William is the founder and clinician of Cheerful Transformations. With over 12 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health counseling, William is dedicated to helping individuals overcome emotional and behavioral challenges and achieve lasting personal growth. Throughout his career, William has served in various impactful roles, including crisis counselor, intensive case manager, and program coordinator. These diverse experiences have given him a deep understanding of client needs across different settings and strengthened his ability to provide holistic, client-centered care. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Salisbury University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He later completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) at Western New Mexico University, where he further deepened his clinical knowledge and commitment to serving diverse communities. William is currently a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work in the state of Virginia, working toward independent clinical licensure. William has a particular expertise in working with young men, supporting them in navigating life’s challenges while fostering emotional resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms. He is committed to providing a therapeutic environment that is supportive, empowering, and culturally responsive—where clients feel respected, understood, and equipped to achieve their personal goals.

Leah is the co-founder and lead clinician of Cheerful Transformations. With over 10 plus years of experience as a psychotherapist, Leah has committed her career to assisting individuals in managing and overcoming emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Temple University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Leah is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds clinical licensure in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Supervisors for Maryland Professional Counselors. Leah specializes in working with children and adolescents, particularly those experiencing intense mood disorders, trauma, and behavioral challenges. She has extensive experience providing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with high-risk youth, and therapeutic support for early adolescents navigating emotional dysregulation and complex trauma. Her therapeutic approach is compassionate, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed. Leah is dedicated to creating a safe, empowering environment where young clients and their families can build resilience, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Akili is a clinician at Cheerful Transformations, bringing over 20 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse field. She has worked extensively with adult and elderly populations, providing individual and family therapy, as well as substance use counseling and support. Akili holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in public administration from Boston University. She further expanded her academic background by completing additional studies in Criminal Justice and Applied Behavioral Analysis, equipping her with a well-rounded understanding of the social and behavioral sciences. Akili is currently licensed as a Certified Addictions Counselor II (CAC II) in Washington, D.C., and is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). She is also a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) and holds a Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) designation. With a compassionate and structured approach to care, Akili is committed to helping individuals overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve long-term wellness in both their mental health and recovery journeys.

Ashley is a Licensed Master Social Worker and clinician with Cheerful Transformation, bringing over 10 years of combined experience in social work and education. She earned her MSW from Morgan State University and is deeply committed to empowering individuals and families through a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. Ashley specializes in supporting clients through life transitions, addressing emotional challenges, and connecting them with essential community resources. Her practice is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and a belief in the healing power of authentic human connection. She began her career in education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and teaching in Baltimore City, where she served youth and their families. During this time, Ashley recognized that a child’s success in the classroom depends not only on academic instruction but also on their mental well-being and the stability of their home environment. Guided by empathy and a strong commitment to holistic care, Ashley strives to create safe and supportive spaces where clients can explore their identities, process mental and emotional changes, and work toward personal growth. She is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships within the community while helping individuals and families build resilience and achieve lasting well-being.