Meet our Team

Dr. Sullivan is a doctorly prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner and have experience treating child, adolescent, and adult populations. She graduated from George Mason University’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program and received her board certification through ANCC.

She developed a passion for helping others when she was young and have been working in behavioral health in various capacities since 2012. She trained with several psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychologists at the inpatient, partial, and outpatient level of care. During her training, she primarily focused on adult medication management with a focus on acute mental illness, group therapies, and development of positive coping skills to improve distress tolerance.

Dr. Sullivan is licensed in Maryland and DC.

Mary Blackwood, LCMFT serves as the Program Director for the Couples & Family Institute. Mary envisioned and created the Couples & Family Institute in 2018, a program that focuses on providing comprehensive and systemic care for families and couples.

She received her MS in Marriage & Family Therapy from Capella University. She completed the 18-month process to become an AAMFT Board Approved Supervisor. Mary’s love and respect for the family positioned her to share this passion with MPB Group, Inc. for the last ten + years. From an intern to Program Director, the focus has always been on providing stellar systemic services by training future dedicated family therapists that help and guide couples and families to discover or rediscover their own family harmony. She has worked extensively with families of adoption, foster care, and guardianship. This vulnerable population and the lack of resources for the families is the first program under CFI where extensive training was developed and introduced to every clinician. MPB Group is now an Adoption Competent Agency.

Mary continues to incorporate different model trainings to better prepare the CFI team to work with the various challenges couples and families bring to the clinic. Discernment Counseling, Pre-marital Counseling and Trauma-informed Family Therapy to name a few.

Couples & Family Therapist

Helps couples and families move from conflict and disconnection toward deeper understanding, healing, and lasting relational change.

Best fit for:

• Couples in conflict
• Family communication challenges
• Relationship repair
• Emotional reconnection

Clients often experience:

• Improved communication
• Stronger family dynamics
• Renewed emotional connection
• Healthier relational patterns

Angelica Darling is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, who has been working in the field since September 2019. She graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2020, with a M.A. in Forensic Psychology, and received her counseling license not long after graduating. Her experience includes working with high school aged students battling emotional and behavioral concerns, conducting clinical interviews, and helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

As a growing professional, Angelica strives to learn from her clients just as much as she teaches them. Her goal is to help her clients see that they can dominate their worries and fears, while letting go of what they cannot control. As your clinician, Angelica will tailor her style to what suits you best. While this clinician usually operates from a CBT approach, she also incorporates talk therapy, and approaches designed to highlight an individual’s strengths to empower them. Angelica’s style allows her clients to feel at ease and provides them with a space to unapologetically be themselves. Change may be scary, but with Angelica, at least you will not have to go through it alone.

Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Therapist

Helps clients build emotional awareness, healthy boundaries, and self-compassion through a collaborative and grounding therapeutic relationship.

Best fit for:

• Anxiety & emotional regulation
• Boundary-setting
• Self-esteem & self-compassion
• Mindfulness-based therapy

Clients often experience:

• Greater emotional clarity
• Reduced reactivity
• Stronger self-acceptance
• Increased confidence navigating challenges

Moor is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Towson University in Fall of 2021.
Moor focuses on working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, and trauma-related issues. He utilizes therapeutic approaches, such as Client-Centered therapy, Existential therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in his therapeutic work. He believes in establishing a trusting relationship with his clients, in order to make them feel safe and supported as they confront the issues they are struggling with, through empathy, understanding, and support. Moor views each session as an opportunity to recover insights from the past, to find comfort despite the present circumstances, and create a hopeful path forward into the future.

Anxiety, Trauma & Grief Therapist

Helps clients move from fear, anxiety, and emotional pain toward grounding, healing, and a more meaningful connection to themselves.

Best fit for:

• Anxiety & chronic worry
• Trauma recovery
• Grief & loss
• Clients navigating uncertainty

Clients often experience:

• Reduced anxiety & overwhelm
• Greater present-moment awareness
• Increased self-trust
• Emotional healing & resilience

Helen, LMSW, received her Masters of Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore in 2020. Helen works with adults with trauma and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Her background as an immigrant and her personal experience with neurodiversity inform her cultural humility. Helen's theoretical model is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), which believes that it's more helpful to understand difficult emotions and beliefs rather than feeling ashamed and suppressing them. Her methods include exploring the reasons behind behaviors, sharing mindfulness skills to sit with difficult emotions, identifying goals and values, and encouraging commitment to behave in ways that support clients' values.

