About Us

Mr. Schuyler C. Cunningham, MSW, LICSW (DC), LCSW-C (MD), LCSW (VA), Board Certified in Neurofeedback, Board Certified Diplomate, is an expert ADHD practitioner and award-winning Social Worker. He is one of only three Board Certified in Neurofeedback providers in Washington, DC. This prestigious certification, issued by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), is recognized worldwide and ensures that our clients receive care from a trusted and qualified professional. He specializes in assessments, evaluations, and treatment. Additionally, he trains other mental health providers in ADHD assessment, Brain Maps/qEEGs, and treatment at the Center. In addition to founding the Center for Neurocognitive Excellence, he practiced at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, where he was a Principal Investigator investigating traumatic stress in people with cancer, chaired the Research Committee for the Social Work Department and provided counseling to people being treated at the Clinical Center. While at NIH, Schuyler was awarded two Director’s Awards and the Deborah Dozier-Hall Award for Excellence in Social Work Education. In addition, he holds a Consultant certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and uses brain mapping and neurofeedback as well as a variety of other approaches to create safe and individualized care for each client. Finally, Mr. Cunningham is a sought after speaker and has published on various aspects of mental health counseling. Mr. Cunningham obtained his Masters in Social Work from the National Catholic School of Social Service at the Catholic University of America and holds advanced social work licenses in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Illustrative List of Publications and Presentations:

• Cunningham, S., and Norman, T. (2022). Treatment Planning for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In Rapp-McCall, L., Corcoran, K., & Roberts, A.R. (Eds.), Social Workers’ Desk Reference. Oxford University Press.
• Cunningham, S., Norman, T., & Warner, S. (2022). Neurofeedback: An Evidence Based Nonmedication Intervention. In Rapp-McCall, L., Corcoran, K., & Roberts, A.R. (Eds.), Social Workers’ Desk Reference. Oxford University Press.
• Cunningham, S. & Norman, T. (2021) ADHD and Neurofeedback Explained. Self-Published.
• Cunningham, S., Wakim, P., Hendricks, J., Cassidy, Q., Teigen, E., & BrintzenhofeSzoc, K. (2020). Influence of psychosocial distress on traumatic stress symptoms among oncology patients in clinical trials. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice, 2(2). doi: 10.1097/OR9.0000000000000021.
• Cunningham, S. C., Aizvera, J., Wakim, P., & Felber, L. (2018). Use of a self-reported psychosocial distress screening tool as a predictor of need for psychosocial intervention in a general medical setting. Social work in health care, 57(5), 315–331. https://doi.org/10.1080/00981389.2018.1437499.
• Trauma Matters Fall 2019 Connecticut Women’s Consortium
• Fight Colorectal Cancer  – Webinar on Cancer Related Traumatic Distress Cunningham, S. & Felber, L. Psychosocial Distress Screening in a General Medical Population. National Institutes of Mental Health, 2018.
• Cunningham, S. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Social Work Department, 2013.

Ms. SamanthaJo Beatty (SamJo) is a certified Director of Clinical Quality and national EHR government guidelines trainer who has been working in healthcare for 20 years. She began her career as a paramedic, then moved into a medical front and back office setting as a Certified Medical Office Manager working her way through each position until she reached Operations Management.  Ms. SamanthaJo Beatty prides herself on her thorough knowledge of our practice, enabling her to assist staff members and clients at any time. At DCNE she is the Lead Practice Manger and an independent affiliate. Her passion and knowledge of the mental health and medical fields makes her a sought after Director of Healthcare Operations throughout the United States.

Ms. Susan LaVecchio is the Assistant Practice Manager at the Center for Neurocognitive Excellence. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Ms. LaVecchio brings a unique combination of scientific knowledge and operational expertise to her role.

Before joining DCNE, Ms. LaVecchio spent five years as a Veterinary Technician, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care, medical procedures, and client communication. She later transitioned into healthcare analytics as a Business Analyst, focusing on workflow optimization, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiency.

Ms. LaVecchio’s diverse background in science, psychology, and healthcare operations allows her to approach practice management with precision, empathy, and strategic insight. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to supporting both staff and clients as an independent affiliate make her a valued member of the DCNE leadership team.

Dr. Lauren Horton is a Psychology Associate and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Washington DC and Virginia. She holds a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. She completed her clinical internship at Stanford University’s Counseling and Psychological Services and is an approved LPC Supervisor for Washington DC and Virginia. Dr. Horton is an independent affiliate.

Dr. Horton uses Psychodynamic and Afrocentric theories to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, aiming to resolve problems and change dysfunctional patterns. She incorporates techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has advanced training in Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing and has facilitated therapy in various settings, including college mental health centers, schools, and community services. Dr. Horton is proficient in conducting psychological assessments and diagnosing disorders such as ADHD, Specific Learning Disorders, anxiety, and depression.

