About Dr. Stano
In Session
Teens and tweens often report enjoying Dr. Stano’s easy understanding of their social, family, and academic contexts. She is a “no-B.S.” clinician who aims to be a helpful guide while meeting young people on their level. Or, as the youth would say, “She’s giving mom-age but she’s mad chill and low-key a vibe. No cap, she’s an elite therapist and working with her is a huge W.”
Dr. Stano has been known to drop an f-bomb (when appropriate and already within the patient’s vocabulary) and attempt (likely cringeworthy) use of Gen Z/Alpha slang. She is unlikely to be shocked or put off by any situation a young person wants to discuss—Dr. Stano was once young too! She really, truly did “all the things” and worked her way to successful adulthood—and will always provide factual information to the best of her knowledge about any topic.
With younger children, Dr. Stano can often be found on her office floor—making slime, building with Legos or magnet tiles, or playing with Kinetic Sand—and gets to show her most creative and silly professional self.
When working with adults, Dr. Stano builds upon the patient’s strengths and lived experiences to find solutions to current challenges. She aims to help her patients change patterns that no longer work for them and live meaningful lives, consistent with their goals and values.
Clinical Approach
In therapy, Dr. Stano uses techniques from several evidence-based treatment modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). When working with younger patients, she also enjoys using creative and play therapy techniques. Her goal is to help people learn skills to better navigate current struggles and become more effective problem solvers in the future.
Dr. Stano also conducts psychological assessments for diagnostic clarification, IQ/giftedness/school admissions, gender-affirming care, & pre-surgical clearance.
Dr. Stano is an identity-affirming clinician who works with people of diverse backgrounds. She enjoys learning about her patients’ culture and identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, religion, ability, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) and tailoring her treatment approach to fit within their cultural context.
Clinical Specialities
Dr. Stano’s specialties include working with children and teens experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, challenging family and/or peer relationships, identity issues, life transitions, and chronic health conditions. She works with families to navigate parenting concerns, stressful parent-child relationships, and significant life changes.
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ADHD
Challenges with attention, focus, organization, planning, time management, and other executive functioning skills.
Poor self-regulation and/or frequent impulsive behaviors.
Difficulty completing daily tasks independently and efficiently.
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Academic Challenges
Difficulty tracking and completing assignments.
Poor study skills and/or low academic performance.
Feeling overwhelmed by long-term projects.
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Anxiety & Stress
Uncontrollable worry, fear, and/or apprehension.
Irritability and/or becoming easily overwhelmed.
Distressing physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, stomachaches, muscle tension).
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Depression
Feelings of sadness, irritability, hopelessness, and/or emptiness.
Lack of pleasure from activities you used to enjoy.
Changes in appetite, weight, sleep, and energy level.
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
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Poor Self-Esteem & Body Image
Difficulty identifying your positive attributes.
Feeling “stuck” on what you believe is “wrong” with your body.
Constantly comparing yourself negatively to others.
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LGBTQIA+ Identity
Support for living as your authentic self.
Navigating a world that can be unsupportive and discriminatory.
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Chronic Health Conditions
Physical symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Learning coping skills that tap into the mind-body connection.
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Life Transitions
Support as you prepare for major changes (e.g., divorce, new parenthood, going to college).
Navigating new challenges and adjusting routines to fit evolving needs.
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Challenging Peer Relationships
Excessive “drama” in friendships and peer groups.
Difficulty navigating conflict and setting healthy boundaries.
Experiencing bullying and/or social exclusion.
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Parent-Child Conflict
Frequent arguments between parents and their children/teens.
Difficulty setting healthy family boundaries.
Feeling unsupported and/or unappreciated by family members.
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Parenting & Behavior Challenges
Feeling as though your child/teen is constantly breaking rules.
Frequent tantrums and/or outbursts when upset.
Frequent aggressive behaviors toward others.
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Psychological Assessment
Diagnostic clarification and improved self-understanding.
Identification of strengths and growth areas.
Specific recommendations tailored to your needs.
See also: Psychological Assessment
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Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy
This emerging treatment modality shows promising results for a variety of concerns.
Dr. Stano completed an 80-hour training in Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy.
She is excited to offer this service whenever it is legalized.
Education & Training
Dr. Stano obtained her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.), from Spalding University in 2017 after earning her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from Spalding University in 2014 and her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology from Union College in Schenectady, NY in 2010.
Dr. Stano completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine from 2017-2018 and a pre-doctoral internship at the Grand Valley State University Counseling Center in Allendale, MI from 2016-2017. During her graduate training, she also provided therapy and assessment services at 6 other sites, including both public and private schools, university counseling centers, private practice, a university medical hospital, and a rural community mental health clinic.
Prior to her graduate training, Dr. Stano completed a post-baccalaureate internship at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development (NIH).
Outside of Work
Dr. Stano is a MoCo native who moved back to the area in 2017 after living in New York, Kentucky, and Michigan.
She attended MCPS schools K-12 (graduated from Winston Churchill High School) and is familiar with the academic and social dynamics that permeate the DMV.
When not in the office, Dr. Stano enjoys spending time with her husband, stepson, and “dog-ter.” She loves crafting, traveling, dancing, costume parties, hiking, reading, figure skating, and everything true crime.
If you encounter Dr. Stano “in the wild,” she will give a friendly smile yet will not approach you unless you initiate an interaction (to protect your confidentiality). You are always welcome to say, “Hi,” though it’s best to keep these interactions brief to maintain a professional relationship.
Dr. Stano does not have any professional social media accounts and does not accept friend/follow requests from current or former patients or their family members on social media. She does not text with patients.
If you work with Dr. Stano via telehealth, you will likely see Bailey every so often.
She loves napping next to Dr. Stano while she works and has a knack for popping her head into sessions whenever comic relief is needed.
Please let Dr. Stano know if you ever need a “puppy pick-me-up” and she will be glad to assist!
Bailey has trouble “sharing the spotlight,” so she is not a therapy dog and does not come into the office with Dr. Stano.
Dr. Stano would love to hear about your pets—or any other special interests of yours!