Meet the Team

Becky Gleed, Founder

Serves Virginia, New Mexico, Hawaii, and South Carolina

Professional Journey of Becky

2007–2010
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Becky completed her Master of Arts at Syracuse University, awarded through an Academic Scholarship. During this time, she had the privilege of traveling to Manhattan, New York, where she studied with renowned therapist Salvador Minuchin and trained at the Ackerman Institute. Additionally, she attended the AAMFT Emotionally Focused Therapy track in Sacramento, California, under the guidance of Dr. Sue Johnson, further deepening her passion for working with couples.

2010–2013
Becky completed her clinical residency in the Commonwealth of Virginia at Prince William Family Counseling, where she received clinical supervision from Dr. Eliana Gil. In this role, she also supervised Qualified Mental Health Professionals providing intensive in-home services, contributing to the development of the next generation of clinicians.

2013–2018
After obtaining licensure, Becky continued her private practice while also serving as a Senior Clinician with Fairfax County Government. She began with Youth/Family Services before transitioning to Emergency Services. During her tenure, the Emergency Services team received the Innovation Award in 2017. She was later appointed as a Commonwealth of Virginia Board Approved Clinical Supervisor and served as Vice Chair of the Alexandria City Local Human Rights Committee. In 2017, she became Co-Chair when the committee transitioned to the Northern Virginia Regional Human Rights Committee.

2018–2020
As the mother of two young daughters, Becky recognized the lack of perinatal resources in both private practice and emergency psychiatric settings. In response, she pursued clinical training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and became a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional. This new direction allowed her to better serve mothers and families experiencing perinatal challenges.

2020–Present
Driven by her passion for supporting the perinatal community, Becky created a comprehensive book series designed to assist mothers in their journey.

Her work includes:

A Workbook: How to Healthily Transition to Motherhood
A Gratitude Journal: Thankful for Motherhood
A Book for Working Moms: Employed Motherhood: Healthily and Holistically Transition Back to Work after Having a Baby
A Practical Journal: A Second Brain for Momnesia
A Guide for Working Mothers: Healthily and Holistically Transition to Working Motherhood: A Gentle, Practical Guide to Returning to Work After Having a Baby

Becky continues to provide dedicated support and practical resources for mothers navigating the challenges of motherhood and the transition back to work.

Our Clinical Supervisor

Dr. Tia Buchanan

SERVES SOUTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, VERMONT

Dr. Tia Buchanan is a highly accomplished mental health professional with an extensive array of credentials. She is an LPC-Supervisor (Licensed Professional Counselor), LPC, and LAC (SC), with additional certifications as an LCMHC-Supervisor (VT) and Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC, NM). Dr. Buchanan holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Clinical Mental Health, both accredited by CACREP. She also holds a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology with a focus on Pediatrics and a Ph.D. in her field. In addition, she is Play Therapy Certified (Capella) and holds a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma. Dr. Buchanan is Board Certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and holds the National Certified Counselor (NCE) and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NCMHCE) certifications.

Her wide-ranging expertise makes her a trusted leader in the mental health field, bringing both academic rigor and practical experience to her work.

Our Licensed Clinicians

Dalal Musa

SERVES VIRGINIA PENNSYLVANIA, D.C., AND MARYLAND

Dalal Musa holds a Master of Social Work from Columbia University and graduated from the Washington School of Psychiatry’s Clinical Program in Psychotherapy Practice. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). As a Middle Eastern American and lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, she brings cultural understanding and a deep commitment to serving diverse communities.
With over 25 years of experience in psychodynamic practice, she specializes in helping individuals who have experienced early life trauma, including sexual abuse, dissociative disorders, complex relationship issues, depression, phobias, and anxiety. She works with individuals across a broad age spectrum, from adolescents to older adults, as well as with couples and families. She has a strong interest in working with individuals facing chronic health conditions to include reproductive conditions, as well as couples and families navigating the complexities of cultural integration and blending. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective therapy.
Danielle Vanwagenen

SERVES GEORGIA, FLORIDA, AND SOUTH CAROLINA

Danielle Vanwagenen is a PMH-C and holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Washington and adopts a compassionate and collaborative approach to her therapeutic practice. Her style is gentle, supportive, and focused on establishing a strong, trusting relationship with her clients. Danielle specializes in individual therapy for adolescents and adults (ages 16 and up), with a particular emphasis on maternal mental health. Her work with mothers addresses various concerns, including fertility struggles, loss, birth trauma, pregnancy-related support, the transition to parenthood, bonding with the baby, and navigating the early stages of parenting.