In her free time, Dr. Horton enjoys spending time with loved ones, laughing, and doing yoga. She is inspired by the poem “Catch The Fire” by Sonia Sanchez, which encourages embracing inner strength and cultural heritage to overcome adversity.

Dr. John Adler, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Washington, DC, Georgia and South Carolina and an independent affiliate of DCNE. Dr. Adler has practiced for over 40 years and specializes in comprehensive psychological assessments with adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Adler is a skilled practitioner who focuses on assessments for ADHD, depression, anxiety, health and medical stress, substance issues for adults, learning differences, behavioral challenges, and autism for children. Dr. Adler has served on the medical staff at Memorial and St. Joseph Candler hospitals. Dr. Adler is a former Officer of the Committee of Independent Practice for the Georgia Psychological Association. Dr. Adler studied at Duke University, New York University, and the New York VA Hospital. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, playing paddle, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Clark holds a PhD in School Psychology from the School Psychology at Howard University. She holds multiple graduate degrees in counseling, mental health services, and school psychology, bringing a comprehensive academic and practice experience to her mental health services. She is an independent affiliate of DCNE.

Dr. Clark provides psycho-educational, ADHD, and comprehensive psychological testing and mental health counseling services for children, young adults, and adults. She is well versed and passionate in supporting children and adults in counseling and navigating challenges across school, home, and social environments. 

More specifically, Dr. Clark’s expertise covers a range of treatment areas including anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, ADHD, emotion regulation, behavioral challenges, identity development, and school-related stress. She also has specialized experience supporting parents, guardians, families, and youth navigating systems such as schools and community mental health services.

She does this through a strengths-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approach, integrating evidence-based practices with a focus on the client’s voice, values, and lived experience. Her therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and she incorporates creative expression and mindfulness techniques into her work, drawing from her background as a visual artist. A proud DC native, Dr. Clark is committed to fostering a comfortable, empowered, and supportive therapeutic environment for her clients and their families.

Ms. Calli Bianchi, M.Ed., LPC is a Therapist and Testing Therapist. Her experience includes providing assessments and counseling with adults and adolescents. Ms. Bianchi recently worked at the Sheltercare Program of Northern Virginia, providing counseling and developing curricula for adolescents in diverse residential settings. These settings included psychiatric units and court-ordered programs. Ms. Bianchi assisted in teaching an Introductory Research Methods course at the University of Tennessee, where she obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She is a co-author of a pending publication focusing on the influence of prosocial motivation on prospective memory. Ms. Bianchi is a Certified Nutrition Coach by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is also the past President of the University of Tennessee’s chapter of The International Honors Society in Psychology (Psi Chi). She employs a client-centered method merged with cognitive solution-focused strategies, aiding clients in advancing towards psychological and nutritional objectives effectively as an independent affiliate of DCNE.

Relevant Publication: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. (2017, April 11–12). UTC Research Dialogues: Final program.

Ms. Anna Rieper is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor under the supervision of Mr. Schuyler Cunningham and Dr. Lauren Horton. Ms. Rieper provides ADHD Assessments, ADHD therapy, EMDR therapy, therapy for anxiety, and therapy for depression. She also has experience providing couples counseling and group counseling. Ms. Rieper practices counseling from an LGBTQ+- affirming perspective. Her therapeutic approach focuses on supporting her clients to identify their core personal values. She uses the identified values to support clients in building a more meaningful and satisfying life. Prior to becoming a Professional Counselor, Ms. Rieper taught acting and storytelling for The Theatre Lab’s Life Stories Program. Much like Ms. Rieper’s approach to therapy, the subsequent performances were transformative because they were derived from her students’ personal experience. Ms. Rieper holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Drama from University of Wisconsin-Madison and received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Northwestern University. Ms. Rieper is an independent affiliate of DCNE.

Mr. Alvin Dinh is a Senior Neurofeedback Technician supervised by our Director Schuyler Cunningham and is an independent affiliate of DCNE. In addition to working at DCNE, Alvin is currently an Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) recipient from the National Institute of Mental Health in the Unit of Neurons, Circuits, and Behavior. Alvin is experienced in neuroanatomy, visual perception, optogenetic stimulation, electrophysiology recordings, and sustained attention. He has also held positions as a Nursing Assistant for UNC Health and a Program Assistant for the Carolina Center for Public Service. Alvin is preparing for a career in the medical field with a focus on mental health. Alvin is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he studied Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with minors in Religious Studies and Medical Anthropology.

Ms. Jasmine Phillips is a licensed Psychology Associate in MD and DC,  a Testing Therapist at the Center for Neurocognitive Excellence and an independent affiliate of DCNE. Jasmine has experience conducting psychological evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD/ADD, neurocognitive disorders, and personality disorders. She is supervised by Dr. John Adler. Jasmine is also an experienced therapist and provides counseling to adults and adolescents from diverse populations and in various settings, including forensic, the community, and private practice). She utilizes various interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients manage and control mental health concerns. Ms. Phillips earned her master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from The George Washington University and Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University (SHSU).