Meet Your Betty Center Team
We’re eager to welcome you on your journey!
These are our unique stories of exploration and transformation.
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What to expect in therapy with me:
Therapy is all about the unique relationship between a client and their therapist. Stepping into this relationship and sharing your history takes courage and vulnerability, so comfort with who is in this experience with you is crucial. That being said, I tend to be someone – in life, in work, in relationship – with core values of genuine curiosity, openness to differences, and a drive to help others whenever and however possible. I also value humor and recognize how incredibly effective this can be for connection, coping skills, and joining through empathy. All of this comes into who I am as a therapist and how I strive to foster therapeutic rapport.
One of my key areas of therapeutic focus – anxiety – stems from coming from a long line of worriers and having myself been the 5 year-old poster child for Separation Anxiety. I have a soft spot for anyone who is struggling with ruminating thoughts that keep you awake at night, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions, a long list of what if’s, or learning how to adapt to unexpected change. The list goes on, and it often keeps company with mood disorders. Anxious kiddos, teens, adults – you are my people, and I get you.
What makes me unique:
I made my way to clinical social work via a career in performing arts and educational theater. My work included being on a playground, leading writing workshops with children and teens, and incorporating creativity and play with adults. It also meant a lot of travel and enthusiasm about both seeing “new and different” as well as being cozied up in the familiarity of home.
Given my background in the arts, a large amount of what I do utilizes expressive arts therapy. This approach can be more apparent when working with kiddos (kinetic sand, play therapy, puppets and storytelling) and may serve as a way to problem-solving, identifying coping skills, or increasing effective communication. Expressive arts interventions with adults may take shape through writing and storytelling, drawing or painting, and incorporating movement and music.
Did I mention I am learning to play the ukelele?
My approach to therapy:
I am a big believer in continually adding to my toolbox and knowledge base through formal training, work experience, group supervision, books, podcasts, and successes within therapeutic relationships. My graduate program was concentrated in psychodynamic theory and thesis work using the Female Theory of Development. Since graduating in 2005, my trainings and approaches include CBT, DBT, ACT, psychodrama and other expressive arts therapy interventions. I’ve been fortunate enough to build therapeutic relationships with children, tweens/teens and their families, as well as adults up to and including supporting geriatric individuals and their family caregivers. I’m a fan of lifelong learning, so continuing to add to my therapeutic skills is a sure thing.
Education:
MSW, Smith College School for Social Work (2005) | Master’s Thesis: Female Friendship Through Transition and Lifestage
BS, Indiana University School of Music (1991) | Vocal Performance and Literature
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What to expect in therapy with me:
Warmth, authenticity and connection, plus a little bit (sometimes a lot) of laughter are the hallmarks of my practice. I focus on establishing and maintaining a safe, trusting relationship with every client because I believe through connection there is healing. To quote the inimitable Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias, “laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. I don’t take myself too seriously since I’ve learned the hard way that defensiveness impedes growth (ask me how I know…better yet, ask my kids!)
I was raised by a strong, independent single mother. My parents divorced in an era when the “d- word” was sometimes whispered, but my mother Bettianne - the inspiration behind Betty Center and a force in her own right - taught me that strength, perseverance, dignity, hard work, and caring for others are what truly matter. Fighting for the underdog, standing up for what’s right – even when it’s hard - , advocating for change, and speaking the truth in a world where fitting in is often easier are values that not only inform my therapy practice but undergird the very foundation of our Betty Center values, environment and ethos.
What makes me unique:
I wasn’t always a therapist. I began my career as a researcher and writer for CBS News, 60 Minutes and the Children’s Defense Fund, and eventually started my own video production company. After staying home to raise my two children for nearly 10 years, life threw me a few curveballs as it tends to do…so I returned to my social justice roots and obtained my Masters in Social Work at the ripe old age of 47.
I am a study in contrasts and have come to embrace my own yin’s and yang’s. I love yoga, hiking, good wine and really loud Country concerts. Holidays, parades, Broadway musicals and hosting parties fill me up, but so do books, warm cups of tea, church, and quiet time with my family. I cry unabashedly during movies and the occasional commercial. I’m a voracious reader, a rabid Washington football fan, and a pretty good cook, but I DON’T bake – something about the precision of following a cake recipe versus the creativity of cooking up a really fun batch of chili…? I am also a closet Dateline / 48 Hours aficionado and subscribe to all the true crime podcasts. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
My approach to therapy:
I have expertise working with children, teens and adults facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, relational concerns and past trauma. I use many evidence-based practices to help my clients achieve their therapy goals including gentle Trauma & Somatic Healing work; Bowen Family Systems Theory examining family & interactional patterns of behavior; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions; Psychodynamic Theory to identify early attachment and childhood development patterns, and other holistic methods. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and will work with you to forge a trusting therapeutic relationship to ensure you feel safe, understood and truly heard.
