ABOUT US
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Our Values
Compassionate Care
Empowerment
Inclusivity
Qualifications
Credentials
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.), American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University – 2012
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (M.A.), American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University – 2009
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (M.S.), Virginia State University – 2006
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University – 2003
Certifications & Memberships
State Licenses
- Washington, D.C. – #PSY200001367
- Maryland – #06047
- Virginia – #0810006251
About Dr. Kristi Hall, Psy.D.
My name is Dr. Kristi Hall, Psy.D. I have a doctorate and two master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, specializing in health and neuropsychology. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. I am a board approved supervisor in Maryland, and I am certified by the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to offer telehealth and temporary in-person services across state lines. I am also a member of the Maryland State Athletic Commission.
I have experience working with individuals of all ages, from young children with behavioral and learning concerns to adolescents and adults dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), significant life stressors, and transitions. My work experience includes serving as a forensic evaluator and staff psychologist in a maximum-security inpatient facility, as well as a Team Lead psychologist at a Veterans Affairs hospital. Additionally, I have maintained a private practice for the past ten years.
Since September 2022, I have been the Director of Sport Psychology at an NCAA, D1 University, where I oversee the mental health of approximately 600-700 student-athletes. My staff of licensed clinicians provides mental performance support to both individuals and teams. I also work with professional athletes in my private practice and am listed in professional clinical and mental performance directories.
My goal is to help athletes reach their full potential while reducing stigma and negative perceptions surrounding mental health. With my extensive clinical and educational background, I am committed to the evolving field of Sport and Clinical Psychology and leveraging my expertise to support the success of my clients.
- Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor
- Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
- Member of the State of Maryland’s Athletic Commission.
Meet The Team
Dr. Sybil Gray, Ph.D.
Life Transitions
Dr. Sybil Gray, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia. An educator, activist, and mentor, Dr. Gray is also a devoted mother, loving sister, and trusted friend to many. She embraces a healthy, active, and enjoyable lifestyle, and she thrives when walking by faith, leading with love, courage, and truth. As an affiliate provider of Wholesome Minds, Dr. Gray brings decades of both professional expertise and personal lived experience to every therapeutic encounter. She specializes in exploring how the lived experiences of Black individuals impact significant life transitions for mature adults.
Are you nearing the end of active parenting, or have unexpected circumstances led you to care for your grandchildren or other minors? Have you become a caregiver for your aging parents, and now feel unprepared for this reversal of roles? Perhaps you are grappling with the loss of a parent or facing health challenges that have altered your retirement plans. After years of commitment to your spouse and family, are you now navigating the painful journey of “gray divorce” (i.e., divorce after age 50) or parent-child estrangement?
Critical life shifts don’t always result in severe mental health symptoms, but they can heighten self-reflection and prompt a search for answers: Why me? What now? Will I survive this? How do I move forward into what should be the best years of my life?
If you’re ready to explore the possibilities for an emotionally rich, rewarding, and satisfying life ahead—regardless of your current situation—please reach out. It is never too late to live the life you’ve always wanted and deserve.
Dr. Gray is an excellent choice for mature adults facing significant life transitions and for families seeking specialized mental health care that addresses the unique psychological needs of loved ones in this stage in life.
Dr. Maurice Thornton, Ed.D.
Sport & Performance Psychology
Dr. Maurice Thornton, Ed.D., is a dedicated Clinical Mental Health Therapist with a specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology. With two years of experience in the field, Dr. Thornton is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve emotional well-being. He adopts a compassionate and integrative approach to therapy, utilizing evidence-based practices tailored to each person’s unique life experiences.
Dr. Thornton earned his Doctorate in Clinical Mental Health with a specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Western States. He specializes in working with individuals facing anxiety and depression, employing a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, to support clients in reaching their personal goals and enhancing their overall quality of life.
Committed to creating a safe, empathetic, and culturally inclusive environment, Dr. Thornton ensures that clients feel heard and empowered. He believes in a strengths-based approach and collaborates with clients to help them build coping skills, gain insight, and foster personal growth.
Outside of the therapy room, Dr. Thornton enjoys nature, yoga, and dancing, which contribute to his integrative approach to wellness and balance. He is excited to join Wholesome Minds and looks forward to partnering with clients on their journey toward mental health and well-being.
Dr. Thornton is an excellent choice for individuals seeking mental health support for anxiety and depression, as well as athletes looking to enhance their performance and achieve personal growth.
Jackie Albanes, LCSW-C
Athletic Mental Health & Performance
Jackie Albanes, LCSW-C, LICSW, is a Clinical Social Worker licensed to practice in Maryland and Washington, D.C. with 17 years of experience in the field. She is also a board-approved supervisor in Maryland and has recently completed the ASWIS Sport Social Work Certificate program. Currently, she is working toward becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).
