LIVING DELIBERATELY


Meet our team





Click on the clinician you want to learn about, or their email to send an inquiry!​



We are IN NETWORK with these insurances and their subsidiaries. Insurance inquiries can be forwarded to the Office Administrator. We are out of network with Medicaid.





Thinh Nguyen


LCSW-C, Owner: EMDR, mindfulness



410.262.9894

TNguyen@LDLLC.org

Nkiru Smith


DNP, FNP, PMHNP, BC: Medication Management

NSmith@LDLLC.org

Susan Shafer


Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist: Teens, Adults, Seniors, Perinatal

410.480.8232

SShafer@LDLLC.org

Crystal Daniels


PMHNP, FNP, Psych: Anxiety, Panic Disorders, ADHD/Autism, Bariatric, Substance Abuse, Medication Management

443.383.3630

CDaniels@LDLLC.org

Patricia Rabinowitz


LCPC, LCPAT, LPC: Art therapy, GAD, mdd, mood disorders, ifs, cbt, talk therapy

443.399.6717

PRabinowitz@LDLLC.org

Adam Freitag


LCSW-C (NY/MD): adhd, couples, cbt, act, ifs


410.775.6614

AFreitag@LDLLC.org

Danielle Strobeck


LMSW: ADHD/ASD & Specialist, MDD, EMDR


443.890.9977

DStrobeck@LDLLC.org

Maria Cole


LMSW: Substance abuse, Gad, MDD, EMDR


469.844.0450

MCole@LDLLC.org

Melissa Weldon


LCSW-C: ADHD, ASD, Trauma, DBT, Mindfulness, Children/Adolescents


484.347.5691

MWeldon@LDLLC.org

Christina Insalaco


LMHC PhD: Substance abuse, MDD, GAD, trauma, Psychoanalytic Practitioner


570.704.9144

CInsalaco@LDLLC.org

Joanne Vu


LCSW-C: ADHD, Autism, CBT, GAD, MDD, trauma, mindfulness, adolescents / adults

240.342.6042

JVu@LDLLC.org

Ray Glasser


LMSW: LGBTQIA+, Couples, cbt, eft, ifs, mindfulness


410.929.0276

RGlasser@LDLLC.org

Matthew Veader


LCSW-C: IFS, Religious Trauma, Somatic/Person-Centered

MVeader@LDLLC.org

Elizibeth Ayers


LCSW-C: IFS, Trauma, Families, ADHD/Autism, Mood Disorders

EAyers@LDLLC.org

Afa Alizada


LGPC: EMDR, IFS, CBT, relational trauma, anxiety, depression, loss and grief, cultural/racial identity, life transitions

AAlizada@LDLLC.org

Caitlyn Mackall


LMSW: Incarceration Trauma, ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression




CMackall@LDLLC.org

Ruby Orwenyo


LMSW: Life Transitions, Dementia, Late Life Preparations, Age-Related Depression & Anxiety

ROrwenyo@LDLLC.org

Hau Do


Graduate Intern: ASD, Depression, Anxiety, and Life Transitions

HDo@LDLLC.org

Erik Simons


Office Administrator


410.908.1950

ESimons@LDLLC.org

Scott Schindler


Clinical Administrative assistant and medtech for tms therapy

410.657.2211

SSchindler@LDLLC.org

Thinh Nguyen: LCSW-C, Owner



Thinh has worked in the field of mental health for over 15 years. He has an eclectic style, at the core of which is teaching mindfulness. He uses this, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other therapeutic interventions to help clients build a solid sense of self and create lasting change. He has experience working with children, adults, and families with a variety of challenges. He especially enjoys helping clients learn how to better manage their anxiety.



Nkiru Smith: dnp, fnp, pmhnp, BC



Dr. Nkiru Smith, DNP FNB-BC, PMHNP-BC, is a dually board-certified family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been a nurse for the past two decades. She has worked in different healthcare settings, including critical care units, medical-surgical units, MAT, and outpatient, residential psychiatric mental facilities. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), she aims to ease suffering and pain. Each patient requires an individualized treatment approach. She provides warm, friendly, competent, and compassionate care in the office or tele-health.


We offer specialty services including medication management and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy, which can be found on our dedicated TMS page.



