Find the therapist that best suits your needs.
Jeanne Johnson, LCPC
OWNER & FOUNDER, SUPERVISOR
I am the Owner & Founder of Healing HMS (Hearts, Minds, & Souls). I am a faith-based, down to earth, New Orleans Native, Hurricane Katrina Survivor, whose profession chose me. In addition to being a Licensed Maryland Clinical Counselor, I am also a Maryland State Certified Clinical Supervisor who oversees and trains the clinical team who are all equipped with their own unique strengths and specialties that serves to benefit our clients. I am currently a doctoral student pursing my Psy.D in clinical psychology to enhance my therapeutic, leadership, and supervisory skills, which will help expand and sharpen the therapeutic services at Healing HMS, LLC.
Barbara Pulgar, LCSW-C
CLINICAL DIRECTOR & SUPERVISOR
I am a bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C), who is from Quito, Ecuador, and I came to the US with my family when I was 6 years old. My areas of expertise are working with adults who have experienced trauma (trained in TF-CBT, CPT, ART, and EMDR) and working to help children and their families heal from their collective traumas (trained in PCIT, Child-Centered Play Therapy, and Sand Tray). As a proud mother of a 16-year-old, I also enjoy supporting parents navigate parenthood. For many years, I have delivered mental health services in both direct practice and management, as well as in supervisory roles in non-profit settings across various counties in the tri-state area.
I graduated from the University of MD School of Social Work in 2005 with a dual concentration in Children and Family-Clinical and Management and Community Organizing. I have experience working in non-profit settings, in various schools, and community-based clinics, where I worked with troubled youth, low-income families, asylum seekers, and individuals who were victims of various types of traumas. In the private sector, I worked as a psychotherapist with clients ranging from 3 years old to 90 years old from all backgrounds and SES. I was trained to complete evaluations for patients in pursuit of gender affirming treatments and bariatric surgeries.
Jamila McKinney, LCPC
LEAD THERAPIST I
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland . I am a spirit-filled, culturally sensitive mental health professional committed to serving a broad spectrum of individuals, families, couples, and groups of all ages, religious affiliations, education levels, and sexual/gender identities. I use various therapeutic approaches to assist and support those working through childhood trauma, co-dependency, abandonment/attachment issues, church hurt/spiritual character assassination, depression, addictions, communication problems, trauma, and marital problems (heterosexual/same-sex couples). I also assist with reframing issues, evaluating life options, coaching, and resolving interpersonal conflicts (at work or home) that are stealing your peace and psychological wellness. Let's work together to uncover the stumbling blocks preventing you from reaching your goals, building healthier relationships, and stopping you from having a fulfilled and authentic life.
Ashanti Wheatley, LGPC
LEAD THERAPIST II
I am a faith-based, New Orleans native who earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. I am the child of parents who are both Veterans, and I have an interest working with the Veteran population. Additionally, I have a background in both psychology and athletics, with personal experience as a former Division 1 college athlete and professional baseball player, which equipped me with valuable skills in teamwork and the needed resilience when faced with the pressures that come with being an athlete. I am equally passionate about helping adults and children work through challenges related to anxiety, depression, abandonment/attachment issues, trauma, religion/spirituality hurts, and navigating complex interpersonal relationships.
My foundation in therapy is Person-Centered, which has a heavy focus on building rapport and fostering a safe environment that will cultivate healthy communication with my clients. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based approaches, Integrative therapy, and Talk Therapy, to tailor my interventions to meet everyone’s unique needs. I find fulfillment in witnessing breakthroughs and empowering my clients to achieve their personal therapeutic goals. My commitment to the philosophy "I am because we are" drives my dedication to not only my personal growth as a clinician but also the growth of those around me. I look forward to working together towards your goals and assisting in enhancing your overall well-being.
