The FORT Hangout offers a safe and supportive space for teens to connect with other teens in person, reducing feelings of isolation and helping them realize they are not alone.
Teens lead the way chatting about things on their minds, whether school, identity, life stressors, or anything else important to them, and are moderated by a mental health professional who can offer additional emotional support.
This program is for teens who want support and are willing to support each other and engage with the group.
The FORT Hangout is open to teens, ages 14 - 18, and provides optional meeting times, locations and groups. Registration is required.
Meet our FORT Teen Hangout Facilitators
Teen Support Group Facilitated by
Susan Talbott, LPC, NCC
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Hi, my name is Susan Talbott! I’m excited to start on a new series with you! I’m a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practicing in Reston, Virginia. I have a Masters in Clinical Mental Health from Messiah University. I returned to graduate school following a career as a secondary school administrator in which I saw first hand the mental health needs of adolescents in our area. Personally, I was raised in Northern Virginia, and so I’m familiar with the opportunities and stressors unique to our community. My husband and I are the proud parents of two young adults. And for fun, I love literature, art, history and spending time with family and friends, including my dear 10-year-old whippet.
Teen Support Group Facilitated by
Joni Siker, BS Ed, MPsych
Mental Health Counselor
Hi, my name is Joni and I’m excited to meet you! I’m a former school counselor with a BA in Elementary/Special Education and a MA in Psychological Services. I have taught and counseled students with learning and emotional disabilities in acute inpatient psychiatric care settings, and therapeutic day treatment programs in Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia, and most recently in LCPS. I understand how challenging the world is for a teen right now, so I love to forge relationships with teens that feel different, alone, stressed, and despondent. I’m committed to offering teens kindness, acceptance, and support as they develop important resilience and coping skills both at the FORT Teen Hangout and The FORT workshops offered. In my personal time I enjoy hiking, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
Teen Support Group Facilitated by
Randi Harris, CTRS
Specialization in Behavioral Health, QMHP-A & -C, M.S
Hi, my name is Randi Harris. I currently work as a Forensic Mental Health Supervisor & Crisis Intervention Technique Liaison. I am a mental health specialist and certified recreation therapist, with 8 years of experience in behavioral healthcare settings. I apply my skills toward helping individuals enhance their quality of life through the development of strategically crafted psychotherapeutic programs, community reintegration, and intervention techniques. I have facilitated psychotherapeutic programs responsive to the needs of clients in group and 1:1 settings. I am excited to begin this journey with you.
Teen Support Group Facilitated by
Cammie Terry, LPC, NCC
Nationally Certified Counselor and Licensed Therapist
Hello, my name is Cammie! I currently own Authentic Connections Counseling LLC, a psychotherapy practice based in Ashburn, VA. As a nationally certified counselor and licensed therapist, I provide counseling services to the Loudoun community. I am DBT certified and provide animal-assisted counseling. I'm passionate about mental health and love supporting and working with youth in the community and am honored to be a part of the Ryan Bartel Foundation. I also love animals, music, and nature. I can't wait to meet you!