A Welcoming Place for Kids Who Are Struggling: Wonderologie Celebrates New Del Ray Home

ALEXANDRIA, VA — For a child having a difficult time, a welcoming place and a caring adult can make asking for help feel a little less daunting. That was the message as community leaders gathered Oct. 7 to celebrate Wonderologie Counseling + Wellness and its new home on Mount Vernon Avenue.

The practice, founded by Alexandria native Karin Purugganan, marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting at its four-story space. The building’s spaces were intentionally created to offer a warm, welcoming environment for children who are struggling.

“I’m so glad you have a space that really fits all of the great work that you do,” said Dr. Lauren Fisher, president of the Del Ray Business Association, in remarks shared by Visit Del Ray.

The celebration also recognized a lasting investment in the neighborhood. State Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker highlighted the building’s purchase and what it means for the practice’s future.

“It’s so exciting that you were able to buy this building, ensuring your long-term presence in our community on Mount Vernon Avenue,” Bennett-Parker said. “I know that you have a passion for helping children who are struggling, and we’re so grateful for the work that you do.”

A place for children and families to find support

Wonderologie works with children, adolescents and their families navigating anxiety, depression, autism, chronic illness, extended hospitalizations and other life stressors. Its services include individual therapy and group sessions for different age ranges, including parents.

The practice describes an individualized approach, adapting sessions to a client’s needs and drawing on methods including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

At the ribbon cutting, Alexandria City Council Member John Chapman spoke about the importance of having trusted adults beyond a child’s immediate family.

“Kids are going to have challenges along their academic journey — and frankly, just their personal journey,” Chapman said. “And having a space that has talented experts that they can work with, to guide them through that in a meaningful, personal way is so necessary in our community.”

An Alexandria native’s next chapter

For Purugganan, the work is rooted in her hometown and a career spent supporting children.

According to her professional biography, she grew up in Alexandria and worked for nearly 15 years as a respiratory therapist in neonatal and pediatric critical care before changing career paths. She founded Wonderologie in May 2021.

Now a licensed professional counselor, Purugganan identifies helping children through difficult periods as a central focus of her work. Her background includes graduate study at George Washington University and the University of Virginia.

The new home gives that work a continuing place on the Avenue — a milestone celebrated by the practice’s team and local leaders.

Ribbon-cutting details and event quotations were shared by Visit Del Ray and provided to The Zebra Press by the Del Ray Business Association.