{"id":428,"date":"2026-02-06T17:13:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T17:13:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/?page_id=428"},"modified":"2026-02-07T17:27:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T17:27:40","slug":"our-staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/index.php\/our-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/waterandleaves-scaled.png&#8221; background_size=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_image_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; background_image_height=&#8221;100%&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center_left&#8221; background_horizontal_offset=&#8221;0%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;147px||147px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;50px||50px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;50px||50px||true|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title_text=&#8221;waterandleaves&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;25px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.9em&#8221; ul_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;35px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"views-field views-field-title\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"field-content\">Our Staff<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"field-content\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Resized_P-281x300.jpg\" width=\"281\" height=\"300\" alt=\"Dr Cathryne Maciolek\" class=\"wp-image-357 alignnone size-medium\" \/><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><strong>Dr. Cathryne Maciolek (Waugh), PsyD., MSCP<\/strong><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><strong>Founder\/Owner\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><strong>Clinical\/training Director\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><strong>Licensed Psychologist- Maryland and New Mexico\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/cathryne-l-maciolek-psy-d-mscp-a9239118\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/therapists\/cathryne-lynn-maciolek-lutherville-md\/195373\">Psychology Today<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span>Dr. Maciolek serves as our founder, clinical and training director, and clinical\u00a0psychologist for the practice. She began the practice in 2015 in order to provide integrated and holistic behavioral health to the Baltimore community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>She recently has expanded her practice to New Mexico and is finishing her training to prescribe psychotropic medications.\u00a0 In addition to running her practice, she serves as a supervisor to nursing students training for their psychiatric degree and psychology students in their doctoral training and post-doctoral training. Dr. Maciolek acts as a board member to advise and support companies as a behavioral health expert. She enjoys consulting with other clinicians and companies looking to start, change or expand behavioral health programs. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa59063fd\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa59063fd\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa59063fd\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa59063fd\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                \n<p>Making a decision to begin the journey of therapy takes courage, commitment, and the willingness to change. It is not an easy decision, but well worth the effort and with much to gain. I will provide you with a safe haven to explore obstacles impacting your ability to succeed and make lasting changes in your daily life. My approach is collaborative, strength-based, and multidimensional. I use a myriad of approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems, and mindfulness-based techniques.<\/p>\n<p><span>I specialize in working with anxiety and mood disorders, and stress-related conditions and professional burn-out. I have additional training in womans heath, specifically with infertility. I can help guide you through the emotional challenges involved and teach you to cope with the stress of infertility, pregnancy loss, and the challenges of assisted reproduction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/RachelL-225x300.jpg\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" alt=\"Dr. Rachel Ladysh\" class=\"wp-image-245 alignnone size-medium\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Rachel Ladysh, PsyD<\/strong><br \/><strong>(Pronouns: She\/Her)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Licensed Psychologist- Maryland<\/strong><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rladysh?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F\">LinkedIn<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/psychologytoday.com\/us\/therapists\/rachel-ladysh-lutherville-timonium-md\/745887\">Psychology Today<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Any person who is ready to seek help can benefit from our work together. The world presents us with significant struggles, and the willingness to be open to new ways of interacting with your environment is the first, most important requirement to making positive change. A successful therapeutic relationship needs both the therapist and the client to be present in the therapy and committed to doing the necessary work. As your therapist, it is my role to help guide you through your progress, but the work cannot be done without you.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa5906a45\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa5906a45\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5906a45\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5906a45\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <\/p>\n<p>I work with individuals living with a wide variety of difficulties including sexual and domestic violence, mood\/anxiety disorders, poor coping strategies, eating disorders, trauma, grief, and substance use. Everyone is dealing with their own challenges and together we can help develop the skills to more successfully adapt to your world.<\/p>\n<p>The old adage &#8220;no man is an island&#8221; speaks to the human need for support and compassion throughout life. Everyone can benefit from gaining new insight and skills to handle the daily stressors of our environments, and no one should feel that they have to weather it alone.<\/p>\n<p>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Jordan-212x300.jpeg\" width=\"212\" height=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-414 alignnone size-medium\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jordan Schmitter, PA-C<\/strong><br \/><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>Jordan Schmitter is a Certified Physician Assistant who has been practicing outpatient psychiatry in the Greater Baltimore region since 2018. Specializing in psychiatric evaluation and medication management, he treats a comprehensive range of conditions in adults, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety spectrum disorders schizophrenia, PTSD, and ADHD. Jordan prides himself on serving a diverse patient population, maintaining a professional, welcoming, and judgment-free environment for individuals from all walks of life.