RCG and RITT Staff Directory
Riverbend Counseling Group
Bonnie Lungren, LCSW, CADC, CCDP
RCG and RITT Supervisor
Kris SantaMaria, LCSW
RITT Director, RCG and RITT Supervisor
Thistle Newcomb, LPC
RCG and RITT Supervisor
Melissa Hirsch-Fielding, LPC
RCG
Cindy Payne, BSBA
RCG and RITT Administrative Staff
Danica Plantz, LCSW
RCG
Lindy Swimm, LCSW
RCG and RITT Supervisor
Rebecca McIntyre, LCSW
RCG
Tonya Ridings, LCSW
RCG and RITT Supervisor
Bonnie Lungren, LCSW, CADC, CCDP
Bonnie has over 30 years of experience in the counseling field. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional. Bonnie is also trained in EMDR and often integrates that, as well as Mindfulness and Internal Family Systems into the therapy she provides. Bonnie specializes in treating adults and adolescents with substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment issues. She can, also, provide substance use assessments.
Cindy Payne, BSBA
Cindy Payne is a medical biller for mental health professionals, has expertise in electronic filing, paper submissions, insurance follow-up and appeals, patient statements and account balancing, financial reporting, accounts receivable tracking, and insurance benefits, verification, eligibility, and credentialing.
With a B.S. in Business Administration Management and over 28 years of administrative and management experience, Cindy worked as a mortgage processor, operations manager, and assistant branch manager at banks and investment firms. She also was a regional office manager of a mental health services agency. Additionally, Cindy provides bookkeeping services to various small businesses.
Rebecca McIntyre, LCSW
Rebecca is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families dealing with the challenges of mental health issues, and/or physical illness such as cancer. She has expertise working with anxiety, depression, ADHD (Adults and Children), trauma, dealing with serious illness, relationships, and grief and loss.
Rebecca practices with a kind and gentle approach using proven strategies to help clients regain control and move forward with a focus on building resilience and overall healthy functioning. Some of the strategies Rebecca uses include cognitive and behavioral therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meaning-centered psychotherapy, self-compassion therapy, emotion-focused couples therapy, and various contemplative practices.
Danica Plantz, LCSW
Danica has been providing therapy and supportive services to families in the Charlottesville community for over 20 years. She uses a strengths-based approach and builds a trusting environment to help individuals, couples, and families reach emotional wellness and healthy functioning. Areas of focus with adults include adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, and grief and loss issues. Danica’s specialty also includes working with the unique needs of adoptive families through all stages of the placement process and proving post-placement supportive services.
Thistle Newcomb, LPC
Thistle Newcomb specializes in treating Trauma and Anxiety in Children, Teens, and Adults. She has over 20 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, and families with extensive knowledge of the child welfare system, foster care, and local resources.
Additionally, Thistle is an EMDR Approved Consultant and available for those EMDR clinicians seeking consultation hours.
Melissa Hirsch-Fielding, LPC
Melissa has been providing therapy and support in a direct and loving way to adolescents, adults, couples and families in the Charlottesville community for over 25 years. Areas of focus include anxiety and depression, life transitions, parenting and marital issues, trauma and loss, reunification and blending families, conflict resolution and building effective communication. There is an emphasis on trust and emotional safety in the clinical relationship and finding strengths and competencies within to overcome the most difficult life challenges.
Kris SantaMaria, LCSW
Kris has been in the mental health field since 1994. She provides individual psychotherapy for adults dealing with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders, somatic issues, depression, anger, and adjustment issues. She also provides clinical consultation for therapists looking to develop their skills in the use of EMDR therapy and the treatment of Dissociative Disorders.
Kris uses a variety of effective treatment modalities including EMDR Therapy. EMDR therapy is a highly effective modality for working with past/recent trauma and anxiety, depression and somatic issues related to trauma. Kris believes in helping her clients to deeply learn about and appreciate their whole selves. She helps them develop essential regulation skills, and recognize and use their internal resources to help themselves. She believes we are all meant to be well and with the right support we will find our healing path.
Lindy Swimm, LCSW
Lindy has over thirty years’ experience working with individuals, adolescents, children, and families. She specializes in attachment and trauma modalities that are well researched in their effectiveness to treat and mitigate mental health concerns. An Integrative Child-Parent approach is available for Attachment and Trauma needs for families and children. Also, individualized expressive therapy interventions such as art, sand tray, play therapy, and music are incorporated into therapy sessions. Lindy is a certified EMDR therapist. EMDR treatment is a highly effective treatment offered to assist in resolving complex conditions such as developmental trauma, PTSD, complicated grief and loss, and foster care and adoption issues. Specialties include relational problems, grief, and loss, treating victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, family therapy, dissociative behaviors in children and adolescents, families in the foster care system, and pre and post-adoption support services.
