Our
Clinicians
Dr. Jeffrey Kranzler, Ph.D., LCSW-C (Founder, Director)
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Dr. Kranzler is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and holds a Masters and Ph.D. from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. He has served as Social Work Supervisor of an Albert Einstein College of Medicine clinic, a Dean of Students at a large K-12 school in South Florida and has been performing therapy in a variety of settings for more than 16 years. Dr. Kranzler is the author of The Crimson Protector, a superhero adventure novel that teaches tweens and teens how to build confidence, overcome social anxiety and handle bullying (available in print and eBook versions on Amazon and at TheCrimsonProtector.com). Dr. Kranzler specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.​​​​​​​​
Robert Binger, LCPC, CASDCS, CCATP
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Robert Binger is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with certifications in Autism (CASDCS-Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist) and Complex Trauma and is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) . Robert has worked as a therapist in Montgomery County, MD, specializing in working with adolescents and adults to build emotional regulation, social skills, academic achievement, and distress tolerance and to provide trauma treatment, addiction services and crisis management. Previously, he worked as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP) Counselor in Western Maryland while earning his master's degree in Counseling Psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Mary's College of Maryland.
Having grown up Neurodivergent and later recovering from addiction, Robert pulls from extensive training, professional experience and personal experience to best meet every individual's needs. Each client can rest assured that they will be met with compassion, collaboration and consistency. Clients can expect a therapist who will both help them build upon their strengths as well as to develop the skills to meet areas of challenge.
Robert utilizes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well as Mindfulness, somatic approaches. Robert is also trained in the use of EMDR for trauma. He works with individuals, families, couples and groups. Robert specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
Dotty Sexton, LCSW-C
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Dotty Sexton is a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) and completed the intensive Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist (CASDCS) training protocol. ​She integrates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to create a personalized and empowering experience for each client. Dotty specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
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After earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Salisbury University, Dotty began her career at an outpatient mental health clinic in Elkton, Maryland. She initially worked as a Mental Health Psychotherapist for children and teens before becoming the School-Based Therapy Program Coordinator. In this role, she provided clinical supervision to other therapist who work with students in the Maryland public school system, focusing primarily on ADHD, anxiety, social skills, and executive functioning skills. Dotty later developed and led an internship program in partnership with Wilmington University, offering supervision and mentorship to student counselors. Today, her work focuses on older teens and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence-related challenges. Dotty is passionate about empowering clients to recognize their strengths, embrace continuous growth, and celebrate their individuality.
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In her free time she enjoys adventuring. Dotty is up for just about anything fun from sky diving, to hiking, to visiting new cities and exciting places. She loves to cook and bake, enjoys living an active and healthy lifestyle, and spends every chance she can connecting with loved ones. Dotty’s style of therapy reflects her life motto: the journey is the destination.
Amanda Sipes, LCSW-C, Certified Autism Specialist, Certified EFT Specialist
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Amanda is a social worker with extensive experience in the mental health field. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and a Certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) specialist and has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR. In her current work as a school-based mental health therapist, Amanda utilizes a strengths-based approach focusing on the resourcefulness and resilience of her clients. Amanda works with a diverse group of individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and post-traumatic stress.
Amanda began her career working with Autistic individuals as a behavior therapist and as an Intensive Individual Support Service provider. She focused on working with individuals ages two to twenty one in achieving independence through community mobility and development of social and behavioral management skills. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Spanish Language from Towson University and her Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in families and children from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
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Amanda uses an integrative approach in individual, family and group therapy including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness, Sand Tray Therapy, EMDR, EFT and Mental Health First Aid. Amanda specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
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Amanda uses her own neurodivergence as an individual with dyslexia and her familial experience of growing up with both an autistic stepsister and a sister with ADHD to guide her practice and implementation of skills.
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In her free time, Amanda enjoys traveling, going on walks, painting, and spending time with friends, family, and her two cats.
Heidi Hill, LCSW-C
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Heidi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and got her start in the mental health field as a field staff member in wilderness therapy programs and at a residential treatment center. She then graduated with her degree in recreational therapy and worked as a nationally certified recreational therapist in the correctional system, a psychiatric hospital, and with teens in outdoor settings. Deciding that she wanted to do deeper clinical work, Heidi completed her degree in Social Work from the University of Utah in 2020, interning at a VA hospital’s PTSD clinic and as a school social worker. Since graduating, Heidi has worked in schools and outpatient mental health clinics, and continued her love of doing therapy in outdoor settings.
Heidi is passionate about giving people the skills they need to make informed choices. This includes helping people better understand their emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors. Heidi strongly believes in self-determination and that the client is the expert of their life. She sees her role as one of providing skill-building, psychoeducation, and advocacy. This often includes partnering with family and other members of a client’s educational and healthcare teams.
