Lead Clinical Team

Lindsay Scharfstein, Ph.D., she/her, Director

Hi! I’m a licensed Clinical Psychologist and founder of Rockville Therapy Center. It's been an honor to support kids, families, and schools impacted by Selective Mutism—helping incredible and dedicated families build confidence and communication skills. Since 2019, I’ve brought Confident Kids Camp DC Metro to life, where our motto is Using Fun to Override the Fear. We help kids face challenges, grow brave, and have fun doing it! When I’m not at camp or sessions, I'm rock climbing, hiking, and spending time with loved ones. I can’t wait for camp this summer!

Adelia Sabintsev Psy.D., she/her, Younger Classroom Teacher

Hello! I specialize in treating selective mutism, as well as other childhood anxiety disorders and ADHD, and I am deeply passionate about increasing awareness and understanding of Selective Mutism. I am PCIT and PCIT-SM certified and have created PCIT-SM comic strips to help professionals, educators, and families learn about Selective Mutism in a fun, approachable way. I am honored and SO excited to be participating in my sixth camp, where brave children truly blossom!

Melissa Ruiz, ED.S., NCSP, she/her, Teacher and Parent Educator

Hello! I am a school psychologist in Montgomery County Public Schools. I obtained my master's and Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Lehigh University and am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. My interests include early intervention, positive psychology, response to intervention, and social-emotional learning. I enjoy time with my family, being outdoors, crafting, and reading. Excited to join the camp again, I look forward to the magic that camp brings as a Teacher and Parent Educator!

Daniela Nogales, LCPC she/her, Teacher 

Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) at Kentlands Psychotherapy in Gaithersburg, MD, specializing in supporting children with anxiety and selective mutism. I’m certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and PCIT for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM), and I use play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness to help children feel understood, build confidence, and develop effective coping skills. This is my second year at camp, and I’m so thrilled to be back! Outside of work, I enjoy tennis, reading, traveling, concerts and musicals, and spending time with family and friends.

Specialists

Frances Cooke, M.A., she/her, Special Programs Coordinator

Hi! I am a rising 4th-year Clinical Psychology PhD student at Catholic University, focusing on youth mental health and chronic illness. My clinical training has pertained to treatment of anxiety disorders and adjustment to complex or chronic medical conditions. I enjoy book club, new recipes, and sing and play guitar. I'm thrilled for my 5th year as the Special Programs Coordinator of the Junior Counselor Program and Community Guests, which combines my passion for psychology with my enthusiasm for helping youth. I look forward to another amazing summer at camp!

Chloë Levin, LMSW-C, she/her, Clinical Associate

Hi! I earned my masters in clinical social work and Certificate in Trauma Practice from Simmons School of Social Work in Boston. I practice as a LCSW-C in an elementary school-based setting through EveryMind, a Maryland mental health non-profit. Using cognitive behavioral therapy with art, play, and sandtray therapies, I support you with anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, ADHD, and Selective Mutism. I enjoy crafting, cooking, being active, and music. I've been a camp counselor twice, a younger classroom teacher in 2023, and have since served as a Camp Clinical Associate!

Joanna Moskalis, M.P.S., she/her, Camp Coordinator

Hello! I earned a master's degree at University of Maryland and will be a 2nd year Psy.D student at Hartford’s Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology. I served as a research assistant at UMD's Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab and Comprehensive Assessment and Intervention Program Lab and assisted in children's group therapy with the Resiliency Builder Program. I enjoy walking my dog Sunny, home projects, reading, working out, and gardening. I've been a volunteer, teacher, and am excited to be part of camp again as the Camp Coordinator!

Meredith Polsky, LCSW-C, M.S.Ed., she/her, Alumni and Parent Educator

Hi! I've taught at Confident Kids Camp for 4 camps! As a licensed clinical social worker and special educator, I specialize in working with children and teens with Selective Mutism, a passion that emerged when my own children were diagnosed with SM as preschoolers. I am co-author of the I Have a Question children’s book series, which helps children and their caregivers grapple with challenging life transitions. In my spare time I love to read, run, do yoga, and spend quality time with my family (which usually involves great TV)!

Volunteer Counselors

Meet the Confident Kids Camp DC Metro Camp 2026 Team

Julianne (Julie) Burroughs

Hi! I am a Behavioral Research Scientist with Johns Hopkins University, primarily working in Human Factors Engineering. I received by BS in Psychology from UMBC and my MS in Biomedical Engineering from JHU. I am passionate about considering the whole self and leveraging best practices from Psychology and Engineering to advance clinical practice. In my free time, I love to read, do a needlepoint craft, and do pottery! I look forward to meeting everyone at camp!

