Lanier Fly, D.min, LMFT
Lanier Fly, D.min, LMFT
Dr. Fly has practiced individual, marital, and family therapy in Newport News since 1985. He is an approved supervisor for the AAMFT and a former Virginia Division President. He is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and a retired Army Chaplain. He trains and supervises interns and residents in Neurofeedback for the BCIA and is certified in neurotherapy by the NBCB. He is an EEG Affiliate and has practiced NFB since 1998. He has conducted over 300 workshops and seminars in organizational development, stress management, and marriage and family life throughout the country.
Kristen Fly, LMFT<br /> Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist<br /> Clinical Director
Kristen Fly, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Clinical Director
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience in a variety of clinical settings since 2004, including private practice, foster care, in-home support for children with Autism, and court-mandated anger management and domestic violence groups. I earned my M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and am a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). My training in neurofeedback includes multiple Othmer Method trainings as well as z-score and qEEG assessment trainings by Stress Therapy Solutions. Since 2010, I have provided neurofeedback for clients. I have conducted qEEG assessments since 2018.

I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), DIR/Floortime, and for couples, the Gottman Method and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).

Therapy is a journey—one where you can feel truly seen and heard. It offers a space of respect, validation, curiosity, and moments of joy as you uncover your resilience. In this process, you can breathe, be yourself, and step into new possibilities. And when you’re ready, you spread your wings.

Chiara Pepino, M.A.C.M.H.C.<br /> Resident in Counseling<br /> She/Her
Chiara Pepino, M.A.C.M.H.C.
Resident in Counseling
She/Her
I am an Italian-American resident in counseling. I possess an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. Prior to that, I completed a B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience in Italy. I focus on the integration of neuroscience in counseling and take a holistic view of the client. My emphasis is on attachment and relational issues in children and adults. Clinical foci are attachment-based therapy, somatic therapy, and trauma-based therapy. These approaches emphasize providing clients with tools to reset their nervous system and allow for their best self to emerge. In addition, I integrate play therapy and animal-assisted therapy in treatment as well. I am interested in mindfulness, yoga, and the use of voice and instruments to connect with inner strength.
Elizabeth Calvano, MSW, LCSW, LSATP<br /> Licensed Clinical Social Worker<br /> Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner<br /> She/Her
Elizabeth Calvano, MSW, LCSW, LSATP
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner
She/Her
My name is Liz, and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over four decades of experience in behavioral health within the Department of Defense. My passion for helping others began at a young age, leading me to join the Army as a behavioral health technician after high school. While serving, I pursued my education and earned a master’s degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Throughout my career, I have specialized in treating grief, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. I understand the challenges that come with life’s stressors, trauma, and the struggle to cope with overwhelming emotions. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where we can work together to address these difficulties at their core.

Dashunda Washington, M.A.M.F.T.<br /> Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy<br /> She/Her
Dashunda Washington, M.A.M.F.T.
Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy
She/Her
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and foster emotional well-being. I possess a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am committed to providing a compassionate, client-centered approach tailored to each person’s unique profile and relationships.

I specialize in communication challenges, conflict resolution, intimacy concerns, premarital counseling, and family transitions. I utilize several evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Family Systems Therapy. I also provide neurofeedback to improve self-regulation.

I am dedicated to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, heal past wounds, and develop healthier relationship patterns. It is my goal is to empower couples and families to build stronger, more fulfilling connections.”

Outside of therapy, I enjoy engaging in reading, skating, mindfulness practice and spending quality time with family and friends. I have been married to my best friend for 16 years and we share three beautiful children together.

Elease Loranger, M.A.M.F.T.<br /> Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy<br /> She/Her
Elease Loranger, M.A.M.F.T.
Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy
She/Her
I am a licensed Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in couple’s therapy. My passion is to help my clients improve and strengthen important relationships in their lives, especially with their partners, family, children, friends, and within their communities. I utilize Narrative Therapy in combination with Solution-Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe that you are the expert of your own life story and inherently have the strengths needed to bring about the changes you want. My goal as a therapist is to learn your story, support you in identifying your personal capabilities, competencies, and resiliencies, and help you work toward achieving the future you desire. I am a proud ally and remain intentional about creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. Outside of my therapeutic work, I enjoy dancing, painting, board games, watching good (and bad) movies, and spending quality time with my husband.
Maria Weaver, MA, NCC, BCN<br /> Licensed Professional Counselor<br /> Board Certified in Neurofeedback<br /> EMDR Certified Therapist<br /> She/Her
Maria Weaver, MA, NCC, BCN
Licensed Professional Counselor
Board Certified in Neurofeedback
EMDR Certified Therapist
She/Her
Are you looking for a therapist that accepts you as you are, is encouraging, and focused on your concerns and goals? I have a passion for and experience to help you process through difficult life stresses, negative thoughts, and traumas. I tailor my approach to help you learn new ways to manage stress, process the stress and build resilience to meet your personal goals.