Danielle integrates a range of therapeutic approaches to best meet her clients' needs. She is trained in EMDR Therapy, which she uses to address trauma, as well as anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and OCD. Additionally, she incorporates Compassion-Focused Therapy, encouraging clients to develop self-compassion and grace in their healing process. Danielle believes that no one should have to face their struggles alone. She is committed to providing a supportive environment where clients can start to heal, grow, and thrive.
Annalise Wisniewski

SERVES HAWAII
Annalise Wisniewski holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Hawaii and is currently pursuing licensure in Virginia. Prior to earning her graduate degree, Annalise worked extensively in community mental health settings—an experience that deeply influenced her decision to become a counselor.
Annalise utilizes a collaborative, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach in her work. Her professional interests include perinatal mental health, and she is actively working toward certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). She is passionate about supporting individuals and families navigating the complexities of the perinatal period, including postpartum adjustment and infertility.
Her clinical experience includes working with active-duty military personnel and their families, as well as adolescents in residential treatment settings. Across all areas of her work, Annalise is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe, heard, and supported.
Outside of her clinical practice, Annalise enjoys reading, spending time with her animals, and baking.

Our Residents in Counseling

Mackenzie Knick

SERVES VIRGINIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA

Mackenzie Knick is a South Carolina native with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in Music Therapy, from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. During her academic journey, she focused on neurologic music therapy and palliative care, particularly in cancer support. Additionally, she specialized in counseling children and adolescents by integrating expressive arts therapy techniques to enhance the counseling process. Her thesis, published during her studies, centered on a trauma-informed music therapy framework for migrants and immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. After graduating in May 2020, Mackenzie moved from Texas to North Carolina, where she practiced music therapy with neurodivergent teens. She played a key role in supervising a team of music therapists and provided continuing education opportunities to refine their counseling techniques. Mackenzie also contributed to the development of curriculum aimed at improving program standards and addressing the evolving needs of an increasingly diverse client population. In 2022, Mackenzie relocated to Virginia and began clinical supervision under Manda Arnold-Moore in community mental health counseling. Alongside her clinical work with children and teens, she co-authored a chapter on music therapy and global work with migrants, immigrants, and refugees, in collaboration with Dr. Alpha Woodward and Dr. Krzysztof Stachyra.
After welcoming her son, Mackenzie felt a deepened inspiration to focus her counseling work on perinatal and postpartum care, as well as women’s health issues. She is excited to continue her supervision with Becky Gleed, LMFT, and further expand her practice to support women through expressive arts and counseling services. When not working, Mackenzie enjoys baking, hiking, and creating art.
Jennifer Hayek

SERVES VIRGINIA

Jennifer Hayek holds a Master‘s degree and is pursuing her PhD in General Counseling. She is a Resident in Counseling working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. Originally from Lebanon, she immigrated to the U.S. and has lived in Virginia for over 20 years. Jennifer is fluent in Arabic and French.
Having experienced diverse cultural backgrounds firsthand, she developed a profound curiosity about various cultures and religions, which significantly informs her approach to therapy. Jennifer believes that everyone needs support to navigate life’s challenges. Her therapeutic approach is centered on active listening, empathy, and validating your feelings. She aims to build a strong therapeutic alliance with clients, grounded in understanding, respect, and trust, and work collaboratively to achieve your goals. Outside of professional life, she enjoys exploring the world by visiting different countries and trying diverse cultural cuisines.

