Child therapists that meet you where you are
Each Early Childhood Specialist on our team was specifically chosen to partner with us. They are highly specialized and experienced in supporting the development of children from birth to 6 years old. Each member contributes a wealth of knowledge acquired from roles that deeply engage with the concept of nurturing the whole child. They possess adeptness in navigating special education and community resources, ensuring comprehensive support whenever necessary.
Jenni Showalter LCSW, RPT-S
Jenni Showalter is the Practice Director and Owner of Early Childhood Partners In Practice LLC.
Jenni brings over a decade of experience working in early childhood programs, school based clinical practice, and community mental health settings to her role as Owner/ Director of the ECPP team.
Her passion for supporting the joy and development of children in the early years led her to the ownership of Early Childhood Partners In Practice LLC, a collaborative and holistic practice that specializes in understanding the unique needs of children and parents in early childhood.
She brings her knowledge of the complex early childhood support systems in Northern Virginia to guide clinicians and families as they navigate their children’s needs across the many different environments in which they live and programs specifically for them.
She supports the ECPP team in identifying and incorporating ways to strengthen the natural supports of children and families within their community as a part of their healing journey.
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor also trained in cognitive behavioral therapies, EMDR, and trauma focused treatments, she brings her experience with early childhood in the schools, special education, and community mental health to support the integration of developmentally appropriate interventions with family skill building and care coordination.
Monica S. McDonald MEd, MA
Monica is originally from Northern New Jersey and has a Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from The George Washington University and a Master of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision from The University of Virginia. She is licensed to teach Special Education (birth to eight) with an endorsement in Administration and Supervision (PreK-12).
Monica’s work experience includes working as a Child Life Specialist, teaching preschool special education, providing early intervention in the natural environment and working with community based preschool students with developmental delays in schools and settings throughout Fairfax County. She also served as an Autism Specialist for the Hawaii Department of Education and Alexandria City Public Schools. Monica works with families and young children to find solutions and help children make progress in the following areas:
Play Skills
Cognitive/Academic Skills (Early Literacy and Numeracy)
Behavior
Self Help/Adaptive Skills (including toileting and toilet training)
Social Skills
Language
Executive Functioning Skills and Attention
Her philosophies include working with a child’s strengths and needs and creating plans for families that work within their existing routines and priorities. She also consults with and provides training to area private schools and daycares to ensure they are engaging in best practice and working toward strong outcomes for young children.
Monica specializes in providing individualized support for families and caregivers in the toilet training process. She offers assistance in identifying signs of toilet training readiness, creating targeted individual plans, providing consultations, and troubleshooting challenges with parents/caregivers and providers. She will also provide individualized training support to small groups both virtually and in person.
Sarah Michaels LCSW, IMH-E®
Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Infant Mental Health Specialist. She helped create and develop the position of Infant Mental Health Specialist within a local Early Intervention system over the past 7+ years. Sarah has spent her career working in a variety of child and family fields in addition to Early Intervention, including social skills groups, individual adult therapy, and adoption.
Sarah is passionate about supporting children and their caregivers through a relationship-focused lens; she feels most fulfilled when caregivers feel empowered in supporting their young children's emotions, regulation, and overall development.
Additionally, Sarah enjoys helping parents understand their child’s behavior and gain insight as well as providing concrete strategies parents can incorporate to support their children during these moments. Sarah works from a reflective and trauma-informed perspective and focuses on supporting the relationship between children and caregivers as the primary agent of change.
Sarah also provides support to daycare providers, as well as other early childhood therapists and service coordinators, in deepening their own practice and building competency in the areas of social-emotional development and relationship-based interventions. Sarah values a multi-disciplinary team approach in supporting young children’s development and providing support to parents and caregivers.
In addition to holding a clinical license in social work, Sarah is certified as an Infant Mental Health Specialist, and Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator.