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Palesa Osie-Tutu, LCSW

Director Woodbridge

My name is Palesa Osei-Tutu and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working in the social work/behavioral health field. I was born in Lesotho by way of Ghana and grew up in Northern Virginia. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University where I earned my Bachelor's degree in psychology in 2001 and received my Master's in Social Work from Howard University in 2004. I enjoy cooking, eating, sightseeing spending time with my loved ones, traveling the world, experiencing different cultures and volunteering.

My passion has always been working with children and families. I enjoy supporting them as they navigate the stressors of life whether it is due to trauma, loss, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, divorce, school difficulties, behavioral issues and various other issues that impact a family and the child's ability to be successful in all areas of their lives.

I have worked in social service settings, therapeutic foster care, school settings, Community Service settings as well as military and hospital settings through county and local government as well as the private sector and federal government. These experiences have allowed me to have a global perspective of the needs of children and families in the D.C. metro area. I believe that one of the bravest things a parent can do is trust a clinician to help their child get better or for a child to trust a stranger (me!) to support them and their family through difficult times.

I am experienced in TF-CBT, MI, CBT and use a strengths based model that focuses on family systems, cultural competency and the Afrocentric perspective that explores the person in their environment and the natural supports to include family and community to support them collectively for long term success. Over the years I have facilitated various types of therapeutic groups, conducted family therapy, couples counseling as well as individual therapy and believe in meeting families where they are. I believe that every encounter with another human being isn't coincidental. So with that philosophy in mind, I believe if we cross paths therapeutically, my role will be to facilitate impactful change and support your child and your family on the road to recovery as you define it.

Dr. Ronald Koshes, M.D., DFAPA

Ronald Koshes, M.D., DFAPA is a Board certified psychiatrist and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Koshes served in the U.S. Army medical corps and is the former president of the society of American Military Psychiatrists and on the Board of Directors of the Veterans Writing Project. Currently, Dr. Koshes has academic appointments and professional assignments at George Washington University, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. His numerous awards include The Meritorious Service Medal (U.S. Army) and the Excellence in Military Psychiatry Research Award (Society of Military Psychiatrists). Dr. Koshes has presented nationally and internationally on the topics of chronic mental illness and psychopharmacology, in addition to writing numerous articles, books chapters and book for publication. Several of his books chapters, and articles directly related to the Warrior-Patient Centric Healthcare Training (WCHT-PCHT) curriculum and include, “The Care of Those Returned: Psychiatric Illnesses of War,” Debriefing Following Combat,” Educating Health Care Workers in Combat Psychiatry.”

Dr. Koshes has worked for Youth For Tomorrow as a contractor over the past eight years treating individuals for medication management services who are currently receiving counseling services through Youth For Tomorrow. He currently works at both the Woodbridge and Manassas offices treating adolescents and adults.

Emmaculate Ndifor MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP

Emma Ndifor is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a post Master's Certificate in Psychiatric- Mental health.  Emma completed her Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Maryville University in 2014 and earned her Postgraduate Psychiatry Mental Health certification from Liberty University in 2020. She has worked in a variety of settings, including Med-surgery, critical care, long term care and Memory support care both inpatient and outpatient practices. Emma’s interests include mental health awareness, preventative medicine and maintaining a holistic approach when treating acute and chronic mental health conditions. Nurse Practitioner Emma believes that mental health is intrinsically connected to all body systems and, therefore, it is most optimal when a holistic approach of care is embraced. 

Nurse Lydia Sharp, RN, BSN, MSN  - Woodbridge Office

Hello, my name is Nurse Lydia Sharp, I earned a baccalaureate nursing degree from the University of Virginia. I worked for over twenty six years as an active duty Army Nurse Officer. Once I retired, I decided to earn another Master’s Degree and my focus was nursing education. What to do next? Retired Army Nurse Officers must stay busy, so I initially volunteered to work for YFT Behavioral Health Services to understand how they service their community and school. On my journey, I discovered that BHS serves the community with two dedicated doctors, a team of dynamic therapists and administrative staff. The BHS team works in a way that focuses on providing intense patient therapy first and if needed includes medication support as deemed necessary. I provide medication: education, coordination, work to create policy to assist the organization with medication patient services. I am quality control to all things involving medication issues coordination and patient care.

