Choosing a therapist is personal.
We get that.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—especially when you're already going through a hard time. It takes courage to reach out, and even more to trust someone with your story.
At Lotus Psychotherapy, we honor how personal that decision is. That’s why we’ve built a diverse, deeply experienced team of therapists with varied backgrounds, specialties, and lived experiences, so you can find someone who truly gets you. Whether you're looking for someone who shares your cultural identity, has worked with a specific issue, or simply feels like the right fit, we’re here to help you connect with care that feels safe, supportive, and real.
Why We’re Different
At Lotus, we do things a little differently because we believe therapy should feel human, not clinical.
Here’s what guides us:
01
Compassion Over Judgment
We meet every client with empathy, not assumptions—honoring your story, your pace, and your process.
02
Accessibility with Integrity
Everyone deserves quality mental health care. We offer a holistic, high-touch experience that’s also insurance-accessible because care shouldn’t be reserved for the privileged few.
03
Wholeness, Not Fixing
You are not a diagnosis. We see you as a whole person, and we walk with you, not ahead of you, on the path to healing.
05
04
Progress, Not Perfection
Growth is never linear. We celebrate the small wins, the setbacks, and everything in between because showing up is the work.
Community-Rooted Care
We’re proud to serve the Annapolis and Baltimore areas. Our care is grounded in connection, shared values, and the belief that healing happens in relationship.
Meet the Lotus Psychotherapy Team
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Alexander Stroh, LGPC
Limited Availability
Niche: Children/Adolescents, LGBTQ+, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, self-esteem
Meet Alexander, a therapist who takes an authentic, person-centered approach to care, tailoring each session to the unique needs of his clients. With a background in teaching young children and neurodivergent populations, he brings patience, adaptability, and a deep respect for individual differences. Alexander integrates evidence-based practices with a collaborative, relational style to support meaningful growth and connection. Outside of sessions, he enjoys spending time with friends, relaxing with his cats, and connecting with nature.
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Allison Scarinzi, LCSW-C
Not accepting new clients
Niche: Brainspotting & trauma, addiction, first responders
Meet Allison, heart-centered therapist and clinical leader with a strong passion for destigmatizing mental health and advancing values-led care. Trained in Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, and Somatic work, she brings a grounded, whole-person approach to healing. With roots in crisis intervention, she has carved out a unique niche working with first responders and those navigating acute stress. When she isn't working, you’ll find her chasing adventure, creativity, two small children, two dogs, and an army of chickens.
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Amanda Hayden, LCSW-C
Limited availability
Niche: Women's issues, stress and self esteem
Meet Amanda, a therapist who’s helped women and families navigate stress, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions since 2012. With a collaborative CBT approach, Amanda focuses on practical tools, gentle reframes, and steady support. Her guiding belief: it’s not just what happens—it’s how we respond that moves us toward growth.
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Bailey Hedges, LCSW-C
Limited availability
Niche: Young Adults, Life Changes, Trauma, Anxiety
Meet Bailey, a therapist who blends EMDR, CBT, and compassion to help clients heal and grow through trauma, stress, and life transitions. Her warm, honest style makes space for realness and resilience. When she’s not in session, you’ll find her spending time with loved ones and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.
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Chelsea Tarleton, LCSW-C
Limited Availability
Niche: DBT, Positive Psychology and Mindfulness for Individuals and Couples
Meet Chelsea, a therapist and clinical supervisor, who has been practicing therapy for nine years and brings extensive experience in treating anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and trauma. Her background includes work in crisis centers, hospitals, schools, couples counseling, and individual therapy across all ages.
With a strength-based and holistic approach, Chelsea empowers clients to build coping skills and recognize their own resilience.
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Chris Wilder, LGPC
Limited Availability
Niche: Adolescents/Young Adults
Meet Chris, a therapist who helps teens and young adults tackle life’s challenges with confidence, guided by the belief that every person, no matter how complex their story, can benefit from trusted support. Using solution-focused therapy, CBT, and mindfulness, he supports clients in setting goals and making steady progress. Outside of sessions, Chris is all about family time, sports, travel—and great food.
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David Richardson, CATC III, CPC, ELI-MP, ADT
Limited Availability
Niche: Addiction, LGBTQ+, Codependency, Self-esteem, Energy Level Coaching
Meet David, an Annapolis native and Certified Professional Coach who helps people reconnect with passion, clarity, and purpose. After 19 years in recovery, his lived experience and belief in human resilience continue to shape his work. You’ll find him coaching with curiosity and joy, and, outside of coaching, you’ll find him making music, dancing, and enjoying quality time with his friends.
