Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Services
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Assessment for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (ADOS-2 Trained)
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Consultation for complex diagnoses, developmental issues, and treatment planning
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Deaf Services
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Educational Testing / Requests for Accommodations
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Gifted Testing
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Multi-Disciplinary Team Assessments
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Psychological Testing (ADHD, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, PTSD)
Biography
Dr. Marshall joined ACES in 2020 and has over 25 years of experience working with individuals with mild to complex disabilities. Currently she serves a full spectrum of pediatric adult clients, including individuals who are hearing, hard of hearing, and deaf and individuals who identify as LBGTQIA+.  At this time, Dr. Marshall is primarily focused on providing psychological evaluations within both private and treatment settings. She addresses referral questions related to giftedness, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, and Learning differences.  She employs a person-centered approach that is focused on identifying individuals’ strengths and needs to provide recommendations and resources to help them be successful in their lives and to feel connected and valued.
Prior to joining ACES, Dr. Marshall worked within a psychiatric treatment facility from 1996-2004 providing psychological assessments, therapy, consultation, and supervision in outpatient, day treatment, residential, and acute programs. From 2004-2020, Dr. Marshall served many roles, both clinical and administrative, within a private not-for-profit behavioral health organization. In addition to providing and overseeing direct clinical services, she was also involved in creating and implementing best practices related to trauma-informed care, non-aversive crisis management, and outcomes optimization. Dr. Marshall has conducted training, presentations, and clinical consultations nationally and internationally on a variety of topics, including deafness and child mental health, Autism, evidence-based data-driven processes, and trauma-informed practices.
Dr. Marshall is one of the first graduates of the Gallaudet University Clinical Psychology program. She is a hearing psychologist who is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and has basic proficiency in Cued Speech. She is a member of the Virginia Network of Consultants (VNOC) supporting local school divisions with services for their students who are deaf and hard of hearing. She has also provided services to this population through the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, and, currently, through the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).
Dr. Marshall balances her work time with creative arts hobbies, music, camping, and spending time with her family.
Education
- B.A., Psychology,
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Gallaudet University, 1997
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Predoctoral Internship, VCU’s Virginia Treatment Center for Children, Richmond, VA, 1996-1997
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Postdoctoral Fellowship, VCU’s Virginia Treatment Center for Children, Richmond, VA 1997-1998
Certifications and Memberships
- American Psychological Association (APA)
RID Certified Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator
Services
- Signed Languages Interpretation
Biography
Experienced Interpreter with a history of working in in medical, government, corporate, post-secondary, graduate, platform, conference, performing arts, political, Deaf-blind, K12, and community settings.
Strong social science professional with an M.A. focused in Applied Sociology from University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Education
- B.S., Signed language Interpreting, The University of New Mexico , 2009
- M.S., Applied Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2017
- Postgraduate Interpreting Certificate, American Sign Language, University of Arizona, 2010.
Certifications and Memberships
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Services
- Stress & Trauma
- Exposure Therapy
- Attachment Process
- Family Therapy
Biography
Dr. Emily Loeb joined ACES in 2019. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Rochester and her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Virginia. She completed her internship in clinical psychology at WellSpan Philhaven in Mt. Gretna, PA where she worked with children and adolescents on an inpatient unit as well as in outpatient offices. Her prior training experiences include crisis intervention, psychological assessment, and outpatient therapy.
She has particular interests and training in cognitive behavioral therapy, therapy informed by attachment theory, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and trauma. She also enjoys working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+.
Services include psychotherapy for children and adolescents for issues relating to anxiety, depression, family stress, life transitions, trauma, OCD, and grief and loss.
Education
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University Of Virginia, 2018
- M.A., Clinical Psychology, University Of Virginia, 2013
- B.A., Psychology, University Of Rochester, 2010
Certifications and Memberships
American Psychological Association (APA)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Services
- Multisystemic Therapy
- Evidence-based treatments for children experiencing behavior problems
- Traumatic stress
- Anxiety-based disorders
Biography
Dr. Tuerk joined ACES in the fall of 2019. She is a faculty member and clinician at the University of Virginia, where she teaches and supervises doctoral students in the Curry Programs for Clinical and School Psychology.
Previously, Dr. Tuerk worked at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston as a clinical psychologist providing evidence-based psychological treatment for children, adolescents, and multi-problem families.
