Previous Camp Teams

Waldo Tejada

Hey, I'm Waldo, recently repatriated back to America from South Korea, where I taught English grammar, reading proficiency, math, chemistry, biology, and Spanish. I have completed a Post-Baccalaureate Program for Counseling and Psychology at UC Berkeley Extension, with a focus on Adolescent psychology. I read sci-fi/fantasy, nonfiction, and comic books, spend time with nieces and nephews and my shih tzu Vera, and train in calisthenics, acrobatics, and muay thai. I am very eager to work as a team to make a difference in campers' lives!

Ashley Byars

Hi! My name is Ashley Byars and I am a rising senior at the University of Alabama studying Psychology and minoring in Real Estate. I am excited to further my education and am planning on attending graduate school to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Recently, I created and implemented a new position for my sorority, Delta Gamma which involved assisting sisters with emotional regulation, support, resources, weekly stress relieving activities, and education around mental health. I have always enjoyed working with children of all ages and it is my passion to help kids grow into strong, confident young adults. I am super excited to be volunteering at the Confident Kids Camp and can’t wait to meet everyone!

Deetza Franklin

Hi! My name is Deetza Franklin. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Masters from Seton Hall University. I worked as a school counselor for a number of years and more recently have transitioned into private practice. I work with children and their families to help develop emotional regulation skills and coping tools. Since 2020, I have been specializing in working with children with SM. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and doing photography. I am so excited to get to be part of the team at Confident Kids Camp! Can't wait to meet you!

Nisha Gilliam

Nisha Gilliam graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is a graduate student in the clinical mental health counseling master’s program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology- DC Campus. Nisha worked as a registered behavior technician with children who have developmental delays, school counselor, and currently provides in-home services to children who are at risk of out-of-home placement. During free time, Nisha enjoys cooking, running and decorating. Nisha is devoted to being an agent of change in the lives of youth and is honored to be a part of the Confident Kids Camp.

Braden Kiang

Hi! My name is Braden Kiang and I am a senior at the Washington International School. I am studying psychology, as well as biology and geography, in the higher level of the international baccalaureate program. I founded the Mental Health club at my school as well as a service
opportunity to mentor elementary students on fundamental and simple mental health concepts. I enjoy listening to music, swimming, and exploring DC! I am super excited to be able to work and grow with all the campers this summer!

Veronica Latorre

Hi! My name is Veronica Latorre. I graduated from UMBC with a BA in Psychology. I have recently accepted a position at Applied ABC and am in the process of obtaining my RBT certification. In the past, I volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America as a den mother for my son's den from grades 1-5. I had a great time planning activities for the scouts to acquire their badges. In my spare time I Latin dance, read, and travel. I am excited to work with the campers at Confident Kids Camp!

Chloe Levin

Hello! My name is Chloe. I am a child and family therapist at EveryMind, a non-profit that provides mental health services to children and families. Currently, I work as a therapist in an elementary school with bilingual kids and their families. I didn't grow up speaking Spanish, but I've been practicing every day! I recently moved back to the DMV after getting my Master of Social Work and Certificate in Trauma Practice in Boston. I use art therapy, play therapy, and sand tray in my work with children who are experiencing anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, ADHD, and Selective Mutism. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, cooking, being active, and listening to music. This will be my first time at Confident Kids Camp, so if you're new, you're not alone! I'm
I'm excited to meet you!

Randi Loeb

Hello! I’m Randi Loeb, M.S. CCC SLP. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and co-director of Children’s Speech and Language Services in Lexington, MA (near Boston). At my private practice, I specialize in social communication which, along with play and humor, provides the foundation for my approach in treating kids coping with SM. I began my training in SM 8 years ago and having thoroughly enjoyed this population, it is now my focus. In my free time, I love to travel, be outside with my Golden Retrievers and spend time with my family. I’m ‘wicked’ excited to be joining CKC-DC this summer!

Miral Malik

Hi! My name is Miral. I am a rising 3rd year, doctoral candidate at The George Washington University Professional Psychology program. I received my BA in Psychology at Western University and my MA in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. I have worked with children of diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings including schools, private practices and in community mental health centers. My goal as a clinician is to create a safe and trusting environment, while helping children process and work through challenges that may be experienced. When "off the clock" I enjoy dancing, baking and organizing game nights! I am so excited to meet all of our awesome Confident Kids and families this summer!

Ashley Rosenfield

Ashley Rosenfield is a licensed professional counselor who works both in private practice and as the Counselor at Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School in Washington DC. Ashley received a Masters from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in DC in 2016 and has been supporting children and adolescents ever since. Helping others is truly a passion and Ashley is so excited to join camp this summer! Outside of work, other passions include cooking, traveling,yoga and spending time with her family, friends and dog Vinny!

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 another great summer experience and the magic that camp brings!

Emily Stephen

Emily Stephen is a rising third year Clinical Psychology doctoral student in The George Washington University Psy.D program. She received a Bachelors degree from the University of Virginia and a Masters in Counseling Psychology/Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Emily has worked in college counseling, community mental health, and school settings. Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, having fun with a pet dog, Poppy, reading, and watching TV/movies. Emily is thrilled to be joining CKC-DC for summer 2022!

Takira Ward

Hello! My name is Takira Ward, and I am a recent graduate of George Mason University, where I received my B.A. in psychology with a concentration in developmental and clinical psychology. I am currently a research assistant at George Mason University and a crisis counselor. During my free time, I enjoy trying new recipes and cooking dishes from all over the globe and states; as well as, learning new languages so that I can communicate with individuals from different parts of the world. I am so excited to meet this year’s campers and can’t wait to witness the growth and progress that all of you will achieve!

