Bel Air Therapists
Christina Allen, LCPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
She/her/hers
Christina Allen, LCPC, formerly the Training and Education Director of CTSA, has recently transitioned her career to align with her passion as a trauma therapist, EMDR consultant, and teacher in the EMDR/trauma community. Christina is dedicated to teaching and training therapists to effectively grow in their skills and abilities to treat trauma and anxiety. She is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Certified Therapist specializing in the treatment of complex developmental trauma, attachment wounds, PTSD, and traumatic stress. She has a special interest in working with First Responders and Veterans. Additionally, she is in the process of building an EMDR Early Intervention program within her clinical practice, treating recent onset trauma to mitigate the impact of acute stress reactions. Christina’s journey to becoming an EMDR practitioner has been profound, and she believes it has revolutionized her skills as a trauma therapist. She is currently a faculty member with The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy, operating under Deany Laliotis, LICSW.
Christina’s education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Towson University and a Master’s degree from Long Island University. She has 15 years of clinical experience working as a highly respected therapist in the community. Throughout her career, Christina has worked in various mental health service lines, including non-profit/community-based services, outpatient treatment, emergency departments, and crisis/inpatient settings. In recent years, Christina has transitioned her work to include somatic-based practices that align with CTSA’s integrative health model.
Christina values the power of EMDR therapy and the intersection therapy and the intersection of integrative healing approaches such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation practices to assist with resetting the nervous system and fostering post-traumatic growth. Her motto is, “Be the Change” and her goal is to help the community she works with turn wounds into wisdom. As a leader in the mental health field, Christina also acknowledges the importance of growing the professional community to understand and treat trauma, with EMDR being a primary vessel for transformative healing and growth.
Karly Atkinson, PA
Doctoral Level Extern & Psychology Associate
She/her/hers
Karly Atkinson is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) degree at Stevenson University and serving as a psychology extern under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Perry. A Pennsylvania native, Karly moved to Maryland to pursue her career in mental health in 2018. Karly completed her master’s degree in clinical psychology and has experience working with diverse populations, including individuals facing anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences. Karly is passionate about empowering individuals and families and identifying
strengths leading to personal growth.
Throughout her academic journey, Karly has contributed to several research projects exploring the impact of early childhood experiences on adult mental health and has experience working in a hospital setting. Karly is passionate about integrating psychodynamic principles into therapeutic settings to foster deep, transformative change in clients. In addition to her clinical training, Karly has presented at conferences and remains actively involved in community mental health initiatives. Her approach to therapy emphasizes empathy, self-awareness, and the exploration of habits and unconscious processes to help clients gain insight and achieve long-lasting personal growth. As a lifelong learner, Karly is open to learning new methods of healing or alternative approaches to therapeutic interventions.
When not in the office or classroom, Karly enjoys attending sports games, spending quality time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and getting cozy with a good book.
Ryanne Carey, LCSW-C
Licensed Social Worker
She/her/hers
Ryanne Carey earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She went on to complete her master’s in Clinical Social Work, specializing in child development and families, at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Upon graduation, Ryanne worked in the foster care system for several years before becoming a family therapist at a non-profit rehabilitation center. Throughout her career, Ryanne has worked to support those experiencing displacement, substance use disorder, and other mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ryanne is passionate about working with adults and couples impacted by stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities through a trauma-informed lens to encourage holistic healing and wellness, including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, systematic theories, and motivational interviewing.
Outside of the office, Ryanne enjoys exploring different hiking trails, restaurants, and plant shops. She loves spending time with her family and two dogs, tending to her chickens, and reading.
Katie Hanson
Licensed Social Worker
She/her/hers
Katie Hanson is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a Master of Social Work from Salisbury University. With a comprehensive background in mental health, Katie integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her practice to provide holistic and effective care for her clients.
Katie has a profound passion for working with adolescents and adults navigating the complexities of grief and loss, trauma, stress, and anxiety. Her empathetic approach and evidence-based techniques empower clients to overcome their challenges and lead more fulfilling lives. She believes in the resilience and strength of her clients and is committed to guiding them through their healing journey.
In her free time, Katie enjoys the company of her family and friends, participating in women’s recreational basketball leagues, and indulging in her love for reading.
