Lisa Iervolino Panelo, LCSW
Meet your therapist.
About Me
Credentials and Qualifications:
License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Virginia Board of Health Professions, #0904006502
Certified Clinical Telemental Health Professional (CTMH), Evergreen Certifications
Tier One: Introduction to Military Culture, Families and Deployment, Center for Deployment Psychology
Tier Two: Overview of Military Service-Related Behavioral Health Challenges
American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Mental Health Professional Group’s Trainings: Part 1: Basic Infertility
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) (20hr) training completed
Treating the Psychological Impact of Infertility
Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Mental Health Professional Group
Member, National Association of Social Workers
Columbia University School of Social Work, Masters of Science, Minor in Law
University of Virginia, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Sociology
Professional Experience:
Throughout my career, I’ve provided therapy and support in a wide range of settings: outpatient clinics, residential programs, home- and community-based care, and now through telehealth. I bring both depth and breadth of experience to my work, along with compassion and a deep respect for every client’s unique story.
Here are some of the populations and issues I’ve worked with over the years:
Adults living with HIV, providing both therapy and case management
Children and families impacted by abuse and trauma
Teens and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm
Individuals and families navigating adoption and parenting challenges
Children and teens with behavioral and mental health concerns
People in acute emotional crisis, through crisis intervention and support
Early-career therapists, through clinical supervision and mentorship
Today, I continue to offer therapy with the goal of helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward—whether you're facing a life transition, managing ongoing stress, or navigating deeply personal challenges like infertility or adoption.
THERAPIST / FOUNDER
Lisa Iervolino Panelo, MS, LCSW, CTMH
Lisa is the founder and therapist of Warm Breezes Counseling, LLC.
Hi! Meet Your Therapist
I’m Lisa Panelo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Telemental Health provider, who has been drawn to helping others from a young age. My journey began with volunteer work as a teenager—wherever there was a need, I wanted to help. That passion led me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology from the University of Virginia, and then a Master of Science in Social Work with a Minor in Law from Columbia University in New York. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2007 and have spent the last 25+ years walking alongside individuals and families during some of their most challenging and transformative moments.
Personal experience:
My journey to parenthood has deeply shaped who I am—both as a person and as a therapist.
When my partner and I decided we were ready to start a family, I was diagnosed with infertility. Like many others, I found myself on the emotional rollercoaster of ART treatments and IVF—filled with hope, heartbreak, and unanswered questions. After a year of unsuccessful treatments, we made the decision to pursue adoption - a different path, however one we had always also respected.
Adoption brought its own set of emotional highs and lows. The process involved countless decisions, in-depth assessments, long waits, and plenty of paperwork. There were moments of hope, moments of grief, and many days of simply holding on. Finally, in 2022, we welcomed our daughter home, and could finally say we were parents. Eighteen months later, the adoption was finalized, and we could officially say we were legally parents - our legal processes complete.
Becoming a parent through adoption has taught me not only about love and resilience, but also about the unique experiences children bring with them when they join a new family. The path is complex—and it’s one I continue to walk and learn from every day.
Alongside my personal journey, I’ve walked with others through infertility, IVF, adoption, perinatal loss, and more. These experiences inspired me to add a focus my clinical work on supporting individuals and couples navigating these deeply emotional and life-altering transitions. I understand the weight of waiting, the ache of grief, and the courage it takes to keep going.
In my personal time, I enjoy doing activities with my daughter, such as playing games and doing crafts, following interesting and suspenseful television shows with my family, walking our dog, hiking trails in the forest, and traveling to new places.
Whatever your path is that is presenting your challenges - you deserve support, compassion, and a space to process the emotions that come with it.
