ABOUT us
therapists, Coaches, and practitioners in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and surrounding areas
Our team at Social Grace has one goal — to help you reach yours.
We believe in empowering neurodivergent individuals to live life to the fullest. Whether you’re facing a major life adjustment, are transitioning to a new experience, or want to achieve your real-life goals, we’re here to help.
Our Philosophy
Helping you achieve your goals
Leading with compassion
Expanding what’s possible
Ending the loneliness epidemic
Forming real connections
Supporting families
Meet the one who started it all
Ginny Conroy
our FOUNDEr
Growing up in a neurodiverse family led Ginny to discover her passion for working with children, young adults, and families with different abilities and mental illnesses. Ginny started Social Grace to help families grow together, and to create the programs and resources that she wished she had had growing up.
THE HEART behind SOCIAL GRACE
Non-traditional therapy for real life — because if it’s not helping you reach your goals, what’s the point?
On paper, we’re therapists and coaches. But at our core, we’re helpers. Helpers who want you to achieve your goals, get out in the world, and form real connections.
Because life is messy and complicated, and you’ve had some curveballs thrown your way. But that doesn’t mean you can’t grow!
All of our therapists, coaches, and practitioners want you to be the best version of yourself, so you can thrive in your everyday life. Are you ready to grow with us?
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Founder & Managing Director
meet Ginny →
Ginny
Founder & Managing Director
Ginny is actively involved in all facets of programming, leadership, counseling, and consulting at Social Grace, infusing her contagious energy and grounded purpose into every client’s experience. With extensive experience and training in behavior analysis, crisis intervention, and developing social and executive function competencies, she has helped improve the lives of children and adults of all abilities.
Ginny is a graduate of The George Washington University and currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Enabled Intelligence and the National Security Neurodiversity Network. She is also actively involved with Our Stomping Ground, a local non-profit that is near and dear to her heart.
director of operations
meet sarah P. →
Sarah P.
director of operations
Sarah, an Arlington native and licensed special educator, brings her experience and passion for helping others to her role as Director of Operations at Social Grace. With a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Education, Sarah combines her educational background with her love for creating supportive environments where individuals can grow and thrive.
As Director of Operations, Sarah focuses on supporting her team, designing effective programs, and ensuring every family served by Social Grace feels supported and valued. She approaches her work with empathy and a practical mindset, always striving to create a welcoming environment where growth, learning, and connection flourish. Sarah takes pride in leading a team committed to empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential and achieve their goals!
Chief People Officer
meet tracy →
Tracy
Chief People Officer
With 20 years of experience in community relations, business development, and education, Tracy possesses a deep understanding of the evolving skill sets required in today’s workforce. Her background in education, as well as her extensive experience working with neurodivergent students, has equipped her with a unique understanding of the diverse needs of today’s learners. Her approach emphasizes personalized learning strategies and techniques that support social and executive growth and foster confidence among students.
Tracy’s career journey reflects her dedication to bridging the gap between education and professional development, preparing individuals with essential skills and knowledge for success in a rapidly changing world.
Occupational Therapist
meet amy →
Amy
Occupational Therapist
Amy is a Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapist and ADHD Coach, and certified through the LEND program (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities). She has experience in a variety of clinical settings, including rehabilitation facilities and schools. Amy received her undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame in Psychology and her Master’s degree at Tufts University.
Amy uses evidenced-based techniques as well as insight-building activities to help individuals master executive functioning skills. Amy also has vast experience with self-regulation and teaching interoceptive awareness (being able to understand how your body is feeling) to identify emotions and appropriate coping strategies. Amy understands that improving executive function skills requires looking at the whole person. She takes this holistic, person-centered approach with all her clients.
Speech-Language Pathologist
meet riley→
Riley
Speech-Language Pathologist
Riley is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who has experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, including outpatient rehabilitation facilities and special education schools. Riley is passionate about using a collaborative, neurodiverse-affirming, and holistic approach to uplift her client’s voices.
Whether her clients are working on social communication, receptive language, expressive language, or alternative and augmentative communication skills, Riley focuses on “zooming out” to view her clients within their surrounding systems and communities to work towards goals that will support their communication in all areas of life.
When Riley is not working with clients, she enjoys spending her time exploring artistic endeavors, attending local Deaf and ASL events, and cooking for friends and family.
