Meet Your Betty Center Team
We’re eager to welcome you on your journey!
These are our unique stories of exploration and transformation.
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What to expect in therapy with me:
Therapy is all about the unique relationship between a client and their therapist. Stepping into this relationship and sharing your history takes courage and vulnerability, so comfort with who is in this experience with you is crucial. That being said, I tend to be someone – in life, in work, in relationship – with core values of genuine curiosity, openness to differences, and a drive to help others whenever and however possible. I also value humor and recognize how incredibly effective this can be for connection, coping skills, and joining through empathy. All of this comes into who I am as a therapist and how I strive to foster therapeutic rapport.
One of my key areas of therapeutic focus – anxiety – stems from coming from a long line of worriers and having myself been the 5 year-old poster child for Separation Anxiety. I have a soft spot for anyone who is struggling with ruminating thoughts that keep you awake at night, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions, a long list of what if’s, or learning how to adapt to unexpected change. The list goes on, and it often keeps company with mood disorders, behavioral challenges, and difficulty with authentic connection. Anxious kiddos, teens, adults – you are my people, and I get you.
What makes me unique:
I made my way to clinical social work via a career in performing arts and educational theater. My work included being on a playground, leading writing workshops with children and teens, and incorporating creativity and play with adults. It also meant a lot of travel and enthusiasm about both seeing “new and different” as well as being cozied up in the familiarity of home.
Given my background in a creative field, a large amount of what I do with kiddos utilizes expressive arts therapy. This approach encourages healing through creativity (play therapy, art-based activities, storytelling) and works beautifully when words may not be as easily accessible for sharing emotions. An anxious 7 year-old communicates more effectively though play, drawing, or puppets more so than “talk therapy”.
My approach to therapy:
I am a big believer in continually adding to my toolbox through formal training, work experience, group and individual supervision, books, podcasts, and ongoing peer consultation. My graduate program was concentrated in psychodynamic theory and thesis work using the Female Theory of Development. Since graduating in 2005, my trainings and approaches have included CBT, DBT, ACT, expressive arts therapy interventions and ERP for pediatric OCD. I’ve been fortunate enough to build therapeutic relationships with children, tweens/teens and their families, as well as adults up to and including supporting geriatric individuals and their family caregivers. As a fan of lifelong learning, continuing to add to my therapeutic skills is a sure thing.
Education:
MSW, Smith College School for Social Work (2005) | Master’s Thesis: Female Friendship Through Transition and Lifestage
BS, Indiana University School of Music (1991) | Vocal Performance and Literature
CLICK TO CONTACT VICTORIA
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What to expect in therapy with me:
Warmth, authenticity and connection, plus a little bit (sometimes a lot) of laughter are the hallmarks of my practice. I focus on establishing and maintaining a safe, trusting relationship with every client because I believe through connection there is healing. To quote the inimitable Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias, “laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. I don’t take myself too seriously since I’ve learned the hard way that defensiveness impedes growth (ask me how I know…better yet, ask my kids!)
I was raised by a strong, independent single mother. My parents divorced in an era when the “d- word” was sometimes whispered, but my mother Bettianne - the inspiration behind Betty Center and a force in her own right - taught me that strength, perseverance, dignity, hard work, and caring for others are what truly matter. Fighting for the underdog, standing up for what’s right – even when it’s hard - , advocating for change, and speaking the truth in a world where fitting in is often easier are values that not only inform my therapy practice but undergird the very foundation of our Betty Center values, environment and ethos.
What makes me unique:
I wasn’t always a therapist. I began my career as a researcher and writer for CBS News, 60 Minutes and the Children’s Defense Fund, and eventually started my own video production company. After staying home to raise my two children for nearly 10 years, life threw me a few curveballs as it tends to do…so I returned to my social justice roots and obtained my Masters in Social Work at the ripe old age of 47.
I am a study in contrasts and have come to embrace my own yin’s and yang’s. I love yoga, hiking, good wine and really loud Country concerts. Holidays, parades, Broadway musicals and hosting parties fill me up, but so do books, warm cups of tea, church, and quiet time with my family. I cry unabashedly during movies and the occasional commercial. I’m a voracious reader, a rabid Washington football fan, and a pretty good cook, but I DON’T bake – something about the precision of following a cake recipe versus the creativity of cooking up a really fun batch of chili…? I am also a closet Dateline / 48 Hours aficionado and subscribe to all the true crime podcasts. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
My approach to therapy:
I have expertise working with children, teens and adults facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, relational concerns and past trauma. I use many evidence-based practices to help my clients achieve their therapy goals including gentle Trauma & Somatic Healing work; Bowen Family Systems Theory examining family & interactional patterns of behavior; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions; Psychodynamic Theory to identify early attachment and childhood development patterns, and other holistic methods. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and will work with you to forge a trusting therapeutic relationship to ensure you feel safe, understood and truly heard.