Perri Hooper, LCPC
Doctoral-Level Extern, Masters-Level Intern, & Licensed Mental Health Counselor
She/her/hers
Perri Hooper is a doctoral-level clinical extern working under the clinical supervision of Dr. Michelle Perry. She is in the 3rd year of her doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Stevenson University. She obtained Master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic Psychology at Marymount University in 2019 and has been engaged in clinical work since then. Perri has experience with crisis assessment and intervention and providing psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. She is very passionate about serving the following populations and presenting concerns: first responders, addiction, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and trauma. Perri has found that, as humans, we often avoid our pain and discomfort, which can keep us feeling stuck. Depression, anxiety and trauma-related symptoms can often be debilitating. Learning about how to obtain your wants and needs in life is so important and doing “the work” needed for change can be hard. Perri hopes to be an ally and advocate for her clients while remaining present and supportive to her clients throughout their therapeutic work. Perri utilizes techniques from various modalities, such as CBT and DBT, and believes the most valuable tool for healing is the therapeutic relationship. She is also trained in cognitive processing therapy (CPT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing psychotherapy (EMDR), and the collaborative assessment and management of suicidality (CAMS) and is looking forward to using those skills to help her clients at CTSA. In Perri’s free time, she likes to spend time with friends and family, cuddle with her dogs, and read a fun book!
Kelly Jenssen, LCPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Internship Director | She/her/hers
Kelly Jenssen earned her master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. She has been a Mental Health Therapist with the Center for Trauma, Stress, and Anxiety in Bel Air, MD, since the Fall of 2021. In addition to her therapy work, Kelly serves as CTSA’s Internship Director, nurturing aspiring therapists.
Kelly has formal training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), integrating additional trauma-informed skills into her work, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, and somatic psychotherapy. She primarily works with adults and has experience with adolescents ages 16 and up, focusing on veterans, developmental and attachment-based trauma, complex trauma, PTSD, and anxiety/depressive disorders.
When not working, Kelly enjoys hiking in nature, spending time at the Get Centered Wellness studio, discovering new music, and cooking or baking. She cherishes time spent with loved ones and snuggling with her cat, Luna.
LeeAnn Johnson, LCSW-C
Licensed Social Worker
Director | She/her/hers
LeeAnn Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree from Champlain College in 2005, majoring in social work. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2007. LeeAnn has a diverse clinical background, providing services in various settings including school-based, emergency room/hospital, Department of Social Services, and private practice. She has expertise in working with clients struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, and trauma (PTSD).
LeeAnn is passionate about working with children and adolescents in therapy and believes that collaborating with families is essential to a child’s growth. Her goal is to provide a safe and friendly space for all clients to explore feelings and overcome obstacles. LeeAnn also offers Executive Function Coaching at Get Centered Wellness to clients struggling with studying, organization, time management, and emotional regulation.
In her downtime, LeeAnn enjoys outdoor activities with her family, spending time with her husband and two sons. For self-care, she enjoys reading, running, and trying new recipes.
Wendy Layton, MFLC, LGPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Wendy Layton earned her undergraduate degree at Towson State University. She was a Baltimore County Public School elementary school teacher for 20 years. After retiring, Wendy completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. Wendy specializes in Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) and the treatment of trauma. She has worked at a local residential group home providing trauma therapy, counseling, and crisis management for adolescent girls. Wendy has also initiated a therapy dog program and managed equine therapy for foster care youth. Currently, she works for a non-profit group providing trauma clearing for active duty and retired military personnel, military families, and first responders.
Wendy is passionate about guiding her clients through their healing journey using a collaborative wellness approach. She has a clinical background of working with children and adults who have experienced trauma. Wendy utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities through a trauma-informed lens to encourage holistic healing and wellness, including memory reconsolidation, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT, mindfulness, animal-assisted therapy, and neuro-psychotherapy. She believes that through personal connections and trauma-informed care, healing is possible.
In her downtime, Wendy loves to spend time with her daughters and two dogs. She is an avid reader and enjoys traveling. Wendy also loves French coffee, loose tea, dark chocolate, and long walks on the beach.
Michelle Perry, Ph.D.
Owner, Clinical Psychologist
She/her/hers
Dr. Michelle Perry is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who began practicing clinically in 2008. Her clinical training involved conducting forensic assessments at the Washington, DC Superior Courts, Neuropsychology rotations at Children’s National Medical Center and the Columbus VA, and clinical rotations specializing in the treatment of anxiety and trauma-related conditions at the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute, TrueNorth, and the Chillicothe VA. She opened the Center for Trauma, Stress and Anxiety, LLC in 2016.
Dr. Michelle is a Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapist specializing in the treatment of severe anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and relationship conflict. Dr. Michelle works primarily with Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and therapists healing from anxiety and PTSD. In addition, Dr. Michelle is engaged in coaching, consultation, clinical supervision, teaching, and paid speaking engagements throughout the community.
In her downtime, Dr. Perry enjoys curling up on the couch with a good book and a delicious cup of coffee. For self-care, she enjoys yoga, meditation, writing, hiking, horseback riding, and traveling with her daughter.
