The McClendon Center has been putting clients first for more than 40 years. It’s what we do. We were thrilled to recently be featured by the Public Interest Registry in its features of .ORG stories.
Dance Movement Therapy is part of the Expressive Art Therapies, and although it is not necessarily intended, it can often become a dance party.
Here at the McClendon Center’s Day Program, which has grown considerably since resuming in-person services this past June, it continues to be a treat to witness clients connect, experience, and express themselves creatively through movement and dance.
Dance Movement Therapy provides the space to explore the emotional, cognitive, social, and physical aspects of the body without the requirement to talk — though we do encourage it! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to positively interact and engage with peers through play.
“There seems to be a sense of liberation each client experiences from the beginning to the end of a session,” says Aisha Shabazz, the Director of Day Services, “It continues to be a pleasure witnessing clients who were once hesitant to attend Dance/Movement Therapy transition to attending a session at least once a week.”
DMT and other creative arts therapies are unique in helping people to express themselves and progress in ways not possible through more traditional talking therapies. Research supports the effectiveness of these types of therapies in helping people alleviate anxiety and depression, increase focus and foster expression, recover from traumatic events, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
At McClendon Center, we pride ourselves on coming up with innovative ways to facilitate healing that centers the individual and their own modes of creative expression.
Becoming your best self requires embracing your individuality and not letting anything or anyone stymie your happiness.
Dr. Allen is a proven clinician who brings significant experience advocating for vulnerable and at-risk populations in Washington, DC, Egypt, and his native England
McClendon Center, a nonprofit mental health services provider that has served the District’s residents for over 40 years, is pleased to announce that Dr. Samuel Allen has been appointed as its new Medical Director.
Dr. Allen is a proven clinician who brings significant experience advocating for vulnerable and at-risk populations in Washington, DC, Egypt, and his native England.
“Dr. Allen is a thoughtful, compassionate, and experienced leader,” said Tony Boswell, McClendon Center President and CEO. “He understands that recovery starts with the whole person and is best achieved when done in partnership, meeting the individual’s goals — a philosophy and approach that is integral to our work. We are thrilled to welcome him to the McClendon Center family and look forward to him helping us to build upon our longstanding tradition of excellent care.”
Dr. Allen joins McClendon Center after completing his psychiatry residency at Georgetown University Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident. He attended the University of Sussex for his undergraduate studies and received his medical degree from St. George’s, University of London.
As Medical Director, Dr. Allen is responsible for the psychiatric health and wellness of McClendon Center’s clients, the Center’s assessment and prescribing processes, and is the ultimate clinical decision maker for the agency. He also provides direct services for the Center’s clients, supervises all psychiatry staff members, and is the agency’s administrative representative for psychiatry.
Welcome Dr. Allen!
Dyson is an experienced compliance leader with a demonstrated history of leadership in the behavioral healthcare industry
WASHINGTON — The McClendon Center is pleased to announce that Sheandinita Dyson, who has served as the organization’s Director of Compliance and Training for the last four-plus years, has been named Chief of Staff.
“Shean brings tremendous heart, passion, and experience to the chief of staff role,” said Tony Boswell, McClendon Center President and CEO. “She is a highly engaged, effective, and respected leader who understands our organization and our work inside out. I am confident and excited for the Center to continue to benefit greatly from her wisdom, insight, and thoughtful, strategic approach. There is no one we’d rather have in this role.”
Sheandinita is an experienced compliance leader with a demonstrated history of leadership in the behavioral healthcare industry. She has been with McClendon Center since February 2008, beginning her tenure as a Community Support Specialist, before quickly assuming a supervisory role as Team Leader. Her portfolio has included overseeing compliance for the Center since 2014.
Sheandinita served as the Center’s interim President, showcasing tremendous leadership of the organization during a six-month period of transition beginning in January 2021.
In the Chief of Staff role, Sheandinita is responsible for strengthening existing services, leading key strategic initiatives, and supporting the Center’s President and CEO in the development and day-to-day management of organizational operations.
Sheandinita received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Howard University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social (MSW) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
The Center has been accredited by the Joint Commission since 1999, a prestigious credential not shared by any other behavioral health provider in the District of Columbia.
McClendon Center is thrilled to announce that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Behavioral Health Care and Human Services Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care.
The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective behavioral health care.
“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend McClendon Center for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”
“This achievement is a testament to our staff who every day bring passion, talent, and heart to the work we do to improve the health and quality of life for residents of the District,” said Tony Boswell, McClendon Center’s President and CEO. “The accreditation process ensures the Center’s programs and services are putting our clients first, and are as responsive as possible to the needs of our community – even amid the most difficult of years. I’d like to especially recognize the leadership of Michael Burt, our Director of Quality Improvement, and Caitlin Apo, our Clinical Director, each who played pivotal roles in this great accomplishment.”
The Center has been accredited by the Joint Commission since 1999, a prestigious credential not shared by any other behavioral health provider in the District of Columbia.
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website
EIN #: 20-0108493
CFC #: 64382
Core Services
(202) 745-0073
Day Program
(202) 737-6191
General Inquiries:
info@mcclendoncenter.org
Medical Records:
records@mcclendoncenter.org
Day Program Referrals:
DayProgramReferrals@mcclendoncenter.org