I specialize in helping clients in transition -- separation, divorce, empty-nesting, college-to-adulting – the major life changes when we often find ourselves questioning, doubting or just wondering. I am skilled at helping clients unearth the complex and challenging relational dynamics impacting their own unique experiences. Those “AH – HA!” moments when we finally come to understand what was heretofore unknown are the ones I cherish most.
Education:
Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Maryland School of Social Work (2017)
Bachelor of Arts, University of Delaware – Magna Cum Laude (1992) | Communications Major, Women’s Studies Minor
CLICK TO CONTACT CHRISTA
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What to expect in therapy with me:
If you're here, you’ve probably already tried a lot and are ready to take the next step with therapy. I understand—it’s not easy to reach out for help. But having someone who truly cares during life's toughest moments can be the support you need to start creating change. I’m not just a listener—I’ll gently challenge you, walk alongside you through the ups and downs, and likely laugh or cry with you. This journey is about real connection and growth. You can expect a supportive, confidential, nonjudgmental space where we’ll explore your past, understand its impact on your present, and work toward rediscovering yourself, empowerment, and emotional well-being.
My Approach to Therapy:
I take a collaborative, Strengths-based approach, working with you as a partner in your healing journey. I help you tap into your unique strengths and resources to overcome obstacles and build resilience. I draw on several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe negative beliefs and promote healthier thinking, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help manage emotions and build resilience. My practice is also trauma-informed, providing a sensitive and safe space to explore past experiences and their ongoing impact.
What makes me unique:
Outside of therapy, I stay active with cooking, coaching youth soccer, running, hiking, and chasing after my three kids. As a busy parent who’s navigated divorce, I understand how hard it can be to make time for self-care. However, I believe prioritizing your well-being is key, even when life feels overwhelming. I’m here to help you find greater harmony as you balance family, career, and personal life.
I also grew up in a vibrant European household, where culture was not just a part of our lives—it was at the core of our identities. This background has shaped my deep appreciation for the role that culture and family dynamics play in shaping who we are and how we navigate the world. I find great joy in learning about the different cultures and traditions that my clients bring with them, as it helps me understand their unique perspectives and strengths.
Education:
With 15 years of experience across diverse populations, I’m currently working toward certification in EMDR. My background includes inpatient psychiatric care, palliative care, and serving as Director of Social Services at a Nursing Facility. I’ve also worked extensively in private practice, helping clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood and personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. Additionally, I’ve worked with law enforcement and military spouses, supporting them through the unique challenges of their roles.
Master of Social Work (MSW), Monmouth University (2012)
Final Thoughts:
Life can feel demanding—whether you’re juggling parenthood, relationship challenges, or simply trying to find more balance. I’m here to help you rediscover your sense of self, integrate self-care into a busy life, and create positive change. It’s time to focus on the most important person in your life—you! Let’s work together to explore your goals and create the life you want.
Dina is now taking new clients and is available weekdays and some evenings
CLICK TO CONTACT DINA
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What to expect in therapy with me:
Reaching out for therapy takes courage, especially when you’ve spent a lot of time pushing through, performing, or holding it all together on your own. I know how hard it can be to ask for help in environments where strength is often measured by how much you can handle. My goal is to create a space where you can take a breath, slow down, and reconnect with what actually supports you, not just what keeps you going.
My approach is conversational, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity. You can expect honesty, warmth, and partnership as we explore what’s working, what’s not, and what feels stuck. I’ll meet you where you are, walk with you through the ups and downs, and challenge you at times. Together, we’ll focus on reconnecting with your authentic self, strengthening confidence and resilience that feels sustainable.
My Approach to Therapy
I draw from Person-Centered, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. I also integrate mindfulness, mental skills training, and values-based action to help strengthen focus, flexibility, and balance, both in and outside of performance settings.
I especially enjoy working with tweens and teens, college-aged individuals, athletes, and adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or the pressure to “hold it all together”. Together, we’ll look at patterns that may be keeping you stuck, develop practical tools to overcome barriers, and clarify what really matters to you. My work is guided by cultural humility, social justice, and ongoing self-reflection, recognizing how identity, environment, and culture shape who we are and how we grow.
What Makes Me Unique
My experience as a Division I lacrosse player is what first sparked my passion for mental health and ultimately led me to become a clinician. Competing at that level taught me a lot about motivation, identity, and resilience - but it also showed me how easily anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and self-doubt can take hold when your worth starts to feel tied to performance. Over time (and by learning to step back from the constant pressure to prove myself) I realized that when my sense of worth wasn’t tied to outcomes or achievement, I was able to perform more freely and build a healthier relationship with myself, others, and find balance between sport and life.