Therapist
meet kelly →
Kelly
therapist
Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Experienced in counseling clients with anxiety and depression, Kelly focuses on enhancing individuals’ executive function skills and improving their interpersonal relationships. Kelly works to identify specific, solvable problems, then takes a team approach to address individual goals and resolve challenges.
Passionate about helping families, she completed a post-graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech and received additional licensure in Virginia as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She received a Master’s in Counseling from The College of William and Mary and obtained licensure in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet kia →
Kia
Social & Executive Function Coach
Kia brings more than 20 years of experience educating and working with neurodiverse young people, families, and professionals to her role at Social Grace. With specialized expertise in behavior improvement as well as personal and professional skill-building, Kia enables clients to advocate for themselves and find meaning and purpose in their daily lives. An unbiased supporter, Kia empowers families with innovative strategies to improve their daily interactions and minimize stressors at home and at school.
Recognized as Teacher of the Year by Arlington Public Schools and equipped with experience supporting children and families around the world, Kia has made her mark locally and globally. A licensed professional, Kia earned her Master’s degree from The George Washington University.
Therapist
meet george→
George
therapist
George began his career as a preschool teacher and special educator in natural science. He is licensed as a Professional Counselor in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, and is also an approved clinical supervisor. George is nationally certified as a Cognitive Behavior Therapist, and he is formally endorsed in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Partnership for People with Disabilities.
For the last 15 years, George has focused his therapeutic and behavioral practice on serving children, youths, and dependent adults who are living in family homes or other community settings. George employs a variety of strength-based, positive, person-centered practice strategies which are trauma-informed and consistent with brain science and core behavioral principles.
counselor
meet brittany →
Brittany
Counselor
Brittany has always been inspired to support children with different advantages and empower them to activate their innate greatness. Her genuine love for helping others led her to attend Hampton University, where she received her Bachelor’s in Psychology and began working in mental health facilities seeing children. She then attended Walden University to obtain a Master’s in School Counseling with a specialization in Crisis & Trauma.
Brittany began her career as an elementary school counselor at a Title I school during the start of the pandemic, which amplified the need to have proper coping tools to deal with everyday life stressors. As she began understanding the connection between the mind, body, breath, and spirit, she looked into different healing modalities to help heal herself and others and received her 200HR Yoga Teacher Training Certification.
Behavior Analyst
meet christina →
Christina
Behavior Analyst
From an early age, Christina knew she wanted to help people. She has worked in Applied Behavior Analysis since 1999 and received her Master’s degree in Special Education at George Mason University in 2006. She obtained her BCBA certification in 2008. Christina's experience is comprehensive, and she has worked with young children, teens, and adults. Her passion focuses on fostering independence and meaning in the lives of the individuals she serves.
Pump-Up Song:
“Baba O’Riley” by The Who
Favorite Book You Read Last Year:
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.
your Deserted Island must-have:
A box of matches!
therapist
meet jennifer →
Jennifer
Therapist
Jennifer is Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) from Alexandria, Virginia. She received her Bachelors of Fine Art from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Her involvement as a Rush Teaching Artist at the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in Brooklyn fueled her desire to pursue a Master’s degree in Art Therapy.
Jennifer graduated from The George Washington University Art Therapy Program, where she interned at the GWU art therapy trauma clinic, serving adolescents and adults in the metropolitan DC area. Jennifer practices a trauma-informed approach to art therapy for both individual clients as well as groups. Her previous experience includes providing art therapy for unhoused adults at Friendship Place and Miriam’s Kitchen, as well as a shelter for abandoned women at The Banyan Tree in Chennai, India.
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet anna →
Anna
Social & Executive Function Coach
Anna is a Massachusetts native and earned her degrees at UMass Amherst in economics and sociology. She discovered her passion for working with neurodiverse individuals and became a licensed and certified assistant behavior analyst, completing her course work at George Mason University. She has worked with children and young adults for over 20 years. Anna also comes from a neurodiverse family and understands the complexity and challenges presented for all.
Favorite Breakfast Food:
A tofu scramble burrito, extra spicy
Best Way to Spend a Summer Day:
Taking my dog to the beach!
Favorite Song of All Time:
“All You Need is Love” by The Beatles
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet sarah k. →
Sarah K.
