Meet The Team

Taz Barnes is a proud graduate of Hampton University. It was there that her seed for psychology was planted. She continued her studies and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, DC campus. Taz is a licensed professional counselor and approved Supervisor in both Maryland and DC. As the Founder of Lighthouse (LTS), Taz established LTS out of the desire to be a light for her community experiencing great devastation with racism, depression, anxiety, loss, job fatigue, amongst other debilitating factors. Additionally, recognizing the increased psychological distress for people of color further sparked her interest to be a part of the solution. Through this effort, Taz finds joy in empowering her clients with the tools and techniques to live a life of fulfillment. As a licensed clinical professional counselor her approach is to meet you where you are and provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which the client can explore ways to reduce distress as they navigate through their journey. Her areas of focus include but are not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, Racial identity, Sexual and Gender Identity, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Peer Relationships, and Trauma. Taz’s therapeutic approach is integrated to include psychotherapy, CBT, solution focused, person-centered, strength based, multi-cultural, family systems, and Humanistic therapy. Each tool and technique is tailored to meet the needs of the client with the intent of healing. In her free time, Taz enjoys creating art, African dance, and spending time with family and friends.

Damela is the Program Support Specialist for Lighthouse Therapeutic Services and has an Associate of Arts in Social Sciences, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and over 17 years in the mental health industry with experience ranging from direct care to program direction and development. She currently works with Lighthouse as a liaison for clinicians, interns and various businesses while supporting the agency in streamlining processes and supporting clients in their search for therapeutic services. Although Damela is not providing clinical support to clients, she provides empathetic support to potential and current clients to keep the process of seeking supportive services as smooth as possible. Recognizing that when a person is looking for therapeutic services, they are often in need and may be struggling with stressors, Damela’s focus is on providing quick action and compassionate responses.

Nneka holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Bowie State University, and a graduate certificate from Georgetown University in Early Childhood Mental Health. She is currently a licensed graduate professional counselor in DC and MD as well as addictions certified in MD. She has experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, spirituality, life transitions, grief, and relational problems. She is passionate about helping young children, adolescents, individuals, families, couples, and relationships of any kind to help people more wholly connect with themselves and others. Nneka works from an eclectic, integrated, person centered approach. Collaborating with clients to help understand their needs and what therapeutic approach would best fit their personal goals. Her empathy and warmth help to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can process and heal. Examples of some therapeutic approaches she likes to utilize include: family systems, Adlerian theories, person centered theories, and NTU therapeutic approach.

Sajay Cole is a second year graduate student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, DC campus who is being overseen by Taz Barnes. Sajay has a background in providing counseling support, case management and resources to individuals with identified disabilities, seniors, women, and children. As a child, Sajay always had a special place in her heart for people and believes it is her duty to serve others. Her specialty includes working with individuals who have experienced trauma, symptoms of depression, anxiety, relational disturbances, abuse, adjustment disorder and grief. Her theoretical approach includes person centered psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy but is not limited to solution focused, multicultural, and strength-based approaches. Sajay believes in her clients and trusts that clients know themselves best. Sajay’s favorite is quote is “Try not to become a person of success but a person of value.” ~ Albert Einstein”.

Andrew was born, raised, and completed schooling in New York City. It was in New Orleans where he received a BA in theater. Initially pursuing a writing career in New York, Andrew also worked as a recruiter, office manager for a theater company, sell-side stockbroker, and options trader. Andrew has a Master’s in creative writing in which he has had the opportunity to teach English at the middle, high school, and college levels, for students with learning differences. Andrew has also taught English abroad in Macau and Hong Kong to students who spoke English as a second language. In 2018, Andrew had a ruptured brain aneurysm. It was then that he decided to become a clinical mental health counselor. Andrew looks to bring an existential/narrative approach to support clients recover from and navigate through difficult transitions in their lives. While Andrew can provide specific insight into brain injury recovery, he believes that same perspective has universal applications. Andrew is a second year graduate student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, DC campus and is overseen by Taz Barnes.

Geraldine enjoys providing support to individuals who have experienced loss, struggle with depression, trauma, anger management issues, anxiety, low self-esteem, medical and other mental health behavioral health challenges. Geraldine works to walk alongside clients on their therapeutic journey. Her initial goal is to create a safe and compassionate environment for clients to begin their healing process. Geraldine recognizes that every individual is unique, and it’s her priority to mold her therapeutic approach to suit their individual needs and goals. Her desire is to offer patients a safe space to process, identify, and or cope with the stressors of life. She believes in providing counseling that is client-centered and strengthbased. Geraldine will also work with clients to develop treatment plans relevant to their unique, individual needs based on her knowledge, specialized training, connection, empathy, and non-judgmental listening skills. Her clients find a caring professional who utilizes evidence-based treatment plans to support them in identifying and achieving their therapeutic goals. Geraldine recognizes that it can be difficult taking that first step in the journey towards wellness.

Samantha Kyle is a second-year Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology who is overseen by Taz Barnes. Although Samantha originally started her undergraduate degree in physics, she wanted to use her knowledge and education to help others. Samantha did a 180 and graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Human Services. Samantha’s Jesuit education fostered her dedication to “meeting her clients where they are” and being a woman “for and with others.” Samantha is interested in working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Her passion is working with children and adolescents. Samantha wants to give them a voice and empower them to become the authors of their stories. Her therapeutic approach is Cognitive behavioral therapy with a Narrative focus. She will pull techniques from multiple theories to create a unique treatment plan tailored to the individual. Samantha looks forward to working with clients to unlock their full potential.

Kimberly McGhee, is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. Kim received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Morgan State University and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Washington University. Kim’s first career was as a science and math educator which led her into the field of human services and counseling! Kim strives to use a variety of techniques and therapies to include Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness Therapy. Kim utilizes holistic treatment to strengthen areas of wellness that include but are not limited to sleep, diet, exercise, mindfulness, and spirituality. Kim specializes in working with adults and children. Kim believes therapy is a place clients can feel safe to confront and work through challenges that have brought them into counseling. She hopes to reassure clients that they are not alone and provide support through the therapeutic relationship to assist in addressing challenges while also striving to conquer and or cope with them more effectively. Kim encourages all clients to fully engage and participate in therapy. As she supports clients with navigating through their journey, she recognizes that it is essential to be reminded that therapy is a continuum, there may not be an immediate solution, but she will be there to support toward enlightenment and healing.

Theresa “Tess” Sherman is a Washington, DC Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. She is passionate about supporting individuals to achieve their personal goals. Whether that means unpacking trauma, learning new coping skills, or discovering new mindsets, Tess is committed to working collaboratively with clients, tailoring the counseling process to each person’s individual needs. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Tess has spent the past six years living in the Middle East and North Africa and the past ten years studying Arabic, French, and most recently, Spanish. While she conducts sessions in English, her culturally sensitive approach acknowledges and honors each client’s unique background. She believes that culture, traditions, and community play a central role in mental and emotional well-being and is dedicated to integrating these elements into her therapeutic practice. Tess obtained her Master’s in Counseling from the College of New Jersey. She completed her training in an international school located in Rabat, Morocco, where she supported high school students and their families from a wide variety of backgrounds. She now works primarily with adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. Her interests include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Internal Family Systems Therapy. No matter the approach, she most values the client-therapist relationship, striving to provide a warm, compassionate, accepting space for clients to share their thoughts, fears, aspirations, and more.