Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to get in touch or schedule a consultation with Leslie.
Leslie Saunders is a second year MSW student and a graduate-level intern based in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. who has most recently, worked with homeless and recently- housed individuals across shelters in an agency committed to the homeless community. Her comprehensive background, coupled with a unique skill set in motivational interviewing and person-centered treatment, has allowed her to grow as a clinician and develop an attuned perspective on what it takes to facilitate an effective and meaningful therapeutic process.
Leslie provides therapy for adults across the lifespan, primarily older adults. Her clinical focuses include life transitions, eating disorders, trauma, and relationships. Leslie has a deep interest in using psychodynamic, integrative, client-centered, and motivational interviewing along with her experience with the homeless and recently housed to help adults learn more about themselves and reach their life journey goals.
Master of Social Work, The Catholic University of America, anticipated May 2027
Bachelor of Arts in History and Art History, Austin College, May 1984
Individuals
In person & online
Adults
Older Adults
Couples
Groups
ADHD
Addiction
Anxiety
Autism
Chronic Illness
Developing/maintaining coping skills
Depression
Emotional regulation
Grief
Interpersonal Relationships
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Self-esteem/Identity
Eating disorders
Leslie comes from motivational interviewing and psychodynamic approaches, understanding that the needs of each individual are unique and deserve to be met however they present in the moment. She aims to provide a compassionate environment for clients to feel safe to explore their emotions and behaviors.
Leslie believes that the therapeutic relationship is for the client to learn more about themselves and reach their full potential.
Leslie draws from different approaches/interventions as a social worker, including:
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Humanistic
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Narrative
Psychodynamic
Strength-Based
Leslie is a photographer, swims and practices yoga.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to get in touch or schedule a consultation with Leslie.
If you’re here, you’ve taken the first step toward becoming the best and most fulfilled version of yourself, and the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is excited to be part of your therapy journey.
Whether you’re a parent who needs guidance or you’re looking for a therapist to support your struggling child, the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is here to help.
Let’s face it – being a parent is hard. Whether you have a baby on the way, you’re adopting or fostering, or you’re having trouble bonding with your child, you may want to consider working with a family therapist.
At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we are proud to offer group therapy and support groups in the Tenley town community. You can learn more about group therapy services on this page...
If you’re struggling with anxiety, we’re here to talk about it. At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we offer therapy for anxiety in our Tenleytown practice to help alleviate the effects of anxiety and develop skills...
One of the great things about working in the heart of Tenleytown is that Dandelion Counseling & Care is located near American University, The Washington College of Law, and...
At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we welcome adolescents and teens from the Tenleytown community to visit us for therapy. We regularly work with teens from Woodrow Wilson High School in the heart...
Depression may be the most common mood disorder impacting millions of people in the U.S. every year. If you’re one of the countless people trying to overcome the effects of depression, the good news is...
Nature-informed therapy combines the healing effects of nature with therapeutic practices. It encourages restoration, self-reflection, and supports the change-making process. Nature-informed therapy can take...
Lennie is a licensed graduate social worker in Washington D.C. who provides therapy for adults across the lifespan, and for adolescents...
Jacqueline Burnett is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Tenleytown, Washington D.C. with several years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan—including adolescents, adults of all ages, and couples...
Elizabeth is an AMFT staff therapist in Washington, D.C. who works with individuals, couples, and children. Her areas of focus include relationship issues, grief & loss, anxiety, and trauma recovery.
Lauren is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC who provides therapy for individuals across the lifespan, including adolescents, college students, and adults. She practices with a trauma-sensitive, culturally affirming approach, using collaboration, creativity, and compassion to support clients in working toward their wellness goals. Her clinical focus includes trauma, ADHD, life transitions, and grief and loss.
Mylo Hyatt (They/Them) is our Weekend Intake Assistant and a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where they earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a concentration in Social Justice.
Maddie is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. who has worked with adolescents, young adults, and older adults across community mental health, hospital, and university settings.
Tim Mahoney is a staff therapist who works collaboratively with clients to build practical, evidence-based skills for navigating anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, life transitions, trauma, work-life balance, and career-related challenges.
Johnny Koczela is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. who works with adolescents, adults, older adults, and couples navigating complex emotional lives.
Margot Locker is an MSW Student Intern therapist in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. A Washington native, she has worked with children, adolescents, families, and educators across school, nonprofit, and community settings, and she now works with clients at every stage of life, from young people navigating school and identity to adults facing transitions, parenting, and the weight of holding it all together.
Andrea Levine is a licensed graduate social worker in Washington, DC, who works with adults across the lifespan, young adults, including college students, and adolescents...
Erika Bugaj is a licensed independent clinical social worker practicing in Tenleytown, Washington, DC. Erika has many years of experience as a social worker and therapist, as well as experience as a teacher...
Meg Lazerow is a MSW, LGSW Staff Therapist based in Tenleytown, Washington DC, with a deep interest in using attachment and family-oriented approaches to help clients of all ages and backgrounds reach their goals...
Veronica is a MSW, LGSW Staff Therapist focused on helping her clients use evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, life transitions, trauma, stress management, work/life balance, and career development...
Matthew Hayes is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. who has worked with child, adolescent, and young adult populations across group practice and community-based settings.
Audrey Wynn is our Intake Coordinator and a recent graduate of George Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Brain Sciences with a minor in Criminal Justice...
Ronke's counseling approach emphasizes drawing on clients' inner strengths, discovering their values, and increasing their self-acceptance. She uses evidence-based approaches to help clients develop self-care practices, live with greater clarity, and cultivate satisfying relationships.
Leslie Saunders is a second year MSW student and a graduate-level intern based in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. who has most recently, worked with homeless and recently- housed individuals across shelters in an agency committed to the homeless community.