Latonya Rose, LCSW-C
LEAD THERAPIST I
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Certified (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland, and I’m honored to be a part of your healing journey. I have experience working with pre-teens, teens, adults, and couples. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a strong emphasis on identifying and building upon your unique strengths. Together, we’ll explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and how we can shift patterns that no longer serve you. I believe that you are the expert of your lived experiences, and my role is to support your healing, self-discovery, and meaning-making as we work collaboratively toward the change you desire. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you feel supported and empowered. While I offer compassion and understanding, I will gently challenge you when needed—because growth often happens outside of our comfort zones. I look forward to walking alongside you as you move toward a more healed, hopeful version of yourself.
Tenesha Hart, LMSW
LEAD THERAPIST II
I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in both Maryland and Washington, DC, and I earned my Master of Social Work from Howard University. I am a native Washingtonian, a single mother, and I currently work full time as a school counselor within the DC school system, where I provide therapeutic services to adolescents, teens, and their families. As a single mother raising a son and someone who grew up in the DC area, I have a deep understanding of the unique pressures that individuals face as they navigate work, school, relationships, and daily responsibilities. I bring this lived experience into the therapy space, meeting clients with cultural sensitivity, compassion, patience, and respect. Whether someone is feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of a safe space to talk and process, my goal is to help clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.
My approach to therapy is integrated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based strategies, trauma-informed care, and talk therapy as I tailor each session to meet the needs of each client. I find it deeply rewarding to support clients as they gain insight, build effective coping skills, and move toward healthier, more balanced lives. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I look forward to working together to support healing, growth, and overall well-being.
Arnita Patterson, LGPC
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
I am an Ohio native, Airforce Veteran, and proud mother who is a Maryland Board-Certified Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. I have over 15 years of experience in various roles in the helping profession. I have a background in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), addictions, mediation, couples & families, adults, and adolescents. I am passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of all forms of relationships. Additionally, I am working toward specializing in sex therapy.
I have the experience, both professional and personal, to assist you in reaching your therapeutic goals, and I can offer you a safe and non-judgmental place to work through your life’s challenges. We will work on those challenges together in our sessions in a collaborative and supportive way to ensure our time together is productive. I have a holistic style of therapy that involves me pulling from various cognitive and behavioral therapies to tailor a plan that best fits your therapeutic needs.
Angel Mason, BA
MASTERS LEVEL INTERN
Hello! I’m currently a graduate student at Bowie State University, pursuing my Master’s in Counseling Psychology, which I expect to complete in Spring 2026. I’m excited to join the Healing HMS team as a practicing intern as part of my educational journey.
I’m a proud Washington, D.C. native with a strong passion for social justice and equality. My professional background includes leadership experience working with students across multiple schools in the greater D.C. area, where I provided group therapy and case management services. I’ve also worked directly with high school students, supporting their academic, college, and career goals in various capacities.
I genuinely enjoy working with people and am eager to expand my therapeutic skills with individuals of all ages and mental health needs. I'm honored to be part of your healing journey and look forward to supporting you with empathy, respect, and care.
Javrey benjamin, BA
MASTERS LEVEL INTERN
I am a Caribbean native raised in the vibrant city of New York. I am currently a graduate student at Alabama State University, pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an anticipated completion date of Fall 2027.
I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals as they heal from trauma, abuse, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, complicated grief, and the challenges of everyday life. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Person-Centered Therapy, with a strong emphasis on unconditional positive regard. This means that you are the priority in each session, and I show up with genuine care, complete acceptance, and a nonjudgmental presence.
I am eager to continue expanding my clinical skills while working with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, identities, orientations, and walks of life. It is a profound honor to be entrusted with your healing journey. Thank you for choosing to begin this process with me and the Healing HMS team. I look forward to walking alongside you and collaborating to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
Dayla Tucker, LGSW
LEAD THERAPIST II
I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) born and raised in Washington, DC, with a deep allegiance to support children, adolescents, adults, and families in the community. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bowie State University and my Master of Social Work from Fordham University. I currently serve as a school social worker within the DCPCS school system, where I work closely with students and their families to address academic, social, and emotional needs.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered and collaborative. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strengths-Based practices to help clients build practical coping skills while recognizing their resilience and strengths. I have experience working with individuals navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, anger management challenges, childhood trauma, and identity-related concerns. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and affirming space where my clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow, heal, and thrive.