Meet our specialists and find the right match for your therapy needs. Select a specialty below to see who on our team covers each area.
Clinical Director, Intensively Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and DBTPE, Resident and Student Supervisor and School Liaison
I serve as the clinical director at Beach Therapy & Consulting, providing ongoing supervision to staff, residents, and licensed clinicians as needed.
A guiding theme for me is that of relationship – two statements inform this interest. The first by Irvin Yalom, who instructs, “It is the relationship that heals.” I have experienced the positive aspects of being healed in my own relationships and the immense power of how relationship heals others through counseling. The second by Jon Kabat-Zinn, in defining mindfulness: “Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Being in relationship with oneself and others requires a focused mind and focused awareness in both the self and the other. The challenge is to be nonjudgmental and authentic in those interactions.
I have worked in the field of counseling and therapy for the past 25+ years in a myriad of settings. Since 2003, I have been in private practice in Virginia Beach, working as a licensed professional counselor with adolescents, adults, families, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and additional clinical symptomology.
I received intensive training and utilize evidence-based treatment – Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to treat teenagers, families and adults. This approach has integrated well in how I understand relationships and how to develop peace by utilizing mindfulness. I am Intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBTPE), a specific adaptation of PE.
My interests include counselor development, qualitative research methodology, mindfulness in teaching and supervision, technology in teaching, and clinical training for supervisees. I am passionate about students and trainees receiving effective training to allow them to be competent counselors. It is not uncommon to be supervising several residents as well as have a few practicum students.
I currently serve as a full Professor at the Townsend Institute for Counseling at Concordia University Irvine (CUI). I am a remote faculty and teach in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program and the Counselor Education & Supervision PhD program. I have taught in higher education since 2005 and as a full-time faculty in academia since 2012. I specialize as the subject expert in ethics and offering specialities in addiction and supervision.
I have conducted a wide array of trainings over the years at multiple conferences in DBT (validation, chain analysis, and DBT theory), adolescent and family therapy, pedagogy, substance use, mindfulness, the ASAM criteria, psychopharmacology for counselors, and DSM-5 for adolescents.
I currently work with clients that may struggle with depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, self-harming and suicidal behaviors, family chaos and conflict, substance abuse, PTSD, and family of origin issues. Due to my teaching demands, I have limited clinical availability at Beach Therapy & Consulting. I am Gottman Level 2 Couples Counseling and have been a Marriage & Family therapist for over 15 years.
I am available as a clinical supervisor for licensure for LPC, LMFT, LSATP, and CSAC. I provide expert consultation and supervision to group homes, treatment programs, colleges, and outside organization in a wide range of topics and travel across the country to train and present. I enjoy teaching and training in the areas of substance abuse and DBT as well as mindfulness and emerging adulthood. Please click here to view our consultation page for more information.
Intensively Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Intensively Trained in DBT Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
Gottman Level 2 Trained
Working with adolescents 13 and up including specializing in adolescents, young adults, and adults with addiction, borderline personality disorder, and trauma
Enjoy working with family of origin issues with adults
Provide clinical supervision and training to students and residents in counseling.
Practice Manager, Dialectical Behavior Therapy Provider, Intensively Trained in DBTPE, Resident Supervisor
My name is Kerry Boone-Savinsky and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2003. I obtained my master’s in Social Work in 1995 and have worked in a variety of settings that have allowed me to grow in my skills of assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention and trauma work. I have worked in the field of counseling and mental health now for over 20 years and have been in private practice since 2003.
Prior to private practice I worked in multiple agencies providing individual and family therapy to high risk adolescents and provided adolescent anger management and parent training. I became interested in teaching teens skills that increased their effectiveness of changing their emotions and how to change their expression of that emotion without suffering negative consequences. I found that many of the teenagers I worked with had significant trauma histories and traumatically invalidating environments including abuse, neglect, family addiction, poor communication, and many other struggles. This led me to explore Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as many of these teenagers were developing patterns of extreme emotional dysregulation. At times the dysregulation was expressed through behavioral struggles such as self-harming, suicide attempts, addictive behaviors, aggression at school, and stealing or shoplifting.
