The Center for
Cognitive Therapy

Staff

Dr. Katie O’Meara

Katie O’Meara, Psy.D. is the Director of the Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment.

She received her training at the American Schools of Professional Psychology, an APA accredited institution. She has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D), and is licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Dr. O’Meara received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her graduate program and at various training sites, including Pollak Mental Health Services at Monmouth Medical Center, Clinical and Forensic Neuroscience, CPC Health/ Chestnut Lodge Hospital, and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Since 2005, she has received training in CBT and integrative psychotherapy at the Capital Institute for Cognitive Therapy in Washington, D.C. She is a member of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT), the American Psychological Association (APA), the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the American Academy of Psychotherapists (AAP), the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and the Virginia Psychological Association (VPA). Dr. O’Meara has extensive experience providing cognitive, psychological and neuropsychological testing with children. Her teaching experience includes serving as an adjunct faculty member at Argosy University, where she taught Child and Adolescent Psychopathology and Cognitive Behavioral Theory.

Dr. O’Meara specializes in treating Anxiety Disorders, specifically Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She has received training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) therapy, a structured intervention aimed at helping parents better understand and target their child’s anxiety. Dr. O’Meara also treats mood disorders, binge-eating disorder, relationship problems, and life transitions such as divorce and separation, grief, job loss, and parenting difficulties.

Dr. O’Meara also provides supervision and consultation around development of mental health private practice.

She has received training in parent coordination and collaborative divorce with the AFCC and Collaborative Practice Training Institute (CPTI). She provides co-parenting consultation, development of parenting plans, and advice around parenting during divorce.

Dr. O’Meara has been authorized by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to practice telepsychology under the authority of PSYPACT.  This means that she is authorized to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology and provide mental health services via HIPAA-compliant platforms to clients who live in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, or any state in which PSYPACT legislation is effective (click here to see the full list of PSYPACT-participating states).

Dr. Noura Khayat

Noura Khayat, Psy. D, is the Director of Clinical Services at CCTA, and a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of VA. She received her masters and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the George Washington University. She has received training in Cognitive-Behavioral, Integrative and Play therapies with a concentration in Child and Adolescent psychology. She also provides comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Khayat completed her APA-Accredited Pre-Doctoral Internship at the Institute for Child and Family Health Inc. in Miami, FL.

Dr. Khayat enjoys working with kids and teens who present with symptoms of depression, anxiety, behavioral difficulties, trauma and obsessive behaviors. She firmly believes that involving parents is a crucial part of treatment, and works with kids and parents to create more open communication in the family. Dr. Khayat is also interested in helping teens and adults navigate difficulties with social and romantic relationships, and challenges in school or the workplace. Issues of racial, gender, and cultural identity are near and dear to her heart, and are often topics of discussion in therapy. Her approach is focused first on making the therapy space one of warmth and comfort. She emphasizes flexible treatment planning with adults or families to determine the approach that works best for them.

Dr. Khayat has received training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) therapy, a structured intervention aimed at helping parents better understand and target their child’s anxiety. She has also recently received her Child and Adolescent Trauma training certification.

Dr. Khayat provides psychotherapy supervision for clinical trainees at CCTA.

She is fluent in Arabic, English and French.

Nkhayat@centerforcbtva.com

Elizabeth Nauman

Elizabeth Nauman is the office manager at CCTA. Her roles include returning new patient calls and ensuring the “behind the scenes” operations are running smoothly. Before joining CCTA, Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Syracuse University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the George Washington University. Elizabeth’s professional aspirations and knack for customer care bring a psychologically-minded touch to everything she does at CCTA.

Before relocating to the DMV area, Elizabeth volunteered at the Vera House in Syracuse, NY, an advocacy center for domestic abuse and sexual violence. Originally from Pennsylvania, Elizabeth loves exploring the DMV area In her free time, visiting every coffee shop along the way. contact@centerforcbtva.com

Dr. Kyla Aimone

Dr. Kyla Aimone is a clinical psychologist licensed in Virginia who works with children and their families. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology (an APA accredited institution) and completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral training at Advocate Illinois Masonic Pediatric Developmental Center in Chicago.

Dr. Aimone received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and behavioral management strategies through her graduate program and various training sites including the Pediatric Developmental Center, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County (Chicago, IL), and Northwest Community Behavioral Health Services (Chicago, IL). In addition, Dr. Aimone received extensive training in developmental, psycheducational, and neuropsychological assessment of infants, children, and adolescents through her training sites at the University of Illinois—Chicago, the Pediatric Developmental Center, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL).