I specialize in helping clients in transition -- separation, divorce, empty-nesting, college-to-adulting – the major life changes when we often find ourselves questioning, doubting or just wondering. I am skilled at helping clients unearth the complex and challenging relational dynamics impacting their own unique experiences. Those “AH – HA!” moments when we finally come to understand what was heretofore unknown are the ones I cherish most.
Education:
Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Maryland School of Social Work (2017)
Bachelor of Arts, University of Delaware – Magna Cum Laude (1992) | Communications Major, Women’s Studies Minor
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What to expect in therapy with me:
If you're here, you’ve probably already tried a lot and are ready to take the next step with therapy. I understand—it’s not easy to reach out for help. But having someone who truly cares during life's toughest moments can be the support you need to start creating change. I’m not just a listener—I’ll gently challenge you, walk alongside you through the ups and downs, and likely laugh or cry with you. This journey is about real connection and growth. You can expect a supportive, confidential, nonjudgmental space where we’ll explore your past, understand its impact on your present, and work toward rediscovering yourself, empowerment, and emotional well-being.
My Approach to Therapy:
I take a collaborative, Strengths-based approach, working with you as a partner in your healing journey. I help you tap into your unique strengths and resources to overcome obstacles and build resilience. I draw on several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe negative beliefs and promote healthier thinking, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help manage emotions and build resilience. My practice is also trauma-informed, providing a sensitive and safe space to explore past experiences and their ongoing impact.
What makes me unique:
Outside of therapy, I stay active with cooking, coaching youth soccer, running, hiking, and chasing after my three kids. As a busy parent who’s navigated divorce, I understand how hard it can be to make time for self-care. However, I believe prioritizing your well-being is key, even when life feels overwhelming. I’m here to help you find greater harmony as you balance family, career, and personal life.
I also grew up in a vibrant European household, where culture was not just a part of our lives—it was at the core of our identities. This background has shaped my deep appreciation for the role that culture and family dynamics play in shaping who we are and how we navigate the world. I find great joy in learning about the different cultures and traditions that my clients bring with them, as it helps me understand their unique perspectives and strengths.
Education:
With 15 years of experience across diverse populations, I’m currently working toward certification in EMDR. My background includes inpatient psychiatric care, palliative care, and serving as Director of Social Services at a Nursing Facility. I’ve also worked extensively in private practice, helping clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood and personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. Additionally, I’ve worked with law enforcement and military spouses, supporting them through the unique challenges of their roles.
Master of Social Work (MSW), Monmouth University (2012)
Final Thoughts:
Life can feel demanding—whether you’re juggling parenthood, relationship challenges, or simply trying to find more balance. I’m here to help you rediscover your sense of self, integrate self-care into a busy life, and create positive change. It’s time to focus on the most important person in your life—you! Let’s work together to explore your goals and create the life you want.
Dina is now taking new clients and is available weekdays and some evenings
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I am a passionate communication and counseling professional with extensive leadership experience. I worked for fourteen years for FedEx, leading diverse teams to achieve superior results. It was there that I began honing my engagement and communication skills that have led to my current passion for community collaboration and working with others to help them achieve their goals.
Counseling is a second career for me! I retired from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department in 2021 after serving as a Paramedic, Fire Fighter, Station officer, and ultimately a Chief Officer.
I am a lifelong learner who reads and researches extensively within the health and wellness arena. I graduated in 2020 from Bowie State University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, and worked as a mediator in the District of Columbia court system from 2017 – 2022, helping families learn to co-parent more effectively. I am also a member of the Spring Speakers Toastmaster club in Bowie, Maryland.
My approach is focused on listening and empathic challenging. Whatever problem you face, the solutions are within you. It just takes some work to bring them to the surface. Do you feel that life has lost its zest ? Have you experienced events in your past that occasionally take-up too much of your thinking ? Let’s talk and work to get you back on the path towards your true North.