Social & Executive Function Coach
Sarah is a passionate problem solver with expertise in administration, education, staffing, and hospitality.
She has spent the last 5 years working with neurodivergent tweens, teens, and young adults to achieve their goals and make meaningful, positive progress.
Sarah believes in a client-centered, pragmatic approach to skill building. Sarah’s clients can expect to benefit from her years of experience helping people get and keep jobs. Her kind, straightforward, and tenacious approach is a great fit for any client looking to build their confidence and make measurable progress.
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet gabriela →
Gabriela
Social & Executive Function Coach
Gabriela, a native of Northern Virginia, has nurtured a career dedicated to working with children of all ages. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish from Catholic University and a Master's degree in Special Education from George Mason University, she possesses a strong foundation for her work.
For over 10 years, Gabriela has immersed herself in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout her career, she has successfully helped children develop essential social and executive function competencies and strategies. Being a military spouse, Gabriela understands the unique stress that accompanies a prolonged separation of parents. Her fluency in English and Spanish enables her to effectively engage with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, further enriching her ability to provide tailored assistance.
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet jenny →
Jenny
Social & Executive Function Coach
With a focus on working with neurodivergent children and adults, Jenny incorporates yoga and mindfulness practices into her coaching sessions, helping her clients to build self-awareness and achieve personal growth.
Prior to joining Social Grace, Jenny worked in education policy and research, where she advised policymakers and school administrators on issues related to STEM curriculum, diversity, and workforce development. Her passion for teaching led her to pursue a teaching license and a Master’s in K-12 education, and she went on to work at private schools in Washington, DC, where she focused on differentiated learning and classroom management.
When she’s not coaching or teaching, Jenny can often be found on the yoga mat, teaching classes in Bethesda and around the DMV.
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet nelda →
Nelda
Social & Executive Function Coach
Nelda found her love for this career while working in the Department of Defense as an Education Specialist for DoD employees. Her transition into the school system exposed Nelda to the lack of support available to students with special needs in private schools. This led her to establish a Student Academic Center that would provide continuous assistance to students with educational needs.
Nelda has 30 years of teaching experience focused on securing and providing support for special needs students. Her focus continues to be helping students achieve success and happiness both in school and in the workforce.
In her free time, Nelda enjoys spending time with her husband, her children, cooking, listening to music, traveling, sewing, and painting.
Dynamic Social & Executive Function Virtual Coach
meet cathy →
Photo Coming Soon
Cathy
Dynamic Social & Executive Function Virtual Coach
Cathy holds a degree in Special Education K-12, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Master’s degree in Education Administration. Her career experiences range from work in corporate finance, active-duty military service, and many years of experience as an educator.
Cathy’s experiences have led her to a passion for supporting our neurodiverse clients in building the tools and strategies to live their lives the way they want! From transitioning to college life to supporting young adults in the workplace, Cathy uses her expertise to help clients build their social and executive function confidence and competencies.
therapist
meet shaelyn →
Photo Coming Soon
Shaelyn
Therapist
Shealyn views therapy as a collaborative process where clients and therapists work together toward realistic and attainable goals, with awareness marking the first step in meaningful change. She emphasizes the mind-body connection for holistic health, nurturing it through family time, personal interests like travel and photography, and enjoying simple pleasures such as college basketball and cold brew coffee.
She holds a Master of Arts in Neuroscience from George Mason University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Widener University. Her career focuses on the intersection of brain, body, and emotional well-being, utilizing a behaviorist approach combined with trauma-informed, goal-directed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Occupational Therapist
meet mollie →
Photo Coming Soon
Mollie
Occupational Therapist
Mollie received her undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Exercise Science and her Master's and Post Doctorate degree at Shenandoah University. Mollie is a certified and licensed occupational therapist with special focus on mental health.
Throughout her career, she has successfully helped school-aged individuals with diverse challenges and backgrounds develop critical executive functioning skills and strategies. Mollie is passionate about helping individuals find solutions to living their lives to the fullest.
favorite song:
“Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?” by Taylor Swift
Favorite breakfast food:
Bacon, egg and cheese bagel
Favorite Way to Spend a Summer Day:
A beach day with friends and family
Speech-Language Pathologist
meet natalie →
Photo Coming Soon
Natalie
Speech-Language Pathologist
Natalie is a speech-language pathologist with a deep passion for understanding how we communicate and helping others to meet their social goals. She began her journey with a degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences and started her career working for Chicago Public Schools as a speech-language paraprofessional, while pursuing her Master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Governors State University in Illinois.
