Our Team: Outpatient Staff

Alexis Apollony (she/they), MSW, Supervisee in Social Work is a graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor and Master of Social Work degree. Alexis is a General EMDR Practitioner and frequently pulls from theoretical knowledge bases inclusive of EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment theory, Compassion Focused theory and Dialectical Behavioral theory while also utilizing expressive, interactive, holistic and collaborative interventions. Alexis has experience with diverse age groups, identity types and cultural backgrounds and is passionate about treating individuals with trauma and anxiety related symptoms and diagnoses, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community while valuing clients as human beings and facilitating a safe and secure environment that can assist individuals in changing their lives.

Monique Bethune is an Outpatient Therapist here with Dominion Care. Monique is new to Dominion Care but has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years. She has experience utilizing evidence-based tools and skills while working with different populations. This includes working with behavioral and at-risk youth and adolescents, foster and adoptive youth, adults suffering with substance abuse, adults challenged with various mental health diagnoses, and behavioral youth in the school setting. Monique has obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Shaw University in North Carolina and Master of Social Work Degree from Fordham University in New York. She has extensive experience with cognitive behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing strategies, solution-focused techniques, and assists with building family connection and cohesiveness. Monique’s overall objective is to provide personalized services to individuals and families that will aid in their ability to live self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.

Evan is an outpatient counseling resident at Dominion Care. He received his Bachelor's in Psychology at California State University, Monterey Bay in 2015, and his Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at South University, Richmond in 2021. He has experience working and volunteering in pediatric and adult inpatient, community outpatient and adult convalescent settings. He works with teens and adults. His interests in counseling include skills training, PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, substance use and relationship/family conflict. He uses a holistic, integrated style of counseling that combines traditional methods (CBT, person-centered, etc.) with mindfulness and other philosophical/spiritual concepts tailored to the client's interests and needs. His goal is to challenge and empower clients to help them lead more productive and fulfilling lives. He enjoys reading, cooking and anything related to music, movies and martial arts.

Elisabeth is a student at VCU, majoring in Health Sciences and minoring in Psychology. She is completing her final degree requirements at Dominion Care, where she interns with Outpatient Services. Elisabeth is passionate about health education, community, and advocates for the importance of the eight dimensions of wellness. In her free time, when she's not busy with school or work, she enjoys trying new recipes, exploring the outdoors, or spending time with loved ones. Fluent in Spanish, Elisabeth is always happy to help in her first language. She is excited about her time at Dominion Care, as it will allow her to expand her knowledge and ability to help others.

Nympha is a psychiatric provider with Dominion Care. Her educational background includes a Masters's Degree in Nursing from the Medical College of VA for Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. She got her certification as a Pediatric Mental health specialist and later got her Post-Masters as a Psychiatric Mental Health NP license from the Maryville University of Saint Louis. Nympha spent the bulk of her career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner before returning to school to pursue her degree in psychiatry across the lifespan. Nympha has experience in providing care to patients with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and various adjustment and mood disorders. Nympha enjoys working collaboratively with her patients to use the biopsychosocial approach in integrating medical interventions and therapies that will enhance the overall quality of life.

Magda received her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She began her work in the mental health field as a volunteer for the Crisis Text Line. She then became involved in community-based counseling during her internship and gained experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Upon graduation she began her residency and has provided outpatient therapy services. Magda has experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and self-injurious behaviors. Magda utilizes a person-centered approach to best meet the needs of each individual. She creates a safe space to empower individuals in growth to achieve their goals.

Claudia Flores earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2016. She has experience working with clients who are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief/loss, trauma, neglect, and foster care. Claudia, draws from a variety of therapy models to help her clients meet their therapeutic goals, including CBT, DBT, Family Systems Theory, Strengths Based Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. She believes that the journey is yours, but you don’t have to travel alone in the therapeutic process. In her spare time, Claudia, enjoys crafting, reading, and traveling.

My name is Jame’E Hairston, LCSW and I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Walden University. I have been in the helping field for 6+ years and have served in many ways including; mental health therapy. Throughout this journey, I have worked with adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked in the community, recovery and substance abuse programs, and higher education. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, my dog Oreo, and practicing yoga!

Amelia “Molly” Iracane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing outpatient mental health therapy to children, adolescents and adults between the ages of 5 and 80 years. Her counseling style utilizes an integrated approach, with focus on Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and mindfulness based intervention. She takes pride in providing a warm, empathic, and nonjudgmental environment in which you can feel safe to explore relationship issues, life transitions, daily stressors, and trauma.

She has experience working in the Behavioral Health field with a diverse population, including children, adolescents, and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders.
Her professional experience includes working in inpatient psychiatric setting, substance abuse treatment facilities, outpatient therapy, and community settings, with both individuals and groups. Her most recent work has also included leading a mindfulness based curriculum to elementary school aged children focusing on emotion regulation tools.

She received a B.S. from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. In her free time, she enjoys running, playing tennis, and spending time with her three children.

Amber Livingston is a Resident in Counseling and a current Doctoral Candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Counselor Education and Supervision. She received her Master of Education in Counselor Education at VCU . She is passionate about bringing awareness of the impact of societal constructs and oppressive systems on one’s development and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. She has experience with supporting a range of concerns such as family dynamics, trauma, grief, anxiety, and mood disorders. When working with Amber expect a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can grow into the fullest version of yourself.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, seeing live music, listening to podcasts, being with loved ones, and most of all, spending time with her cat Lily

Osita graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health from George Mason University. He also obtained his Bachelor of Nursing degree from George Washington School of Nursing. In addition to these, Osita also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Imo State University and a Master’s degree in Biostatistics from New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJIT.