<\/span><\/p>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa5906bc7\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa5906bc7\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5906bc7\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5906bc7\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <\/p>\n<p><span>Jordan believes that effective care begins with connecting with the person, not just treating a diagnosis. He considers the &#8220;whole patient&#8221;\u2014including their medical history, upbringing, and current stressors\u2014to determine if and how medication fits into their treatment plan. His approach centers on shared decision-making; rather than dictating care, Jordan presents various options and weighs the pros and cons, empowering patients to make informed decisions. Above all, he strives to ensure every patient feels validated, respected, and truly heard throughout their treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Marketing-Pic_RB_250328-200x300.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-416 alignnone size-medium\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Ruel R. Billones, PhD, EdD.<\/strong><br \/><strong>Psychology Associate<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Hello, and thank you for taking the courage to seek support through counseling and psychotherapy. My goal is simple: to provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space<br \/>where you feel seen, supported, and understood as you work toward healing and change. With over 25 years of clinical, academic, and research experience across the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines, my background includes postdoctoral training in Clinical Health Psychology at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, Rehabilitation Psychology, and research fellowships in HIV and Substance Use Disorders at the University of South Florida. I specialize in helping individuals\u2019 mental health challenges around cancer, chronic medical conditions and end of life<br \/>care by family members, chronic pain, addiction, trauma, and injured partners in relationships. My approach is grounded in compassion, science, and an unwavering belief in your capacity to heal.<br \/>        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa5906e7b\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa5906e7b\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5906e7b\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5906e7b\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <\/p>\n<p>My work integrates neuroscience, mind\u2013body practices, and evidence-based psychotherapy to support deep and lasting change. I blend brain-based science with relational, trauma-informed counseling, weaving together approaches such as mindfulness, attachment-based therapies, psychodynamic principles, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and clinical polyvagal-informed practices. Whether you are dealing with overwhelming stress, feeling stuck, or struggling with difficult emotions and relationships, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your story, regulate your nervous system, heal your past wounds, find meaning, and build resilience. My goal is to help you reconnect yourself, restore emotional<br \/>balance, and live with a better sense of wellbeing.<\/p>\n<p>I work with youth, adults, couples and families seeking support for end-of-life distress due to illness, chronic pain, trauma, addiction, sexual behavior concerns, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds (Asian Americans, Filipino Americans), and LGBTQ+ affirming care. My practice is especially suited for clients facing complex emotional histories, co-occurring conditions, or unhealthy habits and risky behavior patterns that you find difficult to change. Whether you are navigating personal struggles, relational conflict, pain, distress and suffer from chronic health conditions, our wor together will be collaborative, empowering, and tailored to your unique needs.<\/p>\n<p>Links:<br \/>www.drbillonespsych.com<br \/>www.linkedin.com\/in\/ruelrbillones<\/p>\n<p>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Obello-225x300.jpg\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" alt=\"Obella Obbo\" class=\"wp-image-237 alignnone size-medium\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<div><b>Obella M. Obbo, MS<\/b><\/div>\n<div><strong>(Pronouns: He\/Him\/His)<\/strong><\/div>\n<div><strong>Registered Psychology Associate Maryland<\/strong><\/div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/obella-obbo\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/obella-obbo\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1718417902035000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oqWqTZWEWJu6NS1xs4yUP\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/psychologytoday.com\/us\/therapists\/obella-m-obbo-silver-spring-md\/1061584\">Psychology Today<\/a><\/p>\n<p>I have experience offering trauma-informed therapeutic services for survivors and alleged perpetrators. And I offer counseling to many emerging adults struggling with fundamental childhood pain related to their upbringing and connected their experiences of racism, their ethnic origins, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodivergence, and the many other multi-dimensional ways we can identify and be made to feel othered.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa5907120\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa5907120\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5907120\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5907120\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <\/p>\n<p>As I understand trauma can be relational, as so should be healing. So where you may find value in intimate partner, familial, or group healing, I am happy to meet you and other willing participants there. I am committed to a liberation-focused, person-centered talk therapy. I incorporate many therapeutic styles and tools including: DBT, REBT, and ACT.<\/p>\n<p>My educational roots were fertilized in the soils of social theories and perspectives like: Radical Self-Love, Intersectional Feminist\/Womanist theories, Queer theories, &amp; Decolonization\/Indigenous Knowledge. As a therapist, I offer a safe, empowering space, free of judgment, to engage in a collaborative dialogue exploring your narrative. We will look into your past and present thoughts, feelings, fantasies, and fears to encourage and innovate new intentional actions toward becoming fully actualized while establishing deep connection with yourself and others<\/p>\n<p>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Professional Focus: work transitions, professional development, promotion, staff communication and conflict, efficiency, burnout, and work life balance.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Profile-Pic-1.jpg\" width=\"234\" height=\"297\" alt=\"Jennifer B. Elm Psychological\" class=\"wp-image-339 alignnone size-full\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" \/>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><strong>Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner Royse\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><strong><span class=\"glossary-tooltip-link profile-suffix\" data-x=\"profile-suffix-profile-type\" data-v-5f284d96=\"\">Psychologist<\/span>,\u00a0<span class=\"glossary-tooltip-link profile-suffix\" data-x=\"profile-suffix-academic\" data-v-5f284d96=\"\">PsyD<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/therapists\/jennifer-baumgartner-royse-state-college-pa\/50278\">Psychology Today<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span>Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner Royse serves as our clinical psychologist and wellness coach. In addition to her work at ELM, Dr. Royse is a tobacco cessation coordinator and health behavior coordinator, for the Dept of VA, training patients and clinicians to improve their physical health with psychological techniques. Dr. Royse is a national leadership coach trained through the NCOD. Additionally, she serves as an international media expert on psychological matters and is an internationally published author.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Coaching: Coaching is a perfect blend of insight and action. Through this process, we will work together to understand what needs to be changed, why it needs to be changed and how it should be changed. I specialize in improving personal and professional areas of life through coaching.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa59073ad\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa59073ad\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa59073ad\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa59073ad\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <\/p>\n<p>Personal Focus: Weight loss, exercise adherence, tobacco cessation, stress reduction, trauma recovery, relationship management, boundary formation and implementation, organization, time management, and self-development.<\/p>\n<p>Therapy: I am a firm believer in creating a life fully lived. Through education, empowerment, and support, I hope to lead you toward greater life effectiveness, foster increased optimism, and impart the skills to combat the difficulties along the way. Obstacles are overcome with the help of an objective, experienced, and compassionate facilitator. Throughout the therapeutic process, I combine my years of training and treatment to guide you. I specialize in mood, and anxiety disorders with a subspecialty in obsessive compulsive disorders and addictions recovery using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I have a research specialty using CBT to increase exercise adherence in those with obesity.<\/p>\n<p>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/RitaMercer-169x300.jpg\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-415 alignnone size-medium\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr. Rita Mercer,<\/strong><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<p><strong><span class=\"glossary-tooltip-link profile-suffix\" data-x=\"profile-suffix-profile-type\" data-v-5f284d96=\"\">Psychologist<\/span>,\u00a0<span class=\"glossary-tooltip-link profile-suffix\" data-x=\"profile-suffix-academic\" data-v-5f284d96=\"\">PsyD<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I am Dr. Rita Mercer, and I have close to ten years of experience as a mental health provider, including working with young adults in the community college setting<br \/>and with a diverse forensic population in an in-patient hospital setting. I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, severe mental illness, trauma, PTSD,<br \/>domestic violence and interpersonal relationships. My goal is to assist clients in navigating life\u2019s challenges and achieve meaningful growth.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa5907671\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa5907671\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5907671\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5907671\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <\/p>\n<p>My academic credentials include a doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a master\u2019s in organizational<br \/>management from University of Phoenix. I integrate various evidence-based therapeutic modalities to collaborate with you in a safe and culturally sensitive environment. We experience challenges in life, and it can be overwhelming. I am committed to walking beside you to achieve personal growth. I encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n<p>Coaching: Coaching is a perfect blend of insight and action. Through this process, we will work together to understand what needs to be changed, why it needs to be changed and how it should be changed. I specialize in improving personal and professional areas of life through coaching.<\/p>\n<p>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shakita-169x300.jpg\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-419 alignnone size-medium\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Shakita Branch, MA, LPA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<p><span>Shakita Branch, MA, LPA is currently a 4th year clinical psychology doctoral graduate student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a registered Psychology Associate. She specializes in helping individuals in their healing journeys by providing the tools and resources to achieve their clinical goals and cultivating a safe space to allow individuals to explore their feelings and behaviors without judgement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-69e4fa5907885\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-69e4fa5907885\"\n                data-open-text=\"Read More\"\n                data-close-text=\"Read Less\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5907885\"\n                aria-label=\"Read More\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">Read More<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-69e4fa5907885\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <\/p>\n<p><span>Shakita works with children, adults, couples, and families on a wide range of issues such as depression, grief, anxiety, trauma, both child and adult ADHD and life\u2019s many stressors. She has adapted an integtrative approach to therapy that\u2019s draws from multiple techniques to best address the individual\u2019s needs while utilizing holistic peactices such as CBT, client-centered, and mindfulness and acceptance. She has been active in the psychology field for 10 years, with 5 years of therapy experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our Staff Dr. Cathryne Maciolek (Waugh), PsyD., MSCP Founder\/Owner\u00a0 Clinical\/training Director\u00a0 Licensed Psychologist- Maryland and New Mexico\u00a0 LinkedIn Psychology Today Dr. Maciolek serves as our founder, clinical and training director, and clinical\u00a0psychologist for the practice. She began the practice in 2015 in order to provide integrated and holistic behavioral health to the Baltimore community. She [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-428","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Our Staff - Elm Psychological<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elmpsych.com\/index.php\/our-staff\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Our Staff - Elm Psychological\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Our Staff Dr. Cathryne Maciolek (Waugh), PsyD., MSCP Founder\/Owner\u00a0 Clinical\/training Director\u00a0 Licensed Psychologist- Maryland and New Mexico\u00a0 LinkedIn Psychology Today Dr. Maciolek serves as our founder, clinical and training director, and clinical\u00a0psychologist for the practice. 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