About Our Practice
We are a family-owned and operated private practice of multidisciplinary mental health, family support, and conflict resolution professionals. We prioritize making sure that all patients, clients, and colleagues feel respected and treated with compassion.
Glory Fox Dierker, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Clinical Psychologist
parenting coordinator
Dr. Dierker is the Executive Director and Founder of The Family Center. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in individual psychotherapy for adults and adolescents, as well as couples therapy, marital counseling, group therapy, and parenting education and guidance. Her research focuses on family relationships with an emphasis on adult intimacy and parent-child attachment. Her areas of clinical focus include psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and mood disorder. Dr. Dierker has been devoted to improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Northern Virginia since 1971. She began as a social worker and child development specialist for the Alexandria Department of Social Services, and throughout the 1980s, Dr. Dierker developed and directed the Center for Women and Families, a parent education and support program. More recently, Dr. Dierker founded The Parenting Project, which focuses on parental guidance, education, and support. Dr. Dierker is a Virginia Supreme Court certified provider of the parent education seminar required of divorcing parents with minor children. She authored Parenting Together, Living Apart, a parenting manual based on scientific principles of Attachment Research; and the course by the same name. Email: gfoxdierker@thefamilycenter.com
Gus Nava, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
parenting coordinator
Dr. Gus Nava is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been with The Family Center since 1993. He works primarily with adults in the areas of individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and parent guidance/education, as well as individual therapy with adolescents. His areas of clinical focus include depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, interpersonal conflicts, parenting coordination, and grief. He is an advocate of assisting clients to develop therapeutic life changes (TLC), which can enhance well-being (e.g., exercise, volunteering). Dr. Nava received his B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to his graduate work, he was a volunteer undergraduate researcher with the National Institute of Mental Health. While at VCU, he earned a Graduate Fellowship and worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant/Research Assistant. His post-Ph.D. education has included completing the training, Parenting Coordination: Working with High Conflict Families. Dr. Nava has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health centers and rehabilitation hospitals as well as St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC, where he completed his pre-doctoral internship. He worked with the Metropolitan (DC) Police Employee Assistance Program, where he gained experience assisting officers with critical incidents debriefings. Dr. Nava is a volunteer clinician with Give an Hour, which is an organization dedicated to providing no-cost mental health services for troops and families affected by the post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Malachi Richardson, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Malachi Richardson is a Clinical Psychology Resident at the Family Center with extensive experience providing therapy and psychological assessment services. He has particular expertise in adult and adolescent psychopathology, adolescent development, forensic assessment, and trauma exposure. A graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education, Dr. Richardson is particularly passionate about providing services to underserved communities and working with youth involved with the justice system. He has provided assessment and therapeutic services for adolescent populations in various institutions including the Superior Court of Washington D.C., and Blue Ridge Detention Center in Charlottesville Virginia. In addition to his clinical experience, Dr. Richardson draws upon his research experience in the areas of mentoring and identity development to create a detailed and well-informed understanding of the presenting issues for his adolescent clients. Beyond his expertise in adolescent work, Dr. Richardson has received robust training in therapy and assessment for adult patients at Western State Hospital, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, and at university counseling centers at the University of Virginia and Howard University. As a therapist. Dr. Richardson utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach that integrates an understanding of early childhood experiences and family dynamics in explaining and modifying behavior. Through this therapeutic approach, Dr. Richardson focuses on helping clients to identify the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and collaborates with them to disrupt maladaptive behavior patterns. Across the scope of his work, Dr. Richardson is committed to providing services that consider the cultural and contextual factors that influence conceptualization, treatment, and outcomes for his clients. He approaches both assessment and therapy from a strengths-based perspective and strives to provide services with an awareness of the intersectional nature of privilege.
Emily George, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Emily George (formerly, Petersen) is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Center. She specializes in individual therapy working with adolescents and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, psychological trauma, grief, interpersonal relationship issues, and life transitions. She also specializes in couples therapy working to help couples to develop a deeper emotional connection, improve communication, rebuild trust, navigate conflict, and/or increase intimacy. Dr. George earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and her doctoral degree from Azusa Pacific University. She completed her internship at Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo, North Dakota where she provided individual and group therapy as well as psychological assessment services to children, adolescents, and adults. She believes that a good therapeutic relationship is the foundation of therapy and she strives to create a safe and accepting environment for her clients to grow and explore.