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Dustin Richardson, LCPC
Limited Availability
Niche: Adults/Adolescents, First Responders, LGBTQ+, Addiction, Trauma, and POC
Meet Dustin, a therapist who brings grounded presence and deep curiosity to every session. With training in EMDR, CBT, DBT, CISM, and the Gottman Method, Dustin integrates a range of evidence-based tools while always returning to his roots in Existential Therapy and culturally-informed care.
Whether supporting someone through trauma, life transitions, or relationship challenges, Dustin’s approach is thoughtful, steady, and human-first. He believes in meeting clients where they are — with authenticity, insight, and a focus on what it means to live a meaningful life. Outside the therapy room, you’ll likely find him outdoors, reconnecting with nature and what matters most.
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Jennifer Yanik, LCSW-C
Limited Availability
Niche: EMDR, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma
Meet Jennifer, a therapist who’s been supporting adults and adolescents since 2002, helping people find steadiness and strength through life’s challenges. Specializing in CBT, DBT skills, EMDR, ART, and Crisis Debriefing, using a compassionate, client-centered approach, she walks alongside clients navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, neurodivergence, and trauma. In every session, Jennifer partners with clients to set meaningful goals and practice practical tools for managing tough emotions and experiences—always with the aim of helping them build the life they want.
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Jim Ford, Future CSC-AD
Niche: Addiction, early recovery, and rediscovering purpose
Meet Jim, a counseling intern who works with individuals navigating substance use and early recovery. Drawing from his own recovery journey, he brings empathy, honesty, and a deep understanding of how challenging change can be. Jim focuses on helping clients build not just sobriety, but a renewed sense of purpose and direction. He is currently pursuing his CSC-AD certification and preparing to begin his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Outside of his clinical work, he enjoys Ravens games, pickleball, time at the beach, and being with his family.
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Kels Crockett, Intern
Accepting new clients
Niche: Adolescents, Anxiety, Body Acceptance, Stress, Trauma, Parenting, LGBTQIAP+, Polyamory/ENM
Meet Kels (they/she), a counseling intern and M.Ed. student at Lindsey Wilson University with a focus on trauma-informed care. Kels brings a warm, person-centered presence to therapy, creating space for clients to feel safe, seen, and supported. Their work is influenced by Internal Family Systems, somatic awareness, and HAES-aligned practices, helping clients reconnect with themselves through curiosity and compassion. Outside of session, you’ll likely find Kels playing piano, diving into audiobooks, or enjoying pool time with their kids.
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Kristen Lasker, Intern
Not accepting new clients
Meet Kristen, a Master's-Level Counseling Intern who brings a compassionate, strengths-based approach to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful change. Drawing from her experience in business, nonprofit leadership, health and wellness coaching, and a holistic perspective on well-being, she helps individuals gain clarity, deepen self-understanding, and move toward the life they want to build. Kristen is especially passionate about supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, and caregiver stress, including individuals caring for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Outside of counseling, she enjoys spending time near the water, exploring nature, being around animals, and listening to live music.
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Liz Petrik, Intern
Not accepting new clients
Niche: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Career Transitions, Women's & Men's Issues
Meet Liz, a counseling intern pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. After several years in corporate marketing, she followed her passion for helping others and now supports adolescents and adults in a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment. Liz takes a collaborative, person-centered approach, incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to help clients navigate challenges, build on their strengths, and create meaningful change. Outside of the therapy room, she enjoys yoga, meditation, live music, spending time in nature, and being a devoted cat mom.
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Lindsey West, LCSW-C
Not accepting new clients
Niche: ACT, Anxiety, Codependency, Couples, ERP, OCD, Self-Esteem
Meet Lindsey, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with individuals and couples navigating ADHD, anxiety, OCD, relationship dynamics, boundaries, and kink-affirming care. Her approach blends evidence-based techniques like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness with a grounded, collaborative style.
Clients appreciate Lindsey’s warm, relatable presence and her focus on creating a space where they can be fully themselves. She’s passionate about helping people build on their strengths, set healthy boundaries, and create lasting, meaningful change.
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Mandy Mona, C-IAYT, TIYT, E-RYT500 , PCA Certified
Limited Availability
Meet Mandy, a certified yoga therapist specializing in somatic care and alternative therapy. She helps clients reconnect with their bodies, reduce anxiety and trauma symptoms, and build resilience through movement, mindfulness, and breathwork. Believing yoga is for everyBODY, Mandy creates accessible, personalized care that supports real-life healing and balance.