Beach Therapy & Consulting was opened in 2013 to provide this unique and complicated treatment approach for adolescents and adults of all ages as well as other evidenced based treatment approaches. As I have trained, I have learned more about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and have grown more understanding of how complicated developmental trauma can affect a person and the struggle to know how to effectively cope with the various challenges to which basic, everyday life exposes us. I have grown less judgmental of my clients and more aware of how they have done the best they can under their circumstances. I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention, Exposure Therapies, Mindfulness based treatment approaches, and I am Foundational Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
I am Intensively Trained in DBT Prolonged Exposure Protocol for PTSD, based on the adaptation by Melanie Harned, PhD of Edna Foa’s initial prolonged exposure work to adults and adolescents. Prolonged exposure has been used for many years to treat PTSD that developed from a one-incident trauma and has been available for combat veterans. This adaptation is designed for those that have may have developed PTSD from multiple traumatic experiences, often occurring in one’s development. Prolonged Exposure (PE) is evidence-based to treat active PTSD symptoms and this adaptation is woven into Stage 1 DBT treatment when a client is ready. This treatment offers hope for clients that there may be a period of their life where they will no longer meet the criteria for PTSD and suffer from the shame of the past. Traditional Prolonged Exposure can be utilized with PTSD that may not contain a personality disorder and for one specific trauma.
In addition to my DBT and trauma treatment work, I enjoy working with adolescents and adults over the age of 10 in the areas of anxiety disorders, depression, and bi-polar disorder, as well as family addiction, divorce, ACOA and family of origin issues, and substance abuse. I provide individual, family therapy, and facilitate DBT group skills weekly. I enjoy actively working with clients to identify their personal goals and grow in their ability to understand the difference between what they can change and what they need to learn to accept. It is not uncommon for me to include residents in my sessions as patients will allow. I believe part of my job as I have matured and aged in the field of social work is to give back through supervision and training of the next generation.
I am a Certified Trauma Specialist (NASW-VA) and clinical supervisor for licensure supervisees in social work. I am a member of the International OCD Foundation and of the NASW. I am an active member of the ethics committee of Virginia’s NASW. I offer licensure and non-licensure supervision for individuals and agencies. I have provided trainings for many years in a variety of areas including but not limited to suicide assessment, emotional regulation, anger management with teenagers, and family systems. I currently have interests in providing evidenced based treatment as a practice philosophy and supporting the growth and training needs of newer clinicians in the field through offering training grounds such as intern and residency sites. I am an active member of Beach Therapy & Consulting’s DBT treatment team. I am the co-owner of Beach Therapy with Dr. Savinsky and practice manager.
Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Provider, DBT Provider
I believe that in seasons of crisis, loss, and pain counseling is a space to reflect on the past and recover for the journey ahead. I seek to partner with individuals as they heal from past hurts, manage current stressors, and refine their strengths on their path to restoring hope.
I obtained my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May of 2015. Prior to this, I worked internationally with a variety of nonprofits to improve community resources for adolescents and their families and became increasingly passionate about serving individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds. While in the field, I obtained experience working in inpatient and group home settings providing crisis stabilization services.
In 2019, I joined Beach Therapy & Consulting and their Dialectical Behavior Therapy team bringing my training and skills in working with chronically dysregulated adolescents and young adults. I currently co-facilitate the adult skills training group and participate in the consultation team on a weekly basis. I have a special interest in trauma and use cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, and a family systems approach to facilitate change while helping individuals discover and utilize their unique strengths in their personal journey towards growth and healing.
I currently work with men, women, adolescents, and children with anxiety disorders including PTSD, panic and social anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma, grief, life transitions, self-esteem, ADHD, childhood oppositional and family-oriented struggles. I work with children and their families over the age of 15, adolescents, and adults. I co-facilitate the DBT Adult Skills group and am an active member of the DBT team at Beach Therapy providing individual DBT treatment. I provide EMDR for PTSD. I currently do not offer marital counseling or substance abuse treatment.
Licensed in VA and MD
My name is Vanessa Monahan (she/her), and I am a Resident in Counseling. I obtained my Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School. I have a certificate in Forensic Interviewing from ChildFirst Virginia. I am working towards licensure, and I am under direct supervision of David Savinsky, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT, LSATP, CSAC, ACS.
For the past 10 years, I have provided direct care services to children and families in the child welfare systems. Having worked in this system, I have seen first hand abuse, neglect, and the trauma that can happen to children and adolescents and the impact on the family systems. I believe in advocacy for children and teenagers and as a professional, that it is part of the care that we as clinicians should provide. I will attend school based meetings for 504 and IEP.
