Meet The Team

Sal Schittino, NCC, LCPC

Licensed Therapist, MD, VA

Sal earned his BA in Clinical Psychology at Washington College and his MS in Community Mental Health Counseling from McDaniel College. He has a deep commitment to continued education, earning advanced certifications in EMDR. He also serves as a MD board certified supervisor to mental health practitioners earning their supervision hours for licensure.

Sal has provided mental health services in diverse settings. For five years, Sal worked on the acute dual diagnosis unit caring for patients suffering with psychiatric disorders in combination with substance abuse. For six years, he provided mental health services in private practice, counseling children and teens with adjustment, trauma, and anxiety disorders.

As someone who believes in the resilience of the human spirit, Sal had always wanted to become a certified therapist. However, it was after Sal survived a life threatening traumatic event and experienced the restorative benefits of EMDR that Sal was determined to become certified in the therapy. He was trained under the guidance of Deany Laliotis LICSW and Mary French LCSW-C at the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy.

Sal is passionate about helping individuals find empowerment and resilience by sharing his story with schools, hospitals, small business, and community groups.

Today, Sal works as an EMDR Certified Therapist who treats teens and adults living with anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders.

Chris Burgenson

Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor

Chris is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert support for teens, adults, and student-athletes navigating anxiety and sports performance challenges. Chris understands the unique struggles faced by individuals dealing with the pressures of anxiety, and the demands of high-stakes performance. Chris is committed to offering personalized, evidence-based therapies designed to empower his clients, enhance their well-being, and help them achieve their full potential. Whether you’re seeking to overcome past trauma, manage anxiety, or optimize your sports performance, Chris is here to support you every step of the way on your journey to healing and success.

A lifelong resident of Middletown, MD, Chris completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at Hood College in Frederick, MD. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

During his internship at Healing Mind Wellness in Pikesville, MD, Chris benefited from the guidance of Joseph Snider, LCSW. This experience has been instrumental in honing his skills and deepening his understanding of clinical mental health counseling. Chris provided therapeutic support to a diverse range of clients, including teens, young adults, and older adults. He worked with individuals from various backgrounds, addressing issues such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and ADHD. Chris employed a range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness practices, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). He provided both individual and group therapy, customizing his approach to meet the specific needs of each client.

Chris also received supervision from Stephanie Snyder, LCPC and LCADC, at Neighborhood Counseling Training Clinic (NCTC). During his time there, he primarily worked with college students facing challenges related to adjusting to rigorous academic demands and performance or test anxiety. In this role, Chris provided individual therapy to support these students in managing their stress and improving their coping strategies.

Chris’s commitment to personal and professional development extends beyond his academic achievements. A former student-athlete, he competed in cross country, indoor track, and track and field, specializing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 5,000-meter run. Today, he channels his passion for athletics into training for marathons across the country.

In addition to his professional and athletic pursuits, Chris is actively involved in his community. He enjoys traveling and volunteers with local elementary and middle school track teams, where he contributes to youth development and community engagement.

If you or your student-athlete is struggling, Chris is here to help!

Aline Autry

Administrative Assistant

Aline serves as our Office Manager, handling a variety of administrative and billing needs for our clients. Whether you have questions about scheduling or billing concerns, Aline is the point of contact ready to assist you. Aline brings a unique perspective to her administrative role, combining her understanding of human behavior with her passion for organizational efficiency.

Aline thrives in an administrative setting, finding great satisfaction in supporting both the office and our clients from behind the scenes. Her commitment ensures that our operations run smoothly and that our clients receive the highest level of service.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Aline enjoys spending quality time with her family. She also loves being outdoors, unwinding with a book or enjoying a nice cup of coffee.