About A Fresh Start Therapy

Ebony N. Lea

Founder

Ebony N. Lea, LICSW, MBA, SEP is a Washington, DC Native and 4th generation entrepreneur, walking in the footsteps of her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Ebony has received Advanced degrees and training in Business, Clinical Social Work, Nonprofit Management, and Trauma Renegotiation.

Ebony is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of A Fresh Start Therapy, a mental health and wellness practice that is well known for being “a safe place to heal.” In December 2024, the practice celebrates 10 years of providing quality mental health services in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Ebony is a Training Facilitator, Practitioner, and Member of the leading body-oriented trauma resolution organization in the world, Somatic Experiencing® International. She specializes in training practitioners throughout the world who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) understand and resolve trauma through a body based approach. She also sub-specializes in working with NDEs (near death experiences) including severe medical trauma, natural disasters, and inescapable attacks. Also, vital parts of her life include her family, exercising outdoors, and traveling throughout North America.

Team Members

Bret Zdanowicz

Clinical Supervisor

Bret Zdanowicz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey. Bret graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he obtained both his graduate degree in Social Work and his undergraduate degree in Sociology.
Bret has over 16 years of experience in a variety of settings and with a diverse clientele, including both long-term and brief interventions. Bret has experience working with diverse populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Bret also has experience providing individual and group therapy to both children and adults. Bret has primarily focused his work with the most underserved populations; particularly the homeless population; economically disadvantaged; individuals with severe mental illness diagnoses; and substance abuse issues.
Bret incorporates a variety of therapeutic approaches with an emphasis on problem-focused treatment. Bret’s therapeutic styles include cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma therapy, and mindfulness therapy. During his free time, Bret enjoys remaining active and spending time with his wife and daughters.

Bret has availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to call 855.325.3909 or send us a message to schedule.

Asha Henson

Lead Psychotherapist

Asha Henson, MSW, LICSW is a Clinical Social Worker at A Fresh Start Therapy in Washington, DC. Asha specializes in Humanistic Therapy with an integrative approach to support her clients with identifying, understanding and releasing disabling beliefs and behaviors. After spending a decade working in schools, community settings, nonprofits and private practice, Asha is skilled in creating a judgment-free, culturally competent and safe therapeutic relationship that leaves her clients with long lasting self understanding and acceptance.

Asha has been trained in a variety of modalities including (but not limited to) Culturally Competent Therapy, Trauma Centered Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. In addition to evidence based interventions, Asha also incorporates metaphysical, spiritual and cultural perspectives to provide a holistic experience for her clients. When Asha is not supporting clients or volunteering her services for community engagement, you can most likely find her developing social-emotional curriculums for her daughter’s learning co-operative, learning a new skill and/or developing the Bouji.Revolutionary Lifestyle & Wellness brand.

Asha holds a BA in Psychology from Spelman College and a MSW in Behavioral & Mental Health from The University of Maryland.

Asha has daytime availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to call 855.325.3909 or send us a message to schedule.

Leah VanderMark

Lead Psychotherapist

Leah VanderMark is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker located in Washington, D.C., and an Independent Contractor at A Fresh Start Therapy. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University.

Leah has worked as a social worker in a hospital setting for the past 9 years. She specializes in helping clients adjust to their illness, navigate new diagnoses, and cope with chronic pain and emotional burden. Leah also has experience working with individuals who suffer from anxiety, adjustment disorders, and depression.

Leah incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-systems therapy, and mindfulness. She uses a strengths-based approach that supports self-determination and self-discovery. She hopes to help you live life as your most authentic, true self.

In her free time, you can find Leah walking her 5-year-old golden retriever, traveling to see her family and friends or reading inspirational books. Some of her favorites include Becoming by Michelle Obama, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Educated by Tara Westover, and Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown.

Leah has availability on varying days throughout the week. Feel free to call 855.325.3909 or send us a message to schedule.