ABOUT

I’m a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience helping children, teens, and young adults navigate mental health challenges using evidence-based approaches. My passion lies in delivering compassionate, culturally informed care to youth from diverse communities. I believe in the power of tailored and authentic care to promote healthy self-esteem, healing, and personal growth for all my clients. Every client is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all model. I’m highly trained in well-researched approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and behavioral interventions to create a plan that works for your child’s unique strengths and challenges. Most importantly, I focus on building a strong, trusting relationship first — because that’s the foundation for meaningful growth and lasting change.​​

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I earned my PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which boasts the country's #1 educational psychology program, specializing in school psychology. My training and career have taken me through various settings, including schools, community mental health, juvenile detention centers, a children’s hospital, and outpatient clinics. Along the way, I’ve also had the privilege of teaching — from developing curriculum for college-level enrichment courses to providing mental health trainings that translate research into accessible, impactful learning experiences for students, professionals, and community organizations. I also have experience supervising and training psychology doctoral students, medical students, and psychiatry fellows, and have served as an Assistant Professor at the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Additionally, my background as a school psychologist has given me extensive experience working with school systems, in comprehensive psychological assessment, and accommodation/intervention development for youth. ​

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​At Unity Kids Behavioral Health, I specialize in providing therapy for children, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. I support young people exploring their identities and post-high school life transitions. I also offer multicultural counseling, often working with racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse communities.

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As a psychologist of color with intersecting marginalized identities, I am deeply passionate about reducing stigma and increasing access to care for BIPOC communities who have historically faced barriers to mental health support. My own lived experiences, along with years of diversity-focused research, help me connect with individuals from many backgrounds and adapt evidence-based care in ways that are culturally responsive and strengths-based. I believe in creating a safe, welcoming environment where every individual feels seen and valued. 

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​Fun fact — I’m a published therapeutic children’s book author! Check out How Sarah Fought Her Scary Thoughts, a story about overcoming anxiety and destigmatizing mental healthcare (in Resource page).

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Most recent academic publication: 

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Mahgoub, L. A., Meyer, D. R., & Gleason, M. M. (2025). Internalizing and externalizing disorders in children and youth. In P. A. Shah (Ed.), APA handbook of pediatric psychology, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, and developmental science, Volume 2: Clinical applications of developmental science (pp. 529- 548). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000414-000

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Outside of work, I love reading, staying active with dance fitness classes, and spending time with my family, including my daughter and two fur babies. 

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My therapeutic approach is warm, caring, and compassionate, focused on helping children and families heal and grow together.

 

Education

PhD — University of Wisconsin-Madison

Doctoral Internship — Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health, Omaha Nebraska