Our Team
Paula Anderson, PhD
President/CEO & Organizational Psychologist
Dr. Paula Anderson, LCPC, NCC has degrees in Psychology and Community Counseling; and has recently successfully defended her dissertation in Organizational Psychology. She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed in the state of Maryland and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is also a Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland.
Adriana Dastan
Jr. Administrative Manager
Adriana Dastan serves as the Jr. Administrative Manager at PACE Consulting. Adriana provides direct support to the CEO, supervises the daily operations of the Administrative department, and embodies the essence of coordinating and implementing procedures and systems that foster "The PACE Culture" of autonomy, belonging, and purposeful work. Adriana is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management and on track to become a Society for Human Resource Management - Certified Professional.
Adriana enjoys the opportunity to serve individuals from diverse backgrounds while fostering a positive influence on their daily lives. Her dedication extends to empowering clients and individuals to achieve success in their professional and personal endeavors.
In her personal time she cherishes moments with her family, cooking from scratch, watching Law & Order: SVU/ Organized Crime, ice skating, roller skating, gardening, and of course shopping!
Chenelle Ellie
Clinical Director
Chenelle Ellie is a licensed clinical social worker. She has spent 7 years supporting students in different school systems within the state of Maryland. She also has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, self esteem issues, and a variety of other mental health issues. Her goal is to assist her clients to reach their goals so they can utilize their coping skills independently.
She loves when her clients "fire" her because this means that they are able to utilize all of the skills discussed in therapy. Chenelle is also a clinical supervisor for master's level social workers. Her goal is to provide a safe space for social workers to discuss their difficulties and successes. While doing this, Chenelle can help social workers reach their full potential and provide resources they can utilize for years to come with a variety of clients.
Mira Rhames
Intake Coordinator
Mira Rhames, our intake coordinator, takes pride in serving others. Leveraging her medical background, she joined PACE with the aim of providing the best care to everyone. Emphasizing the importance of mental health, she leads our team in delivering outstanding customer service, upholding confidentiality, providing resources, and connecting you with the right therapist that best suit your needs. Beyond her commitment to aiding others, Mira values quality time with her son, prayer, and having a good laugh at life's quirks.
George Williams
Licensed Master Social Worker PACE Clinician
Insurance Accepted: CareFirst
Self Pay and Sliding Fee Available
George Williams, LMSW, is a licensed social worker with a Master of Social Work from Widener University. He brings much experience to his work, providing direct care to adolescents and adults across various settings, including residential programs, schools, correctional facilities, and hospitals.
George offers individual, couples, and family therapy to clients ages 15 and older, helping them navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, legal issues, and life transitions. He also specializes in supporting men’s mental health, addressing gang involvement or at-risk behaviors, and working with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
George’s approach is warm, practical, and rooted in empowerment. He draws from person-centered, strength-based therapeutic modalities to help clients build on their existing skills, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve emotional and relational well-being. Whether working with a teenager exploring identity, a couple facing communication issues, or a family healing from a challenging experience, George meets each client with compassion and respect.
He aims to create a safe, supportive space where individuals and families feel heard, understood, and motivated to make meaningful change. George is committed to walking alongside clients toward greater wellness and resilience.
Cynthia Watson
Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical / PACE Clinician
Insurance Accepted: Pending Medicaid
Self-Pay Options Available
Cynthia Watson, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about helping clients heal from past wounds, strengthen their emotional well-being, and grow into the best version of themselves. She works with individuals who are motivated for change—people who are ready to do the work both inside and outside of therapy to see lasting results.
Cynthia has extensive experience supporting survivors of trauma, including those who have experienced sexual abuse, religious or spiritual harm, or situations where faith communities have caused feelings of rejection, judgment, or unworthiness. She offers a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to process these experiences and explore their beliefs without fear of bias or condemnation.
