Our Staff
Kara Chevlin, LPC, CAMS-II
Program Director
I graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with my MA in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Starting in the field, my passion began with helping those with substance use disorders. I became involved in group work for adolescent males in a local correctional facility and anger management services. I obtained my certification as a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II) in order to apply those skills to others areas of practice. I went on to work in private practice with adults and children suffering from serious persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders, as well as working with adults with intellectual disabilities as a behavior intervention specialist, providing direct therapeutic services in group homes. It was in these roles I spent my time enjoying and developing my approaches to treatment through cognitive behavioral therapy with emphasis on mindfulness and the role that our overall health plays in our mental health. Once becoming an Assistant Director, providing oversight to vast number of group homes for a nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual disabilities, I was able to truly appreciate the larger role I could play in improving the lives of the clients, while also utilizing my clinical skills. I’m excited to have the opportunity to combine all of my knowledge and skills to work with NCG in continuing to provide quality mental health services to those that rely on us during their greatest times of need!
Pat Contreras, Psy.D., LMFT, QMHP-C, QMHP-A
Mobile Crisis Clinical Supervisor
I am a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals and families across settings, with specialty in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, psychosis, and loss and grief. I hold a Masters degree in Clinical and Family Psychology and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) and have extensive experience applying multidisciplinary treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Gestalt Therapy (TG), Motivational Interviewing, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, Cerebral Integration Technique (TIC), and Brain Gym among others. I have been with CR2 since it was founded in 2014 and aim to provide the highest quality of care in a safe and compassionate space to assist individuals to become the best versions of themselves.
Suchana Shrestha, MA, LPC
Mobile Crisis Clinical Supervisor
I graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a Masters in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling. The field of counseling intrigued me as I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my Undergraduate degree of Psychology and Social Work. I have worked as an Outpatient Therapist, Intensive In-home therapist, ABA therapist, and Group therapist. I joined CR2 in 2018, and since then I have been captivated by the at-risk population and realized how scarce immediate mental health providers are for any population. I mostly utilize CBT, but include Integrative Therapy as needed. I believe we are a lifelong learner, so I aim on training myself and specializing in various field within mental health. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia. I am fluent in Hindi and Nepali.
Julia Converse, LCSW
Mobile Crisis Clinical Supervisor
I joined the CR2 team in 2021 after moving to Virginia from Oklahoma, where I worked in community outreach with the homeless population. I received my undergraduate degree in social work from Northern Arizona University and my master’s degree in clinician social work from the University of Oklahoma. I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker in the state of Virginia. I believe in compassionate care for everyone. I focus on CBT, as well as strength-based therapy techniques to help individuals reach their fullest potential. I enjoy reading and creative writing and enjoy incorporating creative writing with clients as a form of self-expression, self-exploration, and as a coping skill.
Nicole Gosda, MA, Resident in Counseling
Administrative Supervisor
I am a resident in counseling and joined CR2 as a mobile crisis counselor in 2021. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in psychology from Stony Brook University and with my Masters degrees in forensic psychology and forensic mental health counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. My work experience has focused on short-term and crisis mental healthcare. I utilize person-centered counseling and trauma informed care, as well as motivational interviewing and CBT techniques. I hope to utilize my skills and experience not only to provide our clients with the best possible care, but to provide any support possible to our team while they care for the community we serve.