Owings Mills

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Octavia Sykes, LCSW-C (they/she), is a proud Baltimorean, quirky feminist, and passionate advocate with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. Their commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and empowerment stems from a combination of personal upbringing and academic foundation. Octavia holds a BA in Women’s Studies with a
Certificate in LGBT Studies from the University of Maryland, as well as a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Widener University and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Human Sexuality.

Throughout their career, Octavia has worked with diverse and often underserved populations, including BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities, survivors of sexual assault, individuals struggling with eating disorders, polyamorous folx, and those involved in pro-choice initiatives. They are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and are a board-certified clinical supervisor, supporting provisionally licensed social workers and counselors in Maryland.

Over the past ten years, Octavia’s focus has increasingly centered on supporting individuals navigating workplace trauma, helping clients process and heal from the emotional and psychological impacts of toxic work environments. They approach all aspects of their work through a trauma-informed, intersectional lens, advocating for the rights, dignity, and well-being of marginalized communities.

When not in the therapy room, Octavia enjoys capturing moments on film cameras and unwinding with their beloved cats. With a deep commitment to both personal and professional growth, Octavia continues to challenge societal norms and contribute to creating spaces where people can thrive and heal.

Christina M. Blackwell, LCPC, NCC is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. In 2009, she started her professional career in banking where for over 10 years she provided financial counseling to support her clients in achieving their financial goals. In 2010, Christina earned her bachelor of science degree with honors in applied psychology and minored in psychological services at Coppin State University. In 2015, Christina continued to pursue her passion for providing clinical counseling to diverse populations by enrolling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She graduated with a master’s degree in professional counseling in 2018. Christina is currently a national certified counselor and was awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. in 2022.

Christina specializes in trauma, grief/bereavement, and crisis counseling. Christina is a licensed minister at her local church and provides Christian and faith-based counseling services. She has a passion for providing an individualized, compassionate, and eclectic oriented approach to help others with their mental health needs and holistic wellness. Christina feels her purpose is being fulfilled working in the counseling field and looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Tamara Casey, LCSW-C, brings over 37 years of dedicated clinical social work experience to her practice. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Franciscan University in Ohio. She also studied Catholic Theology while at Franciscan University. She then got a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, with a concentration in mental health.

Throughout her career, Tamara has continuously expanded her therapeutic toolkit, integrating a diverse range of modalities to meet the unique needs of her clients. She is skilled in Catholic/Christian Counseling, Family Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy. This diverse skill set allows her to effectively support individuals, children, families, and groups facing challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression, interpersonal difficulties, behavior disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), grief, school issues, family dynamics, and issues related to personal growth.

Tamara has practiced in diverse clinical settings, including residential treatment, community out-patient counseling, and the public school system. Her approach to therapy is eclectic and characterized by empathy, collaboration, and a genuine desire to empower her clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.  She specializes in working in-person with individuals from age 8 and up as well as with families. She also facilitates groups for children dealing with issues of social skills, anger management, grief and loss, coping skills, and interpersonal relationship skills.

Ashtin Price is a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C). Ashtin received a master’s degree in clinical social work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Ashtin believes that a strong and collaborative relationship is the key to a positive and successful therapy experience.

Ashtin has worked in community mental health and residential treatment. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan. She has treated individuals with a variety of issues including psychosis, substance-use, bipolar disorder, intellectual disabilities, anxiety, depression, and individuals on conditional release/probation.

Ashtin is most passionate about working with adolescents and young adults that have been exposed to trauma as well as those experiencing depression or anxiety.

Ashtin utilizes an eclectic and person-centered style. She has experience implementing various therapeutic techniques including Motivational Interviewing, TF-CBT, group therapy, family therapy and takes techniques from DBT. Ashtin will work with you to develop a plan that will best serve you.

Wendy believes that everyone has the ability to live their best lives, but sometimes life gets in the way. Using a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy, Wendy works collaboratively with clients to improve existing relationships with others and with themselves. 
As a licensed therapist, Wendy has experience working with clients having a variety of behavioral health issues including anger management, anxiety, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In addition, Wendy is also a certified Addictions Counselor with over 25 years of experience working at every level of care throughout her career. 

Wendy recognizes by the time a client begins their search for a therapist, they have exhausted their own coping strategies. Their friends and family members will probably say, “You need to talk to someone,” because they too have exhausted their suggestions. Wendy believes that therapy is a different process for each client, based on their unique needs and desired outcomes. Therapy may include individual clients, spouses, or other family members, based on client preference.

Kristina joined Cedar Ridge Counseling Centers in 2014. She has worked in different areas of the therapeutic world including psychiatric rehabilitation facilities, substance abuse centers, the public school system and outpatient mental health clinics. Kristina has experience working with individuals with anxiety disorders, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, co-occurring disorders, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, interpersonal issues, and self-esteem issues. Kristina has experience working with all populations but specializes in working with adults. Her approach consists of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and Rogerian therapy. Kristina believes in helping a person improve their own sense of self in order to create a better quality of life.

Kristina earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Clemson University in 2007, and went on to obtain her Masters in Counseling Psychology at Towson University in 2009. She obtained her LCPC in June 2013. She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

To schedule your first time appointment with Kristina, call 410.552.0773 for a live operator or complete the Intake Form.