Email: EGeorge@thefamilycenter.com
Johnathan duff, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Johnathan Duff is a clinical psychologist at The Family Center. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami and completed his internship in clinical health psychology at The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. He specializes in individual therapy with adults and adolescents dealing with anxiety, depression, adjustment to life stress, and medical illness. He also works with children and specializes in testing and assessment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. Duff has worked with several populations in a variety of settings including with veterans at a VA hospital, with children and adolescents at a children’s hospital, and with high performing athletes. Dr. Duff holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver. He utilizes techniques from person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Lisa Patrizia, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Patrizia is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in individual and family therapy with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent consultation. Lisa has worked in community and school-based settings providing mental health and outreach services for a broad range of clients. Areas of clinical focus in Lisa’s practice include child behavior concerns, relationship issues, family conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and parenting. Lisa earned a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and M.A. and Ed.S. degrees in Community Counseling from James Madison University. Lisa has trained in relational, family systems, object relations, attachment, and trauma-focused approaches, and is committed to ongoing growth and development. Lisa works collaboratively with clients to identify and address current concerns by building on their strengths and resources and supporting greater awareness, expressiveness, connection, and skill development to foster healing and growth in navigating life’s challenges.
Michelle Richards, MSW-JD
Psychotherapist/supervisee in Social Work
Executive Coach
Michelle is a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, psychotherapist/social work supervisee at The Family Center who helps people heal from anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, and other difficult experiences. Michelle believes that each individual is innately wired for growth and healing. She seeks to partner with her clients to help them cultivate and nurture this capability by creating a collaborative, affirming, therapeutic space that honors each person’s unique identity and lived experience. Michelle stands shoulder to shoulder with her clients for every step of their unique healing journey, harnessing the power of deep listening and empathy, the mind-body connection, and experiential work to help clients in the way that feels most supportive and helpful for them. Prior to joining The Family Center, Michelle worked at a university counseling center, where she helped undergraduate and graduate students navigate various challenges including anxiety, depression, passive suicidality, OCD, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, identity development, and interpersonal and familial conflict. Michelle also worked in an emergency department where she supported and advocated for patients in crisis and their families. In addition to being a psychotherapist, Michelle is an executive coach and former attorney who has coached hundreds of people. Michelle uses a strengths-based, values-driven approach to help people identify and achieve their goals and to develop a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their personal and professional lives. Michelle received her MSW from The Catholic University of America National Catholic School of Social Service, her JD from The George Washington University Law School, and her BA from Fordham University.
Maggie Fox Dierker, MSW-J.D.
Director of Mediation
Parenting Coordinator
Psychotherapist/ Clinical Social Worker
Maggie is the Director of Mediation Services at The Family Center. She is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Parenting Coordinator, and Psychotherapist supervisee in Clinical Social Work. Maggie has for more than two decades served individuals and families through representation, counseling, and clinical case management. Her therapeutic specialties include working with and helping individuals experiencing symptoms related to trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood regulation, abuse, neglect, grief, aging, illness, and relational trauma. Maggie utilizes evidence-based practice and client-centered existential-humanistic psychotherapy grounded in systems and relational attachment theories. She offers an enhanced approach through her professional background in both law and psychology. Maggie earned her B.A. in psychology from The University of Virginia with a focus in child development; her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law with a focus in environmental justice, and her Master in Clinical Social Work from The Catholic University of America with a concentration in complex sexual trauma and military social work. She completed an advanced curriculum in neuropsychology at Georgetown University; and comparative law at the University of Vienna (Universität Wien) School of Law. She has devoted her time to organizations such as the Truancy Intervention Project; Court Appointed Special Advocates, Midtown Assistance Center, and Miriam's Kitchen, serving populations such as abused and neglected children and adolescents; and adults experiencing chronic homelessness and severe mental illness. Maggie served as a regularly featured presenter at Second Saturday Fairfax/Arlington and at the Northern Virginia Mediation Service (NVMS). She is a member of The Academy of Professional Family Mediators, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia, the Phi Alpha Honor Society in Social Work, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work. Email: mfoxdierker@thefamilycenter.com
Jennifer Marceron Glienke, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Jennifer Marceron is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Center. Dr. Marceron graduated with distinction with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center (APA accredited) where she provided individual and group therapy to college-age adults in an integrated care setting. Dr. Marceron has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, university counseling centers, and outpatient medical centers. Dr. Marceron specializes in individual therapy working with adolescents, young adults and adults dealing with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, disability, and chronic illness. Dr. Marceron’s approach is client-centered and she uses evidence-based practices (CBT, ACT, DBT) tailored to meet the needs and interests of her clients. Email: jmarceronphd@thefamilycenter.com