Tonya Ridings, LCSW
I have been working with people who have experienced trauma or are going through life transitions for over 20 years. I am trained in a variety of cognitive, somatic psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy techniques. I provide consultation, supervision, and training to other therapists. I am most interested in spiritual support and gifts as part of the healing process. I provide sessions in person and using telehealth.
Riverbend Integrative Trauma Treatment
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Anne Dutilh, LCSW
RITT Staff
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
Laura specializes in trauma and attachment. work with children, adolescents, and adults. Laura also has a background in kinship and foster care, and adoption. Laura brings a strengths-based, relationship-focused lens to her work to support individuals in healing and deepening connections with themselves and others.
Laura Young, LCSW
RITT Staff
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville and Richmond Offices
As a counselor, I strive to empower my clients to identify and build upon their strengths as well as focus on accomplishing their goals. I have worked with a variety of populations including children, families, and individuals living with serious mental illness. Using a person-centered approach, I hope to assist clients in addressing barriers to change through acceptance, compassion, and empathy.
Megan Paul, LCSW
RITT Staff
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Culpeper Office
Britt emanates a spirit of kindness and dedication that enables clients to benefit from her expertise in parent coaching and attachment work. Britt's specialized interest is in working with families to heal from trauma and attachment wounds.
Brittany Shankle graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2006 with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Radford University's School of Clinical Social Work (M.S.W.) in 2021. After a decade enjoying the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she has returned home with her family to her beloved Blue Ridge mountains.
Britt's hobbies include gardening and hiking, and she enjoys spending her spare time with her children. Britt has experience working with foster and adoptive families, children, adults with mental health diagnoses, and she particularly enjoys helping parents and families who have experienced generational trauma to heal and grow.
Britt Shankle, MSW
RITT Fellow
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
Kate is one of the 2021-2023 RITT fellows. She got her MSW from Arizona State University in December 2020, and successfully passed LSW exam in May 2021. Kate has worked in child welfare since 2015, where she engaged closely with families and children with serious trauma history.
Kate has experience as Family Based Therapist, and also has some exposure working with clients who have dual diagnosis. Her main area of professional interest is childhood trauma, attachment, complex PTSD, and issues in family and couple relationship.
Kate was born and raised in Russia and lived in South Korea for 6 years until she moved to the US in 2013. She loves working with children and families and wants to contribute to the local community of Charlottesville as much as she can.
Kate Pozo, LMSW
RITT Fellow
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Richmond Office
Lydia graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University with her Masters in clinical social work and a certificate in gender violence intervention. She has previous clinical experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence as well as individuals who have been impacted by trauma in general.
Lydia uses empowerment-based therapeutic modalities to foster a supportive and safe environment. Additionally, she is a LBGTQ+ affirming practitioner and believes in resilience building as a method to heal from trauma. In her spare time, Lydia enjoys being with friends, traveling and practicing her photography skills.
Lydia Orr, MSW
RITT Fellow
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Richmond and Culpeper Offices
As a counselor I strive to empower clients to identify and build upon their strengths as they work towards accomplishing their goals. I have been practicing social work in the Richmond community since 2016 working with a variety of populations including individuals who have experienced housing instability, domestic and sexual violence, children and families. I work to create a safe environment where clients feel heard and validated as they navigate trauma.
Molly Placido, MSW
RITT Fellow
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
Whitney received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University in 2009 and her Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University in 2015, moving to Charlottesville upon graduation. Her experiences include working in community mental health, emergency services/crisis intervention, and child welfare.
She brings a holistic, integrative approach to her practice and she believes fully in the power of telling one’s story in a safe, held environment. Whitney’s therapeutic interests include utilizing person-centered, strengths-based approaches with those of all ages and from all walks of life to actualize the integration of body, mind, and spirit through trauma treatment modalities including attachment and parts work.
Whitney English, LCSW
RITT Fellow
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
As a therapist, I am most interested in finding the path to healing that best serves your needs. I believe every person has immense value. I also believe every person can access wellness. I pursued my social work degree after a 22-year Army career.
Upon retirement, I owned a yoga and meditation studio for ten years, where I developed an understanding of the relationship between our mental health and our physical bodies. I believe that true healing must address the body, mind, and spirit.
