Child therapists that meet you where you are
Each Early Childhood Specialist on our team was specifically chosen to partner with us. They are highly specialized and experienced in supporting the development of children from birth to 8 years old. Each member contributes a wealth of knowledge acquired from roles that deeply engage with the concept of nurturing the whole child. They possess adeptness in navigating special education and community resources, ensuring comprehensive support whenever necessary.
Jenni Showalter LCSW, RPT-S Owner and Practice Director
If you're here, chances are you're concerned about your child and wondering if therapy might help. Let me assure you that this is the best decision you can make for your family and I'm honored you chose us.
As the owner and director of Early Childhood Partners In Practice, I am dedicated to supporting and celebrating the development of your child in their early years. When I see families struggling—whether it's with challenging behaviors, developmental delays or difficulties or navigating the complex world of early childhood support systems —I understand how isolating and overwhelming it can be. But you don't have to figure this out alone—I'm here to help. When you choose to work with me, you're not just getting a therapist—you're gaining a partner in your child's development and your family's wellbeing.
After spending more than a decade working in early childhood programs, in schools and community mental health settings in Northern Virginia, I've learned how important it is to have a collaborative and holistic approach to child care. My experience and unique knowledge of early childhood support systems allow me to guide you through resources and connect you with additional support when needed.
As a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor with specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused treatments, I work with your family as a whole because I know that when parents feel confident and supported, children thrive. Your child's early years are incredibly important, and the support you provide them now can make a lasting difference. If you're feeling uncertain about whether therapy is right for your family, I'd love to talk with you. Sometimes a simple conversation can help clarify whether we're a good fit and how I might be able to support your family's unique needs.
Contact me today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your child's individual needs and supports your entire family's growth and healing.
Monica S. McDonald MEd, MA
If you're feeling overwhelmed watching your child struggle with developmental milestones—whether it's potty training, social skills, behavior challenges, or learning delays—I want you to know that you're not alone, and more importantly, there is hope. As someone who has dedicated my career to early childhood special education and intervention, I've had the privilege of walking alongside countless families just like yours, watching children blossom when they receive the right support.
With my background as a Child Life Specialist, early intervention provider, and Autism Specialist across Virginia, Hawaii, and Northern New Jersey, I understand that every child develops at their own pace, and my role is to meet your child exactly where they are while helping your family celebrate each small victory along the way.
What sets my approach apart is that I don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions or rigid programs that disrupt your family's life. Instead, I work within your existing routines and priorities to create realistic, achievable plans that actually work for your family.
Whether your child needs support with: play skills, early academics, behavior, self-help skills like toileting, social connections, language development, or attention and focus, I'll collaborate with you to build on your child's natural strengths while addressing the areas where they need extra support.
I also specialize in toilet training support—an area where many families feel stuck and frustrated—offering individualized plans, readiness assessments, and ongoing troubleshooting to make this milestone less stressful for everyone involved.
Your child's early years are precious, and the right intervention now can make all the difference in their confidence and development. You don't have to navigate these challenges alone or wonder if you're doing enough. Contact me today to discuss how we can work together to help your child thrive while making your family life more peaceful and joyful.
Sarah Michaels LCSW, IMH-E®
If you're watching your young child struggle with big emotions, challenging behaviors, or difficulty connecting with others, I understand how helpless and worried you might feel as a parent. Maybe you're wondering if their tantrums are "normal," feeling overwhelmed by their emotional outbursts, or questioning whether you're responding in the right way.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Infant Mental Health Specialist with over seven years of experience in early intervention, I want you to know that your instincts to seek support show just how much you love your child. What fulfills me most in my work is watching parents like you discover that you already have incredible strengths—you just need the right tools and understanding to feel confident in supporting your child's emotional world.
My approach is built on a simple but powerful truth: the relationship between you and your child is the most important factor in their healing and growth. Rather than focusing solely on your child's behavior, I work with you to understand what's driving those behaviors and help you respond in ways that strengthen your connection while supporting their development.
Using trauma-informed and relationship-focused methods, including my training as a Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator, I'll help you decode your child's emotional needs and give you concrete strategies that work within your daily routines. Whether your child is struggling with regulation, social connections, or behavioral challenges, we'll work together to build on the bond you already share while creating lasting change.
Your child's early years are when their emotional foundation is being built, and the support you provide now shapes their future relationships and resilience. You don't have to figure this out alone or wonder if you're doing enough. Contact me today to start building the strong, connected relationship you both deserve.
Shannon Rushing, PT, DPT
If you're watching your child struggle with movement—whether they're having trouble keeping up with peers, seem to tire easily, or are facing challenges with balance, strength, or coordination—I want you to know that I see the whole picture, not just what they can't do yet.
As a licensed physical therapist with nearly 20 years of experience working with children from birth to 18, I've learned that every child has incredible potential waiting to be unlocked. What breaks my heart is when parents tell me their child has started to avoid activities they once loved or seems to be losing confidence because movement feels hard. But here's what gives me hope every single day: with the right support and approach, I've watched countless children not only overcome their physical challenges but discover a joy in movement they never knew was possible.
What makes my approach different is that I don't just focus on exercises and strengthening—I look at your whole child and how their physical development impacts every area of their life, from play to self-confidence to social connections. I specialize in aquatic physical therapy because I've seen the magic that happens when children enter the water: suddenly, movements that felt impossible on land become achievable, fear transforms into excitement, and therapy stops feeling like work and starts feeling like play. Whether through traditional physical therapy or in the healing environment of water, I work closely with you to celebrate every small victory and help you understand how to support your child's progress at home.
Your child's physical development affects their confidence, independence, and ability to fully participate in childhood. The sooner we address their challenges, the more we can prevent them from falling further behind or losing their love of movement. Contact me today to learn how we can turn their struggles into strengths and bring back the joy in movement.
Erin Chan, Student Intern
Erin is a undergraduate student intern supporting the Early Childhood Partners in Practice team over the summer. Erin is completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health with a dual major in Psychological Sciences and Kinesiology at William & Mary. Erin speaks Korean and brings her experience in biomedical research on stress and self-regulation to inform and support her interest in learning about working with young children.