Dr. Cole is the founder of Moving Forward, PLC, a private practice in Old Town, Alexandria in 2007. Moving Forward, PLC is a private practice that has a consulting team of therapists to help meet all the needs of every client who walks in the door. The team has over 50+ years of experience collectively. The mission is to work to help the family system heal and function at its best as the team works collaboratively.
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Ali Meyer, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker who is certified in Virginia, The District of Columbia, and Maryland. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Child Development and Family Studies at Ohio University and her Master of Social Work Degree at Loyola University, Chicago, IL. Ali has been providing individual, and group psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults for the past twenty years in a school that specializes in learning differences. Her previous clinical experience includes working with foster families and people in need of drug and alcohol treatment. Ali is a patient, understanding individual who cares about each client and sets goals to help them live a more comfortable, happier life.

Ali has worked extensively with children, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning differences, social challenges, divorce, and gender identity. She also has experience helping people manage life transitions, knowing this can be a long and difficult process. The treatment modalities that Ali frequently uses are: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, solution focused therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness. Ali works in a kind and meaningful way to collaboratively find a treatment approach that will help each client and their family.

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Florida, as well as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Provider (CCATP). She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University in NJ.

Rachel enjoys working with adolescent and adult clients. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma. She also has experience working with individuals going through major life transitions, individuals living with brain injuries, and the military and veteran community.

Rachel is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) and Relax and Renew® certified for Restorative Yoga. She believes in a mind-body approach to wellness, and is passionate about combining psychotherapy and mindfulness techniques to help individuals heal, grow, and achieve their goals.

Rachel uses a variety of treatment approaches in her clinical practice to include: Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Aimee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and California, as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She is also a Licensed Clinical Supervisor for the Virginia Counseling Association. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. She earned her dual master’s in Legal & Forensic Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, VA. She has experience in working with adolescents, adults, and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has facilitated process, psychoeducation, and task-based groups focused on a variety of topics such as: emotional cartography, radical acceptance, defense mechanisms, communication skills, cognitive distortions, self-compassion, coping skills, grief, healthy boundaries, and many more. Aimee enjoys working with clients of all ages who are coping with anxiety, ADHD, depression, low self-esteem, complex grief, addiction, life transitions, co-dependency, identity and existential issues. Her approach is holistic and person-focused in nature, with influences from attachment theory, existentialism, and cognitive-behavioral theory. She believes it is essential to consider clients’ individual social and cultural contexts, past and present experiences, early attachment relationships, and individual goals as a part of the therapeutic process. Aimee is an empathetic clinician who is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals by walking alongside them as they explore, heal, and grow.

Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned her Master of Social Work from the Catholic University of America. Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Communications, with a minor in Gender & Womens Studies, from the University of Denver. While attending the University of Denver, she played Division 1 lacrosse.

Throughout Mary’s clinical experience she has worked with adolescents, emerging young adults and adults struggling with a variety of challenges, such as generalised anxiety, sports anxiety, social anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, difficult family dynamics, victims of domestic violence, trauma and PTSD. Mary has facilitated groups for adolescents and adults struggling with generalized anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and social skills.
Mary has knowledge of a variety of treatment modalities, in particular her practice includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, strengths-based psychotherapy, solution-focused and mindfulness-based approaches. She is trained in trauma informed care, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), providing care to the LGBTQ+ community, flash Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR). Mary is dedicated to working with clients from a nonjudgmental stance and bringing meaningful change towards more balanced, healthier, and happier lives.

Kayla is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Virginia. She completed her Bachelors of Social Work degree at Hope College in Michigan and earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University. Kayla completed her field training with the Family Outreach Center in Grand Rapids Michigan, where she served as a Trauma-Focused Therapist intern, for adolescents. She is currently a Social Work Resident, working towards her independent clinical license alongside Dr. Michele Cole, LCSW. Previously, Kayla has conducted group therapy for adolescents, helping clients create and develop coping skills for managing their anxiety, as well as forming meaningful and healthy relationships with peers. In addition to this, Kayla engaged in individual therapy with adolescents, aiming to treat and manage concerning behavior related to trauma, anxiety, and depression. She has also attended numerous training sessions on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT).Kayla enjoys working with adolescent clients, as well as student-athletes of all ages. She specializes in Trauma-Informed, therapeutic interventions, as well as Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Kayla is passionate about working with clients in a person-centered manner, where they may comfortably develop skills pertaining to self-regulation, coping, and healthy processing, all while doing so in a safe and welcoming therapeutic environment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Virginia. I have worked in the mental health field for over 30 years in a wide variety of community, inpatient, outpatient and private practice settings. I have worked with all ages across the life span from elementary aged children to the geriatric population. My undergraduate degree is from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and my Masters degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. I live in Alexandria, VA, love nature, live with my family and three dogs who make me laugh everyday.