I enjoy working with children, teenagers, young adults and families from ages 6 and older. I also enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral disorders, trauma, and developing appropriate coping skills. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework and strongly believe you are the expert on your life, but sometimes you may need a guide to help you challenge your negative thoughts, body sensations, and behaviors and start living a more fulfilling life.
I provide a trauma-focused and child-friendly approach when working with children and adolescents, young adults and adults. I am non-judgmental and aspire for you to be the best person I know you are capable of being. I am proudly LGBTQ+ allied and provide affirming care to all identities and family structures. If your child is struggling and you’re not sure how to help, you’re not alone.
In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, watching horror movies, cooking, and spending time with my family.
I am currently accepting Sentara commercial, most Medicaid products, self-pay, and Cigna.
My name is Tanisha Bowman-Smith. I am a Masters-level prepared Supervisee in Social Work with a background in social work, and experience working with individuals and families. I joined the Beach Therapy and Consulting team in August of 2025. I am currently pursuing my license in Clinical Social Work. I am currently under the supervision of Kerry Boone-Savinsky, LCSW, CTS.
My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered, guided by a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. I believe in creating a safe space where people can feel heard and empowered. The work is a collaborative journey to define and achieve the goals that are most important to them, fostering their empowerment and understanding every step of the way. This includes helping them to understand the mental health struggles their are having and how to change their thoughts, body sensations, and behaviors.
My experience in social work includes working with families navigating foster care, with individuals who have experienced and survived domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as mother’s trying to balance and navigate life. I enjoy supporting people through significant life changes, exploring identity, and fostering personal growth. I once wanted to be a school social worker and have enjoyed working with middle and high school ages. I support students needing 504 and IEP accommodations at school and work with tween and teens struggling with school avoidance and anxiety, ADHD, low self-esteem, adjustment issues, school bullying, and peer conflict. I continue to enjoy working with women’s issues including grief and loss, generational shame and trauma, as well as domestic violence.
I have enjoyed working with couples and believe in the power of couples therapy to assist in increasing communication and helping provide a way to repair and heal.
I enjoy working with couples and currently am working toward my Level 2 with the Gottman approach. I see couples for a reduced cost.
I currently accept self pay, Sentara Commercial, Cigna, and most Medicaid products.
Master of Social Work (MSW) | Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA | August 2017 – August 2018
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA | August 2011 – May 2014
Associate of Science (A.S.) | Tidewater Community College, Norfolk, VA | August 2008 – May 2011
Certifications
My name is Monique Martin. I obtained my master’s degree in psychology specializing in clinical and counseling in 2020 and I obtained my master’s in social work in 2023. I am currently pursuing licensure in social work. I have been a supervisee in social work since 2023 and am currently under the supervision of Kerry Boone-Savinsky, LCSW, CTS at Beach Therapy & Consulting.
I have worked with the chronic mentally ill and those with substance abuse, providing a variety of supportive services for over 10 years as I returned to school to pursue my degree in social work. While in my residency, I have worked with ages 16 and up with depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, low self esteem, adjustment changes to life, and those with more serious long term mental health issues. I have a special interest in working with women who struggle with Perinatal, maternal health, and with postpartum depression and anxiety.
I utilize evidenced-based and trauma-informed approaches in treatment focusing primarily on a framework based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. One of the reasons I chose to work in the mental health field is that I’m passionate about mental health. I strive to empower my clients and provide a warm and empathetic space where they can explore life’s many challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients to provide them with the best tools to work through their mental health struggles.
I currently accept Sentara Commercial, Cigna, most Medicaids, and self-pay.
MAEd, Licensed Resident in Counseling
My name is Kalei Leao, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in Counselor Education from Virginia Tech. During my undergraduate training at VCU, I assisted with community-based research focused on parental conversations related to racial affirmation and preparation for discrimination. This experience shaped my appreciation for culturally responsive care and the ways broader social contexts influence mental health.
During my graduate training at Virginia Tech, I gained clinical experience across school, university, and community settings. I completed my practicum at Auburn High School and Virginia Tech’s training clinic, followed by my internship at Radford University. There, I provided individual counseling to college students and facilitated a skills-based group focused on social anxiety. These experiences strengthened my interest in supporting adolescents and young adults as they navigate academic, relational, and developmental transitions.
