Specialized Staff

Finding help that fits you and your family's needs can be difficult. Cost, scheduling, and specialty are all important factors and sometimes the task of finding the right person can add more stress! Virginia Family Therapy has developed a team of specialists with specific skills to help you and your family. These experts have focused on one aspect of family life and are usually not licensed therapists. They are chosen with the understanding that families today are busy and working with this team is frequently more time and cost-effective for you.

Emily Mathon, Parent Coach

I'm a PCI Certified Parent Coach® who moved to Charlottesville from Austin, Texas in the summer of 2017. As a parent coach, I use a strengths-based model, listening for what is working in your family. Together, we create a customized plan that will positively impact the areas where you are challenged. Whether it's your child's new developmental stage or exasperating behavior, sibling rivalry, or parenting in line with your values, I will listen, provide specific feedback, and be your accountability partner in making the changes you want to make.

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Hussein Osman, Athlete Specialist

*This is a courtesy post. Hussein’s services are not affiliated with Virginia Family Therapy (yet!).*

I am a senior at University of Lynchburg and am majoring in Sports Management. I have devoted my life to athletics and have played soccer for over 16 years, playing through SOCA, Charlottesville High School, and the University of Lynchburg. I have become excited about sharing my passion for sports with children, and have been a soccer coach and swim coach for many years at Frys Spring Beach Club. I have found sports to be a great way to help kids stay motivated through life!

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Nmadinobi Okafor, Executive Assistant

Hello, I am a fourth year pre-medical student at the University of Virginia majoring in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Linguistics. I am the Executive Assistant for VFT and answer your phone calls, emails, and work on the social media campaigns. I'm from Hampton, Virginia, but was born in Lagos, Nigeria. I am currently President of the Organization of African students and am First Chair of the Black President Council. I am looking forward to helping you all, learn more about the health care field, and better serve my community! I hope to speak with you soon.

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Markita Jackson, MA, Qualified Mental Health Professional

Hi. I specialize in mentoring women and teens so that they are more able to reach their personal and professional goals. For adolescents and older, I offer active and compassionate listening, openness, and a solution-focused approach based on the needs of each individual. For families, I offer coaching on parent-child interactions in order to promote a healthy relationship and behaviors from a young age. I have significant experience in schools, community organizations, and through my Masters in Human Service Counseling.

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