individual, family and couples counseling. She works with young adults, adults, and aging adults. She particularly enjoys working with First Responders and military individuals and their families. She utilizes evidenced based techniques tailored to the needs of the individual.

    She has received training in Adoption Services and is a certified Adoption Therapist, Family systems, nutrition and mental health, co-parenting, post-partum depression, CBT, DBT. She is trained in Gottman’s couples’ methodology (level2) and in EMDR. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, ADHD, Behavior management, divorce, co-parenting post-divorce, family dynamics, couples issues, life transitions and pre/post adoption issues.

    In her own words: “Therapy is not a cure; it is an individual journey which requires an individualized approach. I strive to improve the lives of the individuals I work with, and I will work with you to overcome what stands in the way of a fulfilling life”

  • Lori Larson, LCSW

    Lori is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011. She provides individual, couples, and family therapy, and works with adolescents, adults, and aging adults. She has received training in serious mental illness, substance abuse, differently-abled individuals and chronic pain. Her areas of expertise include individuals with anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, adjustment issues, trauma, and grief. She has an eclectic approach, incorporating therapeutic techniques that focus on each individual in a culturally sensitive, non-judgmental environment.

    She is trained as a music therapist and implements expressive arts therapy into her practice when applicable. Some of the treatment modalities used are CBT, DBT, Gottman’s couples’ methodology, mindfulness, TF-CBT and other modalities to address trauma symptoms, problem behaviors, and other mental health concerns.

    Lori is also trained in EMDR

    In her own words: “The world is a complex place, especially in these ever-changing times. Dealing with adversity can be challenging and stressful. I will work with you to develop a trusting relationship, with the focus to work together to better understand and resolve the conflicts that hinder you from living a fulfilling life.”

  • Whitney Mc Lellon, LCSW

    Whitney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with her Master’s in Social Work. She has experience working with children, teens, adults, family systems and couples, and she enjoys the unique challenges and strengths that come with each age and life stages.

    Some of her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, attachment, relationship issues, behavioral management, family conflict, life transitions, and challenges related to coparenting/divorce.

    She utilizes evidence-based treatments, such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, TF-CBT and other modalities to address trauma symptoms, problem behaviors, and other mental health concerns.

    In her own words: “I want to offer you a safe space where you or your loved one can feel free to be yourself and express yourself exactly as you are without judgment. Together, we can face the challenges that brought you to therapy and help you feel in control and at peace as you move forward.”

  • Emireth Cancino, M.S NCC

    Emireth is a Resident in Counseling who graduated from The University of Vermont with her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. She is working towards her LPC licensure and is expected to take her licensing exam soon. She loves working with people of all ages, from children to older adults, and families too.

    She's passionate about helping people navigate through different stages of their lives and is skilled at handling any challenge that life may bring. She enjoys working with people who struggle with mood disorders, trauma, attachment, relationship issues, life transitions, family conflict, personality disorders, and more.

    She uses evidence-based and humanistic approaches like CBT, DBT, Gestalt, EFT, and SFBT to help people overcome challenges in their lives and address symptoms of these difficulties that may prevent them from living authentic and meaningful lives.

    In her own words “I believe therapy is a place to be lovingly challenged for the purpose of growth and avoiding complacency and stagnation. I can offer an outside perspective from a place of care that can push you to become the best version of yourself possible.

  • Gina Tirado, MSW

    Gina is a Supervisee in Social Work. She graduated from the University of New England with her Master’s in Social Work. Gina has experience working with adults and families. She has worked with a multitude of diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, co-occurring disorders, substance use, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, trauma, self-esteem issues, social issues, and life skills. Gina’s experience comes from an array of settings such as community work, psychosocial rehabilitation, acute inpatient hospital, intensive outpatient programs, mental health skill building, assertive community treatment, and individual therapy. She utilizes evidence-based modalities and interventions such as CBT, DBT, SFBT, psychodynamic therapy, Art Therapy, trauma informed, mindfulness, strengths-based, person-center, and Motivational Interviewing. Using an array of interventions and modalities allows Gina to assist individuals in self-discovery and learning how to implement behavioral changes in their lives leading to a decrease in debilitating symptoms and concerns associated with mental health diagnoses.

    In her own words: "Our lives are forever altering, as we fight through challenges, distress, inequalities, and hardships I am here to support and guide you through. Caring for our mental health is an epitome of self-care and wellness. I offer a safe space for vulnerability, discovery, healing, and truth. I am passionate and hopeful for individuals that seek out treatment to enhance their lives and discover true happiness.”


  • Emma Hoskins, MS, LPC-R 

    Emma is a Resident in Counseling who graduated from Longwood University with a Master of Science in Counselor Education with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling. Emma has been working in the mental health field since 2013, starting at Western State Hospital. Emma has experience working with a wide range of populations and has provided care for all types of mental health challenges. Emma has experience working in eating disorder treatment centers, community mental health, teen & adult residential, private & state hospitals, and crisis services. She has provided care from acute inpatient hospitalization to outpatient counseling.  

    Emma is passionate about working with a number of different populations: eating disorders, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, self-harm, complex trauma, and other mood and anxiety disorders. Emma works with all ages, but particularly enjoys working with tweens, teens, and young adults.  

    Emma uses an eclectic approach to counseling: Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), CBT, DBT, ACT, expressive arts, humanistic and existentialist approaches, as well as Social Rhythm and Interpersonal Therapy (SRTPT).  

    In Emma’s words: “You are not what happened to you. You don’t have to let what happened to you run your life anymore. Together, we can work together to create space that is safe for you, so we can discover who you are outside of your mental health struggles. Let’s find your ‘why’ again, so you can overcome any ‘how.’”