About Us
Photo by Ben Wells
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
– James Baldwin
Our mission at the Howard Group is to create a thriving and healthy African American community by promoting the importance of mental wellness and providing quality mental wellness services available for adolescents, adults, and their families.
Therapy in our community is oftentimes a tool for healing that is overlooked. African American men face a unique set of challenges in society and If we can promote healing among our black men, this will help uplift the community as a whole.
Photo by Ben Wells
Photo by Ben Wells
“Black men are angry” is a common trope used in society. But there is so much more to this. Black men can also be hurt, sad, and dealing with generational trauma that needs to be healed. We help break down these walls and get to the root of the issue.
We pride ourselves on not only having first-hand experience as African American therapists but also providing a safe space where African American men can see themselves. Our team of therapists has extensive clinical experience in helping young men and adults develop productive and healthy strategies for dealing with life stressors.
We look forward to working with you!
MEET OUR THERAPISTS
LUDLEY HOWARD, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
FOUNDER / THERAPIST / GROUP FACILITATOR
Ludley is the founder of The Howard Group. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from McDaniel College and master’s degree in social work from The Smith College School For Social Work, one of the nation’s most renowned and prestigious clinical social work programs. Mr. Howard is a Certified Anger Management Specialist II, a member of the National Anger Management Association, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. He is also a Maryland-approved clinical social work supervisor.
His 30+ years of dedication and compassion in improving the lives of people led to the founding of the Howard Group, LLC in 2010. Mr. Howard is also the founder of Pride Youth Services (PYS), Inc, a non-profit organization. Since 2001, PYS Inc. has provided quality case management and positive youth development programming in school and community-based settings throughout the Maryland Region and Philadelphia, PA.
Ludley has dedicated his professional career to helping clients develop effective strategies to face their life challenges and navigate their way through the healing process to reach a state of emotional well-being.
This therapist takes Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance.
Contact Ludley Howard at Lhoward@thehowardgroupllc.com.
ADRIAN V. BURNIM, LCSW-C, LICSW
THERAPIST / GROUP FACILITATOR
Adrian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and the District of Columbia, a restorative justice circle keeper, and an adolescent development expert who has dedicated his life and career to the empowerment and uplifting of young people and their family systems.
Adrian earned his B.A. in Sociology at The University of Virginia, where he also starred as a Safety/Defensive Back for the Virginia Cavaliers Football team. Adrian graduated with the highest honors from the Howard University School of Social Work with his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in Youth and Family. Adrian won a prestigious research fellowship at Howard and completed his research on Utilizing Hip-Hop To Achieve Aspects of Positive Youth Development In Urban Male Adolescents; a timeless topic that continues to inform his practice methods.
Adrian has developed a unique and engaging style for delivering clinical counseling services that blend cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing with restorative justice healing practices to guide adolescents, adults, and families through their therapeutic journeys to holistic health and wellness. He is a practicing social worker in the Washington, D.C. metro area and has over 23 years of career experience working with a broad diversity of youth, young adults, and families.
Contact Adrian Burnim at Aburnim@thehowardgroupllc.com.
JASON RHODES, LCSW-C
THERAPIST / GROUP FACILITATOR
Jason is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, who has provided individual therapy, conducted groups, managed Independent Living Programs, and is the former Director of a Non-profit Social Service agency. Jason graduated from Catholic University with a Master’s in social work. Mr. Rhodes has worked in various settings to provide services that assist clients and organizations to reach their stated goals. In the African American community of Baltimore, he has worked with stakeholders to form a collaborative approach to build stronger neighborhoods. In direct therapeutic settings, he has utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment module. Mr. Rhodes has also taught at the University level to Master level students as well as Bachelor Level students for over a decade.
Contact Jason Rhodes at Jrhodes@thehowardgroupllc.com.
JOSHUA TASSLER, LMSW
THERAPIST / GROUP FACILITATOR
Joshua is a Licensed Social Worker in Maryland. He received his B.A. Degree in Social Work from Morgan State University and a Master of Social Work Degree from Stony Brook University. Joshua specializes in working with adolescents and adults providing individual and group therapy services. Joshua brings over 20 years of experience in working with adolescents, adults, and families in various settings. Joshua utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment approach to help individuals reach their goals.
This therapist takes Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance.
Contact Joshua Tassler at Jtassler@thehowardgroupllc.com.