In addition to her work with individuals, Cynthia also specializes in working with couples, families, and teens—helping them improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs, drawing on both her clinical expertise and personal life experience as a lifelong athlete and competitive bodybuilder. She is particularly interested in working with professional, collegiate, and high-performing athletes to support mental health, address body image and self-esteem concerns, and improve focus and performance.
Whether working with someone navigating depression, overcoming trauma, rebuilding after spiritual or relational wounds, or striving to excel in competitive sports, Cynthia’s goal is to help clients reclaim their voice, recognize their resilience, and step into a future filled with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Songi Choe
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor/ PACE Clinician
Insurance Accepted: Pending CareFirst
Self-Pay and Sliding Fee Available
Songi Choe, LGPC, is a licensed graduate professional counselor who specializes in working with young children as young as 4 years old. She is passionate about helping children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges, including tantrums, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, mood changes, and social difficulties.
Songi offers child-centered play therapy and uses non-directive, developmentally appropriate interventions to create a safe and supportive space where children can express themselves, build confidence, and develop healthier coping skills. She understands that some children are naturally eager to engage through play, while others may be hesitant but curious. She makes sure to meet each child where they are, fostering connection at their own pace.
She believes strongly in the power of early intervention, noting that without timely support, children’s emotional and behavioral struggles can intensify over time and impact their long-term mental health. By working collaboratively with caregivers, she aims to nurture resilience, promote emotional regulation, and lay the foundation for lifelong well-being.
Songi approaches her work with curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for each child’s unique story. Through play therapy, she gives children a voice, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.
Alexus Ford
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor / PACE Clinician
Insurance Accepted: Medicaid
Self-Pay Options Available
Alexus Ford, LCPC has experience working in community programs, inpatient hospitals, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and school based settings. Her experience working in many different environments gives her a unique perspective as a therapist.
She works with individuals, families, and groups. Alexus mainly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person centered therapy, and solution focused therapy in her practice, however she incorporates other modalities as needed in order to give clients individualized treatment. She has experience addressing anxiety, depression, social skills difficulties, anger management, and psychotic disorders.
Alexus enjoys working with young adults and adults by providing a warm nurturing environment to help her clients thrive. If Alexus sounds like she could be a good fit for you, reach out today to schedule with her!
Tracy L. Gordon
Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical / PACE Clinician
Insurance Accepted: Medicaid
Self Pay Options Available
Tracy L. Gordon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings over two decades of experience to her work with clients ranging from age 8 through adulthood. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders, Tracy uses a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help clients of all ages find their strengths and overcome life’s challenges.
Tracy’s extensive background includes working with youth in "out-of-home" care, focusing on behavioral and emotional healing to support family reunification. Her experience has given her a unique perspective on the importance of having someone in your corner who listens without judgment and offers guidance. She creates a safe and supportive space for children, teens, and adults to explore their feelings, gain clarity, and address past and present issues that impact their lives.
Whether working with a child struggling with anxiety, a teen dealing with depression, or an adult processing trauma, Tracy is committed to helping her clients find their inner strength and move forward with confidence. She believes that everyone has the power within themselves to heal and thrive. Tracy’s goal is to empower her clients to not just survive but build a balanced and fulfilling life.
Maggie Blackburn
Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical / PACE Clinician
Currently Not Accepting Clients
Maggie, LCSW-C is a counselor who has experience working in residential treatment facilities, mobile crisis and in the school system. She is experienced in family, group, couples and individual counseling. Maggie has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and has experience working with anger management, social skills, and anxiety.
Maggie strives to create a welcoming environment where all of her clients feel safe. Maggie believes that using a strengths-based approach paired with a person-centered approach creates an environment where the client is able to be an active role in their therapeutic process.
Maggie also has experience providing training and workshops for different universities, businesses, and organizations on topics such as workplace boundaries, transitions, problem-solving, and different therapeutic modalities.
If you'd like to work with Maggie, please reach out today to schedule an appointment!