Alyssa Poblete, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Alyssa Poblete is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Center. Dr. Poblete graduated with high distinction with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia. Prior to graduate school, she worked as a project coordinator for a large, federally-funded research study on adolescent girls' depression and non-suicidal self-injury at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dr. Poblete earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. Her graduate research focused on co-parenting and parental self-efficacy in ethnically diverse families. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at American University Counseling Center (APA accredited), where she provided individual and group therapy as well as crisis intervention to a diverse range of university students. Dr. Poblete has experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings in the D.C. area, including community mental health, university counseling, and medical research centers. Dr. Poblete specializes in individual therapy working with adolescents and young adults experiencing concerns related to anxiety, depression, grief, identity, and relationships. She also has a strong interest in couples and group therapy. Dr. Poblete is an integrative clinician, drawing primarily from relational approaches and third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies that incorporate acceptance and mindfulness (ACT, DBT). She believes in the importance of working collaboratively with clients in order to understand and address their needs. Email: apobletephd@thefamilycenter.com
Johanna Williams, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist Resident
Dr. Johanna Williams is a resident in Clinical Psychology at The Family Center. She specializes in family studies, mood disorders, trauma, and health care disparities. Dr. Williams has worked with both adolescent and adult individuals, couples, and families in the DC, MD, and VA area from rigorous institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Sheppard Pratt Hospital, and the D.C. Superior Courts. She has also worked in college-based settings such as the Howard University Counseling Center and Baylor University Counseling Center where she helped young adults and professional students manage early life and career transitions. Dr. Williams is psychodynamically trained and a member of the Brooklyn Seminars for Modern Psychoanalysis and a former psychoanalytic fellow with the Washington Center for Psychoanalysis. This extensive training taught Dr. Williams how to understand the complexity of distressingly chronic behaviors. Thus, she is able to collaborate with her clients about a variety of treatment options. Dr. William's comprehensive multicultural training has been a vital asset in her work with foreign exchange students, machismo dynamics, gender identity, aging, disability, sexual identity, Middle Eastern traditions, Black male identity development, community violence, military personnel, and cultural stigma concerning mental health. Dr. William's supplemental training in psychological and neuropsychological assessment helps her understand the totality of clients' presenting concerns and diligently seek professional expertise. She has spoken at several conferences about a number of psychological topics such as policing, psychology training, media, schizophrenia, and family trauma. She received her B.S. degree in psychology from Stevenson University in Stevenson, MD, her M.A. degree in psychology from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, and Ph.D. from Howard University in Washington D.C.
Daniel Roefaro, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Daniel J. Roefaro is a clinical psychologist at The Family Center. His primary specialty includes treating adults with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. He has advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and experience with dialectical behavior therap (DBT). His therapeutic style is collaborative and solutions-focused, emphasizing the development of clients’ skills while cultivating an open, honest environment where every therapeutic success is celebrated. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University, Dr. Roefaro earned a Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University, where he eventually earned his Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology. While at WPU, Dr. Roefaro served as co-coordinator of the Neuropsychology, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience Laboratory. His dissertation focused on the connections between anxiety, facial emotion identification, and motor skills. Before joining The Family Center, Dr. Roefaro gained experience in private practice, community mental health, and college counseling settings. He has trained and worked at Arlington/DC Behavior Therapy Institute, WellSpan Philhaven, Kind Mind Psychology, Drew University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, and Milestones Psychology. Email: DRoefaro@thefamilycenter.com
Dana Deleanu, M.S.
Resident in Counseling
Dana is a resident in counseling at the Family Center who has over 10 years of experience working with both adolescents and adults, conducting both individual and group sessions. Dana has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Mason University and is currently working on her supervision hours for her License Professional Counselor. Dana has experience and works with diverse populations helping each individual navigate specific and individualized issues. Dana strives to provide each individual with a safe place to explore their experiences and goals. Dana believes the greatest success results from a combination of insight and behavior change and her training has led her to practice in an integrative manner, using a cognitive-behavioral framework and solution-focused interventions to create change. Dana has experience working with a wide range of different issues from depression, anxiety, negative thoughts, trauma, relationship issues, mood disorders, emotional regulation, and anything else you feel you need to talk about or better understand and manage. Email: DDeleanu@thefamilycenter.com
Shameaka Mason, M.S.
Resident in Counseling
Shameaka Mason is a Resident in Counseling at The Family Center. Shameaka is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University where she earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Virginia Union University. She currently works with Arlington County Aging and Disability Services Division as the ADRC Coordinator. Shameaka has a very diverse background working with individuals of all ages providing individual therapy with children, adolescents adults and older adults. Shameaka utilizes techniques from both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution focused brief therapy (SFBT).
Brooke Nathan, LCSW
Psychotherapist/
Clinical Social Worker
Brooke Nathan is a licensed therapist and clinical social worker who specializes in working with persons from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan. Brooke provides counseling and individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults at the Family Center. In her sessions, Brooke offers an empathetic, collaborative, and supportive environment in which her clients may reach their unique and individualized goals. Her areas of clinical focus include anxiety, depression, life transitions (relationship, career, parenting, aging), trauma, and loss. Brooke utilizes strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, with a focus on the whole person and mind-body connection. As the client/therapist alliance remains the greatest predictor of successful therapy, Brooke strives to ensure that all of her clients feel safe, valued, and connected. Prior to her time at the Family Center, Brooke worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, hospitals, and nonprofits. Brooke served as Director of Clinical Programming at the Washington-based nonprofit, So Others Might Eat (SOME), focusing her efforts on client advocacy, creation and implementation of evidence-based programs, and individual/family counseling. Brooke earned her master’s in social work from the Catholic University of America which led to valuable training and experience in areas such as clinical care management, crisis intervention, and addiction treatment. Brooke received her bachelor’s in psychology from George Mason University.