Meet the Team
Kiah McDaniel
MSW, Supervisee in Social Work, CSAC
*Currently Accepting Virtual Clients*
Utilizing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and a minor in business, Kiah knew that she could offer a variety of assistance with the individuals that she came in contact with on a daily basis. She then graduated from the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work program with her master’s degree in 2019. Working in the field for six years, Kiah has provided services to individuals, families, and groups and has worked with all age groups as young as 5 years old to 60+.
As a Master in Social Work Supervisee and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Kiah is here to assist you. During these services she can address your challenges related to depression, substance use, anger management, stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. Kiah provides psychoeducation, substance abuse counseling “individual and or groups”, coping skills and community referrals to local resources or services. Kiah looks forward to aiding you in building your self-awareness to your own self-empowerment.
A little bit about Kiah: Born and raised in Virginia, moved to Hampton Roads officially in 2016. Kiah's personality is viewed as down to earth and personable. She enjoys listening to audible books, traveling, being out-doors and creating art during her spare time.
"Your mental health is IMPORTANT and acknowledging that you need assistance is not a failure"
Adama Sow
MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
*Not Accepting Clients At This Time*
Compassion for impact and change was Adama's driving force in pursuing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, and her Masters in Social Work at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. With five years of social work experience, Adama has worked in mental health skill building with adults in the community. She worked with ages 25+ with engaging clients in educational, behavioral, and life skills activities. In addition, Adama has worked in the acute care hospital in leadership as a medical social worker with completing continuity of care planning, direct patient/family counseling with education, and championing patients' health care rights through advocacy at the policy level. Adama has facilitated services for individuals and families by providing dignity, respect, and compassion while addressing mental health affected by social determinants. Adama's social work background can help address transculturation challenges, stress management, anxiety, generational trauma, depression, self-esteem issues, communication gaps, and mental health. Adama's treatment modalities include psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, coping skills, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, crisis intervention, and task-centered practice. Adama strives to guide clients through a journey of discovery that the depths of their purpose have no limitations. Adama's personality can be described as free-spirited, person-centered, and uplifting. A few interesting facts about Adama are her love for traveling, shopping for patterns that leave a bold statement, nature/beach walks, writing poetry, attending empowerment events, and meditation.
Starla King
MSW, LMHP-S
*Currently accepting virtual clients only*
Starla earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Old Dominion University and her graduate degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work from Walden University. Recently, she worked as an outpatient treatment clinician and has 10+ years of combined expertise in mental health, crisis management/prevention, and therapeutic mentoring services. She specializes in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, PTSD/trauma, women’s issues, perinatal mental health, and relationship/family conflict. Starla broadened her treatment to focus on integrating a holistic approach to mental health.
“The process of finding a therapist matters just as much as the work you are preparing to put into your healing journey. The techniques I use are intended to empower you in a safe space to recover energy, resilience, and confidence to make transformational life decisions."
Gisselotte Ventura, LMSW
Outpatient Therapist
*Currently Accepting Virtual and In-Person Clients*
Gisselotte Ventura, a native of the Dominican Republic, began her social work journey a few months after enlisting in the New Jersey Army National Guard at the age of 17. After her enlistment, she became more involved in the welfare of fellow Service Members and her community. Gisselotte began her pursuit of a Bachelor's in Social Work at Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ, and a Master's in Social Work at Rutgers State University in New Brunswick, NJ. Since 2011 she has been committed to working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. As a citizen soldier, Gissolette maintains a balance between her military and civilian career. Early in her military career, she volunteered as a first responder during Hurricane Sandy and Irene in NJ. As a result, she was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for her selfless service. Before transitioning to Virginia Beach, VA, Gisselotte worked with several nonprofit organizations providing trauma-informed care, life skills, crisis intervention, and behavioral modification to adolescents, adults, and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, social anxieties, depression, and PTSD. Gisselotte lives by the quote, “leave people, places, and things better than how you found them,” empowering individuals to be their best version. She enjoys traveling, mentoring & educating, finding unique places to try new foods with nice views, and working out. Balancing her military and civilian career comes with challenges, and she uses fitness as her therapy.
Angela Termini Psy.D, M.Psy, MA
Intake & Discharge Clinician
Angela earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, and completed her pre-doctoral internship at The Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center in Baltimore, MD. She has extensive experience providing psychotherapy and psychological testing to individuals across the lifespan with sensitivity to diversity. Angela is well versed in providing therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups, and she has worked in diverse settings such as community mental health, university counseling centers, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, and the DC Superior Court. She also provided therapy and testing to military members and their families at Fort Belvoir Hospital in Northern Virginia. Angela is also proficient in the administration and interpretation of psychological testing and has conducted comprehensive psychological assessments for diverse populations, to include specialty evaluations and command directives for military personnel, psychoeducational assessments for court-involved youth, and neuropsychological assessments for adult trauma survivors. For seven years prior to pursuing her doctorate, Angela worked as a home-based counselor where she provided intensive counseling to at-risk children and their families. Angela also stays up-to-date with psychological research, and her research findings have been published and displayed at national and local conferences. Her training, work experience, and interest in community mental health is what brought her back to the counseling center environment at I-Thrive Therapy and Wellness. She creates a comfortable environment for her clients and looks forward to joining you on your wellness journey!