Catherine Cai

Hi! My name is Catherine and I am a rising senior at Urbana High School. I am interested in pursuing a BSN along with a minor in psych or neuroscience but I also dabble with a little bit of biomed on the side! Some things I enjoy doing include: playing volleyball, taking walks, and indulging myself in my Spotify playlists. I am so excited to meet everyone this summer at camp!

Melia Carswell

Hi! I’m Melia, a Masters student at the University of Maryland studying Clinical Psychology. I have worked with youth with diverse needs as both a camp counselor and a childcare worker. In my free time, I love to hike, read, and travel. I am over the moon to help make this program a wonderful experience!

Sarah Cimini (She/her/hers)

Hi! My name is Sarah and I am a third-year PhD student in the Clinical-Community program at George Washington University. My clinical and research interests focus on bettering the lives of children and families. I have worked with children with a variety of mental health challenges and have a particular passion for helping children with selective mutism. In my free time, I like to run, read, and crochet! Can’t wait for camp!

Ryan Dalton (He/him/his)

Hi! My name is Ryan Dalton, and I am a rising freshman at Villanova University, where I will be majoring in psychology. I have experience in working with children and have assisted in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In my free time I like to walk my dog, listen to music and watch sports. I'm looking forward to return to camp this summer!

Ellis DeJardin

Hello! My name is Ellis DeJardin, and I'm a first-year PhD student in the Clinical-Community Psychology program at George Washington University. My current clinical and research interests focus on developing accessible, practical interventions for social anxiety. Before grad school, I spent three years working with neurodivergent youth at the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In my free time, I enjoy going for runs, visiting art museums, and cooking for my friends and family!

Aurelio Del Pino

Hello! I'm a high school student and Good Counsel Basketball Camp coach focused on helping kids build confidence, teamwork, and basketball skills. I’m interested in mentoring youth and growing as a leader. I enjoy playing basketball and staying active. I’m excited to meet campers and create a fun, supportive camp experience!

Mitch Engle (He/him/his)

Hello there! My name is Mitch, I am a first year masters student at Georgetown University, studying philosophy and psychology. I take a particular interest in working with grief, depression, and couples. I love to explore my surroundings, read, write, and play video games. I am delighted to meet everyone for another awesome week of camp!

Callie Ganginis

Hello! I am a school psychologist in Montgomery County Public Schools. My professional interests include social-emotional learning, crisis prevention and intervention, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Outside of work, I love hiking, reading, and spending time with my family! I am really looking forward to being a part of camp this summer!

Nicole Herman

Hello! I am a rising 3rd-year Clinical Psychology PhD student at Catholic University and am interested in the intersection between neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, and internalizing symptomatology. Outside of school, I enjoy listening to podcasts, playing tennis, and spending time with my cat Winnie. I grew up going to summer camp, and am looking forward to joining Confidence Kids Camp for my first summer as a volunteer counselor!

Sarah King

Hi! I am a rising third-year clinical psychology doctoral student at GW, and I'm passionate about supporting children and adolescents in both clinical and non-clinical settings. I have previous experience in school, community mental health, group practice, and hospital settings. I love playing ultimate frisbee, going on walks, and cooking in my free time. I am excited to meet everyone at camp this summer!

Liana Klin

Hi! I’m Liana, a rising third-year Psy.D. student in Clinical Psychology at George Washington University. I earned my BS in Psychology from Tulane and worked for two years as a behavior technician at the Tulane Center for Autism and Related Disorders. I’m especially interested in supporting children with developmental differences and increasing access to care. I enjoy tennis, exploring new places and foods around DC, and spending time with friends. I’m excited to be part of camp this summer!

Chloe Little

Hi! I'm Chloe, and I am a second-year undergraduate at the University of Maryland, College Park! I am interested in anxiety, OCD, and related disorders, and am applying to PsyD programs this fall. Outside of school/work, I enjoy playing piano and writing. I can't wait to work with all of our campers!

Alex Maloney

Hi! My name is Alex and I am an undergraduate student-athlete at Villanova University majoring in Psychology and minoring in education. My hobbies include reading, outdoor activities, travel, and playing lacrosse! I've worked with kids in various capacities over the years and I cannot wait to build new friendships at The Confident Kids Camp this summer!

Zeynep Mannix

Hello! I am Zeynep, originally from Turkey and a final-year Master of Social Work student at George Mason University. I bring diverse professional experience with Doctors Without Borders, several United Nations agencies, Child Advocacy Center, and a residential center for adults with complex mental health challenges. My interest in SM is both professional and personal—after my daughter was diagnosed with SM at three, working with an SM expert was a life-changing for our family. I am passionate about giving back to families who are going through a similar process.