Melanie Calhoun LPC, NCC - Woodbridge Office

Hi, I’m Melanie! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor and am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I am also under supervision to become a Registered Play Therapist and provide play therapy to children ages 5 to 11. I am passionate about working with clients in a person-centered, non-judgmental environment where we can collaboratively instill positive change and growth in their daily living. I strive to create a warm, empathetic atmosphere where clients can build emotional safety to then be able to address current challenges in their life. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, but do have a love for children, adolescents and young adults. I have experience supporting clients to cope with and better manage depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, attachment issues, identity development exploration, relational struggles, self-injurious behaviors, adjustment difficulties, adolescent challenges and negative self-concept. 

I graduated in 2013 from Slippery Rock University with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Dance, and in 2016 with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Youth. I was awarded the 2016 Outstanding Graduate award from my Master’s program. Outside of YFT, I have been a dancer, dance educator, and choreographer for many years and love the arts in general. In addition to dance, I also enjoy spending time with loved ones, walking my dogs, reading, traveling, and watching baseball.

Hee-Jae Jane Lim, LMSW, Supervisee for LCSW - Woodbridge Office

Hi there, I’m Jane! I am an empathic and energetic Licensed Master of Social Worker and currently working under supervision to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master’s in Social Work with an Advanced Clinical Practice degree and a specialization in Family, Youth, & Children from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Family Studies from James Madison University. I enjoy working with youth, adolescents, and survivors of trauma. In my previous experiences, I have been able to work in a wide variety of settings: school, hospital, legal, nonprofits, housing, and policy. I utilize a person-centered, trauma-informed care approach in my practice. I incorporate concepts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy. 

I am passionate about flourishing my clinical practice by providing a safe haven for clients to recover and find hope. I believe there is strength in vulnerabilities and it leads to empowerment. My goal is to collaborate with my clients to support and guide them in recognizing and believing in their capability for autonomous, positive change for their well-being. I bring positivity, empathy, and hope to clients by speaking truth towards their dignity and worth, as well as, walking beside them in overcoming their challenges.

Niya McCray-Brown, LPC, M.Ed. - Woodbridge Office

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2017, earning my Masters of Education (M.Ed) in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. In 2015, I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and English Arts from Hampton University, in Hampton, Virginia.

I have experiences working in a variety of therapeutic environments including The New Horizon’s Family Counseling Center in Williamsburg, VA and the Hope and Healing Bereavement center in Newport News, VA. During this time, I facilitated therapeutic groups, conducted psychoeducational classes, and provided counseling services in a variety of topics including: Self-esteem/ Identity Development, Communication Skills, Anxiety, Trauma, and Bereavement.

As a clinician at YFT, I utilize Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy methodologies to empower my clients toward positive change and to assist them in navigating life’s daily challenges. I currently work with children, teens, and adults from a variety of backgrounds.

I am originally from Northern Virginia and I am proud to call this area “Home”. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and trying new recipes. I also love listening to music and watching movies.

Tiffany Green, MA, RIC

Hello, I am Tiffany! I am a Resident in Counseling (RIC) at Youth for Tomorrow, and I am under supervision for my LPC. I graduated from Seton Hall University in 2017 with a master's degree in Professional Counseling and School Counseling. I also attended Rutgers University and obtained my bachelor's degree in Psychology. I completed my internship within the school and community mental health setting in New Jersey. I have experience working with soldiers at Fort Dix base located in New Jersey. I have worked as an IIH therapist in New Jersey and assisted families in navigating conflicts. I have worked as a mobile crisis stabilization counselor, which allowed me the opportunity to assist children within their stabilization process.

Throughout my experience, I have gained the opportunity to facilitate family sessions and individual sessions. My approach stems from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and I incorporate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions. I utilize CBT and DBT to help my clients navigate life stressors and shift towards healthier ways of living.

I moved to Virginia during 2019 from New Jersey. During my personal time, I enjoy listening to music, skating, painting, and coloring.

Berta Molina, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work

Hello!  I am a clinician with a Master’s in Social Work and currently working towards fulfilling the requirements for licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia.

This is my second career. I worked in administrative roles for over 25 years helping nonprofit organizations improve business operations; however, my passion has always been helping families and children. 

My areas of interest include children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional challenges and clients experiencing depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety.  I use an integrative approach to tailor therapy to the needs of the client.  I have experience working with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and I am fluent in Spanish.   

I earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Business Administration from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and a Master’s in Social Work with a clinical concentration from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, day trips, reading and visiting with family and friends.   

Karen Artola 
Executive Assistant BHS

Ashley Duncan
Medication Assistant