Dr. Aimone has been authorized by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to practice telepsychology under the authority of PSYPACT.  This means that she is authorized to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology and provide mental health services via HIPAA-compliant platforms to clients who live in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, or any state in which PSYPACT legislation is effective (click here to see the full list of PSYPACT-participating states).

Dr. Aimone has worked with individuals presenting with various difficulties, including anxiety, defiance, ADHD, mood disorders, developmental delays, and sleep difficulties. She primarily treats children ranging in age from toddlerhood through early adolescence.

Kaimone@centerforcbtva.com

Dr. Greta Carlson

Greta Carlson, Psy.D. is a psychology associate who received her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the George Washington University. She completed an American Psychological Association (APA) -accredited pre-doctoral internship through Friends Hospital, working with children and adolescents who contended with severe mood disorders, psychosis, OCD, conduct disorders, and cPTSD. Following completion of her doctoral degree, Dr. Carlson completed a post-doctoral fellowship in trauma disorders at Sheppard Pratt Health System’s Trauma Disorders Program in Towson, Maryland, where she obtained additional training in treating severe PTSD and dissociative disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Carlson has also recently completed her training at the prestigious Beck Institute on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions for Youth.

Dr. Carlson has extensive experience and interest in psychodynamic psychotherapy and dynamic approaches to psychological assessment with children, adolescents, and adults. While completing her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Carlson provided psychological assessments for educational placement with children ages 3-11 years of age. During her doctoral training, Dr. Carlson provided psychotherapy and psychological assessment in a variety of treatment settings, including the D.C. Superior Courts, The Lodge School-previously the Chestnut Lodge, and the George Washington University outpatient community mental health clinic.

Dr. Carlson employs a client-centered, collaborative, and trauma-informed therapeutic approach in her work with children, adolescents, and their families. She has also engaged in training for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for youth and has experience co-leading Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups with adolescents and adults in inpatient settings. She primarily works with children and adolescents ages 5 to 16 years of age.

Gcarlson@centerforcbtva.com

Leslie Coates Burpee, NCC, CCTP

Ms. Coates Burpee is a Licensed and Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She attended Davidson College in North Carolina and earned an MA in Psychology from Harvard University, where she collaborated with Ellen J. Langer, Ph.D. on innovative mindfulness research. She went on to earn an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount University. Leslie Coates Burpee completed the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Core Curriculum and several advanced-level trainings directly under the instruction of Dr’s. Aaron and Judith Beck. She maintains membership with Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC), American Counseling Association (ACA), Virginia Counselors Association (VCA), and Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

As a therapist, Ms. Coates Burpee draws from a number of disciplines grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies, while utilizing mindfulness and solutions-focused techniques that build confidence and resilience, and strengthen one’s ability to manage stress. She works with adolescents and adults, specializing in various issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, OCD, chronic health conditions, and relational distress.

lburpee@centerforcbtva.com

Dr. Emily Danon

Emily Danon, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist. She received her Masters and Doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from The George Washington University, an American Psychological Association-accredited program. She completed her psychology internship at Maimonides Medical Center, a large non-profit hospital and academic medical center in Brooklyn, NY with extensive inpatient and outpatient mental health programs for a diverse urban population. She has acquired additional training in positive psychology in Copenhagen, Denmark, published psychology research, and received a scholar award from the American Psychological Association. Dr. Danon has worked in outpatient community clinics, therapeutic day schools, and public schools in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts, providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment services to children, adolescents, and adults.

Dr. Danon values the therapeutic relationship with her clients and uses an integrative treatment approach, combining cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies. She emphasizes coupling symptom reduction with greater self-awareness to build coping skills and self-efficacy. Dr. Danon tailors treatment to the unique strengths and challenges of each client and/or family.

Dr. Danon works with individuals struggling with a variety of concerns, including mood disorders, depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, interpersonal and/or familial relationship difficulties, trauma, ADHD, and impulse control issues.

Dr. Danon has recently received training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) therapy, a structured intervention aimed at helping parents better understand and target their child’s anxiety. She has also received her Child and Adolescent Trauma training certification.

