Staff

Executive Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Meyer has devoted the last decade of her career to the assessment and treatment of traumatized children and their families.  She has held positions as the Director of Mental Health at multiple Child Advocacy Centers, is the president of the Tidewater Academy of Clinical Psychologists, and is the 

President-elect and Legislative Advocate for the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists.  She is the founder of Alicia's Place.

Education: Bachelor's degree from Brown University

Doctorate from the Catholic University of America (CUA)

Internship at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Certifications: National TF-CBT Trainer; Global PCIT Trainer

Specializations: Child abuse, Violence against women, Military trauma, Anxiety, Healthy parenting practices, Parent-child relationships, Forensic assessment, Expert witness testimony

 Annie Levin, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who has a passion for and specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced traumatic events. She also works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and behavior management difficulties. Dr. Levin obtained her B.A. in Psychology from the College of William and Mary before seeking her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP), Argosy Northern Virginia.  Prior to obtaining her PsyD, Dr. Levin held positions at ChildHelp USA, a youth residential treatment facility for maltreated and at-risk youth in Virginia; the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) in Washington, DC; the Tree House Child Assessment Center in Maryland; and the Dorothy B. Hersh Regional Child Protection Center in New Jersey. Additionally, Dr. Levin worked in several teaching assistant positions at ASPP, including classes in assessment, diversity, and psychodynamic therapy. Dr. Levin is certified in TF-CBT and is seeking certification in PCIT. She also has interests in integrating complementary therapeutic modalities, such as the use of art, music, or animal-assisted therapy. 

Dr. Ridjie Chery, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in individual, family, and group psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults. She treats clients with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and adjustment problems, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship problems. Dr. Chery obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) before seeking her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP), Argosy Northern Virginia.  Prior to obtaining her PsyD, Dr. Chery was employed in the group home setting, working with individuals with an intellectual disability (ID).  Dr. Chery completed her doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Community Counseling Center of Mercer County (Hermitage, Pennsylvania), where she gained experience with a variety of therapeutic orientations (cognitive-behavioral therapy/CBT, interpersonal therapy, person-centered therapy, play therapy, dialectical behavior therapy/DBT, and family systems). She is trained in and seeking certification in TF-CBT and PCIT. Additionally, Dr. Chery is trained in administering psychological assessments, including intellectual functioning (IQ), personality assessment, behavioral assessment, academic achievement, vocational, pre-employment screenings for police officers, and pre-adoption evaluations.  

 Tonya Gardner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She uses a holistic and eclectic approach in counseling to meet the individual needs of people.  She has worked in the helping field for over 20 years in the public, private and non profit setting in various roles to include  educator, human services supervisor, consultant, and mental health clinician. Tonya earned her Bachelors of Art in Psychology from George Mason University and two Masters’ degrees  in Early Childhood Education from Norfolk State University (NSU) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education from Old Dominion University (ODU), respectively.  She has expertise and training in trauma, military culture, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues/disorders, child abuse and neglect, autism spectrum disorder, positive behavioral support, anger management, and domestic violence. She believes that people are the experts of their life and it is her desire to work with individuals to help guide them towards the pathway of optimal mental health, healing and harmony. 

 Rachel Marlins is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at Alicia's Place. She earned a Masters Degree in Community Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. Rachel works to resolve issues of grief, self-image, assertiveness, relationship conflict, communication, and anxiety with individuals and couples. She has experience with diverse cultures and populations in the United States and abroad. Rachel is a native to the Hampton Roads area and has an interest in creative approaches to therapy.  

Bari is a passionate advocate for young children and their families. She has worked in early childhood settings providing school based counseling and consultation for most of her counseling and social work career. Bari is a Norfolk native and lived in Cincinnati Ohio until a few years ago when she returned to Virginia Beach with her husband. Bari holds an Infant Mental Health Endorsement in Virginia.

Bari has spent her 30 year social work and counseling career providing staff development and training, assessment, parent education, early childhood consultation, family therapy, and individual child therapy. Her interests include resiliency, attachment, and parent-child relationships.

Bari is trained in TF-CBT, PCIT, and play therapy.

Bari received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education at Virginia Commonwealth University and her Masters Social Work Degree at University of Cincinnati. Bari is an affiliate social work faculty at Union Institute and University. 

 Hello! My name is Rebekah (Bekah) Jaeger. I received my MEd in 2004 from North Carolina State University and my PhD in 2012. Both degrees are in Counseling and Counselor Education enabling me to receive licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. As an experienced counselor I’m here to provide support during whatever challenges life throws your way. My unique approach will enable you to identify the change you want to see in yourself and define an actionable path to achieve it. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and more in a variety of settings including community mental health, school-based mental health, college counseling, and online platforms. I have worked with a variety of individuals and have extensive experience with the LGBT population. Some of my areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, sexuality and gender issues. I also have experience working with military and first responders. It is my firm belief that the only useful therapy is the one that meets you on your terms. Our relationship should be built on mutual respect, understanding, and honest communication. I look forward to sharing your journey with you. 

Jocelyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience providing behavioral health services to diverse populations in various treatment settings, including residential, community-based, CSB emergency services/outpatient, and private practice. Jocelyn earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2013. She is trained in CBT, TF-CBT, and PCIT and she is currently working towards certification. 

Jocelyn is committed to helping individuals move from the quicksand of suffering with psychological and emotional pain to living a fulfilling life as they desire to live. She is proficient in issues with depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, cultural and social justice related trauma, self-esteem, and identity issues. Jocelyn is passionate about being an advocate for change while assisting individuals on their journey to wellness and wholeness. 

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing services to children, teens, adults, and families.  I earned my Masters of Social Work and became a licensed social worker in 2013, and I became a clinical social worker in 2021. I am trained in TF-CB and PCIT, and am working towards certification in all of these. 

I have experience working with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, ASD, Emotional Regulation, Self-Esteem, Domestic Violence, absent parents, Sexual Assault, social justice-related trauma, and various gender and sexuality identities.

I view therapy as a teamwork approach, working with the client as the expert on themselves. I am there to help them work toward their goals and toward leading a positive and fulfilling life. I also view the whole family as the client when working with children, and I love parent involvement. I have been working as a virtual therapist since 2021 and have found fun, creative ways to work with clients of all ages.