Rivka received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy from UMBC and then received her Master’s degree in early childhood special education from Towson University. Rivka then received her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.
Rivka is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) who specializes in working with adults who have experienced trauma. Rivka often relies on a combination of psychodynamic, person-centered therapy, and internal family systems therapy to help clients process and heal from their trauma. Rivka believes that it is incredibly important for the therapist to understand the client’s world and find a way to reach them in that world.
When not at work, Rivka enjoys reading and playing video games.

Trauma & Neurodivergence Therapist

Supports neurodivergent and trauma-affected clients in building self-worth, processing painful experiences, and feeling genuinely understood.

Best fit for:

• Autism & neurodivergence
• Complex trauma
• Nerdy/geek-identifying clients
• Self-esteem & identity work

Clients often experience:

• Healthier self-esteem
• Greater emotional safety
• Trauma processing & healing

Mi Kyung Kim, LGPC, has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and experience serving clients of various ages and cultural backgrounds in an outpatient clinic setting. In treating clients with trauma, Mikaela addresses coping and relationship patterns as well as underlying psychological and emotional needs. Mikaela integrates empirically derived approaches and provides services that are tailored to clients' life circumstances, preferences, and values.

Compassion-Focused & Insight-Oriented Therapist

Supports clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves through vulnerability, emotional healing, and meaningful self-discovery.

Best fit for:

• Clients seeking emotional insight
• Identity & self-worth work
• Personal growth & resilience
• Emotionally focused therapy

Clients often experience:

• Greater self-acceptance
• Emotional resilience
• Deeper self-understanding
• Increased authenticity

Jomar is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology from Washington Adventist University in 2017. He continued his education and received his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the same university in 2020. Jomar is certified in C-DBT (Dialectical Behavior Counseling) and NCC (National Counseling Certified). Furthermore, he has undergone specialized training in Trauma-Informed care, enabling him to provide his clients with the best possible support.
Jomar is not only dedicated to his work but also to his personal life. He has a variety of hobbies that keep him grounded and refreshed. He has a deep love for hiking, which allows him to appreciate the natural beauty of the world around him. Jomar is an avid cook and finds joy in creating delicious meals, which he believes can be incredibly therapeutic. In his leisure time, Jomar loves playing the bass guitar and photographing the world around him. He is a passionate traveler and seizes any opportunity to explore new places and learn about different cultures.

Existential & Insight-Oriented Therapist

Helps clients explore deeper questions around identity, meaning, emotional patterns, and purpose in a safe, reflective environment.

Best fit for:

• Identity exploration
• Emotional overwhelm
• Clients feeling stuck or disconnected
• Insight-oriented therapy seekers

Clients often experience:

• Greater self-awareness
• Emotional freedom
• Increased clarity & purpose
• Healthier emotional patterns

Joshua is a licensed social worker who specializes in working with adolescents and adults. He has been with MPB Group since 2013. He received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Social Work from Morgan State University and his Master of Social Work Degree from Stony Brook University. Prior to joining MPB Group, he worked in the foster care system for 13 years as a case manager and clinical coordinator. Joshua also has provided group therapy services to at risk youth in the community and juvenile justice system for the past 20 years.

Adolescent & Adult Therapist

Supports adolescents and adults in overcoming challenges through consistency, trust, and compassionate therapeutic support.

Best fit for:

• Adolescents & young adults
• Anxiety & life stressors
• Personal growth goals
• Clients seeking culturally responsive care

Clients often experience:

• Increased emotional stability
• Greater trust in themselves
• Improved coping skills
• Steady personal growth

Lorain Gabriel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Play Therapist in Maryland. She is also the Clinical Manager located in our Columbia office. Lorain attended Capella University where she earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and Graduate Certificate in Psychology with a focus in Play Therapy. Lorain completed her internship requirements here at MPB Group and returned as a full-time team member ready to serve her community.

Lorain is passionate about play therapy and enjoys working with children of all ages, her big box of toys shows her joy for her work. She also enjoys working with families and individuals from a systemic lens. Her main therapeutic modality is Narrative therapy. Narrative therapy is a postmodern approach to psychotherapy that is rooted in the notion of social construction and considers the impact of society's contributions to the issues we all face in life. She works with families and individuals experiencing relational discord, emotional distress, trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief and loss. Her modality helps clients see their problem as separate from themselves and develop a less problem-saturated perspective that is better aligned with their sense of self.

Teen, Family & Wellness Therapist

Creates a supportive space where clients feel understood, empowered, and free to heal without carrying the weight of external expectations alone.