Leelas Minkara

Hi, I’m Leelas Minkara, a Psychology major with a minor in Health Studies at the University of Richmond. I currently work as a research assistant in a lab on campus. In my free time, I love going on walks, trying new workout classes, and spending time with friends. I’m really excited to be part of Confident Kids Camp and to meet new people!

Mayaan Mizrahi

Hi, my name is Maayan. I am a rising third-year PsyD student at the George Washington University. I earned my B.S. in Psychology and a certificate in the Visual Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, baking new recipes, and being outside in nature. I am so excited to join the team at Confident Kids Camp this summer!

Roxanne (Roxy) Odiorne

Hi y'all! My name is Roxy, and I am a rising fourth year doctoral student in the School Psychology PhD program at University of Maryland. I received my B.S. in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development from TCU in Fort Worth, TX. During my graduate work, I've worked with students ages 4-21, but I have a particular affinity for working with kids with selective mutism. I love to read, cross-stitch, and spend time with friends or my cat. So excited for camp this summer!

Nneka Okoli

I'm Nneka and a rising 3rd year doctoral student at George Washington University studying clinical psychology. My interest include maternal mental health and the intersection of racial disparities in healthcare and public policy. Outside of my studies, I am a yoga instructor, doula, and amateur piano player. This will be my first summer with the Confident Kids Camp and looking forward to joining the team!

Erika Pelzer

Hello! I am a rising 3rd-year doctoral student in clinical psychology at The George Washington University. The focus of my clinical experience has been focused on trauma-informed care and meeting clients where they are on their therapeutic journey. When I am not in school, I enjoy movement such as hiking, dancing, and yoga. I am excited to support and meet everyone in camp this summer!

Julia Pfluger

Hello! I am a rising second year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at George Washington University. I received my B.S in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Northeastern University and had the privilege of serving as an undergraduate counselor implementing evidence based care for children with ADHD, anxiety, and other related challenges. Outside of school, I love to read, bake, and explore new places. I can't wait to meet everyone at camp this summer!

Gabriella (Gaby) Rodriguez

Hi! I’m Gaby, a rising third-year doctoral student in clinical psychology at George Washington University. I earned my BA from Duke University and completed master’s training at New York University, where I brought mindfulness-based practices to children in schools. I’m passionate about supporting youth with anxiety. I love yoga, hiking, and time with loved ones. I am thrilled to join the Confident Kids Camp team this summer and look forward to meeting everyone!

Romy Sobol

Hi! My name is Romy and I am a Doctoral student at George Washington University. I earned my B.A in Psychology at Reichman University, and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. In my free time, I enjoy reading, dancing, and traveling to new places! I look forward to meeting all the kids and volunteering at Camp this season!

Marcus Sullivan

Hello! I am a Psy D student at the George Washington University. My clinical interests and experiences center around anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. My hobbies include traveling and reading. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Victoria Vieira

Hi! My name is Victoria and I am a second year Clinical Psychology Psy.D. student at George Washington University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Florida. I have had the opportunity to work closely with children navigating behavioral and emotional challenges across various settings. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and dog, and exploring DC. I am so excited for Confident Kids Camp this summer and can’t wait to meet all of you!

Zhaoyan Wei

Hi, I am a doctoral student in clinical psychology at George Washington University. I have prior experience as a therapist in China and have worked with children and adolescents with behavioral challenges, ADHD, and ASD. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and exploring new places. I am excited to support children at Camp and be part of a caring and collaborative team.

Maggie Weisblum

Hi! My name is Maggie and I am a first-year PhD student at George Washington University's Clinical-Community program. I received my B.S. from Haverford College. My clinical and research interests focus on how social factors—connectedness and loneliness—contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathology. I enjoy reading and all kinds of crafting, especially knitting and sewing. So excited for camp!

Hi! I am Cedric Williams, a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Howard University. I have a BSc in psychology from Black Hills State University and Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. I completed assessments with clients, formulated tailored care plans, and guided them through medical systems. I enjoy reading, hiking, and photography. I am excited to grow with the campers this summer!

Jin Zhang

Hi! I’m Jin, a second-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) program at George Washington University, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, and a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist. I have work with young children and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and ADHD. I enjoy hiking, reading, and building LEGO sets. I am excited to be part of the camp and look forward to meeting everyone.

Andi Zhu

Hi! My name is Andi and I am a second-year PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at George Washington University. My research and clinical work is mainly around children and parents with anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences. I have worked with many families dealing with internalizing problems. Outside of school, I enjoy climbing, traveling, and exploring new restaurants! Very excited to meet all of the campers!

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