kirsten m. ellingsen, ph.d.
licensed psychologist, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Degrees:
-B.A. in English Composition, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN
-M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, Early Childhood Special Education, Iowa State University
-Ph.D. in School Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
-B.A. in English Composition, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN
-M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, Early Childhood Special Education, Iowa State University
-Ph.D. in School Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Dr. Kirsten Ellingsen is dedicated to the pursuit of meaningful evidence based practice as a child psychologist. She has been involved in work to promote the health, learning, positive functioning and development of children across research, clinical, and educational settings for more than 20 years. Dr. Ellingsen earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in school psychology. She holds a Masters in Human Development and Family Studies, Early Childhood Special Education specialization from Iowa State University. Dr. Ellingsen has provided clinical services within schools, homes, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and early intervention centers. Dr. Ellingsen completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology with an early childhood focus at Nemours, A I duPont Hospital for Children, and completed APA accredited clinical training at Virginia Beach City Public Schools in the Professional Psychology, Pediatric Neuropsychology track.
Dr. Ellingsen has clinical expertise as an early childhood psychologist, with advanced training and experience providing assessment, developmental and behavioral screenings, and therapy. Dr. Ellingsen is well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches for children and teens. Dr. Ellingsen works with children, teens and their families on concerns including autism, ADHD, anxiety and a variety of behavioral and emotional difficulties. Dr. Ellingsen focuses on strengthening parent-child relationships as well as fostering positive functioning in the child. Dr. Ellingsen has a passion for working with twice exceptional children and teens. Dr. Ellingsen received specialized training in autism assessment and neuropsychological evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Ellingsen has completed postpartum mental health training.
In addition, Dr. Ellingsen has presented at several national conferences and designed and conducted workshops and a webinar series on parenting practices that promote positive social-emotional development, as well as participated in national expert workgroups on global education for children with disabilities. Dr. Ellingsen has served as a consultant for a national convening of experts to discuss early childhood assessment and research consultant for an Infant Family Mental Health Center (IFMHC). Dr. Ellingsen has been invited to write book chapters on psychological assessment in early childhood including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning for children with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Ellingsen has served as a national research director and assistant research professor at the University of South Florida and taught graduate coursework in research and child development at USF-SP, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Ellingsen has clinical expertise as an early childhood psychologist, with advanced training and experience providing assessment, developmental and behavioral screenings, and therapy. Dr. Ellingsen is well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches for children and teens. Dr. Ellingsen works with children, teens and their families on concerns including autism, ADHD, anxiety and a variety of behavioral and emotional difficulties. Dr. Ellingsen focuses on strengthening parent-child relationships as well as fostering positive functioning in the child. Dr. Ellingsen has a passion for working with twice exceptional children and teens. Dr. Ellingsen received specialized training in autism assessment and neuropsychological evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Ellingsen has completed postpartum mental health training.
In addition, Dr. Ellingsen has presented at several national conferences and designed and conducted workshops and a webinar series on parenting practices that promote positive social-emotional development, as well as participated in national expert workgroups on global education for children with disabilities. Dr. Ellingsen has served as a consultant for a national convening of experts to discuss early childhood assessment and research consultant for an Infant Family Mental Health Center (IFMHC). Dr. Ellingsen has been invited to write book chapters on psychological assessment in early childhood including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning for children with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Ellingsen has served as a national research director and assistant research professor at the University of South Florida and taught graduate coursework in research and child development at USF-SP, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of North Carolina.
rachel funnell, M.A., LMFT
licensed marriage and family therapist, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Degrees:
-B.A. in Psychology, Nyack College, Nyack, NY
-M.A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, La Salle University, Philadephia, PA
-B.A. in Psychology, Nyack College, Nyack, NY
-M.A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, La Salle University, Philadephia, PA
Rachel Funnell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Rachel has been working in the mental health field since 2006 when she started working with children with Autism and ADHD. She provided behavioral support through coaching and modeling appropriate ways to interact with peers, adults and family members. Rachel provided individual, family and group therapy to adults with severe mental health disorders at a community mental health center in Alabama. The groups that she taught included coping skills, social skills and basic living skills. Rachel has also provided assessments and individual therapy to clients in a county Detention Center setting.
Rachel has experience providing intensive in-home family therapy for youth struggling with behavioral and emotional issues. She assisted the families with identifying different ways to manage their current concerns and struggles. During her time as an in-home therapy clinician, Rachel provided individual and family therapy that taught the youth and family how to manage the youth’s emotional and/or behavioral concerns.
Rachel went on to be promoted to the In-Home Therapy Manager. For over 2 and half years, Rachel managed and oversaw the everyday operations of the in-home therapy program as well as supervised Master’s Level and Bachelor's Level staff. While continuing to work at the In-Home Therapy agency, Rachel began part time work at a private practice where she provided, individual, couples and family therapy.
