OUR STORY
Respect My Beautiful was born in September 2016 out of a sheer desire to help young girls and women build their self-esteem and self-confidence.
From a young age, I understood how a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence could be detrimental to one's life when dating violence fatally rocked my family's world. Words can't explain the devastation that we endured. Later, I understood two things: dating violence doesn't discriminate, and secondly, if self-love were present, maybe my family members would not have been in an unhealthy relationship.
Respect My Beautiful Counseling & Consulting was formulated in October 2018. We are staying true to the mission of helping young girls and women daily blossom by assisting them as they work through issues that are disrupting their day-to-day life. The ultimate goal is to empower, encourage, and enlighten as many young girls and women as humanly possible by providing counseling and mentoring services to this population for many years to come.
MEET OUR CLINICIANS
Marsel Shamouelian
I have learned that we live in a culture where trauma touches all lives, scarring some more than others. My personal and clinical experiences have intensified my passion to work with individuals touched by trauma. This resolve drives me as I seek to alleviate the suffering of trauma survivors, so they can uncover inner perseverance that will allow them to transcend the limits of personal tragedy and achieve the life to which they aspire.
I provide individual and family therapy to a diverse population of clients with trauma. My work includes facilitating therapy with trauma clients who had difficulty verbally recounting their traumatic experiences.
I learned that often with these clients, utilizing non-verbal modalities such as art therapy was more effective.
On a personal level, I feel particularly compelled to serve and advocate for vulnerable trauma survivors who have lost their voices. Prior to my immigration to the United States, I endured grave discrimination under an oppressive regime.
As a young child, I was continuously victimized, as I was unable to stand up and protect myself. My traumatic experiences have given me insight and empathy into the suffering of other people.
Although I am aware that my early experiences with trauma - in my case physical and emotional abuse, may not exactly mirror those of other trauma survivors, I have observed a universal response to trauma regardless of mode: silence, shame, denial, and despondency. Because of my experiences, I know this battle may be won.
I enjoy going to cafe shops, floral design and listening to music.
Ashley Collins
I am an LMSW born and raised in Baltimore City. I received my Bachelors in Bio at Morgan State University in 2009 and my Masters in Social Work from The University of MD School of Social work in 2016.
I love to help people see their worth and purpose in life. I believe that we are here for a reason and love to see people grow and become the best versions of themselves. I meet people where they are and am particularly fond of using solution-based therapy and CBT. However, I am always trying new things to help my clients meet their goals and achieve the growth they desire.
I am a wife mother and love to look for the light in every situation. I believe even out of the darkness there is a bright spot to be found to help you keep moving forward. Each day is a new day to try again.
Suzanne Hamdy
Hi! My name is Suzanne and am pursuing an LCPC while currently working as a Counseling Intern.
Life's struggles can bring about a myriad of difficulties including anxiety, depression, or relationship stresses. Which can feel overwhelming to juggle and confusing to navigate when attempting to find a new path.
I am here to accompany you on this journey with compassion, understanding, and openness. Together, you will improve self-awareness including recognizing your strengths to incorporate them into cultivating a more fulfilled life!
Reaching out for help can be daunting but it can also be exciting as the first step on the healing journey. I am so grateful you are here and look forward to working (and walking) with you through that process.
Our Founder, Dr. Cassandra Clarke- Williams
As a teenager, I knew that I wanted to be a counselor. I have over 16 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in the public-school system and the mental health sector. My journey in the school system started as a special educator and then as a school counselor. In addition, my love for education led me to teach at the collegiate level for Johns Hopkins University, Stevenson University, and Capella University. I was afforded the opportunity to work with survivors of domestic violence during my internship and completed my dissertation study on teen dating violence.
I earned my B.A in Psychology at York College in New York, M.S. in Counselor Education with a specialization in school counseling from McDaniel College, and my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Crisis and Trauma.
I believe all people deserve the opportunity to reach their most significant potential. With this in mind, my approach to therapy will help clients to identify what is keeping them from having the happiness, success, relationships, and life that they truly want. I am certified in Strategic Intervention through the Tony Robbins and Chloe Madanes Center. I employ various strategies and techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, REBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and other modalities as needed. I provide a warm and non-judgmental therapeutic environment where clients are free to be themselves. I look forward to assisting you with your counseling needs.
