Carl Street, Jr., LPC, LSATP, MAC

Assistant Vice President of Programs 

I began my service at Youth For Tomorrow in 1990 holding several positions over a span of fifteen years to include: Residential Shift Supervisor, Substance Abuse Counselor, Assistant Director of Residential Services, and Director of Residential Services. In 2005, I joined Prince William County Community Services as a Mental Health/Substance Abuse Therapist with Drug Offender Recovery Services. Having never forgotten the mission and work of serving youth and families, I returned to Youth For Tomorrow in 2015 and I currently serve as the Director of Behavioral Health Services.

A native from Northern Virginia, I graduated from George Mason University College with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Masters’ degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I am credentialed in the state of Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) and I am certified as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) through NAADAC.

Barry Lawlor, LPC, NCC, DBTC

Senior Clinical Director

My name is Barry Lawlor, LPC, NCC, DBTC.  I have experience in a variety of settings, I have worked for Youth For Tomorrow’s (YFT) Residential Treatment Center serving at risk adolescents and their families for 6 plus years.  From 2012 through 2014 before I returned to YFT I worked as an Intake Therapist for Novant Prince William Medical Center for Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment Unit as well as working in the ER doing emergency assessments. I have done outpatient therapy for brief periods of time throughout my time as a Therapist.  I have clinical experience working with adolescent/adult mental health disorders including: depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, Complex Trauma, physical and sexual abuse, Borderline Personality Disorder. I work primarily with adolescents and adults.

I grew up in the Northern Virginia area and graduated from Regent University with my Masters in Community Counseling in 2005.  I am credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor and I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).  Along with DBT, I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Family Systems as well as using Christ Centered interventions.  I have a heart to work with the Human Trafficking population of the Northern Virginia/Maryland/DC area as this has been a population I have served while in the Residential Program.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, watching baseball, and listening to music.

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.

Catherine Baker, LCSW, RPTS, CTP -  Haymarket Office

Director Haymarket

I have extensive training and experience in providing clinical services to children, adolescents and families.  I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Catholic University of America in 2004 with honors.  I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. 

I hold a License in Clinical Social Work in Virginia.  I am also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor by the Association of Play Therapy and a Certified Trauma Practitioner by the National Institute for Trauma and Loss for Children.  I have specialized training in working with children and adolescents and attachment-related issues.  Prior to entering private practice, I provided services to youth and families in the Child Welfare System.  I have provided services to adults and families who struggle with severe and chronic mental health issues and substance abuse through the Community Services Board.  I also have provided emergency mental health services for Prince William County.  I work with clients to better cope with topics including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, ADHD-related issues, parenting issues, attachment-related problems, adoption/foster care, substance abuse, self-injurious behavior, eating disorders, trauma, and adolescent issues.

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.

Kelley M. Cahoon, M.Ed., LPC. - Haymarket Office

Kelley has worked in a variety of clinical mental health settings since 1997. She has worked in private practice, residential treatment, home-based counseling, and social services. Kelley received her license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in 2002. Kelley has worked with children, adolescents, and adults but specializes in working with at-risk youth and their families as well as with sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors. Kelley works with a variety of mental health diagnoses including anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Adjustment Disorders. Kelley expresses empathy and unconditional positive regard with clients but will appropriately challenge them to work through their identified issues. Therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, expressive therapy, and therapeutic play.

Kelley also has experience as a Clinical Supervisor and has supervised counselors in training to assist them in obtaining their licenses as Licensed Professional Counselors. Kelley uses Biblically-based counseling in conjunction with her education and expertise in helping children, adolescents, and their families.

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.

Kat Perez, LPC - Haymarket Office

My name is Kat Perez, LPC. I have experience working with adults, children, teenagers and families from a variety of different backgrounds with a variety of different therapeutic needs. I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the College of William and Mary in 2009. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. I am credentialed as Licensed Professional Counselor and am currently under supervision for credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist. I utilize a person centered integrated approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychosynthesis and Structural Family Therapy approaches to address my clients’ needs. I have clinical experience working with childhood/adolescent/adult mental health disorders including: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, PTSD, trauma, physical and sexual abuse, ADHD, high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and other mental health disorders that impact clients throughout the lifespan. I have helped individuals and families cope with a variety of issues including divorce, grief and loss, stress, times of transition, anger management, relationship problems, behavioral difficulties in school and social skills. 

Angelia Smiley, LPC - Haymarket Office

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families.  I am a loving mother that continually learns how to set and maintain healthy boundaries while enjoying quality time with her son.  I join with clients to find solutions to issues they are currently facing and focus on creating the best situation tailored for their situation.  I am certified in Solution Focused Therapy which encompasses many schools of psychology to meet each client where they are at various times and during multiple situations in their lives.  I also use Cognitive and Cognitive Behavioral therapy and I am a certified Grief Recovery Specialist.  I have extensive experience and training in crisis intervention, trauma and brain based treatments, traumatic brain injury facts and treatment, biological implications of mental health disorders, and integration of therapeutic approaches. I am a former commissioned officer in the United States Army with excellent therapeutic skills. 

I can work with adults, adolescents and children from age 6 and up by helping individuals function well within their family system by incorporating family systems therapy, educating individuals and their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to help create a home filled with love, healthy boundaries, and fun.  I am well educated in healthy parenting skills, learning disabilities, and cultural differences.  

I grew up in Germany and was born into an Army family and empathizes with individuals new to the DC, Maryland and Virginia area.  I can relate to how adjusting may be difficult for some.  I am a Christian counselor who is open to individuals and families from all cultures and religious backgrounds.

Karen Artola 
Executive Assistant BHS

Ashley Duncan - Manassas Office
Medication Assistant