Meet Our Team

Collaborating with clients to impact change

A Fresh Start Therapy is a minority, locally owned behavioral and mental health therapy practice located in Washington, D.C. We collaborate with our clients to impact change, allowing them to live healthy lives. We currently offer flexible virtual therapy visits for individuals, children, and families.

From work-based problems to past traumatic experiences, our staff is highly trained, solutions-oriented, empathic and responsive to our clients, enabling them to leave our care feeling better.

Along with self-pay options, we work with various public and private insurance providers to ensure you or your loved ones get the attention you need and deserve.

Please note: This page contains photos of some of the team members of A Fresh Start Therapy. They are pictured with their families and stakeholders from their communities.

A Fresh Start Therapy specializes in addressing:

  • Depression
  • Mood Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Child and Adult ADHD
  • Grief
  • Trauma
  • Peer and Domestic Relationships
  • Spiritual Development
  • Employment Issues
  • Women’s Issues
  • Medical Challenges
  • Educational and Behavioral Problems in Children and Teens
  • Coping with New Family Dynamics

A Fresh Start Therapy uses a wide range of treatment methods, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Motivational and Life Coaching
  • Play Therapy
  • Trauma Therapy

Ebony N. Lea, LICSW, LCSW-C, MBA

Director

ebony lea director therapist washington dcEbony N. Lea, LICSW, LCSW-C, MBA has been helping children, adults, and families in the D.C. area since 2003.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ebony has been a counselor, clinical program staff supervisor, and a front-line advocate for youth mental health. She’s received specialized training in child abuse and neglect, trauma systems therapy, and play therapy. Ebony is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Somatic experiencing is a trauma-based therapy that processes trauma by focusing on pain and physical symptoms in the body. It’s a non-traditional way to resolve both minor and major trauma experiences. Ebony was trained by Dr. Peter Levine, founder of Somatic Experiencing, in “the Eye of the Needle” technique which addresses near death experiences (NDEs), including but not limited to: drownings, car accidents, physical attacks, illnesses, and surgeries.

Ms. Lea graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore, receiving a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a dual concentration in nonprofit management and clinical practice. The University also honored her with the Mark Battle Scholarship, awarded to students demonstrating leadership in the nonprofit sector. In 2016, Ms. Lea received a Master’s in Business Administration from BAU International University.

Ms. Lea incorporates her diverse professional experience in administration, community organization, and clinical services at A Fresh Start Therapy. When she’s not busy helping individuals and families achieve a higher degree of mental health, Ms. Lea enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with family. Ebony has daytime and evening availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to call 855.325.3909 or send us a message to schedule.

Team Members

Bret Zdanowicz

Clinical Supervisor

Bret Zdanowicz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey. Bret graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he obtained both his graduate degree in Social Work and his undergraduate degree in Sociology.
Bret has over 16 years of experience in a variety of settings and with a diverse clientele, including both long-term and brief interventions. Bret has experience working with diverse populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Bret also has experience providing individual and group therapy to both children and adults. Bret has primarily focused his work with the most underserved populations; particularly the homeless population; economically disadvantaged; individuals with severe mental illness diagnoses; and substance abuse issues.
Bret incorporates a variety of therapeutic approaches with an emphasis on problem-focused treatment. Bret’s therapeutic styles include cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma therapy, and mindfulness therapy. During his free time, Bret enjoys remaining active and spending time with his wife and daughters.

Bret has availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to call 855.325.3909 or send us a message to schedule.

Asha Henderson TherapistAsha Henson

Lead Psychotherapist

Asha Henson, MSW, LICSW is a Clinical Social Worker at A Fresh Start Therapy in Washington, DC. Asha specializes in Humanistic Therapy with an integrative approach to support her clients with identifying, understanding and releasing disabling beliefs and behaviors. After spending a decade working in schools, community settings, nonprofits and private practice, Asha is skilled in creating a judgment-free, culturally competent and safe therapeutic relationship that leaves her clients with long lasting self understanding and acceptance.

Asha has been trained in a variety of modalities including (but not limited to) Culturally Competent Therapy, Trauma Centered Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. In addition to evidence based interventions, Asha also incorporates metaphysical, spiritual and cultural perspectives to provide a holistic experience for her clients. When Asha is not supporting clients or volunteering her services for community engagement, you can most likely find her developing social-emotional curriculums for her daughter’s learning co-operative, learning a new skill and/or developing the Bouji.Revolutionary Lifestyle & Wellness brand.

Asha holds a BA in Psychology from Spelman College and a MSW in Behavioral & Mental Health from The University of Maryland.

Asha has daytime availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to call 855.325.3909 or send us a message to schedule.

Leah Vandermark washington dc therapistLeah VanderMark

Lead Psychotherapist

Leah VanderMark is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker located in Washington, D.C., and an Independent Contractor at A Fresh Start Therapy. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University.

Leah has worked as a social worker in a hospital setting for the past 9 years. She specializes in helping clients adjust to their illness, navigate new diagnoses, and cope with chronic pain and emotional burden. Leah also has experience working with individuals who suffer from anxiety, adjustment disorders, and depression.

Leah incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-systems therapy, and mindfulness. She uses a strengths-based approach that supports self-determination and self-discovery. She hopes to help you live life as your most authentic, true self.

In her free time, you can find Leah walking her 5-year-old golden retriever, traveling to see her family and friends or reading inspirational books. Some of her favorites include Becoming by Michelle Obama, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Educated by Tara Westover, and Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown.

Leah has availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to call 855.325.3909 or send us a message to schedule.