About Us

Mr. Schuyler C. Cunningham, MSW, LICSW (DC), LCSW-C (MD), LCSW (VA), Board Certified Diplomate, is an expert ADHD practitioner and award-winning Social Worker. 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.

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 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.

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. Her passion and knowledge of the mental health and medical fields makes her a sought after Director of Healthcare Operations throughout the United States.

Mr. Siddarth (Sid) Mathur is a Senior Neurofeedback Technician and is supervised by Schuyler Cunningham. He is a graduate of the George Washington University. He majored in Neuroscience and minored in Exercise Science and Biology. Before joining DCNE, Sid worked as a Psychiatric Counselor at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) and as a Medical Scribe. Sid is a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. At PIW, Sid led psychoeducational groups with people in recovery that focused on the mechanism and treatment of addiction. He has also held jobs as a Laboratory Technician and Line Cook. Sid’s goals are to pursue a medical degree with a concentration in psychiatry and to help further advance our knowledge of mental health.

Ms. Jess Stern, LGPC, NCC, M. Ed., a therapist licensed in DC, MD, and VA is under the supervision of Schuyler Cunningham and Lauren Horton. Ms. Stern is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as a group therapy facilitator for people experiencing addictions. She also has experience working closely with the LGBTQ population. Before joining DCNE, Ms. Stern worked in special education for DC Public Schools, conducting vocational rehabilitation assessments. She also completed a year-long clinical internship at the Whitman Walker Health Clinic focusing on trauma informed mental health care. Ms. Stern obtained her Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Masters of Special Education and Transition Services from The George Washington University and her Bachelors of Art in Psychology and Bachelors of Science in Education and Human Development from The University of Miami. In her free time, Ms. Stern enjoys rock climbing, live music, and traveling abroad.

Ms. Calli Bianchi, M.Ed., LGPC is a therapist, under the supervision of Schuyler Cunningham and Lauren Horton. She is an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) provider, and a certified nutrition coach. 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.

Dr. Bryan Becerra is a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and Psychology Associate in Washington, D.C. under the supervision of Mr. Schuyler Cunningham and Dr. Lauren Horton, LPC, NCC, PsyD. Dr. Becerra has experience in both individual therapy and psychology assessments. He helps people in therapy by carefully considering their cultural, sociopolitical, and identity factors in pursuit of their life satisfaction. Dr. Becerra uses different therapeutic techniques, including psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy to bolster coping skills, improve executive functioning skills, and work with people to attain greater insights that make their lives better. Before DCNE, Dr. Becerra gained experience in diverse settings: community mental health, college counseling, inpatient psychiatry hospital, and a day-reporting center for parolees. Dr. Becerra graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Masters in Legal and Forensic Psychology where he found an interest in psychotherapy and psychological assessment. He obtained his Doctorate of Psychology from The George Washington University. 

Ms. Anna Rieper is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor under the supervision of Mr. Schuyler Cunningham and Ms. Lauren Horton. Ms. Rieper provides ADHD Assessments, ADHD 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. Riper’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.

Mr. Alvin Dinh is a Neurofeedback Technician supervised by our Director Schuyler Cunningham. 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.