Meet the Confident Kids Camp DC Metro Team
Camp Leaders
Camp Leaders
Lindsay
Scharfstein, Ph.D.
Camp Director, CKC- DC
Dr. Scharfstein is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Founder of the Rockville Therapy Center LLC. I am proud to bring the Confident Kids Camp for Selective Mutism to the DC metro area since 2019! Our DC Metro camp motto is Using Fun to Override the Fears that children and families coping with Selective Mutism face. I offer practical, personalized, and collaborative care. Outside of work, I enjoy rocking climbing, hiking, outdoor events, and spending time with family, friends, and my dog! As you all already know, I cannot wait for camp!
Adelia Sabintsev Psy.D.
Younger Classroom Teacher
Hello! I am a licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Doctor Adelia, LLC, a private practice in the Baltimore area. I specialize in working with children with anxiety disorders (including Selective Mutism, Separation Anxiety, and Specific Phobias) and ADHD. I am deeply committed to raising awareness and educating others about Selective Mutism, and I have created PCIT-SM comic strips to offer straightforward psycho-education about Selective Mutism to professionals, educators, and adults. During my free time, I love to spend time with my husband and two daughters. I also enjoy pickleball, hiking, and traveling. I am honored to be a part of my 5th Confident Kids Camp! It is both a joy and an honor to participate in a camp where brave children blossom, have fun, and gain confidence!
Meredith Polsky,
LMSW, M.S.Ed.
Older Classroom Teacher
Hi! I'm excited to be teaching at Confident Kids Camp for the 4th time! 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 watching great TV)!
Chloe Levin, LMSW
Camp Clinical Associate
As a licensed clinical social worker in Montgomery County, I provide child and family therapy to elementary-school-age children and their caregivers. I earned my masters in clinical social work and Certificate in Trauma Practice from Simmons School of Social Work in Boston, and I currently practice as a LCSW-C in a school-based setting through EveryMind, a mental health non-profit in Maryland. I use cognitive behavioral therapy in combination with art, play, and sandtray therapies to support children with anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, ADHD, and Selective Mutism. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, cooking, being active, and listening to music. I have had the pleasure of serving as a counselor at Confident Kids Camp twice, and most recently as a younger classroom teacher last summer. I am so excited to join camp this year as a Clinical Associate!
Frances Cooke
Special Programs Coordinator
Hi! I am a first-year clinical psychology PhD student at Catholic University, with a focus on youth mental health and chronic illness. In my spare time I participate in a book club, explore the farmer's market, and play guitar. I’m thrilled to return to camp for my fourth year, and serve the role of Special Programs Coordinator!
Volunteer Counselors
Meet the Confident Kids Camp DC Metro Camp 2023 Team
Phuong Bach
Hi, I’m Phuong! I earned my Master’s in Counseling at University of Pennsylvania and am a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student at George Washington University. I have provided psychotherapy and assessments for adults and children in hospital, community mental health, and school settings. In my free time, I enjoy writing poetry, doing yoga, and trying new cuisines. I’m excited to get to know everyone at Camp!
Maegan Barber
Hello! My name is Maegan Barber, a rising 4th-year clinical psychology Ph.D. student at Howard University. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from The University of Michigan and my BA from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). I have experience working to create mental wellness for children, adolescents, and families who have endured trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am thrilled to be a part of the Confident Kids Camp!
Nathan Butler
Hi! I’m Nathan and I just finished my first year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in Psychology. I have also spent a lot of time working with children with learning and physical disabilities. I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to music, and playing ice hockey! I am so excited to meet everyone at camp!
Breon Gaines
Hi! My name is Breon. I graduated from The George Washington University with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am an LGPC (Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor) at The Ross Center and The Phillips Program. I have experience with children and adolescents who have depression, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and/or are on the Autism Spectrum. Some of my favorite hobbies are: playing tennis, spending time outdoors, and reading. I am excited to get to know everyone at camp!
Rohma Hassan
Hello! My name is Rohma Hassan and I'm a rising 4th year student at George Washington University's Professional Psychology Program. I have experience in working with children and adolescents with various concerns, such as ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and anxiety. I have worked in various settings, including outpatient hospitals, community mental health programs, and non-profit organizations. In my free time, I love to paint, explore nature, and attend festivals. I'm eagerly looking forward to Confident Kids Camp!
Cara Judkins
Hi! I’m Cara, a first-year student in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at George Washington University. I obtained a BA in Psychology/Linguistics at University of Pittsburgh and worked as a Psychiatric Technician, providing group and other services to diverse adults and teens. I enjoy lifting weights, running, reading and playing with my puppy. I am excited to learn and grow with the campers at the Confident Kids Camp!
Serene Kaggal
Hi y'all, my name is Serene Kaggal. I am a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at George Washington University. I earned a BS in Psychology at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, and have had the privilege of providing psychological assessments with older adults and teens in a private practice setting. I enjoy running, singing Bollywood/Indian songs, and spending time with my family and friends. I am excited to help the campers at Confident Kids Camp!