During her time in the field, Rachel has been certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and as an A-CRA clinician. (A-CRA is a behavioral intervention that seeks to increase the family, social, and educational/vocational reinforcers of an adolescent to support recovery from substance abuse and dependence.) She has been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has supervised clinicians in TF-CBT. Rachel is certified by PCIT International as a PCIT therapist, and is working toward certification in the adaptation of PCIT for children with Selective Mutism.
Rachel specializes in supporting children, adults, couples and families who have experienced life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, and relationship concerns. Rachel uses a strength based, solution focused, systemic approach in her work that focuses on understanding her clients’ individual needs within the context of their family, school and/or work environments and how each environment affects their life. Rachel incorporates cognitive behavioral interventions to assist people in changing the way they think in order to help them change how they feel and behave.
Rachel has experience providing intensive in-home family therapy for youth struggling with behavioral and emotional issues. She assisted the families with identifying different ways to manage their current concerns and struggles. During her time as an in-home therapy clinician, Rachel provided individual and family therapy that taught the youth and family how to manage the youth’s emotional and/or behavioral concerns.
Rachel went on to be promoted to the In-Home Therapy Manager. For over 2 and half years, Rachel managed and oversaw the everyday operations of the in-home therapy program as well as supervised Master’s Level and Bachelor's Level staff. While continuing to work at the In-Home Therapy agency, Rachel began part time work at a private practice where she provided, individual, couples and family therapy.
During her time in the field, Rachel has been certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and as an A-CRA clinician. (A-CRA is a behavioral intervention that seeks to increase the family, social, and educational/vocational reinforcers of an adolescent to support recovery from substance abuse and dependence.) She has been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has supervised clinicians in TF-CBT. Rachel is certified by PCIT International as a PCIT therapist, and is working toward certification in the adaptation of PCIT for children with Selective Mutism.
Rachel specializes in supporting children, adults, couples and families who have experienced life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, and relationship concerns. Rachel uses a strength based, solution focused, systemic approach in her work that focuses on understanding her clients’ individual needs within the context of their family, school and/or work environments and how each environment affects their life. Rachel incorporates cognitive behavioral interventions to assist people in changing the way they think in order to help them change how they feel and behave.
katherine f. gibson, psy.d., ABPP
Owner, licensed psychologist
board certified in clinical child and adolescent psychology
national register health service psychologist
Degrees:
-B.S. in Psychology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME
-M.A. in Forensic Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY
-M.A. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
-Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
-B.S. in Psychology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME
-M.A. in Forensic Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY
-M.A. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
-Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
Dr. Kate Gibson started her mental health career in Sarasota, Florida in 1998 at the Coastal Recovery Center Crisis Stabilization Unit followed by the Coastal Recovery Center Juvenile Assessment Center before pursuing her graduate education. Dr. Gibson received her Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. Prior to that Dr. Gibson earned a Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, NY. Dr. Gibson is Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and is a National Register Health Service Psychologist.
Dr. Gibson provides therapy to children, teens and families with a supportive, goal oriented, and cognitive behavioral (CBT) focus. Dr. Gibson is experienced at treating anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, trauma, mood disorders, attention difficulties, impulsivity, and other behavioral problems in children. In 2016 Dr. Gibson completed the International OCD Foundation Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training Institute Training on using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to effectively treat children with OCD and related disorders such as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like trichotillomania and excoriation disorder.
Dr. Gibson is certified by PCIT International as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist and Within Agency Trainer. Dr. Gibson is certified by Kurtz Psychology Consulting as a Therapist and Within Agency Trainer for PCIT adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). Dr. Gibson has additional expertise in the treatment of trauma in children. Dr. Gibson specializes in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is a certified TF-CBT therapist. Dr. Gibson is also trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an attachment based trauma focused therapy for young children and their caregivers Dr. Gibson has done research in the areas of trauma resulting from intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and trauma program evaluation.
Dr. Gibson Co-Founded Parent and Child Psychological Services in New York, where she provided therapy, assessment and supervision before relocating to Florida and opening Parent and Child Psychological Services first in Sarasota followed by a second location in Saint Petersburg. In New York Dr. Gibson co-founded a women's health and wellness private practitioner networking group. Dr. Gibson worked with Unleashed, an after school leadership program for middle school girls in New York City that involved them in animal rescue.
