Denise Montgomery is a proud daughter of Queens, New York, who has dedicated her life to uplifting Black families and communities through culturally affirming mental health care. As an African-Centered Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she brings both professional excellence and deep cultural understanding to her practice.

Ms. Montgomery's educational foundation was built at two prestigious Historically Black institutions - Virginia State University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work, and Virginia Commonwealth University, where she completed her Master's degree in Social Work. This HBCU experience deeply shaped her commitment to serving communities that look like her.

For over two decades, Ms. Montgomery has been a trusted voice and healing presence for families throughout the DMV area - specifically in Washington, DC and Prince George's County, Maryland. She understands the unique challenges facing Black children, families, and adults, and provides therapy that honors our cultural strengths while addressing real-world struggles.

Her Heart Work Includes:

• Supporting our children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect

• Helping Black families navigate mental health challenges without stigma

• Providing culturally responsive therapy for survivors of sexual assault and trauma

• Empowering adults to break generational cycles and build healthier family patterns

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and nationally recognized Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Ms. Montgomery brings specialized skills to help families heal and thrive. She's trained in evidence-based approaches that she adapts to be culturally relevant and practically applicable to the lived experiences of Black families.

Community Leadership & Advocacy: Ms. Montgomery doesn't just work within the system - she works to change it. She has partnered with Children's National Hospital, the DC Metropolitan Police Department, and various government agencies to advocate for policy changes that better serve marginalized communities. Her advocacy work reflects her belief that healing happens not just in therapy rooms, but in creating systemic change.

Committed to the Next Generation: Understanding that representation matters in mental health, Ms. Montgomery has mentored future social workers as a Field Instructor at Howard University, University of Maryland, Montgomery College, and Walden University. She's helping to train the next generation of culturally competent clinicians.

Ms. Montgomery's approach is rooted in the understanding that our communities have unique strengths, wisdom, and resilience. She creates a therapeutic space where Black families can be authentically themselves while working toward healing and growth. Her 20+ years in urban communities means she gets it - she understands the intersection of systemic barriers, cultural pride, and the deep desire for our families to flourish.