Natalie enjoys leading groups that break down the complex areas of social communication and executive function skills into manageable steps. She is dedicated to helping children and their families navigate communication challenges and develop essential life skills.
After spending 25 years overseas throughout her husband’s naval career, Natalie now resides in Wilmette, Illinois.
Speech-Language Pathologist
meet riley →
Occupational Therapist
meet amy →
Chief People Officer
meet tracy →
Director of Operations
meet sarah p. →
Founder & Managing Director
meet Ginny →
Ginny
Founder & Managing Director
Ginny is actively involved in all facets of programming, leadership, counseling, and consulting at Social Grace, infusing her contagious energy and grounded purpose into every client’s experience. With extensive experience and training in behavior analysis, crisis intervention, and developing social and executive function competencies, she has helped improve the lives of children and adults of all abilities.
Ginny is a graduate of The George Washington University and currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Enabled Intelligence and the National Security Neurodiversity Network. She is also actively involved with Our Stomping Ground, a local non-profit that is near and dear to her heart.
Pump-Up Songs:
“A Million Dreams” by Pink & “This Is Me” by Kesha
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Shaved sweet potato cooked in a skillet with eggs over easy on top
Fun Fact:
I was not allowed to get my driver’s license until I got my ham radio license. My call sign is KG4DYZ.
Favorite Song:
“Dancing On The Waves” by We the Kingdom
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Chicken and waffles
Best Way to Spend a Summer Day:
Spending the day at the beach and eating Maryland crabs for dinner!
Sarah, an Arlington native and licensed special educator, brings her experience and passion for helping others to her role as Director of Operations at Social Grace. With a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Education, Sarah combines her educational background with her love for creating supportive environments where individuals can grow and thrive.
As Director of Operations, Sarah focuses on supporting her team, designing effective programs, and ensuring every family served by Social Grace feels supported and valued. She approaches her work with empathy and a practical mindset, always striving to create a welcoming environment where growth, learning, and connection flourish. Sarah takes pride in leading a team committed to empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential and achieve their goals!
director of operations
Sarah P.
Tracy
Chief People Officer
With 20 years of experience in community relations, business development, and education, Tracy possesses a deep understanding of the evolving skill sets required in today’s workforce. Her background in education, as well as her extensive experience working with neurodivergent students, has equipped her with a unique understanding of the diverse needs of today’s learners. Her approach emphasizes personalized learning strategies and techniques that support social and executive growth and foster confidence among students.
Tracy’s career journey reflects her dedication to bridging the gap between education and professional development, preparing individuals with essential skills and knowledge for success in a rapidly changing world.
In her free time, Tracy loves being with her husband Matt and their two sons, Jackson and Jake, exploring the outdoors, skiing, and traveling together.
fun fact:
Tracy is an identical twin.
Favorite Quote:
“If you believe it will work, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.” - Wayne Dyer
favorite museum:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Amy
Occupational Therapist
Amy is a Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapist and ADHD Coach, certified through the LEND program (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities). She has experience in a variety of clinical settings, including rehabilitation facilities and schools. Amy received her undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame in Psychology and her Master’s degree at Tufts University.
Amy uses evidenced-based techniques as well as insight-building activities to help individuals master executive functioning skills and techniques to be able to break down and organize various tasks leading to increased independence and self-sufficiency. Amy also has vast experience with self-regulation and teaching interoceptive awareness (being able to understand how your body is feeling) to identify emotions and appropriate coping strategies. Amy understands that improving executive function skills requires looking at the whole person. She takes this holistic, person-centered approach with all her clients.
Best Way to Spend a Summer Day:
Outside hiking (as long as it’s not too hot!), ideally somewhere with waterfalls and forests.
favorite podcast:
Hidden Brain (Hosted by Shankar Vedentam)
Fun Fact:
I was a competitive fencer for most of my life. I fenced at Notre Dame and traveled around the world!
Riley
Speech-Language Pathologist
Riley is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who has experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, including outpatient rehabilitation facilities and special education schools. Riley is passionate about using a collaborative, neurodiverse-affirming, and holistic approach to uplift her client’s voices.
