top of page

KATHERINE CASTELO, LCSW

Katherine is a certified therapist in the state of Virginia, Indiana, Colorado, West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida & Texas.  She has over 20  years experience and is also a former Marine Corps veteran spouse. She has vast experience serving military, military families, veterans, and first responders in the DoD, VA, non-profit and civilian sectors. She currently consults with the non-profit SAFE Project and has previously overseen a Defense Health Agency Program for transitioning service members and veterans as a Defense contractor. She has also served as the U.S. Army Reserve Psychological Health program director. In this role, she oversaw the program’s non-clinical consultation and outreach services to more than 200,000 service members and their families as well as Command and Government Programs. She also served on the US Army Reserve Fatality review board to provide consultation on psychological autopsies post-suicide.
 

Katherine has previous experience as a civilian employee assistance (EAP) manager for the United States Navy and as a casualty assistance consultant in the civilian EAP for U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Services (US NCIS). In these roles, she was responsible for development and implementation of the EAP, organized, and conducted operational analysis for pre- and post-deployment health assessments. Katherine has also worked as a psychotherapist at her private practice, Awaken Wellness Center, where her clinical work focused on crisis intervention, trauma, loss and grief counseling, deployment-related mental health issues and the assessment and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. She has expert knowledge of military culture and military lifestyle both as a professional and as a former military spouse.  Katherine is dedicated to bringing best-in-class practices to the forefront of mental health issues affecting military members, their families and returning war veterans.  She has conducted seminars to military service members, mental health professionals, and community providers on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide Prevention and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
 

Katherine earned a Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts, English from Indiana University and completed her Masters of Science in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and a member of the NASW- VA Chapter CAPG. Katherine also provides consultation and therapy services to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and was awarded the 2018 Community Based Care Supporter of the year by TAPS.

Katherine is a certified clinical supervisor in the state of Virginia & Florida. 

Contact Katherine: Katherine@awakenwellnesscenter.com

Phone: 703-794-5203       Fax: 703-842-8521

Christina Madsen Fishback, LCSW

Christina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is also a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the states of Kansas, Texas, and New Mexico.  She has practiced in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient psychiatric facilities, prisons, the Veterans Administration, and in private practice. 

Christina has extensive experience with the military community, the government sector, and the first responder community. Prior to her career as a social worker, Christina worked as Department of the Army civilian employee at the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and as a Department of the Navy civilian researcher at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in American History from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts in Military History from Norwich University with a thesis on U.S. Army doctrine development following the Vietnam War. 

As a “military brat,” Christina grew up in Germany, Louisiana, Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC.  As a military spouse, she has volunteered extensively to support the military community at seven different bases and understands the unique needs and challenges of military life.  Her work in the military community was the impetus for a second career.

In 2013, Christina was selected as a Pat Tillman Scholar and attended the University of Kansas, earning a Master’s in Social Work.  While earning her degree, she did field practicums at the Veterans Administration, Catholic Charities, and in a foster care setting.  She subsequently moved to Texas and practiced at El Paso Behavioral Health in El Paso and Otero County Prison Facility in New Mexico. 

 

Christina now lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and two dogs.  She continues to volunteer in the military community with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the Military Spouse Behavioral Health Clinicians organization, a non-profit that engages with lawmakers on Capitol Hill for better access to mental health care for active duty military, veterans, and their families. 

 

Christina incorporates Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in therapy. Christina works in individual therapy sessions with adults and adolescents sixteen and older. She treats clients who have a history of depression, anxiety, panic disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues, posttraumatic stress disorder, relationship concerns, Complex PTSD, and grief.  Her research interests are Post-traumatic Growth and Moral Injury and developments in evidence-based treatments of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 

Christina’s approach is based in humanistic therapy.  Humanistic therapy is a positive approach to psychotherapy that focuses on a person’s individual nature and looks at the whole person.  The emphasis is on a person’s positive traits and behaviors, self-awareness, mindfulness, and the ability to use personal instincts to facilitate wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Christina works collaboratively with clients to come up with a personalized approach that works for them. 

Contact Christina:  christina@awakenwellnesscenter.com            Phone:  202-455-6158

Zaneta M. Gileno, MSW, LCSW

IMG_2611.JPG

Zaneta M. Gileno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah.

Graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work, 2009

She provides quality, secure, and privacy-compliant online therapy statewide.

 

From Zaneta:

Grief and loss come in many forms. Whether you are grieving the loss of a beloved person or pet, or have found yourself in a life transition much more difficult to manage than you anticipated, the support and guidance of a professional can help you navigate the journey ahead. I have more than 7 years experience working in short-term, solution-focused ways, with survivors of traumatic loss. I understand the demands of today, which is why I love to offer therapy online. Not only is it a gift of time and resources, carving out space to meet me online is a step towards a balanced life.

 

As a lecturer for Columbia University School of Social Work, I am connected with cutting edge research and can ensure the tools you are provided have a proven track record of success. We may not have control over traumatic events that take place in our lives, but I can help you dig into your own strength to build a future you are proud of. Integration of grief and trauma into our lives doesn't just happen over time. Neither does a balanced life.  With guidance and intention, you can create a life on the other side of the unexpected and unwelcome. A life without shame for the past and with hope for the future.

If you are struggling with your self-esteem, unsure what steps to take to live your best life, reach out. Having trouble looking forward to the future after the loss of someone dear, or simply trying to imagine a better way to cope with the ups and downs inherent in life? I have the experience and track record to help you.

 

Call or email me for a free consultation. I am here to help.  With care, Zaneta

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Self Esteem

Types of Therapy:

Attachment-based

Coaching

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Eclectic

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

Positive Psychology

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Strength-Based

Trauma Focused

Issues:

Coping Skills

Life Coaching

Peer Relationships

Relationship Issues

Spirituality

Substance Abuse

Trauma and PTSD

Weight Loss


Consulting work:

professional development, curriculum creation, peer based models, educating and training, mentorship, military loss cultural competency, volunteer engagement, relationship building and community organizing. 

Contact Zaneta: zaneta@awakenwellnesscenter.com             Phone: 703-201-0108

Amanda Morales, LCSW, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI)

bottom of page