Lauren is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Virginia. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology degree, as well as her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She completed field work at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital in the inpatient hospital setting, working with both adolescents and adults. Lauren also gained experience working with children and adolescents on emotional regulation, mental health, and substance use in elementary and high school settings throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area. Lauren is currently a Social Work Resident working towards independent clinical licensure under the supervision of Dr. Michele Cole, LCSW.
Prior to transitioning to Moving Forward PLC, Lauren worked in child welfare and has experience utilizing a family-systems approach. Lauren enjoys working with clients of all ages to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, life transitions, intimate partner violence, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. She uses a variety of treatment approaches in her therapeutic practice to include: Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed, and person-centered care. Lauren is also passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and providing all clients with a safe space. Lauren takes a holistic approach and meets clients wherever they are in their journey, offering empathetic and unwavering support to achieve their personal goals.

Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has extensive experience working with families, adolescents, and young men. Nicole graduated from East Tennessee State University with her Bachelor’s Degree, and earned her Master’s at Marymount University. She has worked in settings ranging from hospitals to outpatient, and has experience in individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Nicole uses a person-centered approach and enjoys working with patients on self-efficacy and self-worth. Nicole believes it is important to look at each person as a whole, which includes their family, environment, systems, and relationships. Nicole has experience using Motivational Interviewing, DBT, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and working with families with substance use disorders using the Invitation to Change approach. In her free time, she’s often found walking her dog, reading, or learning to paint. She looks forward to meeting you where you’re at and exploring your potential.

Virginia-based Resident therapist Leeann Veatch is passionate about empowering clients to navigate life’s transitions, overcome challenges, and embrace their full potential. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, Leeann creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their unique stories, uncover strengths, and build the skills needed for lasting growth and healing.
Leeann’s clinical approach is holistic, integrative, and tailored to each individual. Drawing from evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she adapts her methods to meet the specific needs of her clients. She is also a Gottman Level 1-trained couples counselor and certified in EMDR through the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, This equips Leeann in her thorough approach to work effectively with trauma, relationships, and a wide range of presenting concerns.
Through her career, Leeann has gained valuable experience working with diverse populations across various states and settings. This journey has deepened her empathy and understanding of the unique struggles faced by adults, children, and youth during life’s many transitions. Her person-centered and strengths-based philosophy helps clients identify their inner resources, break free from limiting patterns, and create meaningful, sustainable change.
Leeann earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University, a Master of Arts from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University. She is committed to fostering authentic hope, healing, and wellness for every client she serves.

Jaime is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned her master’s degree in counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, VA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. Jaime is also a Licensed Professional School Counselor and has over fifteen years of experience working in the school setting with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Jaime has worked with individuals and counseling groups on issues such as anxiety, ADHD, grief, family and life changes, emotional regulation, social skills, conflict, and parenting. She believes that counseling offers individuals a safe place to process past and present challenges, while also developing skills needed to manage these challenges independently.
Person-centered by nature, Jaime establishes a trusting and comfortable environment that allows individuals to self-actualize by giving them opportunities to reflect on how they will grow through counseling. She believes that each person’s journey through counseling is unique, and therefore utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach tailored to individual needs. Jaime draws from multiple counseling approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Play Therapy, and mindfulness. Jaime is an empathetic, perceptive, and compassionate clinician who enjoys working with clients of all ages.

Francis holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from George Mason University and brings a wealth of experience from both independent consulting and the private sector.

Francis previously served as the VP of Community Events on the PTA board at Stratford Landing Elementary, where she enjoyed engaging with the community, leading school events, overseeing the student enrichment program, and forming parent equity groups. Prior to that, she was a Senior Consultant in BDO’s Advisory practice, providing outsourced accounting support to commercial and government contracting clients, including family-owned and small-to-medium businesses across various industries.

Originally from Nicaragua, Francis has spent most of her life in Northern Virginia, where she currently lives with her husband, three children, and their dog. She enjoys staying active and traveling to explore new cultures. Francis is enthusiastic about her role at Moving Forward PLC, where she is eager to apply her expertise, learn new skills, and provide high-value service to clients.

She is also excited to be a part of the Moving Forward team and connect with an amazing group of professionals who are making a difference in the lives of so many individuals.

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 she 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.