Dr. Tuerk specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for children (DBT-C), adolescents, and their families. This treatment creates a “change-ready environment,” where caregivers support their child’s learning of strategies to reduce emotional dysregulation and behavior dyscontrol. She is a trained consultant for Multisystemic Therapy with expertise in parent training and treatment of co-occurring child maltreatment and parental substance abuse. Dr. Tuerk’s therapeutic approach is behavioral and goal-oriented, with an emphasis on multisystemic interventions to improve family functioning. Dr. Tuerk is licensed to practice clinical psychology in Virginia and South Carolina.
Education
- B.A., Psychology, Columbia University, 2002
- M.Ed., Clinical and School Psychology, University of Virginia, 2003
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Virginia, 2007
- Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship, University of Medicine and Dentistry, 2006-2007
- Post-Doctoral Scholar, Family Services Research Center, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 2007-2008
Certifications and Memberships
- American Psychological Association (APA)
Certified Teacher
Services
Biography
Michelle Benedict, MA has a master’s degree in contemplative education from Naropa University. Her life-long passion is to help others, particularly children. Michelle is a certified teacher in the state of Virginia with an endorsement in earth and space science, and geography. She has taught in a variety of public school settings. She teaches mindfulness techniques at Aligned Clinical and Educational Services, PLC to help people improve their emotional regulation and increase their overall wellbeing.
Licensure
- Virginia Teaching License
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Services
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach for children, adolescents, and adults
- Treatment for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, behavioral problems, and social concerns
- Educational testing for accommodations on standardized testing (SAT, ACT, GREs, etc.)
- Psychological testing for concerns about attention, behavior, relationships, social skills, mood, problem solving, cognitive functioning, learning, executive functioning, memory, independent living skills, and mental health.
- Assessments for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition, ADOS-2)
Biography
Dr. Lauren Carter joined ACES in 2016. Prior to ACES, Dr. Carter began her career as an elementary school teacher in Charlotte, NC. To acquire more experience working with students facing behavior issues and their parents, she earned a master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. During this program, she focused on developing trauma-sensitive discipline strategies for elementary-school children. Next, Dr. Carter earned her PhD from the Clinical and School Psychology at the University of Virginia. As a doctoral student, she primarily worked with children and pre-adolescents across multiple environments, including school, an outpatient center, and an in-patient state hospital.
Dr. Carter’s time at ACES is split between conducting psychological assessments and delivering therapy services. She administers a wide variety of assessment measures to help make sense of a child, adolescent, or adult’s behavior (ADOS-2, NEPSY-II, D-KEFS, Rorschach with R-PAS scoring, etc.). She is licensed as a school psychologist through the VA Dept. of Education.
Dr. Carter takes an active role in local and state organizations that promote antiracism efforts. Along with Dr. Lemite and Ms. Warner, she helps lead the ACES Aligned & United for Black Lives group. She is also a board member for the RISE Foundation in Waynesboro, VA (https://riseorg2018.com/rise-
Education
- B.A. Elementary Education & Linguistics, College of William and Mary, 2006
- Ed.M. Risk & Prevention, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2009
- M.Ed. Educational Psychology, UVA, 2011
- Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, UVA, 2016
Other Licensure
- VDOE-licensed School Psychologist
- VDOE-licensed Classroom Teacher for PreK-6
Resident in Clinical Psychology
Services
- Treatment for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, behavioral problems, and social concerns
- Individual therapy services for children and adults using American Sign Language (ASL) or Cued Speech for communication
- Educational testing for accommodations for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, GREs etc.)
- Psychological testing for concerns about attention, behavior, relationships, social skills, mood, problem solving, cognitive functioning, learning, executive functioning, memory, independent living skills, and mental health.
- Multi-disciplinary team assessments
- Consultation and training on diversity
Biography
Dr. Hanumantha has worked as a resident in clinical psychology with ACES since 2012, providing comprehensive assessments and individual psychotherapy for children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. Dr. Hanumantha has extensive prior experience in the field and is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia in the Psychology Department and the American Sign Language (ASL) Program, a position she has held since 2012. Dr. Hanumantha is also a member of the Disabilities Access Committee and the University’s Diversity Council.
