School Mental Health Program Staff and Schools

Eliya Bernstein

MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
ebernstein@som.umaryland.edu

Eli received his MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. He is a School Mental Health Counselor for the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP), where he was an intern. Eli provides mental health services to children enrolled in Baltimore City Schools and has been trained in Botvin LifeSkills. He is excited to continue working with SMHP and the Baltimore city youth.

Kim Beverly

MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, LCPC
School Mental Health Counselor
New Song Academy
kbeverly@som.umaryland.edu

Kim was born and raised in Southern California before moving to the DMV in the summer of 1999. Prior to earning a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, she worked as a preschool teacher, a Disabilities and Mental health Coordinator, and as an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant in Baltimore City. Currently, she is a School Mental Health Counselor at the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP) where she provides a multi-tiered level of supports for students, staff, and families at New Song Academy and Carver Vocational-Technical High School. Kim utilizes an eclectic approach within her therapy including CBT, Play therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting and more. Kim’s interests include supporting children and adults diagnosed with ADHD and working with clients who are impacted by anxiety.

Victoria Daley

MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Morrell Park Elementary/Middle School
vdaley@som.umaryland.edu

Victoria Daley, LMSW, graduated with her master’s degree from University of Maryland School of Social Work. During her time as a graduate student, she was able to gain experience in public and non-public school settings. Victoria is currently working in Baltimore City Schools as a school-based mental health counselor, where she uses a strength-based perspective to meet the needs of students and their families. Victoria is passionate about making mental health services more accessible and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

Ebonee Dixon

MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Rosemont Elementary/Middle School, North Bend Elementary/Middle School
ebdixon@som.umaryland.edu

Ebonee Dixon is a School Mental Health Counselor with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP). Ms. Dixon obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wilmington University, where she began discovering the importance of mental health to youth. Ms. Dixon graduated with her Master’s Degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. Ms. Dixon has experience in individual and group therapy, community organizing and substance use recovery. Ms. Dixon currently provides mental health services to elementary & middle school aged students of Baltimore City Public Schools. Ms. Dixon discovered her passion for school based mental health during her first year of graduate school. She is driven by the opportunity to provide accessible services to families in the Baltimore Area.

Kristina Floyd

MSW, LCSW-C
Lead Counselor, Clinical Trainer
kfloyd@som.umaryland.edu

Mrs. Floyd has provided direct clinical services, supervision, case management, and consultations to children, their families, and colleagues within non-public and public school systems since 2009. She is currently a lead clinician and clinical trainer supporting multiple projects within the National Center for School Mental Health. Mrs. Floyd has a Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, is a board approved supervisor for social workers and is a state-wide trainer for Botvin’s LifeSkills. She has presented at local, state, and national levels on evidenced-based curriculums and other issues related to school mental health. Since 2015, Mrs. Floyd has worked for the Association of Social Work Boards as a subject matter expert to write and develop questions for the Masters level national social work exam using current, evidenced-based references and resources. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

Aijah K. B. Goodwin

PhD, School Psychology
Postdoctoral Fellow
Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy High School
abarutigoodwin@som.umaryland.edu

Dr. Goodwin is a postdoctoral fellow at the National Center for School Mental Health. She graduated from the school psychology doctoral program at Louisiana State University, where she completed research on cultural responsiveness in schools, including identifying indicators of culturally responsive practices and examining the relationship between culturally responsive practices and students’ outcomes. Clinically, Dr. Goodwin has received clinical training and professional experience with school mental health, including individual therapy, group therapy, teacher and family consultation, and systems-level school mental health implementation. She also has experience working with children, families, school staff, and medical providers in school settings, outpatient clinics, and medical centers. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in honors psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Master of Arts in Psychology from Louisiana State University, and doctoral internship at Florida State University’s Multidisciplinary Center. Her research and clinical interests include culturally responsive practices and the implementation of evidence-based school mental health practices to decrease mental health and educational disparities.

Samantha "Sami" Hartley (she/her/hers)

PhD, Clinical-Community Psychology
Postdoctoral Fellow
Carver Vocational-Technical High School
shartley@som.umaryland.edu

Sami is a postdoctoral fellow and former pre-doctoral intern at the Center and recently earned her PhD clinical-community psychology program from the University of South Carolina. She has worked with schools, health providers, and community coalitions in the field of adolescent suicide prevention and response, as a program evaluator for initiatives promoting resilience and integrated school mental health, and as a mental health clinician in public schools and outpatient settings. She earned a BA with Distinction in Human Biology (Area of Concentration: Neuroscience & Mental Health) from Stanford University and her Masters in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Her clinical and research interests focus broadly on building capacity for high-quality implementation of evidence-based practices in school mental health, with a particular affinity for program evaluation, implementation science, and organizational readiness.

Asia Humphries

School Mental Health Counselor
MSW, LMSW
ahumphries@som.umaryland.edu

Asia Humphries graduated with her master’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. She enjoys being able to provide children and their families with skills and resources to assist with making their everyday lives a little easier to manuever. Ms. Humphries was a trainee with SMHP at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, where she provided telehealth services to individuals, groups, and families. Her field placement inspired her to continue working with children and their families in a school-based setting and she is now the SMHP Counselor at Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School.

