Meet Us
At Teachable Moments Therapy Group, we recognize the inherent value of every person.
We focus on our clients’ abilities and strengths, providing valuable interventions that build on the individual strengths that each client possesses.
It is our mission to provide our clients with strategies and solutions that work in everyday life situations!
We're proud to provide comprehensive yet “personalized” therapy to our clients.
Each therapist at Teachable Moments is chosen based on their demonstrated internal commitment to go that extra mile, never to give up, and to make a difference in the mental health and well-being of others.
We believe that individuals who seek help at their most vulnerable and have a right to maximize their level of independence. —And, with our interdisciplinary approach it is possible for them to reach these goals.
Syreeta T. Dawkins
LCSW
Clinical Executive Officer
Ms. Dawkins is a “Social Worker” by education, but a “Problem Solver” by a purpose that's inspired by the mantra “Lives are Changed at Single Moments in Time!” Ms. Dawkins graduated with Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Social Work, specializing in Clinical Mental Health, from Norfolk State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Administration with a Post Baccalaureate Certification in Human Services Interdisciplinary Forensics from Capella University. Ms. Dawkins received her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) in 2013 and opened her private practice, Teachable Moments Therapy Group, in 2018.
She specializes in community mental health advocacy, sexual trauma with women and children, and coping with blended families by providing both marriage and family counseling. Ms. Dawkins assists her clients in addressing concerns with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and sexual trauma. Ms. Dawkins has a broad and rich professional history that includes work in Corrections, Community Mental Health, School Social Work, Administration, Government and Contracting, Family reunification, and Supervised Visitation.
Currently, she is passionate about equipping upcoming professionals with sound clinical intervention methods for a diverse population. Since 2006, Ms. Dawkins has diligently evolved a unique professional personality known for being “spicy but real” and “compassionate but no-nonsense.” She specializes in uncovering the unique strengths of her clients and coaching them to create their own solutions to their problems.
Ms. Dawkins's clinical insights are especially effective in a segment of the population often deemed “hard to reach.” She believes that growth is possible anywhere if it is wanted!
Our Team
Carin Hamilton
MSW, LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Navy Veteran, and mother, Carin has found her greatest passion in helping children, adolescents, adults, and families to find healthy perspectives of themselves so they can navigate through life feeling peaceful, purposeful, whole, and safe.
As we know that no single approach will be effective for every individual, Ms. Hamilton has found that the "shortest distance between two points is a straight line" with everyone. With that, Ms. Hamilton engages in a range of treatment modalities, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy used most frequently. Ms. Hamilton has a unique ability to meet each individual where there are with compassion, respect, and knowledge.
“When human beings experience a traumatic
event or significant stress, it is not uncommon
for their lives to unravel.“
As a Licensed Master Social Worker currently providing psychotherapy under supervision, I believe that every person has, within themselves, the skills to improve their thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Using an integrated blend of solution-focused and cognitive behavior therapy, my goal is to assist in identifying unique opportunities for transformation. I do this by creating a comfortable, non-judgmental space for every individual to heal and grow in. With over 15 years of mental health experience, supporting others in developing self-love and awareness has been my passion.
I am skilled at working with individuals experiencing depression and mood problems, but also those who are simply navigating life’s challenges. If you need a comfortable and safe space to grow in, let’s connect with each other and get you to a place where you can experience joy, peace, and love. A place where you will find balance and be able to see meaning in everything that happens to you. I will call you out as needed, but, most importantly, I will support you!
“If you need a comfortable and safe space to grow in, let’s connect with each other and get you to a place where you can experience joy, peace, and love. A place where you will find balance and are able to see meaning in everything that happens to you. I will call you out as needed, but, most importantly, I will support you!"
Andrea Diggs
MPA, LMSW
Resident in Social Work
Ahjanae Braxton
MSW
Resident in Social Work
Ahjanae Braxton is a young, bright-minded psychotherapist who especially enjoys working with the youth between the ages of 7 and 17, however, she is open to working with anyone who has come to the point in their life where they are ready for a positive change in their life.
In practice, Ahjanae uses a person-centered approach mixed with integrated therapeutic modalities of Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral therapeutic techniques. She allows individuals to build upon their current strengths to aid in being their best, authentic selves.
“The good life is a process, not a state of being.
It is a direction, not a destination.”
— Carl Rogers
Melody is a psychotherapist in practice, specializing in treating individuals, couples, and families.
In addition to psychotherapy, Melody provides Asylum Assessment Immigration Evaluations.
Whether your stress is related to work, school, relationships, parenting, or other life transitions, she will work with you to nurture your existing strengths and help you build coping skills that lead to positive life changes. Melody’s practice is eclectic and informed by several different therapeutic modalities. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral, Immigration Evaluation, Relational Family, Trauma-Focused, and Mindfulness. She specializes in work with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, family conflict, and trauma and stress-related disorders.
Melody’s approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented. She fosters an environment that is both gentle and motivational and practices the belief that every person has innate resilience and is capable of great change. Melody is also bilingual and able to provide therapeutic services in Spanish.
Melody Morales
MSW, LCSW
Spanish speaking psychotherapist
Capris Elmore
MSW
Resident in Social Work
It's not the conversation around you that distracts you, it's the conversation within you that distracts you! I am a Clinical Therapist that would love to connect with you to start the conversation to assist you as you navigate your life journey. I focus on creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where I can help clients identify opportunities for change and growth and cope with difficult emotions and experiences. It is my passion to assist you in solving problems in constructive ways that bring the opportunity to heal emotional wounds.
I believe in treating the whole person. Therapy sessions with me are kind and down-to-earth. I specifically work with individuals who have difficulty coping with a traumatic past, life stressors, anxiety, depression, and personal, family and relationship problems. I believe therapy is a powerful and effective method for creating positive change.
I understand that taking the first steps to seek help can be both intimidating and overwhelming, but I am here to help you navigate your journey.
From teenagers to seniors, my clients are those who may be battling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues, self-destructive behaviors, or emotions and moods that feel unmanageable.
Goals for therapy may include managing strong emotions, coping with distressing experiences, developing healthy relationships or interactions with others, or generally improving quality of life.
My background in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps me teach coping skills for distress tolerance and emotional regulation. I also have a solid foundation in trauma-focused care for individuals who struggle with the impact of abuse or violence and may suffer from PTSD.
Life has been incredibly challenging for all of us in recent years. If you are battling the effects of trauma or living with a mood disorder, the challenges of everyday life can feel overwhelming. Don’t fight alone, and don’t give up on having a better life. With the right skills and support, you can improve your quality of life, as well as your outlook.
Ashley Palochak
MSW
Resident in Social Work