Staff Biographies

Katrina Emerson, LCPC, ACS

Executive Director, Child, and Family Therapist

Katrina Emerson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with the District Heights Family & Youth Services Bureau. Katrina began her career with the YSB in 2012 as an intern.  After obtaining her M.A. in Counseling from Trinity Washington University, Katrina began employment with the YSB as a SMHART therapist, providing counseling services for students in Prince George’s County Schools. After the ending of the SMHART program, Katrina continues to provide individual, group, and family counseling services at the YSB. Currently, Katrina is in the process of working towards her certification in Biofeedback training; assisting with grant writing for the YSB and Youth Development Foundation, and serving as race director for the District Heights Youth Development Foundation’s 1st My Sole Knows 5K Run/ Walk and Virtual 5K Run/Walk.

Vinessa Canady

Executive Administrative Assistant to District Heights Family and Youth Services Bureau

Vinessa joined the YSB in May of 2021 coming from Joint Base Anacostia Bolling. Ms. Canady brings over 7years of administrative experience from years working on two different military installations in the National Capital Region, State Department, and private sector area. Ms. Canady is new to the District Heights area and continues to be amazed as to how amazing our city and residents are!

Interns

The District Heights Family & Youth Services Bureau hires 2-3 masters and doctoral-level interns per year. We have a diversity of training specialties including counseling, psychology, and social work. We also provide a diversity of treatment approaches such as child-centered play therapy, including sand work, family therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy, including mindfulness and trauma-focused. We are well-known by some of the most sought-after colleges and universities in the Metropolitan-DC area, as a prized training site for interns. These positions are competitive. The first round of interviews are resume only. Prospective interns should contact us no later than February of each year for placements for the following school year. Send your cover letter and resume with references by Email. No phone calls, please.