Dena studied Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. She has experience working on a wide range of clinical and life problems. Through evidence based interventions, such as CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brainspotting, DBT, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques, Dena has a way of helping you stay grounded in the present while you explore and express your struggles. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and helping individuals navigate relationship or divorce struggles. She is passionate about helping individuals find their voice, become more assertive, increase self-esteem, and find their path in order to start working on their life goals.

Prior to working in a private practice setting, Dena gained a great deal of experience working at an intensive outpatient setting providing therapy to adults, adolescents, and children. And prior to working in the mental health field, Dena graduated from Towson University with a Bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education. She spent eight years as a Montgomery County Public School educator at a National Blue Ribbon School. She has experience coaching high school adolescents, teaching, working with students with special needs, as well as consulting parents.

Dena Alalfey, MS, LCPC

Psychotherapist/Founder

In her free time, Dena enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters,and son. She loves being outdoor in nature (well the park) and spending time anywhere near water.

"I am eager to provide you with compassionate support as you express and explore current struggles, expand your awareness of internal and external obstacles, and support you as you pave the way towards deep and lasting change. Take a look at range of services we offer for both individuals and groups, and our blog for resources and skills for coping with stress, anxiety, depressions and mental health struggles you may be facing."

Dena

Sarah completed her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Loyola University Maryland.Sarah has been trained to provide Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

You will sense Sarah's gentle and compassionate demeanor the second you meet her. Some of the concerns that Sarah can help adolescents, adults, and children address include depression, anxiety, low self esteem, eating disorders, trauma, attachment disorders, self-harm, adjustment disorders, negative self-image, panic attacks, and interpersonal difficulties.

Prior to working at A Step Forward, Sarah spent a few years teaching English in Korea. She then went on and gained a great deal of experience treating children & adolescents by providing therapy at The Care Clinic of The University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, Sarah provided behavioral therapy at The Theodore House in Baltimore to adults overcoming substance-abuse. She has also gained experience providing in-home services to adults with Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Schizophrenia. She enjoys helping parents implement positive parenting techniques as well as treat attachment concerns.

Sarah is currently seeing children 8+, adolescents, adults, and couples virtually and In-person.

Apart from therapy, Sarah enjoys painting, hiking, and traveling with loved ones. She is incredibly passionate about helping others to realize their strengths and achieve their best possible lives.

Sarah Ofrecio, MS, LCPC

Psychotherapist

Laurie graduated with a Masters in Clinical Social Work from The Catholic University of America.

She has training in a variety of interventions including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness and uses a

strength-based approach in order to assess what modality will work best for each individual

client.

Prior to joining the team at A Step Forward, Laurie worked as a Care Coordinator in wraparound

services throughout Montgomery County, as well as a school-based Mental Health Therapist at

a school for students with social, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Through these services, she's gained experience working with clients of all ages, both in individual and family settings, and specializes in anxiety and depression, ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, and family/relationship dynamics.

Laurie is currently seeing children, adolescents and young adults virtually and in-person.

When Laurie is not working, she enjoys reading, going to football games, and spending time

with her husband and daughter.

“Through joint collaboration and exploration, we will work to heal wounds, identify your

personal strengths, and develop new coping skills unique to you.”

- Laurie

Laurie Weitzman, MS, LCSW-C

Psychotherapist

Jackie studied clinical social work at University of Maryland, School of Social Work with a behavioral health concentration. With deep compassion, Jackie finds the best approach for each individual client in order to meet their needs in therapy.

Through various evidence-based approaches, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, Jackie can provide a safe space for managing intense feelings and stress. She is passionate about helping clients find peace and strength within themselves on their journey to recovery and happiness.

Prior to joining A Step Forward, Jackie has experience working with adults and teenagers experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder through intensive outpatient therapy. Jackie also worked with families, providing in-home therapy to both teens and their parents. She has further experience providing case management and therapy to those experiencing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder, in a hospital setting. Jackie has been trained to provide intensive support for those struggling with trauma and a history of abuse.

When not at work, Jackie loves spending time with family and a quiet evening at home, cooking a meal or reading a book. She has a passion for the outdoors, hiking, and is not afraid of a challenge, having completed the entirety of the Appalachian Trail.

Jackie is currently seeing adolescents, adults and couples in-person and virtually.