Dr. Hanumantha remains passionate about diversity and multi-cultural issues and has been active with education, advocacy and leadership on a local and national level. Expanding on her prior experience in research with Visual Language, Visual Learning (VL2), she taught research methods to local professionals in the Philippines on a project for Discovering Deaf Words through the United States Agency for International Development. Dr. Hanumantha has been invited to serve on the boards for national organizations, such as the Diversity Strategic Team of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Deaf Women United (DWU), and Global Reach Out Initiative. In 2009 Dr. Hanumantha co-founded and was a team member for the Deaf Youth Camp of Color. She continues to volunteer and share her experiences in an effort to empower others for success, always motivated to expand the access and well-being of people from diverse backgrounds.
Education
- B.S. Biology, George Mason University, 2000
- M.S., Administration & Supervision, Gallaudet University, 2005
- M.A., Clinical Psychology, Gallaudet University, 2005
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Gallaudet University, 2008
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Services
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach for children, adolescents, young adults and families
- Treatment for anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and social concerns
- Educational testing for accommodations on standardized testing (SAT, ACT, GREs, etc.)
- Psychological testing for concerns about attention, behavior, relationships, social skills, mood, problem solving, cognitive functioning, learning, executive functioning, memory, independent living skills, and mental health
- Educational Consultation
Biography
Dr. Haxter joined ACES in 2017. Previously, he worked for 15 years in local public school systems as a school psychologist and early childhood special educator. In furtherance of his education, Dr. Haxter pursed a doctoral degree at the Curry School of Education in Clinical and School Psychology. In addition to psychotherapy and psycho-educational assessment, Dr. Haxter’s training rotations included practica at the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents and the Forensic Clinic at the UVA Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy (ILPPP). He completed an APA-approved internship at the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents and a formal postdoctoral fellowship in forensic assessment at Western State Hospital and the ILPPP.
Dr. Haxter’s therapeutic approach is client-focused and incorporates insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral techniques. He has worked extensively with gay and transgendered youth, individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and stressed family systems. Dr. Haxter is licensed to practice clinical psychology in Virginia and West Virginia and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Education
- B.S. Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, 1996
- M.S. Psychology, Radford University, 1999
- Ed.S. School Psychology, Radford University, 2000
- Predoctoral Internship, Regional Institute for Children & Adolescents, 2016-2017
- Ph.D. Clinical and School Psychology, University of Virginia, 2017
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Virginia School of Medicine: Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy & Western State Hospital, 2017-2018
Licensed School Psychologist
Services
- Educational testing for accommodations on standardized exams (SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT etc).
- Gifted Evaluations
- Psychological assessments for concerns about ADHD, learning issues, social skills, executive functioning, anxiety, and general well being
- Assessments for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition, ADOS-2) ages 5-25
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents
- Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ages 5 – 25)
- Works with Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and families seeking support and education
Biography
Dr. Lemite joined ACES in 2013, working with children, adolescents, and young adults who have learning, attention, and communication problems. Dr. Lemite has particular expertise in the cognitive and academic development of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. She can assist parents in navigating through the special education system, school-based intervention teams, and Section 504-plans for accommodations.
Dr. Lemite started out as a classroom teacher in elementary schools. In 2004 she began her life dream of becoming a school psychologist and has worked in Henrico County Public schools and Chesterfield County Public Schools for over 15 years.
In 2020 Dr. Lemite transitioned to work full time at ACES but continues to provide psychoeducational assessments for deaf and hard of hearing children using listening and spoken language in schools throughout the state of Virginia as a member of the Virginia Network of Consultants (VNOC) collaborating with local school divisions serving students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In addition to advocating for children and adults with special needs, Dr Lemite continues to maintain awareness of and space for diverse cultures, influences, and perspectives as they intersect with individual  wellbeing. She is a trained Yoga Instructor and integrates this practice into therapy sessions.
Education
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Ph.D., School Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2003
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M.A., Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Hofstra University, 1992
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BA., Psychology and Education, College of New Rochelle, 1989
Certifications and Memberships
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist
- Virginia Department of Education School Psychologist
- American Psychological Association, member
- Virginia Association of School Psychologists, serving on Social Justice Interest Group
- International OCD Foundation, member
- Member of World Professional Association for Transgender Health , WPATH certification pending
- Integral Yoga Academy Registered Yoga Teacher – 200 , August 2017
