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.
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Katherine is a certified clinical supervisor in the state of Virginia & Florida.
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Contact Katherine: Katherine@awakenwellnesscenter.com
Phone: 703-794-5203 Fax: 703-842-8521
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Contact Christina: christina@awakenwellnesscenter.com Phone: 202-455-6158
Zaneta M. Gileno, MSW, LCSW
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.
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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.
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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
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Contact Zaneta: zaneta@awakenwellnesscenter.com Phone: 703-201-0108
Kayla Wilhelm, MSW
Kayla is a Supervisee in Social Work who has experience in working with individuals
from diverse backgrounds seeking therapeutic services for depression, anxiety, life
transitions, trauma, and daily life stressors. She can support and strategize with
individuals looking to achieve specific goals and offer guidance for those who are
trying to figure out their next steps.
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She uses a variety of evidence-based approaches to help clients reach their treatment
goals. These approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness,
strengths-based and person-centered modalities, solutions-focused therapy, and
motivational interviewing, in order to meet the unique qualities and needs of each
individual.
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Kayla believes that building a caring, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic relationship
is essential to effective therapy. She offers nonjudgmental listening and provide the tools
to help build on my client’s existing strengths and abilities to help each client thrive. She
looks forward to working with you to conquer this journey together.
Contact: Kayla@awakenwellnesscenter.com Phone: (703) 249-9554
Amanda Morales, LCSW, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI)
Amanda Morales, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), CCTS-I (Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual), is a skilled and compassionate therapist specializing in trauma, particularly within military populations. As a veteran of the US Coast Guard, Amanda has experienced first-hand the unique challenges that face members of the military. After serving over 6 years, she pursued her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University with a goal to continue to serve the military community.
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With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Amanda works closely with her clients to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. She understands the importance of addressing the underlying traumas and their effects on individuals' overall well-being. By tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual's specific needs, Amanda empowers her clients on their journey toward healing and resilience. She uses a bottom-up approach in treating trauma and anxiety, while also incorporating tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and other modalities.
Amanda's expertise includes crisis intervention, trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complicated grief.
As a veteran, military spouse, and the child of a first responder, she brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to her work. Amanda's passion lies in bettering the lives of those who serve our country.
Contact: Amanda@awakenwellnesscenter.com
Michaela Carta, SSW
Michaela is a Supervisee in Social Work in the state of Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of West Florida in 2020; following that she earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of West Florida in 2021.
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Michaela is an active-duty Air Force spouse and understands the challenges being a military spouse can bring. Michaela has experience working with children and adults of all ages, but most of her work has been with the adolescent population. In 2020 while earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked as a Behavioral Health Technician in an inpatient psychiatric facility for children between the ages of 7-17. Before her husband received their current orders, Michaela worked as a substance abuse prevention counselor at a 6th-12th grade school for at-risk youth. Throughout her time in college, Michaela had enriching internships to help gain her experience. These internships included working with the elderly, veterans, and in a private practice setting.
Michaela focuses on each person’s individual strengths to help them succeed. She believes that having confidence and believing in yourself is the first step in making a change.
Contact: Michaela@awakenwellnesscenter.com
Joshua Robinson, LMSW
Joshua is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) for the Commonwealth of Virginia and is currently pursuing his licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He has served a variety of populations, including substance abuse for the military, school social work, and adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness. Joshua is experienced in working with adjustment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief & loss, and family issues in adults and children. His treatment modalities are based on Cognitive Behavioral and Motivational Interviewing techniques, but he also utilizes a holistic assessment-based approach that draws on the client's unique strengths. Joshua believes that therapy is not “one-size-fits-all” and requires the therapist to uniquely tailor treatment needs to each individual.
A native of North Carolina, Joshua joined the military at 19 years old. He is a 10-year veteran of the United States Navy and used his education benefits to pursue his social work education. Joshua holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Master's in Social Work from Florida State University.
His last duty assignment was Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, which serves the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (Marine One). After receiving his MSW from FSU, Joshua left the Navy to pursue social work full-time. Joshua left active-duty service in 2023 from Quantico, Virginia. Because of Joshua's military history, he is passionate about working with servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Joshua is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Contact: joshua@awakenwellnesscenter.com Phone: (703) 791-9760
Melannieann Michaud MSW, LMSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Therapist
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Melannieann Michaud received her master’s degree in Social Work from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Melannieann understands each individual is unique and special, and emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist and creating a safe environment to discuss all topics.
She is committed to helping individuals create personal goals all while building confidence, acceptance, and self-determination. She specializes in problem-solving, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem issues, spirituality, sexuality and identity issues. She utilizes several modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, Talk Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
Melannieann is a U.S. Army Veteran and is passionate about working with active duty personnel, family members, veterans, and retired military. She is an advocate in mental health and suicide awareness within the community. Melannieann understands the importance of self-care especially during these unprecedented times. She enjoys the outdoors like camping and hiking mountains in her free time
Contact: melannie@awakenwellnesscenter.com Phone: 703-239-3357
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