Our Team
We are committed to helping you live your best life and find hope, progress, and happiness.
All of our therapists are educated and experienced professional counselors, licensed to practice in the state of Virginia.
We are hiring!
Our practice is expanding and we are looking for a dedicated LCSW, LPC, or Clinical Psychologist to join our practice as a therapist to provide outclient therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in the community. We need someone who doesn’t shy away from a challenge, is aligned with our mission and values, and is energized by contributing to the growth of Exhale Behavioral Health.
If you believe that you are a fit for our team, check out the full job listing below:
For consideration, please send your resume to Sharon Shavit at [email protected].
Sharon Shavit, LCSW
Founder and Clinical Director
Sharon is the founder and owner of Exhale Behavioral Health. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University, a Masters of Social Work from Aurora University, and more than 20 years of experience working with clients.
Sharon specializes in anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults. Sharon works from a place of compassion with an authentic investment in the lives and well being of her clients. Building on the strengths that you already have, she will help you work through your challenges and ultimately support you to achieve your goals. Sharon has helped people in a variety of life situations. She enjoyed “sitting” beside her clients and together identifying the issues and what goals to work on.
Sharon enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and couples and has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family issues, relationship issues, and OCD. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Talk Therapy.
“When people walk into the practice, I want them to feel comfortable and at home. Exhale is a safe space and no judgment zone.”
Michael Ellis, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
Michael is a licensed clinical social worker with a Bachelors degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Masters of Social Work. He has 3 years of experience working as a therapist specializing in child, family, and marriage counseling.
Michael lives Berryville, VA with his wife and five children, ages 13, 9, 7, and twin 5-year-olds. He has a background working as a Pastor and in law enforcement, working with teens and families to navigate the judicial system in Berryville, VA from 2005-2016. He also helped organize and lead a fatherhood group from 2013-2015 in the community. As a therapist, Michael enjoys helping others find a sense of peace and purpose in their lives.
Michael practices with a focus on Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. “I want to show everyone love and acceptance and help them reach a positive and purposeful place in life regardless of their age, race, gender, social identification, gender identification, or social status,” says Michael.
“Growing up, I have had role models that have shaped my morals and my desire to help others in the same manner.”
April Lubkemann, LCSW
Therapist
April is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College. She has 20 years of experience working as a therapist with both adolescents and adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, and with life adjustments.
“I believe that selecting a therapist with whom you feel comfortable is essential to your treatment success. My therapeutic approach draws upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to offer treatment that will be tailored to you and to your specific needs”.
Specialties
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Christian counseling
PTSD
Trauma
Grief
Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
Bipolar I and II
Roberta Morell, LCSW
Therapist
Roberta Morell is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Virginia, with over 25 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings and in clinical administrative services. Her approach is to create a warm and genuine therapeutic environment that is client centered; based on client goals, needs and strengths. Roberta values the opportunity to provide care that emphasizes attentiveness, support, and empathetic concern supported by evidenced based therapeutic interventions.
Roberta has experience working with multicultural populations, diverse age groups from young adults through geriatrics, and helping those with physical disabilities including visual impairment. Roberta is specifically trained in cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, brief therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, and trauma informed care.
Having an undergraduate degree in music and graduate degree in theology has prepared Roberta to think more deeply about her clients by using strong analytical skills. She is a gentle and caring therapist who seeks to help you meet your goals while helping you to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In her free time she enjoys continuing to play the piano, enjoys painting, fishing with her husband, a hot game of scrabble or cribbage.
Angelika “Chris” Wimmer, LCSW, LICSW
Therapist
Chris is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Master’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia University. She is currently licensed in Virginia and West Virginia. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University. She has worked for Grafton Integrated Health Network as a therapist for the last eight years. In the past, she has worked as a foster care social worker at HopeTree Family Services in Salem, VA. She has also worked as a geriatric social worker in the past. She enjoys working with children, adults and elderly clients. She has also worked with children and teens with autism spectrum disorder.
Treatment modalities she has used with her clients include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, anger management, conflict resolution, assertive communication skills, self-esteem building, relaxation and mindfulness skills, empathy building and solution focused therapy.
