Providers
Clinical Director, DC, MD & VA
Tanya Wagner, LCSW-C, LICSW, CCTP, NACC
"It's our pleasure to help you cultivate the healing you want and deserve". As the owner and founder of Rivers of Healing, I look forward to assisting you in meeting your goals in the best way, that works for you! I specialize in working with clients who have a history of depression, anxiety and trauma issues that stem from childhood disruptions in the formative years of life. Many of the skills you will learn in therapy will be practical and applicable.
The main treatment modalities used in sessions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Focused Healing and Support. In addition, clients who are Christian and desire to infuse their beliefs into their treatment plan are also able to get support in sessions. No matter your background you have come to the right place. We look forward to walking with you on this journey, gently guiding and being a constant source of empowerment and encouragement. Email us at info@riversofhealingcounseling.com to get started!
Licensed Professional Counselor, Bi-Lingual, MD
Robert Celis, MA, MS, LGPC
Robert has ten years working in educational settings, half spent as an academic counselor, foster youth case manager, and clinical counselor. Robert has experience working with teens and early adult populations experiencing low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, difficult life transitions, and relationship issues. Robert has experience at a community-based site and university psychological counseling center utilizing CBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care modalities.
In addition, Robert’s approaches include strength-based/humanistic, narrative, and multicultural to meet historically underserved clients, of color, first-generation young professionals, and anyone willing to grow and heal.
Robert aims to create a safe space where clients can discuss life experiences confidently and without judgment and empower clients to recognize their strengths and new perspectives. Aside from work, Robert enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on weekend road trips, experiencing new cultures, traveling, and gaining new hobbies.
Rashida George has over 20 years of experience serving families and youth. She studied Social Work at Columbia University School
of Social Work and later at the Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy
and Training. Rashida also has experience in empirically-based
treatment modalities including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents and Motivational Interviewing.
Rashida is also a registered Yoga Therapist and a Nationally Certified Restorative Justice Practitioner. She uses these practices to provide healing opportunities, assist clients in decreasing anxiety and stress, increase awareness and connection to the body and to develop creative problem-solving techniques. Rashida prioritizes her client’s needs and creates a safe space for authenticity and respect with the goal of supporting clients to utilize their innate strengths to accomplish their positive goals. Rashida is exclusively working with Carefirst/Blue Cross/Anthem plan members.
Assistant Clinical Director, Licensed Psychotherapist,
DC, MD & VA
Joy-Ann Phillips-Schwartz, LICSW, LCSW-C
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years providing an array of mental health services to clients. I currently provide therapeutic services for adults, couples, and families. I am also trained as a forensic interviewer and work with victims of Sexual Abuse.
I also work with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and personal crises. I have been trained in various psychotherapy models such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral and Trauma therapies.
I make every effort to understand my clients' needs and to help them work through challenging situations. I strongly believe in the value of therapy and the impact it has to help heal past traumas and anxieties. I am here to support and guide you through the healing process so that you can live the life you choose to live. Joy-Ann also utilizes faith based methods for clients who prefer therapy from a christian perspective.
Licensed Psychotherapist, Child, Young Adult and Millennial Provider
Jessica Agbar, MSW, LMSW
Jessica Agbar, completed her Bachelors degree in Social Work at Bowie State University and her Masters Degree in Social Work at Howard University. She seeks to engage clients using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She also finds it important to work with clients using a strength based perspective, Motivational Interviewing and an Empowerment approach.
She is certified and trained in applied Suicide intervention, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence awareness, as well as Bystander Intervention. Therapy with Jessica looks like setting a peaceful atmosphere with clients where rapport is built and warm engagement is the focus.
She provides a safe space where individuals can feel comfortable sharing their concerns in order to gain insight on their struggles and stressors. She helps clients to set a safe space for their needs to be met. Jessica also utilizes faith based methods for clients that prefer therapy from a Christian perspective.
Licensed Psychotherapist, Bilingual, MD
Milred "Milly" Mends, LMSW
Milly is an immigrant with extensive experience supporting communities of color, bringing a unique and compassionate perspective to her practice. She is a licensed therapist in Maryland who understands the complexities of feeling “othered” or displaced. Milly provides an inclusive, holistic therapeutic environment where clients can explore and embrace their full selves.
Her approach integrates culturally rooted practices—such as music, art, poetry, and creative writing—empowering clients to engage in self-expression that resonates with their unique identities. Milly also draws on her experience supporting clients who are considering bariatric surgery and navigating eating disorders and body dysmorphia, understanding the nuanced challenges of these journeys. She utilizes trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, fostering psychological flexibility and resilience.
A passionate advocate for moving from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, Milly helps clients recognize and harness their inner strengths. Her dedication lies in supporting individuals as they embrace their own stories with self-compassion, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility.
Licensed Psychotherapist, Holistic Provider, MD & DC
Carmen Phelps, LCSW-C, LICSW
Carmen is a licensed therapist in the state of Maryland and has over 15 years of experience in working with diverse populations and groups. She enjoys enhancing others well being from a wholistic, person centered perspective. Carmen has a strong desire to develop a rapport with her clients that is foundationally based on openness, warmth, acceptance, structure and freedom! Carmen infuses mindfulness and yoga into her work with clients which assists which stress reduction and healthy changes in the mind, body and spirit.
Carmen works with clients who have a strong desire to make changes and need additional support in uncovering challenges and develop realistic coping skills that they can infuse on a daily basis. Working with Carmen looks like more of a partnership and a collaborative effort rather than being lead which minimizes your intrinsic ability to develop a path of healing that works best for you. If you have struggled with depressive thoughts, anxiousness, stress due to life changes, race and diversity issues, trauma due to abuse, body image, low esteem or identity challenges consider working with Carmen!
Licensed Psychotherapist, DC & Alabama
LaMesha Mckenzie, LGSW
LaMesha’s approach to therapy is “person centered” as she aims to meet the client “where they are”. She considers the therapeutic relationship essential as she evaluates each person within the context of their environment and provides practical feedback to help effectively address their personal life challenges. Her areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: stress management, anxiety/depression, personal growth, and effective communication strategies while utilizing as needed,Trauma Focused Solutions, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, and Crisis Interventions and more. LaMesha is also licensed in DC and Alabama!
One of the goals of her interventions is to generate a holistic approach addressing the whole person, not only their mental health needs, depending on the client circumstances . She understands that often a multidimensional approach to therapy is needed to assist others in healing from trauma, building self worth, improving communication in relationships.
LaMesha also provides Christian counseling based on Biblical values upon request. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build their strengths and encouraging them to “Look Forward” to healing and the hope that is available on the other side of their situation and reaching goals that at the time seem unreachable.
Client Feedback Survey
We welcome your feedback as we want to continue to make changes that will enhance your overall satisfaction and therapeutic experience! Please click the link below to begin, it will only take 3 mins!
Thank you!