Jackie Lynott, MS, LCSW-C

Psychotherapist

Micah Brady studied Clinical Social Work at University of Kansas where she received her Master’s degree and Clinical license. She has a diverse background in child and family systems, inpatient, sub-acute and residential youth settings, supervised interns and master’s level graduates in child welfare and medical social work settings, was a field Instructor with Howard University, provided therapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to veterans and family members, and outpatient provide practice care to children, teen, and adults.

Micah specializes in anxiety, trauma, and couples’ therapy and also has much experience with depression, stress management, family conflict, ADHD, self-harming behaviors, OCD, crisis intervention, and relationship concerns. She uses a variety of evidence-based treatments depending on the need of the clients which may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method Relationship Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Emotionally Freedom Technique, Mindfulness Training, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Play Therapy.

Micah is passionate about helping others learn and grow, conquer their anxieties, and build on their strengths to get the most out of their lives and relationships. She is compassionate,responsive, and an “outside the box” thinker with a sense of humor.

In her personal life, Micah enjoys the great outdoors, fitness and dance, eating tacos or anything taco-related, photography, concerts, stand up paddle boarding, and staying up too late.

Micah is currently seeing young adults, adults, couples and families in-person and virtually.

Micah Brady

LCSW-C, CTC, CCATP, CATP

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Mark studied Clinical Social Work at University of Maryland- Baltimore’s School of Social Work with a concentration in Families and Adolescents. Mark finds that every person and situation is different, believes that his approach with any individual will be molded to best fit the person and their exact needs. He has experience from working in medical field setting, school based social work and outpatient therapy.

Mark has experience working with children, teenagers, families and adults. Mark specializes in anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, family conflict, stress management, OCD, mood related disorders and relationship concerns. He uses a variety of evidence-based treatments depending on the needs of the client, which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, as well as Play Therapy.

Before joining A Step Forward, Mark has experienced working with children, teenagers, adults, families, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem problems, OCD, adjustment disorders. PTSD, stress management and relationship concerns. Mark also worked with families, providing in-home therapy to children of all ages and their family. He currently works for MCPS as a social worker, while previously conducting outpatient therapy to help children with problems experienced at their school.

When not at work, Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and creating new memories. He also enjoys the outdoors, whether it be hiking, playing sports or fishing.

Mark is currently seeing children, adolescents and adults in-person and virtually

Mark Macauley, MS, LCSW-C
Psychotherapist

Alaina Kahn MS, LMSW
Psychotherapist

Alaina studied social work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a focus on clinical behavioral health. Utilizing values work, ACT, dialectics, and a heavy dose of validation, Alaina focuses on allowing your goals and interests to guide the treatment. Alaina knows from her experiences as both a clinician and a client that the therapeutic relationship alone can be a powerful influence in growth and self-discovery.

Alaina specializes in improving relational patterns, anxiety and procrastination cycles, grief and trauma work, and adolescence. She is passionate about working with gender and sexual minorities as individuals navigate identity exploration, coming out, coping with discrimination, or building relationships within the community.

Prior to joining A Step Forward, Alaina worked in a full DBT program and has received extensive training in dialectics as well as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. During her time as a DBT clinician, Alaina effectively treated self-harm, chronic suicidality, eating disorders, and relational trauma. Using DBT, Alaina provided skills-based training as well as insight-oriented therapy to support clients as they expanded their repertoire of ways to response to distress and dysregulation.

After the work day, Alaina can usually be found watching sitcoms with her partner and her dog Mojo! She also enjoys singing, traveling, photography, and crafting.

Alaina is currently seeing adolescents and young adults in person and virtually.

Carol is your client care concierge. Carol's gentle and soothing voice will be the first one you hear when you call. She will take the time to get to know you or your child's needs in order to match you with the best fit therapist. She will be available to you and check in periodically during your treatment to ensure your experience is exceptional.

She specializes in mental health care administration and digital marketing and has been working in healthcare settings for almost 15 years. She studied digital marketing at GW and became a tutor for the University of Toronto over the pandemic.

Prior to working with A Step Forward, Carol worked at Children's National Medical Center for 8 years where she was the point of contact for mental health and surgical patients in a specialized clinic. She is passionate about assisting and supporting clients throughout their therapy journey.

Carol enjoys spending her time hiking or anywhere outdoors and near water as well as working on her garden with her partner. She is also an avid hobby photographer.