About Moving Forward, PLC

Dr. Cole founded Moving Forward, PLC, a group private practice in Old Town, Alexandria, in 2007 to help meet the needs of the DMV area by supporting individuals and families through a family systems approach. Moving Forward, PLC has many therapists working as a team to help meet all the needs of clients who walk through 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 develop the best treatment plan for our clients.

Dr. Cole earned her Ph.D. in philosophy with 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, and 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, codependency, depression, grief, and identity. Her individualized, humanistic approach integrates techniques from person-centered, existential, and cognitive behavioral therapies 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 uses 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.

Under the supervision of Dr. Michele Cole, PhD, LCSW.

Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 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. 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.

Under the supervision of Dr. Michele Cole, PhD, LCSW.

Jaime is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with more than fifteen years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families in both school and private practice settings. She earned her master’s degree in counseling from Marymount University and holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Spanish from Ursinus College.

Jaime specializes in anxiety, ADHD, family relationships, and life transitions. She primarily draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused strategies, while also incorporating Play Therapy, mindfulness, and a person-centered approach. Her prior experience working as a school counselor informs her work, allowing her to guide families in understanding school systems and accessing appropriate supports. Jaime values the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful change and is passionate about creating a supportive space where clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped to thrive.

Under the supervision of Aimee Chase, LPC, LPCC, NCC

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Florida. She specializes in treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and has extensive experience working with trauma survivors, brain injury survivors, and combat veterans.

As a military spouse, Rachel has a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. She enjoys supporting the military and veteran community—whether that’s the service member, spouse, or child—as they navigate transitions, deployments, and the complexities of military life.

Rachel also works with women navigating hormonal changes and life transitions, including perinatal and postpartum periods, fertility challenges, and the emotional shifts of motherhood. She is passionate about helping women understand and care for themselves at every stage of life.

As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and Restorative Yoga practitioner, Rachel integrates mindfulness and body-based awareness into her sessions. She works from a Polyvagal-informed lens and enjoys teaching clients about their nervous systems—helping them understand how their bodies respond to stress, threat, and safety cues, and how to regulate more effectively.

Her therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based techniques to support holistic healing, resilience, and 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 are with all ages across the life span, from elementary-aged children to the geriatric population. My most frequently used clinical modalities 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 every day.

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 primarily with students on the Autism Spectrum, and has 2 years of experience in a school setting 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.

Under the supervision of Aimee Chase, LPC, LPCC, NCC

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.

Under the supervision of Aimee Chase, LPC, LPCC, NCC

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, 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 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.

Rachel is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia with experience supporting children, teens, and adults across outpatient, school, and hospital settings. She earned her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech.

Rachel has experience addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, addictions, and social skills. She utilizes a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered strategies, strength-based perspectives, and mindfulness-based techniques. Rachel works with each client to create a personalized goal list and treatment plan. She emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful change and is passionate about creating an environment of trust, empowerment, and growth. Rachel sees the importance of meeting clients where they are and utilizes a holistic and empathetic approach to support clients as they reach their goals.

Under the supervision of Aimee Chase, LPC, LPCC, NCC

Deedra is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work in Virginia with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She specializes in supporting children and young teens who experience anxiety, emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, or difficulty managing frustration and self-regulation. Grounded in Child-Centered Play Therapy, she also integrates EMDR, CBT, and DBT when they best support a child’s growth. Deedra offers parent coaching to help caregivers strengthen connection and co-regulation within the family and strives to create a safe, nurturing space where children can explore their inner world and move toward healing.

Deedra lives in Alexandria with her husband, daughter, and their Chiweenie, Midge. She loves the beach, reading, relaxing, and napping with her Chiweenie. She also enjoys spending time with extended family and friends, sharing meals, and playing games.

Under the supervision of Dr. Michele Cole, PhD, LCSW.

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.

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.