Edanon@centerforcbtva.com

Susannah Harrison, M.A., LPC

Susannah Harrison, M.A., LPC has over twenty years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families within independent school settings as a mental health counselor. She completed her master’s degree in counseling at Boston College, and was a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Atlanta for six years before relocating Virginia in 2004. She has been working with adolescents in private practice for 8 years.

Her clinical areas of expertise include: anxiety, depression, substance abuse, school refusal, ADHD, learning differences, sexual abuse, self-harm, divorce and grief/loss. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat depression and anxiety in children and adolescents and her clinical work is primarily comprised of cognitive-behavioral and family systems theories.

Sharrison@centerforcbtva.com

Dr. Alexis Herman

Alexis Herman, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist providing psychotherapy to adults, children, and families as well as conducting psychological and educational assessments. She received her Masters and Doctorate in clinical psychology from The George Washington University, an American Psychological Association-accredited program in Washington, D.C. She subsequently completed a Predoctoral Internship and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, an outpatient community mental health agency that provides services for children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in several outpatient clinics, non-profit agencies, schools, and private practice.

Dr. Herman specializes in mood and anxiety symptoms, behavioral difficulties, trauma, identity formation, interpersonal difficulties, relationship/intimacy concerns, life transitions, and family conflict. She has experience, training, and interest in working with diverse populations, including the LGBTQ community. She often involves caregivers and other family members in her work with children to improve the wellbeing and psychological health of the entire family system. Dr. Herman additionally provides parent consultation to help caregivers effectively manage difficult behaviors and foster more loving relationships with their children. Her therapeutic approach integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic techniques, depending on what is most helpful for each individual patient or family. She knows firsthand the power of a safe and authentic therapeutic relationship, which entails patient-therapist collaboration to achieve meaningful treatment results that include symptom relief as well as the ability to face life’s challenges with more freedom and flexibility. Dr. Herman strives to help her patients better understand and ultimately change behavioral and relational patterns that interfere with their self-determined goals and desired outcomes.

Dr. Herman has been authorized by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to practice telepsychology under the authority of PSYPACT.  This means that she is authorized to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology and provide mental health services via HIPAA-compliant platforms to clients who live in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, or any state in which PSYPACT legislation is effective (click here to see the full list of PSYPACT-participating states).

Dr. Herman has received training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) therapy, a structured intervention aimed at helping parents better understand and target their child’s anxiety. She has also completed her training at the prestigious Beck Institute on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions for Youth. Finally, Dr. Herman has recently received her Child and Adolescent Trauma training certification.

lherman@centerforcbtva.com

Gaby Iskin, M. Psy

Gaby Iskin, M. Psy. is a clinical psychology extern. She completed her master’s degree in clinical psychology at The George Washington University, an American Psychological Association-accredited program, where she is currently earning her doctoral degree. Prior to joining the team at CCTA, she has experienced working in a group practice setting, as well as a community mental health clinic, working with individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds.

Gaby has received training in Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Play therapies. She uses an integrative and holistic approach working with individuals and families, recognizing that their own unique experiences frame the scope of the work. Additionally, Gaby has been trained in providing comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Her clinical areas of focus include anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD and social skills deficits, emotional regulation and learning difficulties, trauma, and selective mutism. She has completed training and participated as a camp counselor for children diagnosed with selective mutism.

Gaby enjoys spending time with her family and dog, traveling, teaching dance, and trying new baking recipes. She is fluent in Russian and English.

giskin@centerforcbtva.com

Paul Meenu, Th.D.

Dr. Paul Meenu is a psychology intern at the Center for Cognitive Therapy & Assessment. Dr. Meenu has an extensive background in business, special education, and Christian ministry and is grounded in empathic counseling. As a consummate professional, Dr. Meenu is a trainee psychologist, a certified pastoral counselor, and an educator of students with special needs. In addition to his warm and calming personality, Dr. Meenu is equipped to work from a spiritual framework to provide skilled psychological services to interested clients in distress. 

Dr. Meenu employs industry-tested orientations, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT), Play Therapy, Mindfulness, and other time-tested frameworks to serve his clients’ psychological needs. Dr. Meenu’s clinical areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, schoolwork avoidance, ADHD and social skills deficits, emotional and behavioral disabilities, self-harm, marital challenges, divorce and grief/loss. He loves working with the youth & adolescent populations as well as adults.