Alicia Lamkin
Hello! My name is Alicia, and I'm a rising junior at Scripps College in Claremont, California where I am studying psychology and Spanish. I am interested in working with children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. I love hiking, camping, and spending time with dogs! I am super excited for Confident Kids Camp, and I cannot wait to meet everyone.
Kiara Lemon
Hi! I am Kiara, a second year Clinical Psychology doctoral student (Psy.D) at George Washington University. I received my B.A in Psychology at the University of Virginia, where I spent three years working with children ages 2-6 in the Early Development Lab. I have significant experience working with children of all ages as a babysitter, camp counselor, research assistant, and clinician. In my free time I enjoy yoga, dance, reading, and discovering new restaurants. I am thrilled to be a part of the team for Camp this summer!
Anna Missner
Hi! My name is Anna and I am a first year Clinical Psychology doctoral (Psy.D.) student at George Washington University. I earned a B.A. in psychology from Georgetown University, and I have experience working with youth with anxiety and behavioral challenges. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, doing yoga, and spending time with my family, friends, and dogs. I am thrilled to be a part of Confident Kids Camp again and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Joanna Moskalis
Hello! I’m Joanna, a first-year master student at the University of Maryland. I am currently a research assistant in the Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab and Comprehensive Assessment and Intervention Program Lab. I also am an assistant in children group therapy with the Resiliency Builder Program. In my free time I enjoy going on walks with my dog Sunny, attempting home projects, reading, working out, and gardening. I’m so excited to be part of Confident Kids Camp, not only to learn, but to meet and help all the campers!
Airyn Nash
Hello! My name is Airyn and I received my B.S. from the United States Military Academy in 2018. I served in the Army for four years before transitioning to graduate school. I am currently working on my doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the Uniformed Services University. I love to work with kids. I volunteer as a coach for Girls on the Run and a Sunday School teacher. I am excited to have an opportunity to share this journey with you at Confident Kids Camp!
Jung In Park
Hello! I'm Jung In and I graduated from Occidental College in 2020 with a BA in Psychology. I am currently a 2nd year student in the George Washington University Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (Psy.D) and have experience working with people of all ages in psychotherapy and psychological testing through community mental health setting. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, reading, visiting art museums and visiting coffee shops!
Diana Priestley
Hi! My name is Diana, I’m a rising second year Clinical Psychology doctoral (Psy.D.) student at George Washington University. I earned a B.S. in biology and a minor in psychology from Penn State University. I have experience working as a camp counselor, and providing psychological assessments. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, ice skating, trying new recipes, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m so excited to meet everyone at camp!
Melissa Ruiz
Hello! My name is Melissa Ruiz and I am a school psychologist in Montgomery County Public Schools. I obtained my Masters and Educational specialist degree in School Psychology from Lehigh University and I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. My professional interests include early intervention, positive psychology, response to intervention, and social-emotional learning. I enjoy spending time with my family, spending time outdoors, crafting, and reading. I am so excited to be part of this great summer experience again and the magic that camp brings!
John Stitt
Hi! I'm John, a second-year doctoral student in the GW Professional Psychology (PsyD) program. I have provided psychotherapy and psychological assessment to adolescents and adults in community mental health and university counseling center settings. I love baking, puzzles, and tending to my plants. I am excited to get to know and support campers and their families!
Rida Taha
Hi! My name is Rida! I am an undergraduate student in my junior year majoring in psychology at UMBC. I intend to apply to medical school, specializing in psychiatry. I like to spend my leisure time creatively and trying new things. I love being involved in programs where I can help. Having the opportunity to work with an organization like Rockville Therapy center would be an honor and the highlight of my year.
Rachel Walton
Hi! My name is Rachel, and I am a first year doctoral student (Psy.D.) at George Washington University. I received my B.S. in Psychology at University of Florida. I have worked with youth experiencing behavioral challenges, anxiety, and depression. I love being outdoors, running, playing with my cats, finding new places to eat, and traveling. I am so excited to meet everyone and be a part of Camp again!
Hannahlise Wang
Hi! My name is Hannahlise and I am a sophomore psychology major and violin performance minor at the University of Maryland. I currently work as a research assistant for the UMD ADHD Lab and am also a peer counselor for my university's crisis intervention hotline. In my free time, I love to play music, make travel montages, and go on outdoor adventures. I am so excited to be a part of this team and cannot wait to meet all of the campers!
Louise Weidner
I am a rising senior at American University in the Honors Psychology program. I work in the Interpersonal Emotion Laboratory on campus and am also an Intern at DC Health Psychology. My interest in psychology includes child and adolescent development and treatment methods for anxiety disorders. In my free time I foster pitbulls and run in my school's club cross country team. I am very excited to work with children at camp this summer.