Our Team
Susan Osmanzada
Human Resources and Administrative Manager
Susan (she/her) has an extensive background in clinical research and a commitment to equitable mental health care. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration, bringing valuable expertise from her healthcare experience. Motivated by her belief in the necessity of accessible mental health services, Susan is dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness.
Marinda Risk
Development Specialist
With a degree in communications and experience supporting eight regional nonprofits, Marinda (she/her) blends storytelling, design, and strategy to amplify community impact. She is passionate about causes that uplift others and enjoys volunteering through local organizations. Outside of work, she explores her creativity through painting, digital art, and sculpture. Marinda’s professional and personal life is grounded in building connections and making a positive difference.
Camille Weaver Smith
Director of Communications and Marketing
Camille (she/her) brings more than 17 years of experience in strategic communications, branding, and project management to her role at TWI. Formerly associate director of digital communications and editor at the UVA Darden of Business, she leads the agency’s messaging and brand presence across the community. Camille is passionate about reducing stigma around mental health care and creating inclusive communications to foster trust, connection, and access.
Laura Snyder Brown, MSW
Program Impact Director
Laura (she/her) is honored to support TWI in opening healing, liberatory spaces and promoting resilience for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. A graduate of Swarthmore College and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, she has served as a leader for nonprofits in the areas of international grant-making, grassroots women’s organizations, affordable housing, and faith-based intentional community.
Katie Allen, LPC
Pro Bono Therapist
Katie (she/her) is a licensed professional counselor originally from Charlottesville. After obtaining her undergraduate degree at William & Mary and master's in counseling at Boston University, she lived for four years in Pittsburgh, PA, working in community mental health. Back in Charlottesville with her young family, Katie utilizes a combination of dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other strengths-based approaches to support clients' needs at local outpatient practice.
Varinia Garcia Anderson, M.Ed., LPC
Bilingual Therapist
Varinia (she/her/ella) received a BA in psychology from Roanoke College and an M.Ed in counseling from VCU. She has focused on providing mental health services primarily to the local Hispanic population. Varinia is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR, play therapy, family therapy, and mindfulness. She is a strong advocate for our immigrant population, who inspire her to provide healing to those who need encouragement and strength.
Judith Curry-El, PhD
Therapist
Judith (she/her) obtained her PhD degree from the University of Virginia in 1996, where she also completed her residency and post-doctoral neuropsychology fellowship. She has worked at Western State Hospital and as the mental health director at Greensville Correctional Center. Judith is passionate about helping all women have access to mental health services. Her interests include insight-oriented and mindfulness-based therapies.
Jada L. Edwards, MA
Therapist
Jada (she/her) is a compassionate, person-centered counselor who honors each woman’s unique story. She integrates CBT, trauma-informed care, solution-focused, narrative, and strength-based approaches. Jada values the insight and unity found in group work. Since earning her MA in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2002, her work has centered on supporting women in their journeys of hope, healing, and transformation.
Shelley Faulkner, MA, Ed.S. 🏳️🌈
Therapist
Shelley (she/her) highly values trust and connection for humans to heal, and brings her authentic self and transparency into session to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. She believes through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. Shelley works from an attachment-based, person-centered approach to therapy for people from all walks of life who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal problems.
Juanika Howard, LPC
Therapist and Yoga Instructor
Juanika (she/her) received her BS from ODU in psychology and counseling and her MS in mental health counseling from Longwood. She utilizes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive art therapy interventions, and mindfulness in sessions. Juanika walks alongside community members on their journeys to increase supportive and creative resources that meet their needs, and is passionate about normalizing mental health and being in community with others.
Rachael LeMasters, LMSW
Pro Bono Therapist
Rachael LeMasters (she/her) graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Social Work degree and received a certificate in family systems theory from the Tavistock and Portman Trust. She has experience working with diverse populations, including families with complex needs and refugees. Using a strengths perspective, Rachael builds an empathic connection with each client. Additionally, she is particularly interested in how systems and relationships interact with individual goals.
Maren Ward, LCSW
Pro Bono Therapist
Maren (she/her) has worked in the counseling field for over 20 years, spending the past 15 years focusing on crisis counseling and assessments. At The Women’s Initiative, Maren works to create a therapeutic connection between herself and the client that allows for a safe exploration of the client's challenges as well as current and past relationships while accessing and processing emotions to allow for relief, healing, insight, and growth.