I offer counseling in an inviting atmosphere; providing inclusive, trauma-informed, and person-centered therapy. I offer specialized therapies that provide lasting changes in the brain: EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) therapy, Target2zero, a modified and accelerated form of EMDR, and EEG Neurofeedback. I offer online and in-person individual appointments. I specialize in working with clients ages 18 -100 years who have experienced a variety of issues including: trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, low self-esteem, and relationship issues.

Mehgan O'Donnell, M.A.M.H.C.<br /> Resident in Counseling<br /> Military Veteran<br /> She/Her
Mehgan O'Donnell, M.A.M.H.C.
Resident in Counseling
Military Veteran
She/Her
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ashford University in 2016 and completed a Master of Arts in Counseling from the prestigious Northwestern University in 2019. As a third-year resident in counseling, I am passionate about serving a wide population of individuals through focus, motivation, nurturance, and unconditional positive regard. Additionally, as a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, I am able to provide unique insight to the military community including Active Duty, Reserve, Retirees, and their military families.

Additionally, I am particularly dedicated to those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re struggling with your sexuality, coming out to family or friends, gender identity, transitioning, or are a loved one looking to support those in the queer community, I am here to help guide you during your journey.

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest and recently moved to New England, I am an avid reader, yogi, runner, and true-crime fan. I have two children and two dogs with whom I love exploring the mountains and beaches in my free time.

Silvia Vargas, CMHC<br /> Resident in Counseling<br /> Military Veteran, Bilingual (Spanish)
Silvia Vargas, CMHC
Resident in Counseling
Military Veteran, Bilingual (Spanish)
I am a resident in counseling who graduated from Divine Mercy University in May 2023 with a Masters of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families attain wellness and personal growth. Currently, I am completing supervised practice hours to achieve full licensure. I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to counseling, employing evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have provided neurofeedback for clients since March 2022.
Franklin “Ben” Benabise, Jr., M.A.C.M.H.C.
Resident in Counseling
Military Veteran
He/Him
I am an Army veteran with more than 25 years of experience mentoring others to be the best version of themselves. Through my studies in Clinical Mental Counseling, Neurofeedback, Equine Therapy and leadership, my goal is to continue fulfilling my passion in assisting others to overcome any obstacle or trauma they encounter in order to live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
Siera Shepard, M.A.C.M.H.C.
Resident in Counseling
She/Her
I am a licensed Resident in Counseling with a specialization in children and adolescents. I enjoy working with neurodivergent adolescents, adults, and their families to help them create more fulfilling lives as well as reduce the impact of stressful life events. I take an eclectic and neuro-affirming approach to counseling. I believe that everyone is unique. I feel privileged to share in the telling and evolution of your story. I have had experience working with neurodivergent individuals in various clinical settings for the past 4 years and appreciate the continued opportunity to work with this community. I work hard to create and maintain a safe space for neurodiverse individuals as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I recently graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and prior to that received a Bachelor of the Arts in Religious Studies with an emphasis on Abrahamic Religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) from Syracuse University. I feel that my background in religious studies has helped me be more culturally sensitive. Outside of my work as a counselor, I am passionate about advocacy issues such as: increasing access to gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights and reproductive justice. In my free time I enjoy playing Animal Crossing on my Switch, snuggling with my three dogs, dancing, reading, trying out new fidget toys, and trying to remember to water my houseplants.
Parker Shaw, M.A.M.H.C. Student<br /> Counseling Intern<br /> Regent University
Parker Shaw, M.A.M.H.C. Student
Counseling Intern
Regent University
I am a graduate student earning my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling at Regent University, working under the supervision of Kristen Fly, LMFT (License # 0717001230). My career goal is to work with people to help improve their quality of life by giving them a designated space where they are the most important person in the room. I believe you as the client are the expert on yourself, and I will actively work towards getting to know who you are and what makes you thrive. I have gained valuable experience working with children with Autism in the role of a Registered Behavioral Technician for the past two years. I have a particular passion for working with clients who are in the 15-30 year age range. I believe those years are when individuals start to understand who they are and transform into who they want to be. I would love to support that process. As a former college football player and a current avid runner, I believe in virtues like hard work, accountability, and focusing on what you can control. Within the therapeutic process, I like to operate from an existential approach with the goal of helping you define your values and personal foundation. From that platform, we can utilize your values to make changes congruent with your vision. I also like to utilize mindfulness-based approaches, which prioritize the brain-body connection and offer a more holistic treatment model. I look forward to working with you!