Meet our dedicated and experienced staff who are ready to join you on your journey
Favorite Quote: “This Too Shall Pass”
Dawn O'Meally, MSW, LCSW-C, P.A. - Owner, Mental health Therapist
Meet Dawn. In 2013, she founded The Counseling Center for Change. Dawn has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1988 and has worked in private practice since 1995. Prior to going into private practice, she worked for Way Station, Inc. then went on to work for Sheppard Pratt as a Program Director for Mobile Treatment and Geriatric Services Team. After leaving Sheppard Pratt, she worked in the Emergency Department at Carroll Hospital Center and Frederick Memorial Hospital doing psychiatric evaluations.
When not spending an abundance of time seeing patience and developing group programs, as well as growing the The Counseling Center for Change practice, she enjoys her family time with her husband, children and grandchildren. Dawn loves traveling, hiking, kayaking, baking and relaxing while pinning away on Pinterest. Dawn is a proud graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work. Dawn is passionate and committed to ongoing professional development and education. One of her heroes is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. “His impassioned speech, ‘I Have A Dream’ as well as his work, has been inspirational to me throughout my career and my life.” Her ultimate hero is Jesus Christ, the author of Love. She is a committed person to her faith.
Favorite Quote: "It always seems impossible until it's done"
donna Chioke-Colbert, MSW-LCSW-C - Mental health therapist /Psychotherapist
Meet Donna. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2004 and clinically licensed since 2007. Has worked as a case manager, therapist, and a residential program director. Served those living with HIV, as well as the LGBTQ IA populations, as well the medically ill, including the homeless. She has experience working with children and families in the foster care system.
Donna enjoys her family time, loves yoga, investing and tries to do her best Georgia O’Keeffe impression by painting the numbers. Donna is a graduate from Yeshiva University where she earned a Masters in Social Work. A sincere believer in the dignity and worth of all people, her faith in God gives her love for balance in life. Donna’s hero is her late mother, who says, “exemplified the aforementioned values and taught me to love and respect people of all backgrounds. She lived her values even when it was not easy and held on to her faith in God and the power of love all the days of her life. She was an ordinary person who lived an extraordinary life.”
Favorite Quote: It is in our humanity that our greatest strengths lie. Perfectionism is a myth. The truest compliment I can get is to see someone embrace who they are.
Danielle Melbouci, LCPC, MA, MS - Mental Health Therapist
Meet Danielle. She has been in private practice for 12 years, but has an extensive background in clinical and mental therapy. Danielle has worked in community mental health, addictions, pre/post abortion counseling/women’s health, assisted living and skilled nursing care and hospital trauma.
In her free time, Danielle is a librarian/bibliophile at heart because she always finds herself reading…a lot! She also enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, writing and sketching. Danielle also learns from the best therapist in her family, who has fur and four legs—her dog. She has two masters degrees, one in Nutrition, the other in Contemplative Psychotherapy. Her heroes are Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. because “they stood in peace and strength against enormous adversity and this ripple was felt worldwide.”
Carole Shelton - MSW, LCSW-C - Therapist
Meet Carole. With over 30-years of of Clinical Social Work in diverse environments with multiple different populations of needs. She has worked in private practice, governmental, and federal level industry of social work.
Like Amphitrite, the goddess of water, Carole too finds herself boating, swimming, fishing, and watching water activities in her free time. She enjoys family time and spiritual building. What drives her are Commitment, Honesty and Gratitude. “I love to bring joy to others, help them grow and move on toward better things. I want to touch every person's life in a positive way.” Her hero is Jesus because she is of Christian faith.
Braedyn Resh, MA, LGPC, CFLE-P - Mental Health Therapist
Favorite Quote: “The quality of all of our relationships is a direct function of our relationship to ourselves.”
Meet Braedyn. A mental health therapist, who graduated from Messiah University where she earned her LGPC. Braedyn also received her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Science, minoring in Counseling/Pre-therapy.
Born and raised in Maryland, she is loves being active by spending time at the beach in the summer and slopes in the winter. Braedyn, a former collegiate volleyball player also coaches and plays. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they love to travel, garden, have bonfires/go camping, and stargaze. Her hero is The Lord is my ultimate hero in my life as he “has created life and love and has unwavering forgiveness and admiration for his creation.”
Laurie Edmond - LCSW-C - Therapist
Favorite quote: “Be bold, be brave enough to be your true self.”
Laurie who attended Virginia Commonwealth University is a LCSW/LCSW-C who has varied and extensive clinical experience. She has worked for over 25 years in the community Mental health sector in areas that included Substance use treatment/Dual diagnosis with a diverse population. Laurie believes that each person is worthy of respect and understanding. She enjoys helping others develop insight and new skills to sustain change.
In her spare time, Laurie enjoys reading, music and dancing. She also enjoys good conversation, video games, singing and relaxing in nature. Laurie has embarked on a mission of lifelong learning.
Dana Sentz - Administrative Assistant
Favorite Quote: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Meet Dana. A 7-year member of the Counseling Center for Change. She works with all of the therapists by keeping a full schedule for them. The swiss-army knife of the company, Dana schedules appointments, verifies insurances, obtains pre-authorizations, proofreads Bariatric Reports, confirm appointments and does payroll.
Dana enjoys weekend drives with her husband and spending time with her two boys. Her hero is her late brother, who she said, “Put others before himself always.”