Heidi has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Nature-Informed Therapy (NIT), Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Teen Mental Health First Aid. Heidi specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
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When Heidi is not working, she is likely to be outside hiking, rock-climbing, paddleboarding, or making music, and hanging out with her bearded dragon, Littlefoot.
Elana Premack Sandler, LCSW
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Elana received her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her Masters Degrees from Boston University. In her undergraduate program, she double-majored in Journalism and Women's Studies and earned a minor in Psychology. Elana completed the dual degree MSW/MPH program at Boston University. She is in the process of earning a PsyD at The Chicago School for Professional Psychology.
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As a therapist, Elana sees a person in their whole environment—what has life been like that's led to this moment, and what can be changed that may help move things forward? Elana has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a range of life experiences.
For eight years, Elana was a part of the Simmons University School of Social Work faculty as an Associate Professor of Practice. Since 2009, Elana has been writing for Psychology Today online. Elana has postgraduate training in Sand Tray Therapy, complex trauma, and suicide prevention, CBT and Mindfulness.
Elana specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
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Elana works collaboratively, listening to what's most important to clients and their families and sharing information and resources to guide folks in their choices. Elana aims to help establish a sense of belonging and confidence. Elana helps children, adolescents, and adults facing both everyday transitional moments as well as life-changing decisions.
Sam Rosenblatt, LCPC
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Sam Rosenblatt is a graduate of the University of Florida where he studied psychology as an undergraduate and received a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. Sam uses guided mindfulness practices to help others gain self awareness, reduce stress, experience healing, and access deeper parts of themselves. After graduating, Sam became a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and further developed his skills in teaching mindfulness. Since then, he has been using mind-body practices to help his clients with anxiety management, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and navigating the many challenges of life. Sam specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
Sam began his career working with Autistic individuals on the Autism Spectrum as a classroom aide at the Ivymount School and in summer camps for Autistic individuals . Since receiving his LCPC license, he has worked with a wide range of clients of all ages. He has worked with Autistic individuals in his private practice and is excited to join KAPS and continue to his work with the population he is dedicated to serving!
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Sam is passionate about health and wellness. In his free time, Sam enjoys being outdoors, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Michelle Ivey Kamin, LMSW
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Michelle received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. As a Licensed Social Worker, Michelle has spent the past eleven years working with Neurodiverse children and adolescents alongside with their families.
Michelle’s area of expertise is working with Autistic individuals as well as individuals diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety, Sensory Processing Disorder, Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, Expressive/Receptive Communication challenges, and other related diagnoses. Michelle is also certified in AutPlay Therapy, an integrative family play therapy approach to working with Autistic and Neurodiverse children, adolescents and their families. Michelle specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
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Michelle has spent most of her post-graduate career working in a school for bright, capable students with social communication, executive functioning and self regulation challenges. She enjoys teaching and coaching children to help them build their personal toolboxes of coping skills and social strategies. She is especially interested in helping children build their strength and confidence in the areas of emotion regulation and social skills. Michelle is passionate about helping children build upon their strengths through developing resilience and celebrating each success along the way.
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Michelle believes whole-heartedly in meeting each client where they are and helping clients develop skills, confidence, and independence. She takes a holistic, solution focused and strengths-based approach with Autistic individuals and their families; she prides herself on building strong relationships with her clients based on a foundation of respect, trust, empowerment and compassion.
Kaylee Grindrod, LCPC
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Kaylee Grindrod is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She completed her undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Applied Psychology and holds a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. She created a social-emotional app that serves autistic children through her work at Penn State. She has worked with the autistic population in a variety of roles, most recently as a school-based therapist in Baltimore City.
Kaylee’s approach is strength-based and person-centered, validating and honoring the client as they are. She utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT, CBT), and Play Therapy, including Sand Tray Therapy. In her work as a therapist, she has helped clients with school and socialization issues, managing ADHD symptoms, working through grief and trauma, decreasing anxiety and depression symptoms, and managing disruptive behaviors related to anger and post traumatic stress triggers. She believes in the importance of collaboration and advocating for clients in various settings such as at school, home, and within their community. Kaylee specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
Outside of work, Kaylee enjoys traveling to new places and learning about different cultures. She is currently learning Spanish and making mistakes while practicing at her local Latin Supermarket. In her free time, she enjoys renovating her home with her fiancé and spoiling her kitty, Cissy.
Atiya Nathan, LCSW
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Atiya earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialization in School Social Work from the University of Louisville and later completed her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Character Education from Regent University.
