Julie Baron, a highly experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker, leverages her 30 years of diverse practice to provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions and supportive services for adolescents, adults, and families. She is licensed to practice in MD, DC, NY, PA, and for telehealth in FL.
 
Julie graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Psychology and earned her Master's in Social Work from Boston University. Her extensive experience includes her work in community-based mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, home-based crisis stabilization programs, public and private schools, and private practice, offering individual, group, and family therapy, as well as advocacy services. She is a certified Social Work Supervisor in the state of Maryland, supervising Social Workers seeking full clinical licensure. As an Adjunct Faculty member at the Tulane University School of Social Work, she supervises graduate students in their clinical field placements.
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Therapeutic Approach and Specialties
Julie practices evidence-based relational strategies and interventions to engage and empower her clients in achieving their goals. With extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), crisis intervention, and trauma care, Julie effectively integrates behavioral approaches and insight-oriented, psychodynamic strategies to help clients reach their full potential. Julie coordinates the practice's Comprehensive DBT Program for teens and young adults.
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Author, Speaker, and Trainer
As an author, Julie writes articles, blogs, and a monthly newsletter on working with and parenting teens. She is a sought-after speaker and trainer for adolescents, parents, and professionals, covering various topics related to adolescent development, treating and educating adolescents, supporting families, and parenting teens and young adults. Her impressive list of speaking engagements can be found here. 
 
She writes a blog column for Psychology Today on Parenting Teens Through Connection.
 
Julie is also the co-author of "What Works With Teens: A Professional’s Guide to Engaging Authentically with Adolescents to Achieve Lasting Change," published by New Harbinger in April 2015.

Owner—Julie Baron and Associates
Julie owns Julie Baron and Associates, where she coordinates the Comprehensive DBT Program for teens and young adults.

Masha Levy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializes in working with individuals across various life stages, from adolescence to late adulthood. Applying an eclectic combination of evidence-based modalities, she tailors her approach to effectively support teens and adults throughout their unique life journeys. Masha holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland. Before her Social Work Clinical training, she spent fifteen years working as a massage therapist and wellness consultant. Masha developed and taught massage classes and seminars for over a decade, specializing in working with trauma survivors and other populations.

Therapeutic Approach and Specialties
Masha's therapeutic approach combines a holistic perspective of the mind-body connection, and relational engagement with her clients, empowering them to reach their goals. She is particularly skilled at connecting with reluctant teens and young adults, helping them overcome their social, academic, and personal challenges while engaging with their families in meaningful and positive ways.

Training and Certifications
Masha utilizes an eclectic combination of evidence-based treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. In addition, she completed extensive training in trauma recovery work, the mind-body connection, grief work,  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Masha is a regular guest lecturer for the University of Maryland School of Social Work on these topics.
Client Engagement and Focus
Masha offers individual and family therapy, working with clients, from adolescence through adult life stages. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve symptom improvement while developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to facilitate positive change. Masha is also a member of our comprehensive DBT team.

Gale Greenstein, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  She draws on her 25 years of experience to offer a diverse range of therapeutic services for adolescents, adults, and their families. With a Master's in Social Work from Hunter College in Manhattan, Gale has actively dedicated her career to working with individuals, families, couples, and groups in mental health agencies, hospitals, public schools, universities, and private practice settings. 
 
Her outstanding service and leadership were recognized in 2007 when she was awarded the prestigious "PACEsetter of the Year" Award for her work as the Social Work Director of a teen counseling program in New York City.
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties
Gale's practice is rooted in an eclectic approach, drawing from her extensive training in evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as other treatment modalities. As the DBT program intake coordinator and skills group leader, Gale incorporates art, drama, narrative work, and other creative expressions to engage clients, enhance their commitment to reaching goals, and enrich their self-worth and confidence.
 
Training and Certifications
Gale completed Behavioral Tech Institute’s Intensive DBT training in 2015 and was trained in DBT by Shari Manning, Ph.D., one of Marsha Linehan's original trainees. Additionally, she is well-versed in DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE), an empirically-validated treatment for trauma. Gale has specialized training and experience working with LGBTQ youth and their families and is currently pursuing certification as a World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) recognized provider.
 
Client Engagement and Focus
Gale excels at fostering genuine connections with hard-to-reach adolescents and young adults, effecting lasting change in their lives. She is committed to providing compassionate, warm, and emotionally safe care and is often assisted in sessions by her hypoallergenic therapy dog, Tovie.

Jennifer Merrill, Psy.D., applies her 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical psychologist to specialize in treating children, teens, and adults with various psychological challenges.

Jennifer earned her doctoral degree from George Washington University and completed a postdoctoral specialization in child, adolescent, and family therapy. Her extensive experience includes working across diverse settings such as adolescent residential treatment centers, private practice, community mental health centers, university clinics, and schools.

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Therapeutic Approach and Specialties

Dr. Merrill integrates diagnostic expertise and evidence-based treatment modalities and strategies, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in her provision of individual, group, and family therapy. She employs a supportive and collaborative approach to understanding cognitive, emotional, and behavioral distress in all stages of development. Through empathy and understanding, Dr. Merrill easily forms authentic connections, supporting clients in acquiring adaptive coping strategies, problem-solving skills, empowerment, and building healthy and supportive relationships.