Our Clinical Interns

Kate Stewart

SERVES VIRGINIA
Syracuse University

Kate Stewart is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy at Syracuse University. Originally from Champaign, Illinois, Kate grew up as a military child, living in various locations both within the U.S. and internationally. She earned her degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University in Nebraska.
Following her graduation, Kate married her military husband and embarked on an adventurous life that included multiple relocations, eventually having two daughters. During these years, Kate dedicated herself to being a mother and military spouse while working from home. She gained extensive experience as a Digital Marketing Lead for several brands, focusing on diverse demographic groups.
After several moves, including an overseas assignment, Kate now calls Northern Virginia home. With her children older and the proverbial dust settled, she has decided to pursue her passion for helping others, particularly in the area of women’s mental health. She is enthusiastic about community, fitness, well-being, and travel.
Kate is excited to join the Perinatal & Reproductive Wellness Group and is eager to contribute to supporting others through her clinical internship experience.
Ritika Gupta

SERVES VIRGINIA
Syracuse University

Ritika Gupta holds a Master's in Applied Clinical Psychology from India (fluent in Hindi) and a Master's in Psychological Science from the University of Scotland. Her passion for the field of psychology is rooted in a deep belief in the innate potential for growth and well-being in every individual.
Early in her career, Ritika gained valuable experience working in clinical settings before transitioning to academia as an Assistant Professor, where she specialized in child development and social-emotional health in educational environments. Prior to relocating to Alexandria, Virginia, in 2023, she worked as a counselor in India, providing support to both adults and children.
Ritika is currently completing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University, NY. Over the past two years, her personal experiences have enriched her understanding of the critical need for enhanced care and support in areas such as motherhood, perinatal health, infertility, and couples’ wellness. She is eager to continue her professional journey under the supervision of Becky Gleed, LMFT.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Ritika enjoys spending time outdoors, often lounging by or in the water. Indoors, she finds joy in reading, gardening, and cooking.
Tia Ulieme-Karian

Capella University
Tia Ulieme-Karian holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Albion College and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Developmental Psychology. Her work is grounded in empathy, warmth, and a developmentally informed approach, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s most transformative stages.
Tia’s clinical journey began in Ohio, where she developed a strong interest in perinatal and reproductive mental health, women’s health, and infertility. Her early experiences revealed a profound need for compassionate care in these areas, inspiring her ongoing dedication to supporting women and couples through conception, pregnancy, and postpartum transitions.
She is especially passionate about raising awareness around postpartum depression and the often unspoken emotional impact of infertility. Tia strives to break the stigma surrounding these challenges by creating a safe, inclusive space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported.
Her therapeutic style is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. She believes everyone deserves care that makes life a little easier and approaches each session with nonjudgmental presence and authenticity.
Tia is proud to be part of the Perinatal & Reproductive Wellness team, where she continues to focus on maternal mental health, reproductive transitions, and holistic family wellness.
Nanami West

Syracuse University
Nanami West holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University. Originally from Japan, her personal experiences with immigrant marginalization and mental health stigma have shaped her commitment to inclusive education and emotional well-being.
She has worked extensively with individuals with special needs, culturally diverse populations, and those facing mental health challenges in both educational and vocational settings. These experiences inspired her to pursue therapy with a focus on supporting families of children with special needs, expat families, interracial couples, and individuals in cultural transition.
Nanami is especially passionate about perinatal and postpartum care and is currently training under the supervision of Becky Gleed to provide culturally responsive support to birthing individuals and their partners. Her work is driven by a belief in the power of strong support systems and resilient communities.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, Pilates, and watching films.

Meet our Yoga & Breathwork Facilitator

Jewels Peña

Jewels’ focus is alignment within the self. She’s been teaching yoga in the DMV full-time for close to nine years. After completing her initial 200-hour, Level 2, and Trauma Informed trainings, she earned her in-depth 300-hour certificate based in Sankhya philosophy.

Jewels has also studied and is trained in the Functional Range System of Movement, a joint training system. She's a certified FRCms and group class instructor. In class, she incorporates her knowledge of yoga with respect and acknowledgment of the roots, history, and philosophies, joint mobility work (joint-specific range of motion focus and strength training), and breath-work in order to bring about a holistic experience of health and well-being.

Above all else, Jewels’ hope is to facilitate a safe, accepting, and enjoyable environment where all are welcome and reminded not to take it too seriously.

Meet the Podcast Production Team