With over 15 years of experience in diverse settings, Atiya brings both expertise and compassion to her practice. She began her career working with autistic individuals through home- and community-based programs and has since supported clients living with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
As a therapist, Atiya believes the journey is just as meaningful as the destination. Her therapeutic approach integrates Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment Theory, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. In addition to her clinical work, Atiya served as an adjunct instructor at Spalding University (Louisville, KY), where she taught Social Work policy courses for five years. Atiya specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
Atiya is a proud military spouse and mother. She enjoys hiking, traveling, trips to the beach and discovering local coffee shops.
Jennifer Polkes, Educational Advocate/School Consultant/Autism Resources Expert/Job Coach/Life Skills/Executive Functioning Coach
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Services Provided
1. Finding resources for Autistic individuals that support their independence, education, careers and finances
2. Finding the best educational settings for Autistic individuals
3.Advocating for services and supports for Autistic individuals in elementary, middle, and high school and in college
4. Advocating for services and support for Autistic individuals in the workplace
5. Teaching Life Skills such as budgeting, bill paying, travel training and more​
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Jennifer comes to KAPS after over fifteen years of working as a disability advocate in the DC metropolitan area. She has extensive experience in working with employers to teach them how to help hire, retain and manage differently abled employees. Over the last several years, Jennifer has focused her attention on education advocacy. She has helped families of children with special needs find appropriate school placement and has acted as a liaison between families and schools while addressing a student’s requirements for success. She has also worked with a myriad of local and national disability organizations on lobbying legislative agendas and program initiatives around disability employment. She is the proud mother of a soon-to-be high school graduate and two unruly dogs.
Sarah Behrens, Executive Functioning Coach
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Services Provided
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TIME MANAGEMENT: prioritization, preparation, planning, and efficiency.
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ORGANIZATION: tracking systems for physical and digital materials and self-monitoring.
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STUDY SKILLS: engagement in less preferred topics and approaching various reading, writing, memorizing, and note taking tasks.
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SELF-ADVOCACY: self-awareness, motivation, reframing perspective, and utilizing help.
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GOAL-SETTING: self-awareness, independence fostering, and expanding strategy toolbox to achieve set goals.
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Sarah is a graduate of the University of Missouri with an emphasis in Cross Categorical Special Education. She has taught and supported students and families in a variety of public and private educational settings in the Chicago, D.C. and Tampa Bay areas for fourteen years. She has taught at two independent schools geared for children with high functioning autism who benefitted from individualized instruction in the areas of social, communication, and executive functioning skills in addition to all academic content. She has also taught in a variety of public and charter school settings supporting a vast realm of Neurodiverse learners while holding leadership responsibilities and developing and managing processes around students who benefit from a 504, Individualized Education Program, or an equivalent plan. She has supported teachers, staff, and parents in their growth of implementation of best practices, differentiated instruction, and strategies to best serve growing populations of diverse learners.
In addition, Sarah has continuously worked to support students and families in the role of educational coach and advocate. This type of work has occurred both in and out of school settings. It has allowed her to act as a driver and partner within each student’s support team to put into motion habit building of necessary lifelong executive functioning and advocacy skills.
Sarah cannot think of anything else in the world that she would rather be doing than creating ways to support individualized learning. She thrives on challenging herself to figure out what individuals and families need and then work together to close spaces that exist between goals and achievements to increase consistency of gains at school and at home. She also strives to support students to be empowered to play an active role as their own advocate through recognition of their strengths, motivations, goals, and step by step strategy development.​​
Ava Hardin, LGPC, Junior Therapist
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Ava is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), and a graduate of George Washington University. Prior to attending her graduate program, Ava was a rehabilitation specialist at a mental health agency in Washington, DC. This work, which focused on clients with complex mental health and substance use disorders facing systematic barriers, inspired her to further her education. Having seen a wide variety of clients while working in private practice over the past year, she is now interested in following her passion for working with Autistic individuals. Ava’s therapeutic foundation is rooted in trauma-informed care, with a strong background in crisis intervention. She brings a deep understanding of the nuances and sensitivities involved in working with individuals navigating trauma, as well as helping Autistic clients regulate emotions and build social skills.
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Her approach to therapy is integrative, blending evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness practices. Ava is committed to a person-centered philosophy—believing deeply in honoring each client’s individuality. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process, meeting clients where they are and empowering them to take ownership of their growth.
Rather than aiming to change who people are, Ava focuses on helping them improve how they experience and navigate the world. She fosters introspection, resilience, and practical tools for daily living, working side by side with her clients to build a more meaningful, self-directed life. Ava specializes in providing Social Skills Development, Flexibility Skills Development, Anxiety Management, Mood Regulation, Interoception Skills Development, confidence building and Growth Mindset skills to autistic, ADHD, learning difference and other clients.
Ava has a number of passions outside of work, including exploring new neighborhoods, being outdoors, trying new recipes, and looking for the cutest cats on adoption websites.