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My Journey to Parent Coaching:
Coming onboard as a parenting coach with Betty Center is grounded in my years working with children, teachers, and parents. My professional experience includes a practicum in a psychiatric inpatient adolescent unit, working as a Behavior Specialist at a non-public school for kids with autism, and as a School Psychologist with children from Kindergarten through high school. There isn’t much I haven’t seen, and it’s unlikely you’ll tell me anything that will shock me!
I always knew that I wanted to work with children. I also knew, however, that teaching was not my calling, and after considering school law, school counseling, and clinical psychology, it was the field of school psychology that truly resonated with me. As a school psychologist, my work has been mainly focused in assessment and providing support to teachers and students, although not a lot of opportunities to work with parents.
Beginning in 2011, I started working with the Anne Arundel County Birth to Five Program providing home-based support for children and families. What an education! You really learn a lot about people when you’re sitting on their living room floor. In truth, when we’re talking about infants and toddlers, it’s really all about working with the adults. During that time, I was also a single mom raising my own three children (elementary school/middle school), so I was very “all parenting, all the time”. I honed my expertise during these intensive years of on-the-job experience, coupled with my own real-world parenting journey.
When I returned to being a school psychologist in 2019, I had very little interaction with parents and really missed it. I realized when parents have skills and support, they can make a real difference in the struggles and challenges in the school environment. I’m excited to be able to help parents and families build their confidence, increase their skills, and discover their parenting “juju” right here at Betty Center.
My Ideal Client & Why I Really Like What I Do:
I love the ”naughty” little kids who can look right at you, with their hand right on the edge of the cookie jar, and not break eye contact. Maybe they take the cookie, maybe they decide against it on their own – either way, I’m immediately drawn in. Why? After many years working with kids, I’ve developed a number of theories I use in my work. One of them is the idea that often, a child “acting out” or “misbehaving” is really asking for or seeking something (love, attention, connection) and by upping the behavioral ante, they’re hoping you will engage and respond. How we respond in these moments can have a huge impact on a child’s growth and development, their self-concept, and their view of themselves.
I like detective work and problem-solving - figuring out the puzzle of a child’s behavior is fun for me! People sometimes get overwhelmed and caught up in the details of what a child is doing in the moment – sometimes the solution is actually easier than they think. My role is to help name and define what’s really happening, set a concrete goal, and develop a step-by-step, actionable plan to solve the puzzle. I’ll help you learn to move beyond your (justifiable!) frustration and begin to get curious about your child or teen so you can reduce conflict and increase connection.
Other Stuff About Me:
I love all of the Bravo shows, a good cocktail, shopping for antiques, and my weekly yoga. But my proudest accomplishment (and what always makes me smile) are my kids. Rom-coms, book clubs, travel with friends and family? Also, all a resounding yes, please! And my girlfriends are ALL the things – how do people live without girlfriends? How do you solve problems without girlfriends? I’m not sure but I definitely don’t want to find out. My friends are my source of comfort, laughter, and connection. In the end, I believe it’s our relationships with others that truly matter in life, and I try to live my life with that truth as my guiding north star
Education:
Master of Education, M.Ed.
(Educational Specialist Degree, Ed.S.)James Madison University
Bachelor of Science,
Psychology & Sociology, Minor in Juvenile DelinquencyJames Madison University
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What to expect in therapy with me:
I value the relationship between therapy and client and know that the client is the expert in all aspects of their lives. Establishing rapport, safety, trust, and a connection within our therapeutic relationship is something that I work hard to achieve with each and every client I am privileged to work with. We are all human, therefore I do not take myself too seriously, understanding that we all are doing the best we can in a world that is ever changing.
My approach is one of compassion, meeting my clients exactly where they are in this moment. I have learned through my own battles with Postpartum Depression that the most important thing that I can offer someone is validation, grace, and a reminder that they are never alone. Working with me is like having your own personal cheerleader. I will have your back, encourage you, challenge you, and always pick you up should you fall.
What makes me unique:
I chose Social Work as my major in college to get out of taking Calculus. No joke – Social Work required Statistics, and that sounded better to me than Calculus. I was a theatre major who loved to act, sing, and dance, but NOT math. I made the best decision of my life when I changed my major and knew that this was the right path for me. 15 plus years later, I still love what I do.
I also am a huge lover of all things movement. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (200 hour), a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, a Certified Level One Running Coach with the Road Runners Club of America, and an Indoor Cycling Instructor. I love lifting heavy weights and running long distances.
I also love to learn – so it is not uncommon to find me reading something for fun or to brush up on some continuing education.
