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 6 other therapists and a clinical intern working with her to help meet all the needs of clients who walk in the door.
Learn more about Michele

Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Amy began her career teaching fourth grade in Washington, DC. Following several years in the classroom, she received her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from George Washington University. As she pursued licensure, she completed post-graduate coursework at Catholic University and supervised graduate students as they completed their clinical internships. After obtaining her Master’s Degree and Licensure, she became a counselor at a private grade school in Washington, DC. She just completed her seventh year at the school. In the school environment, Amy’s experience is broad and extensive. She has worked within individual and small group settings; leading monthly classroom lessons with younger students and classroom meetings with older students. She created and facilitated the school’s conflict mediation program, as well as a group that provided organizational support to middle school students. She was also part of the school’s support team that ensured students with special learning challenges were given the support they needed. Amy’s experience consulting with parents and treating children and adolescents covers a broad range of social and emotional issues. She has worked with issues surrounding ADHD, anger management, learning and organizational challenges, social skills, parenting, family issues, anxiety and depression.
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Amy enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and families. In February 2010, she co-authored a book in bibliotherapy titled That’s My Story, Too! She enjoys presenting seminars on using children’s books to teach life lessons.

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.

Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, VA.

She has experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in inpatient and outpatient settings. Megan has received specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, substance use counseling, and play therapy for young children. She has experience in facilitating child, adolescent and adult group counseling sessions with topics such as evidence based seeking safety, defense mechanisms, social-skills, cognitive distortions, self-compassion, coping with shame, boundaries, healthy relationships and many more.

Megan enjoys working with clients in coping with anxiety, depression, self esteem, interpersonal conflict, communication, gender identity, lgbtq issues, and a variety of other life challenges. Making the decision to go to therapy is a brave and rewarding choice. Megan is passionate about empowering clients to take a lead role in recognizing their strengths and reaching their goals.

Elizabeth is a Licensed Resident in Counseling and Licensed Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Religion from Furman University in Greenville, SC. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ. She is currently a Resident and a National Certified Counselor earning hours toward LPC and LMFT licensure.

Elizabeth has experience in a clinical outpatient setting as well as working in a school setting. She worked as a MFT in New Jersey with adolescents, adults, groups, couples, and families. She developed and implemented a school counseling program at a charter school in Vacaville, California where she was lead counselor for students grades TK-8th. She also developed the suicide prevention plan for the district, and she is well versed in suicide prevention for all ages. Elizabeth is a 20 year military spouse and has experience working with military children, spouses, and families.

Elizabeth enjoys working with all ages across the lifespan. She has experience working with issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, family issues, grief, and issues specific to the military lifestyle and community. Elizabeth uses a variety of treatment approaches to include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, psychotherapy, family systems therapy and play therapy.

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and 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 Resident in Counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 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 is currently a Resident and a National Certified Counselor earning hours towards LPC licensure. 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.

Katie is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Hope College in Michigan and earned her Master of Social Work degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore where she completed field training at Anacostia High School in Washington, DC and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She is currently a Social Work Resident working towards her independent clinical license under Dr. Michele Cole, LCSW.

Previously, Katie worked in child welfare and as a civilian for the Army’s Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operation Division. She has experience working with children and adults utilizing an eclectic approach of therapeutic modalities which include play therapy, psychodynamic, existential, narrative, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral techniques. She has training in Child Centered Play Therapy with a Neurorelational Emphasis as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her experience includes work with individuals and families to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, behavioral concerns, as well as major life transitions.

Katie is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to provide a holistic approach to treatment planning. She is dedicated to providing a safe environment for children and adults to process their feelings and work towards their goals.

Katie is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She earned her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Virginia. She is currently a Resident working to earn hours towards LPC licensure. Katie completed her clinical internship in mental health counseling at Moving Forward, where she gained experience leading and co-leading the group therapy sessions and seeing individual clients on a pro-bono basis.

Previously, Katie has facilitated group therapy for adolescents struggling with issues surrounding body image, interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, and substance use. Throughout her clinical experience, Katie worked with clients of all ages to address difficulties stemming from anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, ADHD and much more. She has also attended workshops on providing trauma-informed care. She enjoys working with clients to implement positive coping strategies that allow them to better manage life stressors and increase their sense of self-efficacy.

Katie has experience using a variety of treatment modalities, including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, solution-focused, and mindfulness based approaches. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential and, therefore, works alongside all of her clients from a holistic, empathetic, and non-judgemental stance. Katie is dedicated to working collaboratively with clients to help them reach their goals and bring about meaningful change.

Allie holds a Master’s of Humans Services from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s of Family and Consumer Science Education from Western Michigan University.

Although her initial life plan was to teach a classroom of students, years of military moves and wonderful opportunities offered her a variety of jobs in education and mental health. Allie has partnered with school districts and non-profits to teach suicide prevention strategies, resiliency lessons, life skills classes and health courses. She is trained as a Substance Abuse Specialist and a Suicide Prevention Specialist. Most recently, Allie worked under a DoDEA grant to provide character education to elementary schools and facilitate youth support groups.

She is passionate about supporting the well-being of children, adults and families and is thrilled to be a part of the Moving Forward team.

My name is Indiana Stevens, I am the office assistant for Moving Forward, PLC. My husband and I have been together for 17 years and are the proud parents of two elementary aged children. My kids are my moving force and motivator to be a better person everyday. I graduated from Strayer University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a Minor in Finance. I am enthusiastic to contribute and support this team of accomplished women to make a difference.