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.
Aisha Henderson
Insurance Specialist
Aisha is a Trinity (Washington) University graduate, with a Bachelor's in Human Relations. She is pursuing a career in clinical mental health counseling. Aisha started working at PACE Consulting in 2017. Prior to working at PACE Consulting, she worked on a mental health helpline and as the Executive Assistant at a production company. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities in nice weather, watching mysteries, and spending time with her niece and nephew.
Maggie Blackburn
Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical / PACE Clinician
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!
Alexus Ford
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor / PACE Clinician
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!
Lily Kern
Licensed Master Social Worker / PACE Clinician
* Available for in person appointments*
Lily Kern, LMSW, M.Ed is a master level social worker who has experience working in middle school, high school, and college settings. Lily uses a cognitive-behavioral approach, helping clients to identify and change patterns of thinking and behaving that no longer serve them. With her combined background in special education and mental health, Lily’s specialties include serving clients with anxiety, learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism and she especially enjoys helping young adults build the confidence they need to succeed academically and socially.
Clients typically describe Lily as “real” noting that her warmth lets them know she genuinely cares. In therapy, Lily approaches her clients with openness, humor, and compassion to help them find solutions that actually make sense in their world.
When Lily is not off counseling, she enjoys interior design, singing opera, and hanging out with the people she loves. If you are interested in meeting with Lily for therapy, give us a call or fill out our contact form.
Tracy L. Gordon
Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical / PACE Clinician
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.