Therapy Stuff:
My expertise lies in working with Couples, Families, and the Postpartum Population. I have extensive training and experience in many evidenced based practices including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, DBT, Polyvagal Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, and Infant Grief and Loss. I will pull from all of these modalities when working with clients as I do not believe that therapy is “one size fits all.”
Most importantly, we are a team and will work together to reach your goals.
Education:
Masters of Social Work (MSW), University of Maryland School of Social Work (2009) | Clinical Concentration working with Children and Families
Bachelor of Science (BSW), University of Maryland Baltimore County (2008) | Major: Social Work
Megan is not taking new clients at this time.
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Dave Tidler has joined Betty Center to oversee marketing and technology. With over 30 years of experience as a creative executive, Dave brings a unique combination of creative vision and technical expertise. Throughout his career, he has led award-winning teams and managed complex content operations across a variety of high-profile sectors.
Originally from the Annapolis area, Dave has built a career defined by adaptability, innovation, and leadership in the fast-paced world of content creation, media, marketing, and technology. His dedication to excellence and continuous improvement has established him as a transformative leader in the industry.
Dave now resides in Hampstead, North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his family, whether out on the water, grilling in the backyard, or enjoying time on the beaches of Topsail Island.
Meet Your Professional Betty Providers
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Feel great in your own skin. This isn't about throwing in the towel it's about getting your power back. Create a personalized, sustainable, judgement-free fitness and nutrition program and get off that dieting and fitness fad roller coaster once and for all. This is Ontological Nutrtion - nourish your mind, body and soul.
Interested in services with Kelly?
Book a Pro Betty Consult with Kelly
Email kwhalenfort@gmail.com or find Kelly on Instagram @kwhalencoach
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Learn a new approach to purposeful communication. With their natural honesty and engaged reactions, horses can teach us about intention, assertiveness, body language, emotional energy, and much more. When you partner with a horse, you’re open to self-reflection and self-awareness – and will discover ways to build connections and lead relationships in your daily life.
Interested in services with Maria?
Email her at maria@horseandpeopleproject.com
find her on Instagram @horseandpeopleproject
read her latest blog post
Horse and People Project Blog
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Caring and professional Financial Planning and Advice. Customized investment insurance strategy and services.
Interested in services with Elaine?
Book a Pro Betty Consult with ElaineEmail elaine.shanley@financeforward.me or find her on Instagram @financeforward_
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I’ve been in the mortgage business for over 20 years, helping over 2,500 clients achieve the best financing on their home loans. I’m proud that a large part of my business comes from previous borrowers and their friends. I enjoy building lasting connections with my customers and stay in contact with many after closing. Whether you’re buying your first home or fifth, closing your loan is only the beginning of our relationship. My team and I also specialize in thinking outside of the box financing which helps get some clients into homes when they were previously turned away by “traditional” bankers. If you’re not ready to purchase or refinance a home now, we’ll stay with you throughout the financing process and provide the tools to get you there. We are here to help when you need us! No matter your goals, circumstances, or financial situation, my team and I are dedicated to getting it done.
Interested in services with Jess?
Email her at jessica.enfinger@ccm.com
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The Law Offices of Stacey B. Rice, LLC (“Rice Law”) is a family law firm, focusing on divorce, custody, child support, alimony, protective orders, prenuptial agreements, guardianship, and adoption. Our mission is to provide each client with exceptionally dedicated service, as trusted advisors and tenacious advocates, navigating disputes and seeking to achieve unique goals through a personalized, strategic approach grounded in empathy.
The firm is led by Stacey B. Rice, who has practiced family law for 18 of her almost 24 years as an attorney in Annapolis. The Rice Law team includes partners Samantha Posner and Nathan Volke (also an AACO Councilman), along with associate attorney Nicholas Mastracci. Rice Law is unique in that the attorneys offer a collaborative, team approach and work together closely on all cases to give our clients the very best representation possible.
Interested in services with Rice Law?
Book a Pro Betty Consult with Rice Law
Contact them here or find them on Facebook.
Ready to go pro?
We’re beyond excited to announce our brand new exclusive Professional Betty program! Selected members get a spotlight feature on our site, promotion on all our channels, and access to special growth insights and community meetups.
If you’re looking to take your business or expertise to the next level, inquire here about the application and selection process.
The Betty Center Blog
What are we thinking, what are we doing, where are we heading next?
We’re glad you asked.
Check out our blog for the latest thoughts, insights, and inspirations from the Betty Center team.