About A Fresh Start Therapy

About the Founder

Ebony N. Lea, LCSW, 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. Currently, Ebony is a student in the Somatic Experiencing Program. Somatic Experiencing is a trauma-based therapy that focuses on processing trauma by exploring sensations in the body. She is expected to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner by fall of 2019.

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.

A member of the National Association of Social Work, Ms. Lea incorporates her diverse professional experience in administration, community organization, and clinical services into A Fresh Start Therapy’s daily practices. When she’s not busy helping individuals and families achieve a higher degree of mental health, Ms. Lea enjoys dancing, shopping and traveling. Ebony has daytime and evening availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to schedule your appointment here.

Team Members

Bret Zdanowicz

Bret Zdanowicz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, DC 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 10 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 daughter.
Bret has evening and weekend availability. Feel free to schedule your appointment here. today.

Asha Henson

Asha Henson, LGSW is a Master’s Level social worker who specializes in supporting adolescents and adults through challenges associated with body image, interpersonal relationships, identity development and parenting. Asha combines a culturally competent, intuitive and holistic approach with evidence based therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered and Solution Focused Therapies.

“I am not your mother’s therapist. I seek to create an intimate, relaxing, and judgement-free environment for true self exploration and evolution. Having overcome life-altering transformations of my own combined with an almost decade of experience supporting individuals, families and communities, I have cultivated a specialized intervention style that caters to each client’s specific needs and goals. In addition, I enjoy incorporating some metaphysical elements (such as astrology) but only if you are into that sort of thing.”

Asha completed her Master’s of Social Work in Mental and Behavioral Health from the University Of Maryland in Baltimore, MD and received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been trained in cultural competent therapy, trauma centered care, CBT, strengths based and person centered approaches. She is currently pursuing a certification in Astrology to be completed in June 2020. Feel free to schedule your appointment here.

Leah Vandermark

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 6 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 adjustment disorders, anxiety, insomnia, 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 2 year-old golden retriever, traveling to see her family or reading inspirational books. Some of her favorites include Becoming by Michelle Obama, Educated by Tara Westover and Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown. Schedule your appointment with Leah today.