Ashley Winch

Hi! Ashley Winch here, I am a fifth year Ph.D. student at the University of Central Florida. I currently split my clinical time between the Behavioral Health department at Nemours Children's Hospital, and UCF RESTORES, a mental health research clinic for military and first responders. When I am not performing assessments, or conducting intake screeners, I am helping with community mental health trainings for first responders across the state of Florida. Outside of work, you can find me surfing or competing in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament. I look forward to lots of laughs and fun at camp this summer!

Ananya Yadav

Hi! My name is Ananya and I am a rising 2nd year in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at The George Washington University. I received my master's in Psychology from The University of Edinburgh in the UK, and have worked with individuals throughout the lifespan with diverse backgrounds in the United Arab Emirates. In particular, my work with youth includes issues concerning grief, social skills, attachment, neurodevelopment, and developmental delays. In my free time, I love to run, hike, swim and spend time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes. I am so excited to be part of the camp, meet all the Confident Kids, and look forward to all the fun and learning it will entail!

Adriana Abadi

I received my Bachelor of Arts from NYU, where I studied Psychology with a focus on Child and Adolescent Mental Health. I’m a rising third year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University, where I had the opportunity to offer psychotherapy services at a community mental health clinic and a local bilingual public school, as well as give psychodiagnostic assessments at a private practice in DC. In my free time, I enjoy being creative and making embroidered clothing pieces. I look forward to being a part of Camp this summer, learning from specialists in this field, and to building connections with children that experience Selective Mutism.

Yasmine Boumaiz

Hello! My name is Yasmine Boumaiz and I recently graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in Neurobiology and Physiology and a B.S. in Psychology. I am currently a Newcomer and ESOL Math teacher at Patterson High School and I intend to pursue a career in clinical psychology. My current hobbies are painting (acrylic, oil and digital) and I am just starting to learn pottery with air-dry clay! I am thrilled to be involved in Camp and am very excited to meet our campers this summer!

Frances Cooke

Hi CKC-DC! My name is Frances, and when I'm not at camp I am a Clinical Research Coordinator at Children's National Hospital in DC conducting research on the psychosocial impact of food allergy. I hold a BA in Psychology from George Washington University and hope to continue a career working with kids with chronic illness. In my free time, I create recipes for my cooking blog, practice yoga and meditation, play the guitar and sing, embroider, and spend time outside. I'm so thrilled to meet all the campers this summer and see what exciting things camp has in store!

Megan Graves

Megan Graves is a third year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at George Washington University, earned a B.A in Psychology and Spanish from Elon University, minored in Latin American Studies and Early Childhood Education, and was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach children in Tenerife, Spain. Megan has worked with diverse youth in bilingual preschools, community mental health clinics, and hospitals, and her clinical and research interests include Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Megan also loves to cycle, camp, travel, and spend time with her dogs. She is very excited to meet the campers at the Confident Kids Camp this summer!

Gabrielle Iskin

Hi! My name is Gaby. I am a rising 3rd year, doctoral candidate at The George Washington University Professional Psychology program. I received my BA in Psychology and a minor in Cognitive Science at Georgetown University and am interested in working with children and families to help them achieve developmental and personal goals! I have worked with individuals of diverse backgrounds to foster safe and trusting environments while helping to process and work through challenges that may be experienced. In my free time I enjoy long walks with my beagle Luna, baking sweets, and dancing. Can't wait to meet all of our awesome Confident Kids and families!

Haley Jones

Hi! My name is Haley and I am a current graduate student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Washington DC campus going into my final year before internship! My professional areas of interest include working with those who have severe psychosis as well as working with children. In my free time, I enjoy baking, musical theater, and anything which allows me to be creative. I am so excited to meet this year's campers and help them find their voices and learn to be brave!

Michelle Morel

Hello! My name is Michelle Morel. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Couples, Marriage & Family Counseling, and am pursuing a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at GW. I aim to serve those who are facing psychological dilemmas. I treated a child diagnosed with SM and this sparked my joy for helping these bright and intelligent children become more comfortable. When I’m not working, I love to be creative: baking, reading, playing games, and having fun! I’m so looking forward to this camp, seeing the growth of these children, and gaining the learning and lasting effects I will receive as a lucky counselor!

Melissa Ruiz

Hello! My name is Melissa Ruiz and I am 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 and the magic that camp brings!

Ryan Smout

Ryan Smout is a third year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at American University, and earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University. Prior to graduate school, he worked for 6 years in community-based mental healthcare with teenagers and adults, focusing on symptom management and independent living skills. Ryan has a range of hobbies including playing music (French horn, piano, singing), sports (tennis, disc golf), and games of all types (board, card, and video). He’s thrilled to be joining CKC for summer 2021!

Arriel Walker

Hello campers! I am Arriel Walker and I am beyond excited to meet everyone and be a part of this process. I am a Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I work with adolescents, children, and families for the past three years. I thoroughly enjoy seeing families take away tools that can benefit them for a lifetime. I enjoy laughter, movies, and I tend to spend time with my loved ones chuckling at 90's movies like The Nutty Professor. I look forward to meeting everyone. I hope this experience is something you carry with you for a lifetime.

Eason Weinmann

I graduated from William and Mary with a double major in Classical Studies and Psychology, earned a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins, and will start a PsyD program at La Salle. I am interested in working with kids with OCD, phobias, tic disorders, and anxiety disorders, in particular Selective Mutism. I’ve worked with a client with SM and volunteered at WeSpeak (a camp for older kids with SM). I love traveling, running, cooking, reading, watching TV and movies, and time with my two cute cats and my fiancé! I'm super excited to help kiddos gain confidence at Confident Kids Camp this summer!!

Previous Camp Teams