Providers

Steve is an award-winning School Psychologist and Psychology Associate at Arundel Psychological Associates. Steve was Maryland’s School Psychologist of the Year in 2007 and he was nominated for National School Psychologist of the Year in 2008.  He was selected as the 2013 Maryland Gazette’s Reader’s Choice Award in the field of psychology.  As a school psychologist Steve contributed greatly to program development and he was recognized for creating peer counseling programs at the middle and high school levels. Respected as an expert, he presented workshops and training videos on how to run effective group counseling programs. Steve is the Executive Director of Arundel Psychological Associates.  He works directly with children, teens and adults in psychotherapy.  Steve’s talents in psychotherapy include working with anxiety, depression, family relationships and he is excellent in helping children with challenging social/emotional behaviors.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the main orientation of his therapy.  He is knowledgeable  in Dialectical Behavior Therapy; Relaxation Training; Trauma; and Grief/Loss.  Many therapists are capable of helping clients identify the source of their irrational thinking and how to modify these perceptions, but Steve takes that further and helps clients identify the origins of these issues.  Once understood the client is much more self-aware and understanding of why irrational thoughts and beliefs continue in the present.  Steve is knowledgeable of Mindfulness practices and techniques.  Work with Steve as a teammate and begin to achieve your dreams and goals.    

Dr. Dolan brings a wealth of experience in psychotherapy, school psychology, and mental health. Dr. Dolan has been in private practice for fifteen years specializing in anxiety, depression, and mood disorders with adolescents and adults. She incorporates various modalities such as Mindfulness strategies, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her practice.  She has been extremely effective in working with relationship therapy and couples counseling. Dr. Dolan is excellent helping graduating high school students become successful  transitioning to college. Dr. Dolan’s understanding of national and state policies of student behaviors, their social/emotional functioning, along with school discipline give her a broad perspective for working with students.  Her clients express great satisfaction with their progress, often referring their family and friends to her practice. 

Dr. Dolan earned a BA from Boston College, an MA in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University, and an Ed. D in Counseling Research from the University of Rochester. Additional certification was earned in School Psychology from Alfred University, Educational Administration from Goucher College. She is a former educator/Special Educator and School Psychologist. Dr. Dolan was the Coordinator of Behavioral Interventions and Supports for Anne Arundel County Schools.  She also served on the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports’ (PBIS) Maryland State Leadership Team.  Twice, she was nominated as the Maryland School Psychologist of the Year.  Finally, Dr. Dolan was the Acting Coordinator of Psychological Services and former president of the Maryland School Psychology Association. 

 Heidi Taylor is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience serving families, children and adolescents in Anne Arundel County and the Baltimore metro area. She has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient/community-based mental health, inpatient and residential treatment, social service agencies, and community centers. Since 2006, Heidi has been a school social worker with Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) and has experience with all age groups as well as in alternative education and special education settings. She currently serves as the Coordinator of School Social Work.  Heidi enjoys providing individual and family therapy for children and adults. She brings experience in a variety of clinical modalities including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction and attachment-based treatment.  With her insightful clinical skills and caring approach, Heidi will partner with you along your journey to healing. 

Richard earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina in Education. A Master’s degree in counseling was then obtained from Wake Forest University. Finally, Richard completed his Ed.S. in School Psychology from James Madison University. He began his career working with children and their families as a guidance counselor in the Virginia public school system. Richard has been an adjunct professor at Towson University.  He earned his Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor status and today supervises four Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors. Specialty areas include working with children with anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Richard has expertise working with children/adolescents experiencing difficulties with oppositional and challenging behavior patterns. Richard is skilled in psychological assessment, therapy, and consultation with professionals in the community. His caring, gentle personality allows him to form bonds with his clients that promote growth and success.

Leigh Ridgell is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families as they navigate challenges such as worry/anxiety, depression, personal and family transitions, body image concerns, self-esteem, bullying, academic difficulties, trauma, and a host of other social, emotional and behavioral concerns.  

Leigh has been a school counselor with Baltimore County Public Schools for 9 years, serving on their Trauma Response Team.  She has experience working with adolescents who identify as LGBTQIA+, having developed a support organization for students within the BCPS school system.   

Leigh provides a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their current thinking and its impact on behaviors.  Leigh utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Play therapy as well as mindfulness techniques to assist the client in developing positive and successful strategies as they face challenges.  She will assist children and adolescents in managing their behaviors and helping them find ways to express their thoughts and feelings in a more productive way.  The foundation of her work is finding coping skills and strategies to allow clients to meet their individual needs and goals. 

Leigh holds a BA from Hood College, a J.D. from the University of Baltimore, and a MA in counseling from Johns Hopkins University.  She completed additional coursework at Loyola University Maryland on family counseling as well as drug and alcohol counseling.  

Amy Manner is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children in the Maryland public school system. Amy has extensive experience in psychoeducational assessment and evidence-based interventions to address learning, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She counsels children with a wide range of neurodevelopmental, learning, emotional, and behavioral needs. 

Amy has in-depth training in crisis prevention, intervention, and recovery. As a skilled instructional and behavioral consultant, she helps parents and teachers add to their toolkits of intervention strategies. Amy is passionate about working with parents to develop a plan of action that is practical and effective for their families. 

During counseling, Amy expands upon a child’s current strengths and coping skills through various evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology interventions, psychoeducation, mindfulness techniques, and social thinking and social skills training. She collaborates with parents so that children can generalize skills learned in counseling to the home and school settings. 

She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her master’s degree and certificate of advanced studies in school psychology from Towson University.

Shannon Heller is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor with over fifteen years of experience working with adolescents and their families. 

Shannon has experience working with clients with anxiety, trauma, academic difficulties, depression, self-esteem issues, and several other social-emotional challenges. She provides a safe space for her clients and utilizes Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help them access positive strategies and coping skills. Shannon’s compassionate and caring personality allows her to build rapport with her clients and help them to take positive steps towards growth.

Shannon received her master’s degree in counseling from Loyola University as well as additional coursework specializing in Trauma Focused Therapy. She began her career as a case manager assisting clients and families with community-based services. She has been a school counselor with Anne Arundel County Public Schools for the past three years and is a National Board-Certified Counselor.

Ann-Marie Kasuda has more than 25 years of experience working with children and families. With a dedicated focus on supporting the mental health and developmental needs of children, adolescents, and young adults. Ann-Marie specializes in psychoeducational assessment and counseling/therapeutic interventions for individuals from birth to 21 years old.

Ann-Marie holds advanced degrees in school psychology and has extensive training in crisis intervention, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. She employs evidence-based practices to create comprehensive treatment plans that are sensitive to the individual’s specific challenges and strengths.

Ann-Marie emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with families, schools, and other professionals to ensure holistic and effective support for each child and adolescent. Her commitment to fostering positive outcomes is reflected in her personalized assessments and compassionate therapeutic techniques.

Ann-Marie is passionate about empowering children and their families, guiding them through challenges with empathy and expertise to promote long-term well-being and success.

She earned her bachelor's degree from the Towson State University, and her master’s degree and certificate of advanced studies in school psychology from Towson University.