About Moving Forward, PLC

Dr. Cole founded Moving Forward, PLC, a group private practice in Old Town, Alexandria in 2007 to help to meet the needs of the DMV area to support individuals and families; based on a family systems approach. Moving Forward, PLC has many therapists working as a team to help meet all the needs of clients who walk in the door. The team at Moving Forward is highly skilled and trained to work with individuals, couples, families and groups. The team collectively has over 100 years of experience to help find the best treatment plan for helping effectively treat our clients.

Dr. Cole earned her Ph.D. in philosophy with a distinction in clinical social work in 2020 successfully defending her dissertation on children and young adults from divorced families; her dissertation is linked here. While also holding several other degrees: MSW, BSW and BS. She is currently a clinical supervisor in the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University (GMU). In addition to Dr. Cole’s work providing clinical supervision and teaching, she enjoys running a team practice, and conducting individual, Couples, Family and Group therapy.
In the past she has conducted school observations to help parents and school administrators best accommodate children and adolescents with special needs. Further, she has reviewed and advocated to school appointed Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams. Dr. Cole has significant experience in working with issues relating to anxiety, separation/divorce, trauma, depression, social skills, addictions, grief, anger management, compulsive behaviors (OCD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and tourette’s syndrome. The primary modalities used are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, Exposure and Response Therapy (ERP), Strengths Based Perspective, Family Systems Theory to name a few.

Dr. Cole is currently a Professor at George Mason University teaching Group Dynamics (how to run a group) as well as Building Knowledge for Helping Professionals, Human Behavior in The Social Environment I and Methods of Intervention in Social Work. past Adjunct Professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey teaching Human Behavior in the Social Environment – Theory; Adjunct Professor in the MSW program at The Catholic University of America teaching Human Development and Psychopathology (2 semesters), Clinical Social Work with Adults (5 semesters), and Trauma Informed Care.

Licensed Clinical Supervisor For The Virginia Counseling Association, Licensed In Virginia And California. Aimee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and California, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a licensed clinical supervisor for the Virginia Counseling Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sewanee and dual master’s degrees in Legal & Forensic Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. Aimee has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings, addressing concerns like anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief, and identity. Her holistic, person-centered approach integrates attachment theory, existentialism, and CBT to help clients explore, heal, and grow with compassion and purpose.

Group Coordinator Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with a Master of Social Work from the Catholic University of America and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications from the University of Denver. She has experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and complex family dynamics. Mary utilizes treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. Trained in trauma-informed care, EMDR, and Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), she is dedicated to helping clients create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

Kayla is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Virginia with a bachelor’s degree from Hope College and a Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University. She has experience providing individual and group therapy to adolescents, focusing on trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship-building. Currently working under the supervision of Dr. Michele Cole, Kayla specializes in Trauma-Informed Care, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her person-centered approach creates a safe, supportive space for clients to build coping skills, self-regulation, and emotional resilience.

Lauren is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Virginia with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in school, inpatient, and child welfare settings, addressing issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and life transitions. Currently a Social Work Resident under the supervision of Dr. Michele Cole, Lauren uses a range of approaches including Play Therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and takes a holistic, empathetic approach to help clients reach their personal goals.

Jaime is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in school settings. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from Marymount University and a bachelor’s in Sociology and Spanish from Ursinus College. Jaime takes a person-centered, eclectic approach, drawing from CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, and mindfulness to meet each client’s unique needs. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where individuals can process challenges, build emotional resilience, and grow through counseling.

Licensed In Virginia, New Jersey, South Carolina, And Florida

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Florida and a certified clinical anxiety treatment provider (CCATP). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, and has experience working with brain injury survivors, veterans, and adolescents. A Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) and Restorative Yoga practitioner, Rachel integrates mindfulness and psychotherapy to support holistic healing. Her therapeutic approach draws from CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based techniques to help clients grow and achieve lasting change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Virginia. My undergraduate degree is from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and my Masters degree in Social Work is from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Having worked in the mental health field for over 30 years I have experience in a wide variety of community, inpatient, outpatient and private practice settings. My interest and experience is with all ages across the life span from elementary aged children to the geriatric population. My clinical modalities most frequently are CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Insight Oriented Therapy and Family Systems Theory to name a few. I live in Alexandria, VA, love nature, live with my family and three dogs and enjoy how they make me laugh everyday.

Liz is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned her Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska. Liz has been an educator for over a decade working especially with students on the Autism Spectrum and has two years of experience working in a school setting with children and adolescents as a school counselor. Liz has worked with individual students as well as groups on issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and general executive dysfunction, OCD, family and life changes, emotional regulation, social skills, and conflict in friendships and relationships. Her approach to counseling is person-centered and strengths-based, emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship and unconditional positive regard for the client. She integrates several evidence-based practices into her sessions including Solution-focused therapy techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy. Liz is passionate about helping her clients use their strengths and inner resilience to achieve their mental health goals, cultivate hope for change, and foster thoughts and behaviors conducive to holistic well-being.

Board Approved Clinical Supervisor For The Virginia Board Of Social Work

Ali Meyer, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certified in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, with over 20 years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Ohio University and a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Ali specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning differences, and life transitions using approaches like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness. Known for her patient and compassionate approach, she collaborates closely with clients and their families to create meaningful, personalized treatment plans.

Leeann Veatch is a Virginia-based Resident therapist who empowers clients to navigate life transitions, overcome challenges, and foster lasting growth. She takes a compassionate, integrative approach using evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR. Leeann is also Gottman Level 1-trained and experienced in working with trauma, relationships, and diverse client needs across various life stages. With advanced degrees in mental health counseling and a person-centered philosophy, she creates a safe, supportive space for healing and meaningful change.

Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with extensive experience working with families, adolescents, and young men across hospital and outpatient settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University and a master’s from Marymount University. Nicole uses a person-centered, holistic approach that considers each client’s environment, relationships, and family systems, incorporating methods like Motivational Interviewing, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She is passionate about helping clients build self-worth and believes in meeting each individual where they are to support meaningful growth.

Bianca is a counseling intern under the supervision of Dr. Michele Cole, Ph.D., LCSW. She is in the Counseling Program at George Mason University, where she is completing her final year before earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Georgetown University. Bianca also graduated high school from Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School.

Bianca is passionate about holistic well-being and is dedicated to helping others build lives rooted in hope and resilience, even in the face of adversity. She believes that therapy is a collaborative space where clients can reconnect with their inner strength, develop healthier thought and behavioral patterns, and feel seen without judgment.

Her approach to counseling is person-centered, strengths-based, and humanistic, with an emphasis on seeing and supporting the client as a whole person. She also integrates evidence-based practices, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused techniques, to support meaningful and lasting change.

Bianca has a particular interest in working with children, adolescents, and young adults navigating anxiety, OCD, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-worth

Indiana is a proud mom of two with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance. With a love for organization and a natural eye for efficiency, she’s passionate about streamlining systems and keeping things running smoothly. She brings professionalism and a heart for helping others and is always ready to support her team in any way she can. Behind the scenes, Indiana plays a dependable role—jumping in wherever needed to keep things organized.

Francis holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from George Mason University and has a strong background in independent consulting and the private sector. She previously served as VP of Community Events on the PTA board at Stratford Landing Elementary and worked as a Senior Consultant at BDO, supporting commercial and government clients. Originally from Nicaragua, she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, three children, and their dog. Francis is excited to contribute her expertise to Moving Forward, PLC, and is passionate about supporting a team that makes a meaningful impact in the community.