Courtneí Brockington, MSW
Supervisee in Social Work, Outpatient Therapist
*Currently Accepting Clients*
Courtneí Brockington is a New York born Portsmouth, VA raised licensed-eligible clinical social worker. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Howard University in 2014 where she majored in psychology and minored in Africana studies. In 2017, she also earned her Masters in Social Work from The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University.
Since graduation, Courtneí has worked in a variety of clinical settings providing mental health services, to include working within community organizations, treating clients through in-home services, providing case management, working with the department of social services, the public school system, a residential treatment facility, and working 1:1 without individual in the outpatient therapy setting.
Her clinical passions include overall black mental health and utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma informed care to help her clients address anxiety/depression, and internal family systems issues.
In Courtneí’s spare time, she can be found traveling to concerts, spending time with loved ones, serving in church, or playing with her Pomeranian puppy named Chewi.
Alivia Evans
Counseling Intern
Alivia Evans is a dedicated graduate student on a journey to earn her master's degree in school counseling while fulfilling the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Armed with a bachelor's degree in psychology and human services, Alivia's academic foundation reflects her commitment to understanding the complexities of the human mind and the impact of interpersonal relationships. Her passion for helping others navigate life's challenges is evident in her pursuit of becoming a therapist. Alivia's goal is not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop the necessary skills to guide individuals through their unique experiences and empower them to overcome obstacles.
Javanna Freeman, BS
Administrative Assistant
Javanna Freeman, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, carries with her a strong desire to help in any form possible. She lives by the quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Javanna earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Hampton University, VA. Since earning her undergraduate degree she has had a myriad of experiences working in healthcare and volunteering within her community. As the Administrative Assistant, she is very conscientious about helping I-Thrive Therapy and Wellness run smoothly for all, in a caring and compassionate manner. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, authentic cultural foods, DIYing and wood working.
What People Are Saying
“In March of 2020 I quickly began to feel the stress and pressure of Covid-19. I reached out to Mrs. Ewa and received a prompt reply. She also respected my decision to communicate mainly through email and text for questions. Shortly after I began virtual therapy and it has been life changing! I leave each session with a little more “life” in me and a lot more knowledge about what I want, need, and desire for myself. At times while I may feel challenged by her ability to force me to dig deep, afterward I find a new sense of pride, hope and understanding. I’ve sought counsel a few times but it was always short lived. However, the value I find in the iThrive methods are worth it. If you’re looking for someone with an amazing personality, timely, professional, and with a true passion for what she does please reach out. You won’t be disappointed.”
“I've been able to reflect real time with Natasha on my choices and produce action items after each session. It’s been a horrific and yet humbling time. Natasha provides a safe space to support reflection and participates through a dialogue approach - something I know that’s needed to work through self doubt, anxiety, depression, and critical healing.”
“Natasha has been a life saver for me. She listens to my issues/concerns and she offers guidance. She has helped me understand things I’ve been trying to figure out for years. She is very responsive and makes sure I understand her advice. I am so thankful that I have her to talk to.”
“Natasha has been great! I have felt so much better about life and less depressed since starting my sessions with her.”
“Mrs. Ewa is called to do this. She turns tragedy into triumph. My life, mind, and perspective has been transformed.”
“I’ve seen so much growth that started literally day one. She does not rush or make you feel anything but listened to.”
“I’ve seen so much growth that started literally day one. She does not rush or make you feel anything but listened to.”
“Missed an appointment and Mrs. Ewa is still kind.”
“Tragic for me when I miss any time to grow.”
“Natasha has been great! I have felt so much better about life and less depressed since starting my sessions with her.”
“Ms. Kiah, my therapist has given me the vibe to feel comfortable speaking!”
“We have had great experiences with our therapist, Tuesdai. She has worked with us for over 4 years and there is a significant difference for our son. Before we started therapy, our son wouldn’t talk to you unless he really knew you for a long time. Now he is a leader in Scouts and participates in clubs after school. He has no problem talking to authority figures and is an advocate for himself and others.”
“Natasha has been an amazing addition to my life since 2019. She’s helped me grow sooo much! I’m beyond thankful to have her in my life!”
