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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.

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.

Mayra C. Cardenas, LPC, NCC - Woodbridge Office

I am currently a Resident in Counseling (RIC) here at Youth For Tomorrow and am under supervision to obtain my CSAC and LPC. I graduated from Argosy University in 2016 with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health and received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology/ minor in Biology from George Mason University in 2012. I completed my internships in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS) working with adults as well as the Merrifield Adolescent Day Treatment Program. I have experience as a home-based counselor working with families and individuals and have worked with Arlington  County Juvenile Courts in a girls' program with teenagers on probation. I am bilingual and speak Spanish fluently. Throughout these experiences I have led and co-facilitated various groups to include: anger management, stress reduction, healthy relationships, substance abuse and conflict resolution. My approach in counseling lies heavily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques. 

 A little more about me (outside of work): I have resided in Northern Virginia practically my whole life. I enjoy travelling and being in nature (except in Winter--not a big fan of the cold). I listen to music whenever possible and am a lover of the arts! I have a large immediate family and enjoy spending time with them as much as possible as well as time with my black lab, Ace. When I need some alone/quiet time I enjoy reading, watching movies, and yoga. 

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 excited and honored to be serving clients at the Woodbridge office of Youth for Tomorrow as a Resident in Counseling (RIC) working toward obtaining my LPC. I graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2017, earning my Masters of Education (M.Ed) in Counseling and 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, Communication Skills, Anxiety, ADHD, 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, reading poetry, and watching movies.

Karen Artola 
Executive Assistant BHS

Ashley Duncan
Medication Assistant