Jennifer Stachowiak, LCPC, PMH-C
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Clinical Director | She/her/hers
Jennifer Stachowiak earned her bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University in 2013, majoring in psychology. She completed her master’s degree in counseling from Loyola University Maryland, graduating in August 2015. Jennifer worked at a non-profit organization for two years
before joining CTSA in 2017.
In 2021, motivated by her journey to parenthood, Jennifer began training to receive certification in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. She completed her training in 2022 and earned her certification in February 2023. Jennifer emphasizes collaboration with her clients and focuses on supporting the perinatal community, including those facing fertility challenges.
When she’s not in her therapist role, Jennifer enjoys baking, outdoor exercise, and spending time with friends and family.
Patricia (Patti) Stringfellow, LCPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Lead Clinical Supervisor | She/her/hers
Patricia (aka Patti) Stringfellow is a licensed counselor with a master’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and an undergraduate degree in psychology from York College of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience working with adults facing substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and crisis situations.
Patti is dedicated to helping adults enhance motivation, self-esteem, and tackle daily life struggles. She prioritizes self-care and supports her clients in making themselves a priority. Patti employs mindfulness and person-centered techniques, meeting clients with open arms and a non-judgmental attitude.
Outside of work, Patti enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Sarah Tacka, LCPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
She/her/hers
Sarah Tacka earned her bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg College in 2013, majoring in psychology. She went on to complete her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University in 2018. Before joining CTSA, Sarah worked in community mental health at a non-profit agency where she worked with adults and adolescents and specialized in young children. Sarah is certified in two evidence-based programs, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Child-Parent Psychotherapy, which she utilizes when working with the early childhood population. Sarah enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults and has a strong clinical background providing services to those struggling with trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Sarah’s clinical expertise is in working with children and families who have experienced trauma. She approaches treatment from a person-centered lens, understanding that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Sarah utilizes principles from attachment theory and cognitive behavioral therapy within treatment. When working with children, she feels strongly about incorporating caregivers into treatment to help the child succeed and promote resilience.
When she’s not in the office, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two kittens. She enjoys cooking, the beach, and traveling with her husband. For self-care, Sarah likes to take bubble baths, be outside in nature, and dance like no one is watching her.
Bria Turner, LMSW
Licensed Social Worker
She/her/hers
Bria Turner is a Maryland native of Prince George’s County. She is a resilience-focused social worker on a mission to help individuals triumph over adversity. Having her own experiences with educational discrimination and racial biases, she has faced numerous setbacks that she has continued to overcome throughout her academic journey, pushing her both academically and personally. Bria advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in minority communities, as well as among LGBTQ and disabled individuals, while holding space and passion for conversations around how minorities can seek positions in leadership.
Bria has experience working clinically in various settings, including school-based behavioral health, substance use, and outpatient mental health care. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. In July 2024, Bria will obtain a Doctorate in Social Work, ABD. Bria has also received her Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialization Certification to continue fostering her resilience-focused mission throughout her career, research, and interpersonal collaborations with fellow clinicians and the administration team. She is passionate about substance recovery, active addiction, helping families through active or past addiction, education, empowerment, advocacy, self-worth, and building strong, supportive communities, families, and individuals.
Bria is committed to guiding others toward healing, growth, and being authentically themselves inside and outside therapy. She is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Bria believes a solid educational foundation is essential and develops a strong rapport with her clients, leading to meaningful growth. She knows therapy can be a struggle, but it can also be a beautiful personal journey full of compassion and support. Bria believes therapy is a continuous learning exchange between the client and the therapist.
In her downtime, Bria loves to spend time with her family. Since moving back to Maryland, she has enjoyed spending time with her partner and family. For self-care, Bria enjoys her crystal collection, reading, watching the family dogs, and having coffee or tea at a
local café.
Jack Yeager, LGPC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
He/Him/His
Jack earned his bachelors degree from Dickinson College in 2022 where he majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. He then went onto to receive his Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling at Loyola University Maryland. In the Fall of 2025, Jack will be going to West Chester University to receive his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Clinically, Jack works with children, adolescents, and families with a wide array of presenting problems. Specifically, Jack has experience assisting clients with depression, anxiety, identity exploration, behavioral concerns, and family therapy. He is also interested in working with clients who have experienced trauma as well as chronic or terminal illnesses. Jack utilizes an eclectic approach that focuses on empathy, acceptance, and teamwork. Jack’s goal is to help instill insight and empower clients to live more fulfilling and authentic lives. In Jack’s free time he enjoys playing soccer, watching movies as well as hanging out with his partner, friends, and loved ones. However, most of all, Jack enjoys sitting on the couch with his dogs, Petey and Nelson.