Lia is an advanced year therapist enrolled at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Her clinical focus is the treatment of substance use disorders for which she was awarded a fellowship from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Prior to pursuing her master’s degree, Lia earned her bachelor’s in Neuroscience from The Ohio State University.
Lia has experience working with both adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. Lia has prior experience working in the Emergency Department and as a behavioral therapist for children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, she interned with the Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for two years while volunteering for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. These experiences have taught her the value of empathic listening, crisis management, and policy advocacy work.
Lia emphasizes compassion and believes in creating a non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. She is dedicated to helping her clients navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner resilience. Her therapeutic style is collaborative and client-centered, drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
In her free time, Lia enjoys practicing yoga, spending quality time with friends and family, and reading a good book. She also enjoys occasional lazy days with her dog, Cooper, and her cat, Pastrami, and expressing herself through art and poetry.