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Mary Krawczewicz, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Meet Mary, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals across the mental health spectrum. Before that, she spent 17 years as a pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant nurse, bringing deep compassion and resilience to every role she holds.
Mary’s approach is collaborative and holistic. She works closely with families, schools, community organizations, and other providers to support clients in staying grounded, connected, and functioning at their best. She believes healing happens within community — and she’s here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
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Melanie Shirley, LCPC
Limited Availability
Niche: Addiction, crisis and trauma, solution focused treatment, anxiety, depression
Meet Melanie, a certified trauma professional who helps teens and adults navigate life’s challenges with compassion and flexibility. Using CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, she creates treatment plans that grow with you. As a military spouse, she also understands the resilience it takes to adapt and heal through life’s transitions.
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Melissa Thompson, LCSW-C
Not accepting new clients
Niche: LGBTQIA, adolescents/young adults, EMDR
Meet Melissa, a psychotherapist who helps children, teens, and families feel safe, seen, and supported. With a background in teaching and clinical social work, she brings warmth, skill, and a special dedication to LGBTQIA youth. Melissa blends CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness to guide clients toward self-acceptance, resilience, and growth. On off days, she enjoys coaching and spending time with her wife and their dogs.
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Randi Pedersen, MSW, LMSW
Limited Availability
Niche: Adolescents, Young Adults and Addiction
Meet Randi, a social worker who supports teens and adults navigating addiction and mental health challenges. At Lotus and The Refuge, she integrates CBT and DBT skills with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing to help clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting changes in behaviors and thought patterns. Randi is passionate about meeting people where they are, empowering them to move toward meaningful change at their own pace. Outside of the office, she's a dedicated mom who is always learning, growing, and showing up with heart.
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Savannah Bozman, LCSW-C
Limited Availability
Niche: Chronic illness and disability, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depressive disorders, and trauma
Meet Savannah, a therapist who helps adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness with compassion and skill. Certified in EMDR and ERP, she blends trauma-informed care with mindfulness and somatic practices to support meaningful, sustainable healing. Her diverse background spans outpatient mental health, veteran care, and international settings, shaping a grounded, client-centered approach that honors each person’s unique experience.
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Stephanie Chall, LGPC
Limited Availability
Niche: Identity & Self-Discovery, Life Transitions & Personal Growth, LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care, Navigating Complex Relational Dynamics, Non-Traditional Relationship Structures (ENM, Polyamory & Kink)
Meet Stephanie, a trauma-informed therapist who works with adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She takes a collaborative, whole-person approach, helping you better understand yourself, explore identity and values, strengthen communication and relationships, and navigate life's challenges in ways that align with who you are and what matters most. By drawing insight from the experiences and patterns that have shaped each person's story, Stephanie helps you build on their existing strengths, make empowered choices, and create meaningful, lasting change. She provides affirming care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, professionals navigating demanding careers, and individuals and partners in non-traditional relationships (ENM, polyamory, and kink). Her diverse experiences as a leader, communicator, athlete, and community advocate give her a deep appreciation for the many roles and responsibilities people balance, allowing her to meet you with curiosity, compassion, and practical insight. Outside of the therapy room, Stephanie enjoys traveling, seeking new adventures, and spending time with her beloved fur babies. -
Tamara Marshall, M.S., RPA
Limited Availability
Niche: Anxiety, OCD, Intimacy/Sex, Couples/Marriage, Grief, Trauma/PTSD, and Depression
Meet Tamara, a therapist with a passion for helping others heal, build, and maintain healthy relationships—with a special emphasis on the most important one: the relationship with oneself. She has worked with clients in diverse settings-navigating family challenges, anxiety, depression, grief, intimacy, career transitions, trauma, and more. Her approach is collaborative, person-centered, and solution-focused, drawing on evidence-based interventions tailored to each client’s unique journey.
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Toyosi Alomaja, LCMFT
Limited Availability
Niche: Adolescents/Young adults, Emerging adult women & Couples
Meet Toyosi, our Program Administrator and a couples and family therapist who takes a collaborative, solution-focused approach to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges and better understand themselves. With nearly 8 years of experience, she supports emerging adults, women of color, and families in building confidence, working through transitions, and strengthening relationships. Toyosi’s work includes adolescents, couples, and parent-child conflict, and offers faith-based therapy for those who are interested. As a Nigerian American, she values cultural connection and, outside of therapy, enjoy fashion, new experiences, and ice cream.