Susan Shafer: Pmh-aprn, FNP, bc



Susan is a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of both medical and mental health experience. Her focus is on women’s health including perinatal mood disorders, peri-menopause, menopause, body dysphoria, and both chronic and acute challenges facing women. This includes extensive exploration of epigenetics, family history and coping styles, as well as the influence of life events on mood. She offers therapy and medication management. Susan will integrate your medical and physical needs and design a treatment plan based on your life goals. Her philosophy is that you and no one else knows what is best for you. She believes her role is as pathfinder and educator, showing you opportunities for growth and health. Susan’s guiding principles are empathy, validation, and a nonjudgmental attitude.



Crystal Daniels: PMHNP, FNP, Psych



Dr. Daniels’ versatile clinical and educational experience has been essential to shaping her perspective on how to effectively approach and conceptualize mental health and wellness in each unique individual. She specializes in holistic care through therapeutic and pharmacologic treatments that support wellness. She focuses treatment on utilizing active listening, thoughtful questioning, mindfulness, and acceptance.



Patricia rABINOWITZ: lcpc, lcpat, lcp



Patti enjoys working with all ages, and begins by building a trusting relationship with her clients. She specializes in the social services, art therapy, and in issues of anxiety, depression, mood management, communication, identity, and improving self esteem. She incorporates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and traditional talk therapy.



aDAM fREITAG: lcsw-c (MD/ny)



Adam has been in practice with Living Deliberately since 2018 and enjoys working with adults, couples, and families. He is experienced in helping his clients overcome the impacts of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood disorders (including Bipolar Disorder and depression), childhood trauma, anxiety, anger management, social phobias, and other issues. Adam is especially attuned to the complications ADHD creates within adults.


Adam draws from a variety of evidence-based practices based on his clients' specific needs, including: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), age-appropriate play therapy, and others. In addition, he offers academic and career counseling services.


His approach facilitates a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free environment that addresses attachment issues, narcissistic injury, defense mechanisms, cognitive distortions, and family dynamics. He seeks to help clients use their own strengths to develop new strategies and coping skills, leading to improved functionality and well-being.



dANIELLE sTROBECK: lmsw



My approach to our session is based on your individual needs and expectations. We can explore a variety of evidence-based methods such as psychodynamic, mindfulness, trauma focused, and sensorimotor. I believe in the connection between brain and body gets disconnected by external forces and that disconnection appears in the form of physical illness if ignored. Together we will rebuild connections and you will rejoin the world empowered. Danielle has experience working with all ages, diagnoses including PTSD, ADHD, autism, depression, psychosis, addiction, and non-suicidal self-injury. A native of Baltimore who has over 8 years of experience in the field, and as a parent/active member of the autism awareness movement.


Danielle is a published specialist in ADHD/ASD diagnoses, including her work in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease; has cumulative 8+ years of scoring/analyzing assessments and data samples w/ severe mental illness; and has worked w/ UMD and presented quantified data of assessments and the intervention impact on baseline scores.



mARIA cOLE: lmsw



Maria has been working in the mental health field for over five years, including in an inpatient/outpatient hospital setting. Maria has experience working with people with disabilities, especially those who experience traumatic injuries. By creating a safe and positive space, she hopes to aid people with such traumas, as well as issues relating to poverty and socio-economics.



mELISSA wELDON: lcsw-c



Melissa has been working in the mental health field for over five years, including over four years working in a residential treatment setting. Melissa has experience working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and PTSD, as well as a variety of other diagnoses. Melissa is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and incorporates mindfulness and other modalities into her practice. Melissa recognizes the importance of a genuine therapeutic alliance and aims to create a safe and welcoming environment where each individual feels comfortable being themselves. ​



cHRISTINA iNSALACO: lmhc



Christina has 7 years of experience, and specializes in substance abuse, and anxiety/depression. She has worked in both in and outpatient settings, and wants to create a welcoming, judgement-free environment for her clients to improve and work through their traumas.



jOANNE VU: LCSW-C



Joanne has practiced as a clinician for over three years. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Joanne has experience working with clients with challenges in various domains such as special education, vocational, life transitions, young adulthood, and more. She specializes in working with clients ranging from different problems such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual and Learning Disabilities, Anxiety, and Depression. She practices a mindfulness-centered approach with CBT techniques to shift the focus to what they can control and take the lead to change their behavioral patterns. Together, the counselor and her client will work collaboratively to develop insight, resiliency and strengthen the skills to help resolve present problems.



Ray Glasser: LMSW



With a focus on building trust and connection in a non-judgmental and compassionate space, I strive to work collaboratively with you to foster growth and healing. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I am committed to providing support that honors the unique experiences and challenges of every person, especially those within the LGBTQIA+ and Asian communities.


