Our Providers
Meet our staff: availability is subject to change. Please contact us for questions about specific provider availability.
Akintunde Morakinyo, PhD
Dr. Morakinyo is a licensed psychologist who has been practicing for over 20 years in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. Before founding GIFTS, he worked in the Maryland Department of Education for 3 years and as a school psychologist in Baltimore County Public Schools for 10 years. He obtained his Doctorate of Philosophy in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
Dr. Morakinyo has over a decade teaching at Loyola, Johns Hopkins, and Towson Universities. He enjoys supervising and guiding new therapists in the field of mental health.
FOunder/CEO
psychologist
Cynthia Ekwutife, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, BSN- BC, RN
Cynthia is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who uses a patient-centered holistic approach to treat patients across the lifespan. She has 8 years plus of experience in psychiatry and worked with diverse populations in various mental health settings including inpatient psychiatric hospital settings and outpatient mental health clinics.
Her treatment modalities include a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology to create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to patient needs. She works primarily with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and major life changes.
Cynthia received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University. She also completed her master's in nursing/Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree from the University of South Alabama.
Medical director
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Whittni Pickens, LCPC
Whittni was raised in Southern Maryland and attended St. Mary's College of Maryland where she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Minors in French and Anthropology. While in her senior year, Whittni realized that she wanted to work with children, to make proactive, long standing impact on those she served. Whittni attended Towson University and received her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Whittni completed her internship at an outpatient family therapy center where she met with families and children. Parent coaching and play therapy were implemented in almost all sessions. When in session, Whittni aims to have a comprehensive and culturally-sensitive approach that allows each client's needs to be exceptionally met. Families who work with Whittni will be able to collaborate on all levels of treatment to ensure that goals are met in a timely manner. Areas of focus include impulse control, self-esteem enhancement, anger management, sibling aggression, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness.
Clinical Director
Therapist
Arianna Stafford, LCPC
Arianna was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended college in Washington, D.C. and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Washington University. Following her graduation Arianna worked as a 7th grade teacher in Cleveland City Schools for two years and then came to Baltimore to pursue her dual master’s degree in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. Arianna is currently a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and has a wide-range of experience working with students K-12. She values forming strong professional relationships with clients and strives to deeply understand the complexities of each individual’s experience. In her spare time Arianna enjoys spending time with her dog, practicing yoga, and reading.
School-Based COORDINATOR
clinical supervisor
corporate compliance officer
Cameron Di Leo, LGPC
A Baltimore native, Cameron received his B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling from Loyola University of Maryland. Cameron adopts an eclectic approach to counseling, incorporating principles from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Behaviorism. Prior to coming to GIFTS Mental Health Clinic, Cameron provided mental health services through Cornerstone Montgomery’s Residential Rehabilitation Program. While there, he also served on the agency’s Trauma Informed Care task force, researching and cultivating an understanding of trauma informed principles, frameworks, and standards employed throughout the mental health field. Cameron, who is passionate about social justice and multicultural issues, is also committed to working with individuals with physical disabilities, and neurological disorders.
Therapist
quality assurance coordinator
Abby Courtright, LCPC
Abby studied psychology at University of Delaware and Loyola University, earning a Master of Arts and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, respectively. Her therapeutic experiences include working with children, families, adults, couples, and groups. As a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Abby provides mental health services in the public schools with clients from ages 5-21, and she has 15 years experience with IEP/Special Education laws and process. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Abby works with primarily adults and couples in the private practice setting (ages 21+).
Abby works to meet the client’s individual needs and utilize their unique strengths. Her approach is strongly influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies. She also incorporates mindfulness practices, interpersonal therapy, and humanistic therapy techniques. Abby works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, as well as relationship and life stressors. She has experience with clients from numerous cultural and religious backgrounds. Abby provides culturally sensitive services and is inclusion and social justice oriented.
Therapist
clinical supervisor
Dana Grimmel, LCPC
Dana is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) born and raised in Harford County, Maryland. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. She moved back to Maryland to earn her Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University of Maryland.
Dana uses a person-centered approach to therapy while utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Play Therapy techniques. She believes in working with clients to support their unique identity, while considering their culture, abilities, needs, and goals. She has experience serving clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, anger, trauma-related disorders, and transitional life stressors.
Some of Dana's hobbies and interests include hiking, traveling, singing, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
School-based therapist
Shannon Taylor, LCPC
Shannon Taylor is a Washingtonian hailing from Prince George’s County, MD. She spent her formative years in Largo, MD. Shannon attended Bowie State University and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology/Criminal Justice. After graduation, Shannon enlisted in the United States Army. During her service, she made time to take classes at American Military University, studying Guidance and Counseling. Shannon received her Master’s degree from AMU shortly after completing her time in the military. She then began working in the Baltimore County Public School system as a school counselor, serving as department chairperson at various schools. Being in a position of leadership has given her great insight and valuable experience in developing ways to effectively work with adolescents and young adults dealing with a multitude of issues.