Jennifer Lease

MSW, LCSW-C
School Mental Health Senior Counselor
Wildwood Elementary/Middle School
jlease@som.umaryland.edu

Jennifer is a Senior Clinician with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP), providing targeted therapy services to children and families as well as broader supports to the whole school population. Jennifer has worked in schools in West Baltimore for over a decade and is trained in a number of evidence-based practices, including Botvin's LifeSkills Training, The Incredible Years, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (IPT-A). Jennifer is a statewide trainer of Botvin's LifeSkills and has a Certificate of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. She received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is dedicated to providing empowerment and opportunities for underserved communities.

Deja' Moses

MS, LGPC
School Mental Health Counselor
dmoses@som.umaryland.edu

My name is Deja’ Moses, a recent graduate from North Carolina A&T State University with a Master of Science in Clinical-Mental Health Counseling and a Marriage and Family Counseling certificate. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Towson University. I am currently a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in the state of MD and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I have clinical experience working with multiple populations including children, adolescents, and adults. Through a strength based, holistic, and humanistic approach I promote resilience, strength, growth, and love. Striving to enhance my client’s self-efficacy, confidence, and overall life satisfaction.

Claire Noll (she/her/hers)

MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
claire.noll@som.umaryland.edu

Claire Noll graduated with her master’s degree from Salisbury University’s School of Social Work. As a graduate student, Ms. Noll spent two years as a trainee with the University of Maryland School Mental Health Program and discovered her passion for working with adolescents. During this time, she provided teletherapy to individuals, groups, and families of Wildwood Elementary/Middle and in-person mental health services for teens at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Ms. Noll plans to pursue her clinical license and continue to serve students and families in partnership with Baltimore City schools.

Andrea Ortiz

LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Roland Park Elementary/Middle School
andrea.ortiz@som.umaryland.edu

Andrea Ortiz, LMSW, graduated with her master’s degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore. Prior to becoming a School Mental Health Counselor for the University of Maryland School Mental Health Program (SMHP), Ms. Ortiz worked in Baltimore City for three years providing case management services to survivors of intimate partner violence, (IPV), as well as running abuse intervention groups for individuals who perpetrated IPV. Ms. Ortiz was a trainee with SMHP at Violetville Elementary Middle School, where she provided individual, group, and family tele therapy. Her field placement inspired her to continue working with children and their families in a school-based setting and she is now the SMHP Counselor at Roland Park Elementary Middle School.

Nikita Parson

MSW, LCSW-C
Assistant Director, School Mental Health Program
Western High School
nparson@som.umaryland.edu

Ms. Parson is a proud Alumni of Morgan State University and University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is the Assistant Director and a Lead Clinician with the School Mental Health Program. She has over 10 years of experience providing comprehensive services including direct clinical care (e.g. individual, group, and family therapies), prevention activities, consultations, supervision, and crisis intervention in Baltimore City Public Schools. She is passionate about decreasing the stigma on mental health and promoting a healthy social/emotional wellbeing especially among youth and young adults in underserved communities. Ms. Parson also serves as the Trainee Coordinator with the SMHP and through this has a chance to help mold, nurture, and produce the next set of clinicians in this field. Ms. Parson has been trained in Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a board approved supervisor for Social Workers and a statewide Botvin’s Life Skills trainer.

Nyjae Pride

School Mental Health Counselor
MSW, LMSW
npride@som.umaryland.edu

Nyjae Pride is a School Mental Health Clinician with the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP) providing services in Baltimore City Public Schools. Ms. Pride received her Bachelor’s in Sociology and Social Work from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University. She continued her education graduating with her Master’s from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. Throughout this time she had the opportunity to intern with multiple agency’s growing individually and professionally. While also expanding her clinical skills and knowledge for her newly developed passion, social work. Ms. Pride has experience in providing Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP), Therapeutic Behavioral Aide, and Counseling Services to children and families. She has experience in modalities such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing. Ms. Pride currently provides mental health services and supports to Elementary & Middle School aged children at Katherine Johnson Global Academy.

Gabrielle Sanchez (she/her/hers)

MSW, LCSW-C
School Mental Health Counselor
Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School
gsanchez@som.umaryland.edu

Gabrielle Sanchez is a School Mental Health Counselor at the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP). Ms. Sanchez graduated with her master’s degree from Indiana University School of Social Work. Ms. Sanchez began working in the mental health field as a case manager at a residential facility shortly after finishing her bachelor’s in social work at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. This opportunity allowed for Ms. Sanchez to work with children, families and various service agencies to support effective client change. Ms. Sanchez provides individual, family, and group therapy to students in Baltimore City Public Schools. She has been trained in Botvin’s Life Skills, Brief Intervention for School Clinicians (BRISC), and Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavioral therapy.