Jackie has worked in a variety of settings, including Child Welfare Services, public school systems as a girls' basketball coach and school social worker, private practice, and athletic mental health and performance. Through her diverse experiences, she has gained expertise in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, anger management, self-esteem issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), abuse and trauma, emotional and behavioral challenges, relationship issues, grief, stress management, and various life transitions.
Jackie is an excellent choice for children, adolescents, and adults seeking specialized mental health care that addresses a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as athletes looking to enhance their mental performance.
Michael Jordan, LCSW-C, LICSW
Clinical & Forensic Social Work
Michael Jordan, LCSW-C, LICSW, is a clinical social worker licensed to practice in Maryland and Washington, D.C. He has extensive experience working within the community, assisting children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties, including crisis intervention in local school systems, addressing sexual behavior problems, and supporting individuals diagnosed with mental illness. With over 20 years of experience as a forensic clinician, Mr. Jordan has provided treatment services to adults and youth involved in the justice system.
As a member of the Wholesome Minds team, Mr. Jordan employs a client-centered approach to individual and family psychotherapy. He utilizes an eclectic style that incorporates various cognitive-behavioral strategies to address the unique needs of his clients. His focus includes improving the mental health of individuals experiencing symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, cultural issues, bipolar disorder, and sexual behavior problems. He is also a board approved social work supervisor and a member of the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA).
Mr. Jordan understands the barriers that can limit individuals from achieving self-actualization and believes in a collaborative approach to treatment. He is committed to ensuring that care is tailored to meet each individual's specific needs.
Mr. Jordan is an excellent choice for children, adolescents, and adults facing emotional and behavioral challenges, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, cultural issues, bipolar disorder, and sexual behavior problems, as well as individuals involved in the justice system.
Brittney N. Venter, LMSW
Mood Disorders, Relationship Difficulties, Trauma & Personal Growth
Brittney Venter, LMSW, is a dedicated psychotherapist who believes that effective psychotherapy hinges on finding the right match to help clients achieve their goals. She utilizes various treatment modalities to address issues such as mood disorders, relationship difficulties, loss and grief, self-worth, life transitions, codependency, guilt and shame, trauma, addiction, and career stagnation. Brittney has seen success with clients who are ready to invest in their self-improvement and eager to understand why they may feel stuck. She congratulates individuals on taking the first step toward healing and growth.
Skilled at guiding individuals along their journey of change, Brittney partners with clients to clarify what they want and how to attain it. Her primary focus is on helping clients live their best, most authentic lives.
As a strengths-based therapist, Brittney creates an affirming, non-judgmental, and culturally competent environment where relief from distress is possible. Together, they will develop insight, create a plan, and reclaim what has been making them feel lost or stuck. Brittney is committed to supporting clients on their journey.
Brittney is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to overcome challenges related to mood disorders, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions, and who are ready to engage in self-improvement and personal growth.
Ariel Avissar, MA, MT-BC, LCAT, LPMT
Creative Arts Therapy
Ariel Avissar has been a practicing mental health clinician and psychotherapist for over 20 years. He initially trained in creative arts-based approaches, specializing in music psychotherapy. Ariel is a board-certified music therapist and is also a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist in New York and a Licensed Music Therapist in Maryland.
Throughout his career, he has addressed the mental health needs of adult and elderly clients with mild to severe illnesses, working at an outpatient mental health center operated by New York State’s Office of Mental Health and in an inpatient psychiatric unit at a general hospital in Brooklyn, NY. His primary therapeutic approaches as a trauma-informed therapist include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic therapy, Existential-Phenomenology, and Depth Psychology. Additionally, he offers a unique approach to psychotherapy services and wellness enhancement for individuals and groups, emphasizing creative, person-centered strategies to tackle common challenges. Ariel began his doctoral training in Clinical Psychology in 2018 and is currently a psychology associate with Wholesome Minds under the supervision of Dr. Kristi Hall.
Ariel is an excellent choice for clients seeking specialized mental health care that integrates creative approaches, helping them address a range of emotional and psychological challenges.
Thomell Atta-Safoh
Office Management & Billing Analyst
Thomell Atta-Safoh is a seasoned medical analyst and office manager with over 20 years of experience in finance and billing within the medical industry. She has worked in various specialties, including general practice, physical therapy, and psychology.
Throughout her career, Thomell has collected over $40 million in revenue, currently processing between $1.7 million and $2 million in annual revenue. Her patience and tenacity have enabled her to significantly reduce aging reports for several businesses, helping organizations increase their financial gains. With strong critical thinking skills and a personable approach, Thomell effectively resolves issues between patients and insurance companies.
Thomell has also been an office manager for over five years, successfully overseeing various medical office practices.