In my work, I draw upon a range of evidence-based modalities, including Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and mindfulness. By tailoring my approach to your specific needs and goals, I aim to create a safe and supportive environment that empowers you to make meaningful changes in your life.


Seeking therapy can be a difficult and vulnerable experience, but it can also be a powerful tool for growth. Through the lens of curiosity and a desire for change, we will work towards understanding the self and identifying your protective coping strategies in an effort to achieve the change you are seeking.



Matthew Veader: LCSW-C



Hi, my name is Matt. I’m a cult-survivor turned therapist who helps folks heal from the impacts of religious trauma, high-control groups, and toxic/violent masculinity. My approach to therapy is somatic, person-centered, and draws heavily from Internal Family Systems (but I’m by no means limited to these modalities). I like IFS and Rogerian person-centered because they treat the client as the expert of their experience and, in my view, create more space for clients to explore themselves than some of the more structured modalities. I am also EMDR-trained if that’s something you’re interested in learning more about.


I want prospective clients to know that it’s ok to be nervous or skeptical about coming to therapy. I felt all those things, too, and will do everything I can to make things as easy on you as possible. Whether you choose to meet with me or another therapist, I hope you find a soft place to land soon.



Elizibeth Ayers: LCSW-C



I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) whose clinical practice includes working with children, families, and adults in a variety of different settings. My background includes supporting individuals with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and autism. My approach includes a strength based perspective as well as person in environment so I will meet you where you are at! I use the following modalities in my clinical practice: CBT, ACT, applied behavioral analysis, psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and problem solving model.



Afa Alizada: LGPC



Afa is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and credentialed as a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Trauma Professional, 200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher, and iRest Mindfulness Meditation Practitioner. She specializes in complex and relational trauma, anxiety, depression, loss and grief, cultural/racial identity development, low self-esteem, and navigating life transitions. As a first generation American, a woman of color and a former international humanitarian aid worker, Afa brings a nuanced understanding of multiculturalism and intersectional identities and their impact on mental health. She’s an anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming and sex-positive therapist who enjoys working with people of diverse identities and lifestyles. Afa is trained in EMDR, IFS, and CBT and brings a person-centered and holistic approach to working with clients.



Caitlyn Mackall: LMSW



My name is Caitlyn, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I have worked within the mental health field for 2 years. I have experience providing individual and group therapy to teenagers and adults who are incarcerated and who are transitioning back into society. I have worked with individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD. As someone who has worked in environments where individuals are judged for their actions, I emphasize an environment that is nonjudgmental and encourages individuals to show up as their authentic self. As a clinician, I meet each client where they are at. I do not expect perfection. My approach to therapy comes from a trauma-focused and strength-based lens. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems theories into my practice while still adapting to the needs of my clients. I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life. I practice from a social justice standpoint by emphasizing the unique human experience. I value expression in ways that do not just involve talk therapy; I find that art therapy (through a trauma-informed lens) and mindfulness practices are helpful to some clients. I believe that everyone has the answers to their own success within themselves, but sometimes, we just are not able to see how capable and worthy we are. I look forward to working with you to reach your individual goals.



Ruby Orwenyo: LMSW



I specialize in supporting minoritized individuals as they navigate workplace discrimination and microaggressions, helping them to cope and advocate for themselves effectively. With extensive experience working with individuals and families facing life’s challenges, I provide compassionate guidance through unexpected transitions, such as displacement due to natural disasters or political upheaval. My expertise extends to assisting refugees and those needing to rebuild and redefine their lives after significant changes.


Whether you’re managing major life transitions like job loss, divorce, blending families, raising a neurodivergent child (Autism/ADHD), or facing financial hardships, I’m here to support you. I offer specialized care for issues related to aging, including retirement planning, legacy planning, dementia, and age-related depression and anxiety.


My therapeutic approach includes a range of evidence-based therapies such as Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Existential Therapy. I am also training to offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma recovery.


I provide individual and family counseling through both in-person and teletherapy sessions. To ensure accessibility, I offer services in English and Swahili, creating a warm and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Let’s work together to create a path toward healing, growth, and joy.



Hau Do: Graduate Intern



My name is Hau and I am currently a student-intern working to obtain graduate level education and training to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have worked in the field of mental health and community care for six years combined, with experience of advocating and supporting ASD clients. Likewise, I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As a student-intern, I look to gain guidance and oversight from Thinh Nguyen, and the importance of this supervision relationship will reinforce my education and foster my skillset to work with you.





LIVING DELIBERATELY LLC