Dr. Meenu enjoys spending time with family, traveling, watching soccer games, preaching, playing the piano, and singing in church.

pmeenu@centerforcbtva.com

Dr. Rachel Ogle

Rachel Ogle, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychology Associate who works with children, adolescents, and families. She earned her doctoral and master’s degree in School Psychology from Michigan State University, an American Psychological Association (APA) and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) accredited program. Dr. Ogle completed an APA-accredited internship at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Houston, Texas, where she conducted comprehensive psychological evaluations in the school setting and provided therapy to children and adolescents.

Dr. Ogle has experience providing psychological services across school and clinical settings. She received training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention at The Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center of Ann Arbor. Additionally, Dr. Ogle has received training in Selective Mutism with Dr. Aimee Kotrba and has provided behavioral interventions to treat Selective Mutism in school-aged children. Dr. Ogle is also experienced with conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations and assigning diagnoses when appropriate, using both clinical (DSM-5) and educational (IDEIA) criteria.

Dr. Ogle specializes in working with children and adolescents with a variety of presenting concerns, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Ogle primarily uses a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach, while ensuring that treatment is tailored to meet the needs of each individual child and family. Dr. Ogle believes in the importance of involving parents in treatment and works flexibly with families to best meet the needs of the child.

rogle@centerforcbtva.com

Dr. April Simcox

Dr. Simcox is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who works with children and adolescents. She received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, an American Psychological Association (APA) and National Association of School Psychology (NASP) accredited program, and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from New York University.

Dr. Simcox received her psychotherapy and psychological testing training from several clinical sites including the NYU Child Study Center, and University Parent Consultation and Child Evaluation Service (UPCCES) at the University of Maryland. She has also trained extensively in regional school systems including Howard County, Prince George’s County, Fairfax County, and Alexandria City. In addition, Dr. Simcox spent seven years as a school psychologist providing services to elementary, middle, and high school students in Charles County, Alexandria City, and Fairfax County School Systems. She has been in private practice with CCTA for the past six years and serves as the Supervisor for its psycho- educational evaluations.

Dr. Simcox uses an integrative approach drawing from cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and schema therapy to address an array of issues including anxiety, phobias, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and adjustment disorders. When indicated, she facilitates collaboration between home and school settings in order to improve client outcomes. In addition, Dr. Simcox has extensive experience with not only providing psychological testing in both school and clinical settings, but also with connecting findings to both special education law and accommodations via the American Disabilities Act, Section 504.

In addition to working directly with clients, Dr. Simcox has conducted research with the NIMH-funded “Treatment of Adolescents with Depression” multi-site study which examined the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication on treating depression. She has authored peer-reviewed, scientific publications on a variety of topics including the import of collaboration between mental health professionals, personality construct assessment, and the measurement of social skills group effectiveness, then presented these findings at national conventions.

asimcox@centerforcbtva.com

Dr. Mandy Thompson

Mandy Thompson, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia who has counseled clients through a variety of personal challenges related to anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, relationship issues, suicidal thoughts, behavioral concerns, and sexual and gender identity.  Dr. Thompson has worked with clients of all ages and provided therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in multiple treatment settings, including hospitals, college counseling centers, and community clinics.  She uses an integrative, collaborative approach to meet the unique needs of each client and facilitate an empowering therapy experience.  Dr. Thompson also has several years of experience providing psychological assessments, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations to clients, families, healthcare providers, and the D.C. court system.

Dr. Thompson is a certified provider of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and has extensive experience in culture-sensitive trauma treatment. Dr. Thompson has recently received training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) therapy, a structured intervention aimed at helping parents better understand and target their child’s anxiety. Dr. Thompson has been authorized by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to practice telepsychology under the authority of PSYPACT.  This means that she is authorized to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology and provide mental health services via HIPAA-compliant platforms to clients who live in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, or any state in which PSYPACT legislation is effective (click here to see the full list of PSYPACT-participating states).

Dr. Thompson completed her American Psychological Association (APA) accredited psychology internship at the Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress of the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI), an affiliate of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. She has trained and volunteered at the D.C. Rape Crisis Center and Safe Shores, a Washington, D.C. children’s advocacy center, where she supported survivors of abuse and assault.  In addition, Dr. Thompson has provided psychological counseling and assessment services at Children’s National Medical Center, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, George Washington University, and Marymount University.

Prior to receiving her masters and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the George Washington University, Dr. Thompson worked for a Member of Congress, drafting legislation and advocating on behalf of mental health issues.  She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Scripps College in Claremont, California.

mthompson@centerforcbtva.com