Joseph Santangelo

MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Digital Harbor High School
jsantangelo@som.umaryland.edu

Joseph Santangelo, LMSW, is a School Mental Health Counselor for the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP). Joseph graduated with his master’s degree from Morgan State University School of Social Work. He has worked in Baltimore communities for the past five years, helping connect families to affordable housing, training individuals to seek gainful employment, and advocating for those in crisis. Joseph was previously an intern with SMHP at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and is passionate about working in Baltimore City high schools. He provides individual, group and family therapy to students, and has been trained in Botvin LifeSkills and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Jasmine Savoy

MSW, LSCW-C
School Mental Health Counselor
Carver Vocational-Technical High School
jsavoy@som.umaryland.edu

Jasmine Savoy is a School Mental Health Counselor with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP). Ms. Savoy graduated with her Master’s Degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. Ms. Savoy has experience in case management, individual and group therapy, and inpatient behavioral health. Ms. Savoy currently provides individual, family, and group therapy to high school students of Baltimore City Public Schools. In addition to providing counseling services, she also provides teacher consultations, staff-in-services, classroom presentations, and family outreach activities. Ms. Savoy’s passion for school based mental health began in her first year of graduate school. She cares about the well-being of adolescents and wants to help students develop social-emotional skills they can use over time.

Rikki Spiegler

MSW, LCSW-C
School Mental Health Senior Counselor
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute High School
rspiegler@som.umaryland.edu

Rachel “Rikki” Spiegler is an LCSW-C and an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. For four years, Rikki worked in a non-public school providing individual, group, and family counseling services as well as social skills training to students ages 10-21 with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, language processing challenges, and learning differences. In private practice, Rikki provided therapeutic services to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Rikki is currently working in Baltimore City Schools as a school-based clinician and is passionate about taking a supportive, strengths-based approach to providing comprehensive services to children and their families.

Janai Springer

MSW, LCSW-C
School Mental Health Counselor
Dorothy I. Height Elementary School
springer@som.umaryland.edu

Janai Springer completed her MSW program at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and is excited to contribute her skills and knowledge to providing mental health counseling for elementary school students in Baltimore City. After completing her social work internship at Furman Templeton Elementary School, and working with many other student populations, including special needs and ESOL students, she realized her passion for helping young learners thrive in all aspects of their lives. Ms. Springer is interested in pursuing her clinical license and making a lasting positive impact in the local community through providing mental health education and support to under-served children and families.

Kathryn "Katie" Trainor

PhD, School Psychology
Posdoctoral Fellow
Franklin Square Elementary/Middle School
ktrainor@som.umaryland.edu

Katie is a postdoctoral fellow and former pre-doctoral intern at the Center and recently earned her PhD in School Psychology at the University of Florida. Prior to coming to the center, Katie worked as a middle school teacher and research clinician in Philadelphia, PA, and as a school-based mental health clinician and researcher in Florida. She obtained her Masters in Education from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Her research and clinical interests focus on best practices for implementing integrative mental health programs within schools and supporting the well-being of teachers and behavioral health providers. She is particularly interested in teachers’ roles and experiences working with the social, emotional and behavioral needs of their students and how members within a system interact to promote healthy student outcomes.

Maya Wallace (she/her/hers)

MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
maya.wallace@som.umaryland.edu

Maya Wallace graduated with her master’s degree from the Morgan State University School of Social Work. Her area of specialization is in urban youth, children, and families. Ms. Wallace was a trainee with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP) at Western High School, where she provided a continuum of effective mental health promotion and intervention to build on strengths and address the needs of students and families. Ms. Wallace was inspired by her internship with SMHP to continue working with children and families and is now a SMHP Counselor at Franklin Square Elementary Middle School.

Kelly Willis (she/her/hers)

MSW, LCSW-C
Associate Director, School Mental Health Program
Violetville Elementary/Middle School
kwillis@som.umaryland.edu

Mrs. Willis graduated with her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. It was during this time of her field placement with the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP) that Mrs. Willis knew she wanted her career to be devoted to advancing children’s mental health in schools. Mrs. Willis began employment with SMHP in 2009 and currently has a dual role with the program serving as a Lead Counselor and the Associate Director of the program. Mrs. Willis’ programmatic efforts have focused on enhancing the training model for best practices and service delivery for all staff including licensed social workers and professional counselors, doctoral interns, psychiatry fellows, and graduate level trainees. Clinically, Mrs. Willis enjoys partnering with students, staff, and families to promote social, emotional, behavioral, and academic success and utilizes a variety of evidence based practices at Violetville Elementary/Middle School. Mrs. Willis is a Board Approved Supervisor, Botvin’s LifeSkills Trainer, and contributor to many special projects in the field.

Ashley Woods

MSW, LCSW-C
School Mental Health Senior Counselor
Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts High School
awoods@som.umaryland.edu

Ashley Woods is a Senior Clinician for the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP). Ms. Woods has been working in under the Expanded School Mental Health Program for 8 years and has taken a special interest in working in Baltimore City high schools. She has been trained and certified in Botvin’s Life Schools, Brief Intervention for School Clinicians (BRISC), and Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). Ms. Woods has a strong interest in supporting and developing the field of Social Work by training multiple Masters level students, as well as being a resource to colleagues.