MECCA Trainees

Leah Howard is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland and a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC. A veteran of the United States Army, Leah brings discipline, resilience, and empathy to her work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, adjustment challenges, relationship concerns, and life transitions.

Her approach to therapy is eclectic and person-centered, emphasizing client self-advocacy, personal empowerment, and the principles of positive psychology. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, strength-based strategies, and mindfulness-based practices to help clients reach their treatment goals. Leah also incorporates trauma-informed care to create a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore the importance of self-care, resilience, and emotional well-being. Leah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Analysis from Savannah State University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. She is committed to partnering with clients on their healing journey and supporting each person in building the skills to live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Specialty populations: neurodivergent individuals, children, adolescents | Specialty areas: children’s services, psychological assessment

Surumya Bhargava is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Intern with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology. Surumya will earn her doctorate in Clinical Psychology by April 2026 after completing her last year of internship. She has experience as a therapist in the public school setting where she met weekly to facilitate therapy sessions for underprivileged students. She also worked for a private practice for two years conducting psychological and neurological assessment within the medical model in addition to seeing patients for therapy. Currently, Surumya is based at the MECCA Group, LLC, while practicing school-based services across multiple Public Charter Schools in DC.

Megan Patel is currently a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Intern with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Megan will earn her Clinical Psychology Doctoral Degree in September 2026 from Carlos Albizu University in Miami, Florida as she is currently in her last year of internship and has completed her dissertation. She has a year of experience as a clinical practitioner in a medical clinic, where she conducted neuropsychological assessments and authored reports for patients with traumatic brain injuries. In this setting, she also provided psychotherapy for individuals with TBI and for clients presenting with mood disorders. She later worked in a private practice setting, focusing exclusively on neuropsychological and psychological assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders, primarily involving Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, as well as other developmental concerns. Currently, Megan is based at the MECCA Group, LLC,

Megan has specific interests in assessment and evaluation, with a focus on rehabilitation neuropsychology, traumatic brain injury, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her main area of interest is supporting clients in improving cognitive, emotional, and functional outcomes to promote success in academic, occupational, and daily living settings.

Chase Ehrig is currently a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Extern and holds a Master of Arts in Psychology. Chase is studying at The Chicago School, with an expected graduation in 2027. Chase has experience across a variety of clinical settings, including school-based services, private practice, and hospital systems. He has worked with clients across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on adolescents and emerging adults facing challenges related to mood, anxiety, identity development, and interpersonal functioning.

Chase’s clinical and research interests center on masculinity, identity development, and how cultural norms shape emotional expression and well-being. His work reflects a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an emphasis on addressing mental health disparities in underserved communities. Chase ultimately aims to integrate assessment, therapy, and research to promote resilience and emotional growth in youth and young adults.