Does this mean we are doing yoga in our sessions? It could, but mostly it means I hope to help you create a greater attunement to your mind/body connection to improve your daily comfort as we work together to address the underlying issues causing distress.
Crystal is a certified yoga therapist and specializes in mindfulness, meditation. Parts Work, and EMDR.
Crystal Oliver, MSW
RITT Staff
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Janet Evergreen, MA
Janet Evergreen, MA teaches Body-Oriented Healing Arts and offers short-term private sessions. Her joy is to work with all ages, especially families, children, caregivers and professionals for both personal growth and healing from trauma. She is an NCBTMB-Approved Provider and offers CEs. Her approach and methods of teaching are simple and effective. Dialogue and somatic skills are taught to bodyworkers, psychotherapists and those who want to promote healing for themselves and others. These skills support a process that is slow enough to be kind.
Janet Evergreen, MA
RITT Adjunct Trainer
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
I believe people are at their best when they are supported and empowered to live authentically in the world. I understand that each person has unique experiences that help shape who they are and I believe that everyone has the tools within themselves to create the change, peace, or success they desire. I am here to listen, to walk with you through your journey, to provide support, and a judgment-free space. My areas of clinical interest include working with people who have experienced trauma, who feel anxious or depressed, and those who are moving through life transitions or experiencing interpersonal conflict.
I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ, queer, and gender- expressive people to explore, heal, and find acceptance. Also central to my work is providing support for those who are reconciling identity with religion, religious experiences, and religious trauma. I operate from a strengths- based and trauma informed perspective to empower clients using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, CBT, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems.
Nate Skroban, LMSW
RITT Staff
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
My counseling perspective is shaped largely by a commitment to engage in antiracist and LGBTQIA+ affirming care that acknowledges the traumatic impact that systemic inequalities can have on individuals and communities.
I view counseling as a collaborative partnership and aim to provide care that recognizes your unique, multiple, intersecting layers of identity and experience. Drawing on parts-work and mindful self-compassion, it is my goal to provide person-centered counseling and a space where you can feel heard and empowered.
I received my BA in Sociology from Indiana University in 2012 and my MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. I am now working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, visiting new places, watching reality television, and making pottery.
Jackie Rose, MSW
RITT Fellow
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Furman University, Liz’s work at a children’s psychiatric hospital led her to pursue her Masters of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has worked with children and adolescents in a variety of settings, and enjoyed working with young adults at VCU’s student counseling center.
Liz is passionate about incorporating the body into trauma work, as she recognizes that trauma is not only carried in our minds, but physically, as well. She works from a collaborative, strengths-based approach, and strives to empower her clients to reclaim their lives after trauma.
Sookie has been a service dog all her life, working with and for Liz for almost 6 years now. Sookie is currently 10 years old, but the puppy in her still emerges frequently. She loves to interact with clients, and in turn, most clients adore her, too. Sookie often brings a sense of ease and lots of humor to the room. Her favorite toys are her frisbee and tennis balls- she will likely bring you one to show it to you! More than anything, though, she just wants to be pet and loved on.
Liz Becker, MSW and Sookie
RITT Fellow, and Service Dog
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Culpeper and Charlottesville Offices
Michelle has been working in the social work field in the Charlottesville area since 2015. She received both her BSW and MSW from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her background includes work in Therapeutic Foster Care, In-Home Counseling, and Community Based Services for local families.
Michelle believes in a strength-based and relationship-focused approach in working with clients . Her passions include helping individuals learn to process and heal from past trauma, attachment therapy, and helping families learn therapeutic approaches to parenting.
Michelle Shifflett, MSW
RITT Fellow
Charlottesville Office
Anne Dutilh received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in 2013 and continued her education at George Mason University, graduating in 2019 with a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Practice.
Anne’s therapeutic approach is grounded in holistic, strength-based and person-centered approaches to practice. She also emphasis the impact of systems on patient experiences and recognizes the mind body connection - focusing on the importance of simultaneous healing. She is trained in EMDR, somatic interventions, Parts Work and attachment issues.
Anne believes that every client deserves to be heard, validated, and accepted in a safe environment. She is passionate about trauma treatment and its transformative and healing capabilities.
Charlottesville Office
Samantha earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from William & Mary and, after a long hiatus from school, earned her Master’s in Counseling from the University of Lynchburg. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Samantha favors a person-centered, strengths-based approach when working with clients. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, paddle-boarding, and spending time with both the two- and four-legged members of her family
Samantha Masone, MEd
RITT Fellow