After graduating in 2024, I worked in private practice settings, providing counseling services and completing documentation related to diagnosis and treatment verification. I also joined Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, where I conducted crisis assessments to determine the need for inpatient hospitalization, provided mental health resources, and supported both community members and professionals through the Chesapeake mental health crisis line. This work deepened my clinical judgment, crisis-response skills, and commitment to accessible, community-based care.
I am currently completing my residency toward full licensure under the supervision of Dr. David M. Savinsky, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT, LSATP, CSAC, ACS. Much of my clinical work has focused on individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. While diagnoses can be helpful for understanding patterns and guiding treatment, I do not believe they define who you are. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to clarify what matters most and to support meaningful change aligned with the life you want to live.
In our work together, I help clients identify patterns of thinking and behavior that may contribute to ongoing cycles of anxiety, conflict, depression, or low self-esteem. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral and person-centered approaches, integrating psychoeducation that is practical, relevant, and directly applicable to your concerns. Together, we develop individualized strategies to support growth outside of session, which may include identifying unhelpful thought patterns, engaging in meaningful or enjoyable activities, and strengthening communication within important relationships.
I have CBT training and regularly consult with Dr. Savinsky to ensure that my clients receive evidence-based, high-quality cognitive-behavioral interventions tailored to their unique needs. I strive to create a supportive, collaborative therapeutic environment where you feel understood, respected, and empowered to move forward with intention.
I currently accept self pay, most Medicaid products, Sentara commercial, and Cigna.
Education
Licensed Professional Counselor
My name is Charise Pearson, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting, and encouraging individuals, couples, and groups on their journey towards healing, emotional/mental wellness and growth. My first goal as a Counselor is to create a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate space where clients can have a voice, be heard, valued and empowered.
I obtained my Master’s in Professional Counseling in June of 2021 at Grand Canyon University, where I also completed a Masters in Special Education. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked as an educator for over 25 years, which I call my first act. This is making counseling my second act, proving that it is never too late to make a career change. With a background in education, I bring valuable experience in behavior management, supporting personal growth, and communication. My years as a teacher have also strengthened my ability to assess individual needs, support parents/families more holistically, and foster emotional/personal growth.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Integration (EMI), Mindfulness/Grounding and Anger Management/Community Anger Management all of which are evidenced based on therapeutic modalities. My approach is collaborative and holistic, focusing on the whole person. (Mind, body and spirit). I have experience in helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety and PTSD, grief, relational concerns, family counseling, special education related concerns, emotional regulation/awareness, life transitions, and goal setting for the future. The goal is to work together with the clients to build positive rapport, skill building, coping/calming skills and strengthening self-awareness that will foster change that lasts.
I enjoy working with a diverse population which includes ages starting at 12 years-old, different cultures, backgrounds and faith, and groups. (Family, Couples, and/or Focused Groups) My approach is client centered and culturally responsive, giving me the opportunity to meet clients where they are and provide support that will meet the unique needs that are presented. I value incorporating faith-based perspectives when appropriate and at the client’s request.
This spring, I will be joining the Dialectical Behavior Therapy team and looking forward to how I can use my skills and training to better support my clients using this adherent approach to Borderline Personality disorder and chronic emotional regulation.
I currently work with youth (12 and up), women, and men (I do not offer substance abuse treatment.)
Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Provider
My name is Nathaniel Roach and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a primary focus on trauma treatment for adults, couples, veterans, and individuals navigating the lasting impact of high stress and life-threatening experiences. My clinical work centers on helping clients develop safety, stability, and meaning while addressing trauma at a pace that honors both resilience and vulnerability.
My approach to counseling rests on the belief that healing occurs within the context of trust, consistency, and relationship. Trauma often disrupts a person’s sense of self, safety, and connection. Through careful assessment, collaborative treatment planning, and evidence-based intervention, I work alongside clients to restore those foundations while respecting their autonomy and lived experience.
I hold a graduate certificate in Trauma Counseling from Regent University and completed EMDR Parts One and Two through EMDRIA. I integrate trauma-informed and evidence-based modalities, including EMDR and CBT, with a strong emphasis on structure and clinical clarity.
My Christian faith shapes how I understand suffering, healing, and hope. When clients desire it, I welcome integrating biblical principles into therapy in a way that honors both clinical wisdom and spiritual depth. I approach faith integration with humility, care, and respect, always guided by the client’s preferences and therapeutic goals.