My background in Health Sciences and Psychology, paired with my work as a certified personal trainer, has shaped how I view the connection between the mind, body, and performance. I’ve seen how tuning into the body - through movement, breath, or awareness - can help quiet the mind, regulate stress, and rebuild confidence from within. This perspective guides how I show up in therapy: helping clients learn to listen to their bodies, manage pressure, and grow through small, intentional steps that strengthen both mental and physical resilience.
Education:
Masters of Science, Counseling
Johns Hopkins University (2025)
Dual Bachelor of Science, Psychology And Health, Physical Education, & Exercise Science
Virginia Commonwealth University (2022)
CLICK TO CONTACT ANNIE
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My Journey to Parent Coaching:
Coming onboard as a parenting coach with Betty Center is grounded in my years working with children, teachers, and parents. My professional experience includes a practicum in a psychiatric inpatient adolescent unit, working as a Behavior Specialist at a non-public school for kids with autism, and as a School Psychologist with children from Kindergarten through high school. There isn’t much I haven’t seen, and it’s unlikely you’ll tell me anything that will shock me!
I always knew that I wanted to work with children. I also knew, however, that teaching was not my calling, and after considering school law, school counseling, and clinical psychology, it was the field of school psychology that truly resonated with me. As a school psychologist, my work has been mainly focused in assessment and providing support to teachers and students, although not a lot of opportunities to work with parents.
Beginning in 2011, I started working with the Anne Arundel County Birth to Five Program providing home-based support for children and families. What an education! You really learn a lot about people when you’re sitting on their living room floor. In truth, when we’re talking about infants and toddlers, it’s really all about working with the adults. During that time, I was also a single mom raising my own three children (elementary school/middle school), so I was very “all parenting, all the time”. I honed my expertise during these intensive years of on-the-job experience, coupled with my own real-world parenting journey.
When I returned to being a school psychologist in 2019, I had very little interaction with parents and really missed it. I realized when parents have skills and support, they can make a real difference in the struggles and challenges in the school environment. I’m excited to be able to help parents and families build their confidence, increase their skills, and discover their parenting “juju” right here at Betty Center.
My Ideal Client & Why I Really Like What I Do:
I love the ”naughty” little kids who can look right at you, with their hand right on the edge of the cookie jar, and not break eye contact. Maybe they take the cookie, maybe they decide against it on their own – either way, I’m immediately drawn in. Why? After many years working with kids, I’ve developed a number of theories I use in my work. One of them is the idea that often, a child “acting out” or “misbehaving” is really asking for or seeking something (love, attention, connection) and by upping the behavioral ante, they’re hoping you will engage and respond. How we respond in these moments can have a huge impact on a child’s growth and development, their self-concept, and their view of themselves.
I like detective work and problem-solving - figuring out the puzzle of a child’s behavior is fun for me! People sometimes get overwhelmed and caught up in the details of what a child is doing in the moment – sometimes the solution is actually easier than they think. My role is to help name and define what’s really happening, set a concrete goal, and develop a step-by-step, actionable plan to solve the puzzle. I’ll help you learn to move beyond your (justifiable!) frustration and begin to get curious about your child or teen so you can reduce conflict and increase connection.
Other Stuff About Me:
I love all of the Bravo shows, a good cocktail, shopping for antiques, and my weekly yoga. But my proudest accomplishment (and what always makes me smile) are my kids. Rom-coms, book clubs, travel with friends and family? Also, all a resounding yes, please! And my girlfriends are ALL the things – how do people live without girlfriends? How do you solve problems without girlfriends? I’m not sure but I definitely don’t want to find out. My friends are my source of comfort, laughter, and connection. In the end, I believe it’s our relationships with others that truly matter in life, and I try to live my life with that truth as my guiding north star
Education:
Master of Education, M.Ed.
(Educational Specialist Degree, Ed.S.)James Madison University
Bachelor of Science,
Psychology & Sociology, Minor in Juvenile DelinquencyJames Madison University
CLICK TO CONTACT NINA
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I earned my B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, where I also completed programs in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. During my time there, I played Division I water polo and took on the role of my team’s social media liaison, creating content and building a sense of community. That experience led me to my current position at The Betty Center, where I get to use social media to empower women, share valuable resources, and connect with an incredible network of people.
Now, I’m continuing my athletic career as a professional water polo player with Glyfada Nautical Sports Club in Greece and as a proud member of the USA Water Polo Senior National Team.
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Dave Tidler has joined Betty Center to oversee marketing and technology. With over 30 years of experience as a creative executive, Dave brings a unique combination of creative vision and technical expertise. Throughout his career, he has led award-winning teams and managed complex content operations across a variety of high-profile sectors.
Originally from the Annapolis area, Dave has built a career defined by adaptability, innovation, and leadership in the fast-paced world of content creation, media, marketing, and technology. His dedication to excellence and continuous improvement has established him as a transformative leader in the industry.
Dave now resides in Hampstead, North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his family, whether out on the water, grilling in the backyard, or enjoying time on the beaches of Topsail Island.
The Betty Center Blog
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