Her specialties and areas of particular interest include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, affect regulation, identity development, and life transitions. Dr. Merrill is practiced in administering and interpreting psychological assessments, particularly when evaluations inform and enhance therapeutic goals. Dr.  Merrill is also a member of our comprehensive DBT team.

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Professional Engagement and Advocacy

With seasoned advocacy skills, Dr. Merrill partners with schools and families to ensure that social, emotional, and academic needs are met. She has served on the clinical faculty of universities and provided advanced supervision to predoctoral and postdoctoral psychology students. Additionally, she offers training and consultation to parents, organizations, and in mental health policy.

Leslie Ashman, LCSW-C, leverages her 25 years of social work practice experience to support children, teens, young adults, and their families as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Leslie earned her undergraduate degree in Family Studies and her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. Her diverse background includes working in various clinical and school settings..

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Therapeutic Approach and Specialties

Drawing upon her experiences in both school and clinical settings, Leslie understands the challenges parents face in navigating their children’s educational, emotional, and mental health needs. She creates a warm and non-judgmental environment where clients can express their thoughts and feelings openly, focusing on improving their coping mechanisms and overall functioning. Leslie employs an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from various therapeutic models and evidence-based interventions, including  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to tailor treatment plans to each client's unique needs. Leslie is also a member of our comprehensive DBT team.

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Collaboration with Parents

In addition to her work with children, teens, and young adults, Leslie has a particular interest in collaborating and working separately with parents. Recognizing the significant influence of family dynamics on a child's or teen's well-being, she strives to shape supportive environments within the family unit. 

By working closely with parents, Leslie empowers them to create a positive impact on their child's overall development, helping them practice effective parenting strategies, improve communication skills, and deepen their understanding of their child's needs to build healthy family relationships.

Austin Tucker, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, integrates his diverse experience in various settings to provide tailored therapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, and families.

Austin received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work at the University of Maryland. His background includes working with children, adolescents, and families, as well as being part of an interdisciplinary care team treating adults with substance use disorders. 

Through his work as a middle school counselor at an independent school, a school-based therapist in the public school system, and providing individual and family therapy in clinical settings, Austin has deepened his understanding of clients and their needs within different environments.

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Therapeutic Approach and Specialties

Austin believes in a collaborative approach that encourages clients to actively participate in determining their treatment goals and planning. He prioritizes establishing a safe, supportive, and comfortable space for clients to express themselves freely, which leads to increased engagement and commitment to the therapeutic process. With specific training in evidence-based practices like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), he tailors interventions to each client's needs to achieve their desired change. Austin is also a member of our comprehensive DBT team.

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Diversity and Client Focus

Valuing diversity and the unique experiences that shape each individual, Austin has worked with clients from varied backgrounds and identities. His experience encompasses working with clients dealing with grief, depression, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, learning disabilities, and ADHD. Austin excels at developing strong relationships with his clients and their parents, leveraging his natural ability to connect with others as an essential asset in his professional practice.

Rori applies skills and experience attained through over 25 years as a clinician working with individuals, families, and groups from every part of the life span. Rori received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.  Her background includes working with people of all ages in primary health care, community mental health, community mediation, and early intervention programs for children with developmental disabilities.  Rori is licensed to practice in MD, DC, and VA. 

Therapeutic Approach and Specialties   

Rori listens carefully and uses her knowledge of various systems and settings to provide customized interventions for individuals ages 16 and up.  Rori has a special interest in helping people recovering from eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image issues.  She also brings many years of helping seniors and their families navigate life transitions.

Training and Certifications        

Rori has clinical training in grief and loss, and is a trauma informed clinician. She is a certified clinical supervisor and has provided individual and group supervision training for new social workers.  Rori is also trained in Basic Mediation and Parenting Plan Mediation.                                                                                                                      

Client Focus and Engagement

Rori prides herself on developing strong, trusting connections with her clients, a place where growth, healing, and change can occur. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience, and empowerment.  She recognizes the value of being heard and understood and works collaboratively with clients, using mindful, action-based interventions to help clients work toward their goals.  At the heart of her practice is a belief in hope, and a commitment to fostering gradual change in a safe and supportive environment.

Dr. Jeffrey Kranzler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. He has post-graduate training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and over 15 years of experience treating clients in various practice settings. 

As the Parent Coach and Parent Skills Group Leader in the DBT program at Julie Baron and Associates, Dr. Kranzler brings a wealth of expertise from his previous roles as Social Work Supervisor at an Albert Einstein College of Medicine clinic and Director of Social Services in a large K-12 school. He also founded Leaf Mentoring, a consulting company that implements school-based mentoring programs.

In addition to his work at Julie Baron and Associates, he provides individual and group treatment services through Kranzler Autism Programs and Services (KAPS).

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Education & Training

Dr. Kranzler obtained his degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. 

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Author

Dr. Kranzler is the author of The Crimson Protector, a superhero adventure book that teaches middle schoolers how to build confidence, overcome social anxiety, and handle bullying.