Before entering the counseling profession, I served for twenty-one years in the United States Navy in leadership, instructional, and operational roles, including a deployment to Iraq. My military background continues to shape how I understand trauma, moral injury, leadership stress, and the long-term effects of service on individuals and families. This experience allows me to work effectively with veterans and others who carry responsibility, loss, and cumulative stress.
I have worked in community mental health, crisis response, and private practice settings, conducting intakes, assessments, treatment planning, and therapy for individuals and couples. I value teamwork, consultation, and practices that invest in clinician growth. I approach my work with steadiness, respect, and a commitment to ethical and competent care. I am joining the Beach Therapy & Consulting team to support my growth in providing quality care to my patients and look forward to joining their Dialectical Behavior Therapy team.
I am in network for most insurances and currently accept Tricare Select while awaiting final approval for Tricare Prime.
Licensed Professional Counselor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. I earned my master’s degree from Regent University and have worked in a wide range of settings, including in-home services, residential programs, hospitals, schools, and military installations. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the diverse and complex needs individuals and families may face.
My counseling approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and behavior modification techniques to help clients develop practical skills for emotional expression, resilience, and positive behavioral change. I prioritize building trust and emotional safety, creating a nonjudgmental and supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow.
I working with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5-20. I have worked in private practice since 2022 and prior to that worked with children of military families. I work with parents and family systems in improving communication and cooperation. I welcome my previous clients as I join this team of professionals.
Licensed Professional Counselor, R-DMT, Licensed Behavior Specialist, Autism provider, DBT provider
I grew up running. Running from my friends, schools and country of origin, as we moved: from Africa to Europe to America. I felt out of control and powerlessness from all the running, so I discovered perfectionism and nature, and kept going: Gymnastics, Ballet, and Academics. I finally stopped running after leaving home, when I lucked into the love of my life. My relationship with nature and love ensconced me in the safety I needed to learn skills to live life with feelings, and within relationships. My passion as a therapist is to help you find healing and a fuller life also, and to help you within the safety of a collaborative relationship with your therapist.
My skillset: movement, DBT and CBT provided me with the skills to stop and live a better life, and these same skills are powerful tools that I have used for the last 2 decades to help others. heal at both the body and the brain level. I now have 24 years of experience helping people with Trauma find a sense of self, power, connection, and internal safety. I have also helped hundreds of parents and dysregulated children (ADHD, Autism) find ways to remain connected and to learn to regulate, even when emotional turmoil erupts. I have collaborated and helped hundreds of people who are depressed and anxious. I would love to help everyone who walks into my door.
My multicultural experiences also shaped me as a therapist. First, I learned to be an expert at reading non-verbal body language (ex: people speaking different languages)- this skill makes me an exceptionally tuned in therapist when I am working with non-verbal clients, or with children and adults clients with emotional dysregulation, such as ASD, ADHD or trauma. Second, my repeated experiences of being the “the outsider” afford me a deep openness and compassion-, and make me a more effective therapist- for individuals who are diverse in any way.
I have served as a therapist and a college professor over my career. As a therapist I have diverse experiences with diverse populations. I have worked in institutions, hospitals, schools and in private practice with children with ADHD, autism, trauma, ODD, and emotional dysregulation, and their parents. I have also worked with adults with depression, ADHD, Autism, trauma, anxiety and schizophrenia. I have taught college-level courses in biopsychology, psychopharmacology, human development, autism, and STEM classes, such as genetics.
I hold a Masters degree in Dance movement therapy and counseling, from Drexel University, a PhD in Genetics from Johns Hopkins University. I am certified CBT competent by the BECK Institute, and have a certificate in complex trauma and dissociation from the ISSTD. I have been completed training in DBT skills and am looking forward to joining the Dialectical Behavior Therapy team.
I have a LPC license in VA, PA and Fl, and am a licensed behavior specialist in PA.
I am currently credentialed with most major insurances including Tricare Select.
My name is Karen and I am often the voice on the phone or at the front desk greeting you each morning. I make it my priority to know each of you by name as it is often my job to assist you in making payments for services and submitting your claims to your insurance. I graduated from Norfolk State University with a bachelors in math and have spent many years working at major insurance carriers in claims, customer care, network data and lastly working with the claims from the other side. I am a Certified Notary Public and have skills in sales, organizing, customer service, data entry and working with numbers. Feel free to contact me either at the front desk in the early morning hours or leave a message for me or Amber in the billing department if you questions about your bill or any of the payment process.
If you or a loved one is in need of our services, please reach out to us today.
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