Shannon’s approach in counseling includes Solution-Focused Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness based on the client’s needs. She enjoys building a positive rapport with clients to ensure that congruence is established.
therapist
Sarah Sassler, LGPC
Sarah (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and recently moved to Maryland to start her professional career. Originally from Philadelphia, she graduated with her Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. Sarah completed her internship at a community based mental health clinic in the Philadelphia suburbs where she worked with clients ages 5 to 75, with varying backgrounds, cultures, and diagnoses. Sarah’s approach to counseling includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Narrative Therapy.
Sarah has been working with kids in various settings for the past 10 years and is excited to join the team as a school based therapist!
In her free time, Sarah enjoys watching reality TV, doing paint by numbers, coloring, and cooking.
school-based THERAPIST
Nwanneka Ndeche PMHNP-BC, MSN, BSN-BC, RN
Nwanneka is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with many years of experience working with medical and psychiatric populations. She has experience caring for people at a maximum-security psychiatric hospital, community clinic, and private practice offices. Nwanneka’s scope of practice includes providing mental health care for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, with a focus on attention deficit disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, addiction and integrated health and wellness.
Nwanneka believes that a connection with another person can help an individual cope with the difficulties of life and brings about healing. Therefore, building a therapeutic relationship is an important aspect in her medication management and treatment plans. Treatment and medication options are not one size fits all; each individual is unique, and her goal is to work collaboratively with her client to come up with the most appropriate treatment plan and achieve the best long-term outcome.
Prescriber
Tatiana Tobar, LGPC
Tatiana was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended Towson University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.
She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adult clients. She has worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship and life stressors.
Prior to coming to GIFTS Mental Health Clinic, Tatiana worked as an assistant teacher at a local Child Development Center.
In her free time, Tatiana enjoys crocheting, reading, and cooking.
Tatiana's approach to counseling includes Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness practices, and play therapy techniques based on the client’s needs..
SCHOOL-BASED THERAPIST
Dior Ndiaye, LGPC
Dior Ndiaye (she/hers) is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) in the state of Maryland. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Dior is eager to work with populations from all age ranges but has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults who struggle with mood, anxiety, trauma, and stress-related disorders. She utilizes an eclectic approach to counseling with an emphasis on Person-Centered and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy depending on the client’s needs. Her goal is to provide a safe space for everyone to explore their intersecting identities and uniqueness in a way that allows them to be vulnerable and be their authentic selves. Dior is passionate about working with multicultural and minoritized clients who yearn to have a voice and feel empowered. When working with clients, she ensures that a strong rapport is built while focusing on enhancing the client’s self-fulfillment, self-acceptance, and self-actualization. She is excited to tackle the challenges that come with the initial stages of therapy and is looking forward to helping you reach your goals!
school-based therapist
David Wilton, Psych Associate
David is a Psychology Associate working under the license of Dr. Akintunde Morakinyo. Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, David attended Portland State University and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology along with a minor in Public Health Education. Following his graduation, David worked in the field of addiction recovery, and he also spent time providing case management to individuals transitioning out of incarceration. He then moved to Baltimore and earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Maryland, where he continues to attend as he pursues his Doctorate (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology. He carries a wide-range of experience working with adults in community, outpatient, and inpatient mental health settings, and he has served clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
David values in an insight-oriented and person-centered approach to therapy and employs a strengths-based perspective as he supports his clients’ pursuits of empowered and fulfilling lives. He utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic Therapy to meet the unique needs of his clients. In his free time, David enjoys cooking, hiking and rock climbing, and playing with his cats, Momo and Lunchbox.
THERAPIST
Angela Mazer, LCPC
Angie studied psychology at Towson University and Loyola University of Maryland, earning a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology. As a Program Director for a non-profit organization, she worked with adults with developmental disabilities in Baltimore. Her experiences include working with children, families, adults, groups and couples.
Angie has provided mental health services at the Department of Juvenile Services, substance use clinics, school-based programs and private practice settings. She has specialized experience working with families to manage behavior and impulse-control issues.
Angie utilizes an eclectic approach that is strengths-based and tailored to fit her clients' needs. Her approach is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness practices, Trauma-Focused and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She has worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, relationship and life stressors. Her clients have ranged from various and rich cultural backgrounds, instilling within Angie a passionate desire to provide culturally-sensitive services.
Angie is an Approved Supervisor for the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists of Maryland. She has supervised interns and licensed therapists.
She enjoys cooking, yoga, gardening, learning new hobbies, spending time with family and her dogs.