He is board-certified and fully licensed to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in the states of Virginia and Maryland. His area of concentration is across the lifespan, and he adopts evidence-based interventions and a personalized approach to managing each client's needs. Areas of concentration include depression and anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and PTSD among others. Before working as a Nurse practitioner, he worked for close to five years as a Registered nurse at UVA.

With a statistical background, he has developed the skill set needed to analyze data that can be used in the most efficient way to treat patients with mental illnesses. He is a strong patient advocate and deeply passionate about patient safety.

My name is Katy Proffitt, LCSW and I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have been in the mental health field for 10+ years. Throughout this time, I have worked with adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked in the community and hospital settings, but my passion has always been in recovery and helping individuals with addiction and substance use issues. I recently fulfilled my dream when I joined the team at Dominion Care as Program Coordinator for Sequoia Substance Use IOP three months ago. I hope to help individuals in recovery find their dreams and regain stability in life. In my spare time I love to spend time with my dog, River and laugh with my friends and family.

Anthony is a psychiatric provider with Dominion Care. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which he conferred at the reputable James Madison University. In addition, Anthony has earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Virginia. Anthony’s hands-on experience working in the mental health field includes time in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. He worked many years with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital as well as with Richmond’s very own VCU Health managing and caring for individuals with complex physical and mental illnesses. Anthony established himself as a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as the acting clinical supervisor for Virginia Supportive Housing’s Intensive Community Treatment team, servicing Richmond’s most vulnerable population battling severe mental illness, chronic homelessness, recidivism, and many times co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Anthony comes with years of experience as an active health care professional working with severe mental illnesses to include Mood Disorders, Thought Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and various Personality Disorders.

Nick is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated with his Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022. He is a clinician who offers psychiatric medication management and supportive counseling. Before beginning his career as a Nurse Practitioner, Nick worked for 8+ years in inpatient Adult Medical and Acute Psychiatry at VCU. His profession as a psychiatric nurse has taught him to see people as they are, and to avoid labeling individuals based on their mental illness. Nick strives to provide a nonjudgmental, safe environment for all.

In his practice, Nick works to validate emotions and reduce mental health stigma. He takes a holistic approach to mental health by educating his patients on lifestyle modifications, alternative therapies, and medication management.

Nick specializes in treating adults (18 and older) who are suffering from general psychiatric illnesses, the following disorders include Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, Post-Traumatic Stress, Bipolar, Depression, Personality, Substance Abuse, and Psychosis.

Pam received her Bachelors in Psychology and Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and then pursued her LCSW. She has experience working with children, youth, adults, and families within acute inpatient, crisis, in home, schools, and the community. Her treatment modalities include a strengths passed perspective, trauma informed interventions, cognitive behavioral strategies, play, narrative story, family systems, motivational interviewing, and a variety of creative expressive interventions. Pam has extensive experiences working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse, neglect, and with adoptive and foster families. She has a focus on the importance of strengthening the quality of attachment between a child and caregiver. Pam is also a member of the Richmond Trauma Informed Community Network spreading awareness about the impact of trauma on the brain, behaviors, health and resiliency. She enjoys animals and hopes to one day have a therapy dog.

Lauren is the Program Director for our Outpatient Department, however she has worn multiple hats throughout her 10 years here at Dominion. She started off as a TDT QMHP in 2012, but over time fell in love with the operational components of Dominion Care and has been assisting with program development ever since! Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, quality time with her family and any activity outdoors! She looks forward to helping patients have an enjoyable experience here at Dominion Care.

Caroline received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with minors in Family Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from James Madison University, and went on to get her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has experience working with children, youth, adults, and families within the residential inpatient, community, and school settings. Caroline understands that you are the expert in your own life and her primary goal as a therapist is to empower you to find and achieve your personal definition of peace and fulfillment. Caroline utilizes concepts from CBT, feminist theory, play therapy, narrative theory, family systems theory, creative art therapy, and empowerment theory.

Drawing from CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic and somatic techniques to tailor treatment to meet individual needs and goals, Bridgette is passionate about helping people grow resilience. They are a Supervisee in Social Work with a background in crisis counseling, safety planning, crisis assessment, and case management. They have worked with a range of diagnoses and populations including mood and personality disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, autism, HSP, chronic pain, elders, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and more.

She uses a person-centered and strengths-based approach to therapy, with a focus on growing existing strengths and moving from surviving to thriving. Every person has the seeds of their own wellness and Bridgette's adaptable and creative style provides a growing environment for mental health to flourish.

Outside of work Bridgette enjoys spending time on her budding homestead, playing games, reading, and making arts and crafts.

Tracy Wickham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Dominion Care Outpatient. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from James Madison University, and her Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tracy has worked with diverse client populations throughout the years. She now works primarily with older adolescents and adults. She also has experience working with trauma and veteran’s issues. Tracy utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Psychoanalytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person Centered Therapy as well as others based on the needs of the individual. She believes that people have inherent strengths and resources that can be accessed to empower the individual for positive change.