Whether her clients are working on social communication, receptive language, expressive language, or alternative and augmentative communication skills, Riley focuses on “zooming out” to view her clients within their surrounding systems and communities to work towards goals that will support their communication in all areas of life.
When Riley is not working with clients, she enjoys spending her time exploring artistic endeavors, attending local Deaf and American Sign Language events, listening to music, and cooking for friends and family.
Favorite Song:
“Dancing In the Moonlight (2001)” by Toploader
Ideal Summer Day:
Sitting on my rooftop while I listen to music and eat a fresh salad.
favorite book:
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
Behavior Analyst
meet christina →
Counselor
meet brittany →
Therapist
meet george →
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet kia →
Therapist
meet kelly →
Kelly
therapist
Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Experienced in counseling clients with anxiety and depression, Kelly focuses on enhancing individuals’ executive function skills and improving their interpersonal relationships. Kelly works to identify specific, solvable problems, then takes a team approach to address individual goals and resolve challenges.
Passionate about helping families, she completed a post-graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech and received additional licensure in Virginia as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She received a Master’s in Counseling from The College of William and Mary and obtained licensure in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Best Halloween Costume:
Matching cow outfits complete with bell & udders
Favorite Breakfast Food:
I don’t eat breakfast, but I LOVE pancakes for dinner!
Best Way to Spend a Summer Day:
On the water, relaxing with good friends and good food
Kia
Social & Executive Function Coach
Kia brings more than 20 years of experience educating and working with neurodiverse young people, families, and professionals to her role at Social Grace. With specialized expertise in behavior improvement as well as personal and professional skill-building, Kia enables clients to advocate for themselves and find meaning and purpose in their daily lives. An unbiased supporter, Kia empowers families with innovative strategies to improve their daily interactions and minimize stressors at home and at school.
Recognized as Teacher of the Year by Arlington Public Schools and equipped with experience supporting children and families around the world, Kia has made her mark locally and globally. A licensed professional, Kia earned her Master’s degree from The George Washington University.
your Deserted Island must-have:
Music!
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Egg whites and cheese
Perfect Summer Day:
Laying on a beach chair with headphones and a good book
George
therapist
George began his career as a preschool teacher and special educator in natural science. His passion for working with neurodiverse children led him to pursue graduate studies at Columbia University’s Teachers College, where he earned an advanced master’s degree and completed a year-long doctoral internship in clinical psychology.
George is licensed as a Professional Counselor in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, and is also an approved clinical supervisor. George is nationally certified as a Cognitive Behavior Therapist, and he is formally endorsed in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Partnership for People with Disabilities.
For the last 15 years, George has focused his therapeutic and behavioral practice on serving children, youths, and dependent adults who are living in family homes or other community settings. George employs a variety of strength-based, positive, person-centered practice strategies which are trauma-informed and consistent with brain science and core behavioral principles.
Best Halloween Costume:
Wizard
Favorite subject in school:
Psycholinguistics
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Crispy spinach with egg
Brittany
Counselor
Brittany has always been inspired to support children with different advantages and empower them to activate their innate greatness. Her genuine love for helping others led her to attend Hampton University, where she received her Bachelor’s in Psychology and began working in mental health facilities seeing children as young as five. She then attended Walden University to obtain a Master’s degree in School Counseling with a specialization in Crisis & Trauma.
Brittany began her career as an elementary school counselor at a Title I school during the start of the pandemic, which amplified the need to have proper coping tools to deal with everyday life stressors. As she began understanding the connection between the mind, body, breath, and spirit, she looked into different healing modalities to help heal herself and others and received her 200HR Yoga Teacher Training Certification.
fun fact:
I’m an introvert.
Favorite Flower:
I LOVE all flowers, but my favorite is sunflowers. They instantly make me smile when I see one.
Perfect Weather:
I love when it rains, especially when it’s a thunderstorm!
Christina
Behavior Analyst
From an early age, Christina knew she wanted to help people. She has worked in Applied Behavior Analysis since 1999 and received her Master’s degree in Special Education at George Mason University in 2006. She obtained her BCBA certification in 2008. Christina's experience is comprehensive, and she has worked with young children, teens, and adults. Her passion focuses on fostering independence and meaning in the lives of the individuals she serves.
Pump-Up Song:
“Baba O’Riley” by The Who
Favorite Book You Read Last Year:
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
your Deserted Island must-have:
A box of matches!