Best fit for:

• Teenagers navigating identity & pressure
• Couples & family dynamics
• Anxiety & depression
• Clients balancing cultural/familial expectations

Clients often experience:

• Increased emotional resilience
• Stronger communication
• Reduced anxiety & overwhelm
• Greater self-confidence

Melissa Nugent, LGPC, is a licensed professional counselor, specializing in trauma recovery with experience in treating anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, mood disorders and ADD/ADHD. Melissa has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds, working to create meaningful therapeutic bonds to promote a safe and effective healing environment. She believes that building a strong therapeutic bond is the foundation of a successful counselor-client relationship and takes pride in meeting the client where they are at. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Melissa practices from a holistic and integrative perspective, ensuring to fully meet the needs of each individual client by creating a non-judgmental, accepting, and individualized safe space. Melissa looks to provide a warm, open-minded, supportive, and client-centered counseling approach that will meet the needs of each client and provide them with an effective and trusting place to embark on their healing journey.

Trauma Recovery & Play Therapy Specialist

Creates a safe, collaborative space where children, teens, and adults can heal from trauma, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths.

Best fit for:

• Trauma recovery
• Children & adolescents
• Anxiety & emotional overwhelm
• Play therapy clients

Clients often experience:

• Increased resilience
• Greater confidence & self-trust
• Emotional healing
• Improved sense of safety

Jennifer Staten is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her degree at National University. Jennifer started as an intern at MPB Group and returned after passing her boards. Jennifer specializes in child and adolescent family therapy. For her therapy work with families, she uses a structural family therapy approach combined with solution-focused brief therapy activities.

Jennifer has her certificate for The National Adoption Competency Mental Health from the Center for Adoption Support and Education. Jennifer has her graduate certificate from Capella University in Play Therapy. Jennifer’s goal is to become a registered play therapist by the end of 2026. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and cosplaying, which aligns with her creative and dynamic approach to children, adolescents, and families.

Child & Adolescent Therapist | Play Therapy Specialist

Helps children experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and behavioral challenges build confidence, emotional regulation, and a greater sense of safety.

Best fit for:

• Children with anxiety
• Big emotions & behavioral challenges
• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Trauma-informed play therapy

Clients often experience:

• Increased confidence
• Improved emotional expression
• Better regulation skills
• Stronger connection at home

Dr Anna Rowley, is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor with a PhD from London University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Southwest. She began her clinical career as a play therapy intern and completed her internship at MPB Group, where she returned after passing her licensing boards.

Anna provides counseling for children, teens, adults, and couples, with a particular specialty in working with high-achieving individuals and couples. She currently practices in both the Bowie and Columbia offices.

High Achievers, Couples & Emotional Insight

Helps reflective clients understand emotional and relational patterns so they can live with greater authenticity, balance, and connection.

Best fit for:

• High achievers & perfectionism
• Couples therapy
• Emotional insight work
• Children navigating emotional expression

Clients often experience:

• Greater emotional clarity
• Stronger self-trust
• Healthier communication
• More grounded relationships

Zachary is a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist who graduated with his Marriage and Family Therapy Master's degree from Capella University. He began as an intern at MPB Group and has returned to continue the challenging, yet rewarding work of restoring and strengthening marriages and families. Zachary uses the Structural Family Therapy model as a framework to explore the family system and he uses various interventions to help families become unstuck from the unhelpful, repetitive patterns that bring them to therapy. He is a person of faith who believes there is hope for everyone to find Peace and reconciliation. Zachary enjoys working alongside families, couples, and individuals as they explore family histories, discover new aspects of their families and themselves, and experience positive change.

Relationship & Personal Growth Therapist

Helps clients build healthier relationships, rediscover hope, and recognize the strengths they already possess to overcome life’s challenges.

Best fit for:

• Relationship challenges
• Personal growth work
• Clients seeking meaning & connection
• Individuals navigating life transitions

Clients often experience:

• Stronger self-awareness
• Greater emotional connection
• Renewed hope
• Increased confidence navigating challenges

Orrin was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2009. He was a magician growing up, and part of the reason he loved performing was that magic would help take people's minds off their problems. He realized that he could become a therapist and help people with some of their problems, instead of merely distracting them. He graduated from Touro University in 2025 with his masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Orrin lives in Gaithersburg with his wife Meira and their son Asher.

Couples Therapist

Supports couples in rebuilding communication, emotional connection, and mutual understanding during difficult seasons in their relationship.

Best fit for:

• Couples communication issues
• Emotional disconnection
• Relationship stress
• Conflict resolution

Clients often experience:

• Better communication
• Emotional reconnection
• Increased understanding
• Stronger relationship foundations

We have a wonderful diverse team of interns from various prestigious universities that provide quality care to our clients. We are proud of the smart, capable, and committed interns.