Rebekah Jordan, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Therapist
Rebekah Jordan is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over ten years of experience. She began her career as a trauma nurse in the United States Navy.
After her six years in the Navy, she started as working in the civilian sector as a Family Nurse Practitioner in many areas of medicine to include Neurology, Pain Management, Urgent Care, and Internal Medicine. She saw a common under-addressed factor of mental health and long wait-lists for care prompting her to return for her second masters as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). After earning her PMHNP from Duke University in 2020, she began serving the psychiatric needs of patients in Virginia and West Virginia in private practice as a PMHNP that closed in 2022 due to the psychiatrist retiring. She also works with Virginia Infusions since 2019 providing ketamine and vitamin infusions.
When not working, she is a wife and mother of two children and two dogs. She loves gardening, hiking, and yoga.
Samantha Baerhardt, LPC
Therapist
Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She provides therapy to adolescents and adults of all ages, genders, sexual identities, sexual orientations, and racial/cultural backgrounds. She is experienced in working with individuals who struggle with a variety of emotional and mental health concerns, including anxiety, panic, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties or loss. She also has a vested interest and specialized experience in treating eating disorders.
Her approach to therapy is relational and strength-based, drawing upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) treatment modalities. Samantha feels strongly about empowering people to change their lives in ways that are individually meaningful. She strives to maintain an atmosphere of comfort, compassion, empathy, and understanding within each therapeutic relationship.
Kali Dove, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kali is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from George Mason University. She has been a PMHNP-BC since 2023 and has been a registered nurse since 2007. Throughout her nursing career, she has gained valuable experience in a variety of specialties, including critical care, ambulatory care, infusion, oncology, and neuroscience.
In 2017, Kali recognized the profound impact of mental health on overall quality of life, which inspired her to specialize as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Her dedication to holistic care and improving healthcare outcomes led her to pursue a DNP-PMHNP in 2019. Since becoming a PMHNP-BC, she has been providing comprehensive psychiatric care and services to individuals in Virginia and West Virginia.
Kali believes in a patient-centered approach, integrating evidence-based practices with compassionate care to address the unique needs of each individual. She emphasizes the importance of a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey.
In addition to her clinical practice, Kali is committed to staying current with advancements in psychiatric care through continuous education and professional development. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and strives to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
In her free time, Kali enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is passionate about exploring new cultures and experiences, which enriches her understanding and empathy in her professional practice.
Sara Lieser, MSW (she/her)
Therapist
Sara is a social work supervisee who earned her master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and her bachelor’s from Amherst College. In her previous career, she spent almost two decades in the media industry working in equestrian publishing. Sara is passionate about education, connection, and building community. She has worked with adolescents in residential, outpatient, and educational settings, as well as adults experiencing mental health and substance use concerns. She also has experience with equine-facilitated psychotherapy, canine-assisted psychotherapy, and other human-animal-environment interactions. She offers a judgment-free, trauma-informed, client-focused therapeutic environment where she and her clients work together to identify goals, needs, and obstacles, and to make desired changes. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and empowerment are at the root of Sara’s therapeutic approach.
Sara and her partner live on a farm and have two elementary-aged children. Sara enjoys horseback riding, skiing, hiking, running, reading, and being outdoors.
Jeff Helmer
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
As the Chief Operating Office, Jeff oversees the day-to-day business and operations for Exhale Behavioral Health. Jeff has a degree in Health Systems Management from George Mason University. He has worked in a variety of business setting throughout his career. Jeff emphasizes high standards and socially responsible business practices. He uses his great interpersonal skills to develop and maintain great relationships with staff, clients, and leaders in the community. He strives to always lead by example and use Exhale’s values to determine every decision he makes.
Juanita Williams
Practice Manager
As a practice manager at Exhale Behavioral, Juanita Williams has over a decade of experience in the medical field, having begun her career in 2007. Her passion for providing exceptional administrative support and fostering a positive work environment makes her a valuable addition to the team. Juanita is dedicated to ensuring smooth operations within the office and is committed to delivering high-quality service to both staff and patients. Her expertise and enthusiasm make her an asset in creating a welcoming and organized atmosphere at Exhale Behavioral.