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet jenny →
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet Gabriela →
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet sarah k. →
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet anna →
Therapist
meet jennifer →
Jennifer
Therapist
Jennifer is Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) from Alexandria, Virginia. She received her Bachelors of Fine Art from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Her involvement as a Rush Teaching Artist at the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in Brooklyn fueled her desire to pursue a Master’s degree in Art Therapy.
Jennifer graduated from The George Washington University Art Therapy Program, where she interned at the GWU art therapy trauma clinic, serving adolescents and adults in the metropolitan DC area. Jennifer practices a trauma-informed approach to art therapy for both individual clients as well as groups. Her previous experience includes providing art therapy for unhoused adults at Friendship Place and Miriam’s Kitchen, as well as a shelter for abandoned women at The Banyan Tree in Chennai, India.
Favorite Song of All Time:
“Queen Jane Approximately” by Bob Dylan
Favorite Book:
City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre
Favorite Roller Coaster Ride:
Grizzly at Kings Dominion
Anna
Social & Executive Function Coach
Anna is a Massachusetts native and earned her degrees at UMass Amherst in economics and sociology. She discovered her passion for working with neurodiverse individuals and became a licensed and certified assistant behavior analyst, completing her course work at George Mason University. She has worked with children and young adults for over 20 years. Anna also comes from a neurodiverse family and understands the complexity and challenges presented for all.
Favorite Breakfast Food:
A tofu scramble burrito, extra spicy
Best Way to Spend a Summer Day:
Taking my dog to the beach. She loves jumping in the water and digging in the sand and always has a huge smile on her face!
Favorite Song of All Time:
“All You Need is Love” by The Beatles
Sarah K.
Social & Executive Function Coach
Sarah is a passionate problem solver with expertise in administration, education, staffing, and hospitality.
She has spent the last 5 years working with neurodivergent tweens, teens, and young adults to achieve their goals and make meaningful, positive progress.
Sarah believes in a client-centered, pragmatic approach to skill building. Sarah’s clients can expect to benefit from her years of experience helping people get and keep jobs. Her kind, straightforward, and tenacious approach is a great fit for any client looking to build their confidence and make measurable progress.
Favorite Museum:
The Art Institute of Chicago
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Feta and tomato omelet
Best Way To Spend a Summer Day:
A long hike, a swim in the ocean, and eating a bucket of french fries swimming in vinegar!
Gabriela
Social & Executive Function Coach
Gabriela, a native of Northern Virginia, has nurtured a career dedicated to working with children of all ages. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish from Catholic University and a Master's degree in Special Education from George Mason University, she possesses a strong foundation for her work.
For over 10 years, Gabriela has immersed herself in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout her career, she has successfully helped children develop essential social and executive function competencies and strategies. Being a military spouse, Gabriela understands the unique stress that accompanies a prolonged separation of parents. Her fluency in English and Spanish enables her to effectively engage with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, further enriching her ability to provide tailored assistance.
fun fact:
I like to go spelunking.
Favorite Museums:
Louvre and Vatican
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Crêpes
Jenny
Social & Executive Function Coach
With a focus on working with neurodivergent children and adults, Jenny incorporates yoga and mindfulness practices into her coaching sessions, helping her clients to build self-awareness and achieve personal growth.
Prior to joining Social Grace, Jenny spent years working in education policy and research, where she advised policymakers and school administrators on a range of issues related to STEM curriculum, diversity, and workforce development. Her passion for teaching led her to pursue a teaching license and a Master’s degree in K-12 education, and she went on to work at private schools in Washington, DC, where she focused on differentiated learning and classroom management.
When she’s not coaching or teaching, Jenny can often be found on the yoga mat, teaching classes in Bethesda and around the DMV. With her diverse background and deep commitment to helping others, Jenny is an invaluable asset to each individual and family who has the pleasure of working with her!
Pump-Up Song:
“This Is My Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
Best Book You Read Last Year:
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Best Way to Spend a Summer Day:
At the beach of course!
(photo coming soon)
Speech-Language Pathologist
meet natalie →
(photo coming soon)
Dynamic Social & Executive Function Virtual Coach
meet Cathy →
(photo coming soon)
Occupational Therapist
meet mollie →
(photo coming soon)
Therapist
meet shealyn →
Social & Executive Function Coach
meet nelda →
Nelda
Social & Executive Function Coach
Nelda found her love for this career while working in the Department of Defense as an Education Specialist for DoD employees. Her transition into the school system exposed Nelda to the lack of support available to students with special needs in private schools. This led her to establish a Student Academic Center that would provide continuous assistance to students with educational needs.
Nelda has 30 years of teaching experience focused on securing and providing support for special needs students. Her focus continues to be helping students achieve success and happiness both in school and in the workforce.
In her free time, Nelda enjoys spending time with her husband, her children, cooking, listening to music, traveling, sewing, and painting. They frequently travel to New York to visit their daughter and take the opportunity to catch the opera at Lincoln Center or to see a Broadway show.
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Bacon and Eggs and a yummy pastry
Favorite Shows to Watch:
Any Masterpiece Theater
Fun Fact:
I won awards for typing 140 wpm without errors and taking shorthand at 120 wpm. Does anyone even know what that is anymore?
Shealyn
Therapist
Shealyn views therapy as a collaborative process where clients and therapists work together toward realistic and attainable goals, with awareness marking the first step in meaningful change. She emphasizes the mind-body connection for holistic health, nurturing it through family time, personal interests like travel and photography, and enjoying simple pleasures such as college basketball and cold brew coffee.
She holds a Master of Arts in Neuroscience from George Mason University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Widener University. Her career focuses on the intersection of brain, body, and emotional well-being, utilizing a behaviorist approach combined with trauma-informed, goal-directed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Her professional background spans various settings, including the federal government, group homes, and telemental health, with a special focus on traumatic brain injury at the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.
favorite song:
How can I pick just one?!
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Crepes and the BEST coffee from The Clifton Cafe
Favorite Way to Spend a Summer Day:
A good book, a front porch swing, iced tea, and watching my kiddos play in the yard with my dog at my feet.
Mollie
Occupational Therapist
Mollie received her undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Exercise Science and her Master's and Post Doctorate degree at Shenandoah University. Mollie is a certified and licensed occupational therapist with special focus on mental health.
Mollie has experience in a variety of clinical settings, mostly in the school setting. Throughout her career, she has successfully helped school-aged individuals with diverse challenges and backgrounds develop critical executive functioning skills and strategies. Mollie is passionate about helping individuals find solutions to living their lives to the fullest.
favorite song:
“Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?” by Taylor Swift
Favorite breakfast food:
Bacon, egg and cheese bagel
Favorite Way to Spend a Summer Day:
A beach day with friends and family
Cathy
Dynamic Social & Executive Function Virtual Coach
Cathy holds a degree in Special Education K-12, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Master’s degree in Education Administration. Her career experiences range from work in corporate finance, active-duty military service, and many years of experience as an educator.
Cathy’s experiences have led her to a passion for supporting our neurodiverse clients in building the tools and strategies to live their lives the way they want! From transitioning to college life to supporting young adults in the workplace, Cathy uses her expertise to help clients build their social and executive function confidence and competencies.
your Deserted Island must-have:
Fishing pole
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Leftover dinner
Best Way to Spend a Summer Day:
On the golf course
Natalie
Speech-Language Pathologist
Natalie is a speech-language pathologist with a deep passion for understanding how we communicate and helping others to meet their social goals. She began her journey with a degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences and started her career working for Chicago Public Schools as a speech-language paraprofessional, while pursuing her Master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Governors State University in Illinois.
After spending 25 years overseas throughout her husband’s naval career—experiencing places like Panama, Germany, Alexandria, Virginia, and Bahrain—Natalie now resides in Wilmette, Illinois. She balances her professional responsibilities with being a mom to two fantastic school-aged children, which certainly keeps her on her toes.
In her professional role, Natalie enjoys leading groups that break down the complex areas of social communication and executive function skills into manageable steps. She is dedicated to helping children and their families navigate communication challenges and develop essential life skills.
Favorite song:
“To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
Favorite Breakfast Food:
Veggie Omelette with Jack Cheese, crispy hash browns, sausage patties, and sourdough toast.
Favorite Way to Spend a Summer Day:
Slow boat cruise through Grass River in Bellaire, Michigan
We can’t wait to meet you.
Our team loves making new connections and we hope to connect with you soon. Schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can work together.