Dr. Gibson completed American Psychological Association (APA) accredited clinical training at Astor Services for Children and Families, a non-profit outpatient community mental health center in the Bronx, NY where she worked in both outpatient and day treatment settings. Dr. Gibson went on to be the Clinical Supervisor at one of Astor's outpatient clinics. Dr. Gibson also completed clinical training at two trauma specialty clinics: The Chadwick Center for Children and Families in San Diego, CA (treating children and parents of children who had been exposed to trauma using the Trauma Assessment Pathway (TAP)), and Safe Horizon Counseling Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Additionally, Dr. Gibson provides psychological testing and forensic assessment. Dr. Gibson provides training, consultation and supervision on Evidence Based Treatments for children and adolescents.
Dr. Gibson provides therapy to children, teens and families with a supportive, goal oriented, and cognitive behavioral (CBT) focus. Dr. Gibson is experienced at treating anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, trauma, mood disorders, attention difficulties, impulsivity, and other behavioral problems in children. In 2016 Dr. Gibson completed the International OCD Foundation Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training Institute Training on using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to effectively treat children with OCD and related disorders such as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like trichotillomania and excoriation disorder.
Dr. Gibson is certified by PCIT International as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist and Within Agency Trainer. Dr. Gibson is certified by Kurtz Psychology Consulting as a Therapist and Within Agency Trainer for PCIT adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). Dr. Gibson has additional expertise in the treatment of trauma in children. Dr. Gibson specializes in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is a certified TF-CBT therapist. Dr. Gibson is also trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an attachment based trauma focused therapy for young children and their caregivers Dr. Gibson has done research in the areas of trauma resulting from intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and trauma program evaluation.
Dr. Gibson Co-Founded Parent and Child Psychological Services in New York, where she provided therapy, assessment and supervision before relocating to Florida and opening Parent and Child Psychological Services first in Sarasota followed by a second location in Saint Petersburg. In New York Dr. Gibson co-founded a women's health and wellness private practitioner networking group. Dr. Gibson worked with Unleashed, an after school leadership program for middle school girls in New York City that involved them in animal rescue.
Dr. Gibson completed American Psychological Association (APA) accredited clinical training at Astor Services for Children and Families, a non-profit outpatient community mental health center in the Bronx, NY where she worked in both outpatient and day treatment settings. Dr. Gibson went on to be the Clinical Supervisor at one of Astor's outpatient clinics. Dr. Gibson also completed clinical training at two trauma specialty clinics: The Chadwick Center for Children and Families in San Diego, CA (treating children and parents of children who had been exposed to trauma using the Trauma Assessment Pathway (TAP)), and Safe Horizon Counseling Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Additionally, Dr. Gibson provides psychological testing and forensic assessment. Dr. Gibson provides training, consultation and supervision on Evidence Based Treatments for children and adolescents.
tara motzenbecker, m.s., NCSP
licensed school psychologist
school-based registered play therapist
registered mental health counselor intern
Degrees:
-B.A. in Psychology, American University, Washington, DC
-M.S. in School Psychology, University of Rhode Island, N. Kingstown, RI
-M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, National Louis University
-B.A. in Psychology, American University, Washington, DC
-M.S. in School Psychology, University of Rhode Island, N. Kingstown, RI
-M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, National Louis University
Tara Motzenbecker is a Licensed School Psychologist, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, a School-Based Registered Play Therapist, and a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. Tara received her Master’s degree at the University of Rhode Island in School Psychology and a second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University. Tara has worked in a variety of public, private and charter schools in Rhode Island, Washington DC, Maryland and Florida in various roles including teacher and school psychologist for over 15 years.
Tara has focused the past 8 years specializing in gifted evaluations in Sarasota, Manatee and Pinellas counties. In addition to many years of experience providing psycho educational evaluations, Tara has received specialized training in the social and emotional needs of the intellectually gifted.
After working in the Florida public school system for many years, Tara has developed a specific passion for advocacy in the schools for children with diverse needs. She combines her knowledge of the school system requirements and procedures with her knowledge of the mental health needs of children to advocate for families in a way that allows the schools and the family to work together cohesively and in the best interest of the child. Tara is able to provide in school advocacy for families to help them secure effective educational plans. Tara also provides educational counseling services for children who need extra support to reach their full educational potential.
Tara provides individual therapy for children and teens facing a variety of issues using play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral approaches. Tara works closely with parents and with the family as a whole as well. Tara treats children with anxiety, attention difficulties, behavior problems, emotion dysregulation, learning challenges, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, body-focused repetitive behaviors, Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and trauma. Tara is trained in EMDR and is certified by the EMDR International Association as an EMDR certified therapist. Tara can provide EMDR to children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. Tara is currently working toward her Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional credential. Tara is a certified by PCIT International as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist. Tara is certified by Kurtz Psychology Consulting as a therapist for PCIT adapted for selective mutism (PCIT-SM).
Tara is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists, the Florida Counseling Association, the EMDR International Association and the Association for Play Therapy
Lauren Zakaib, M.S., Psy. S.
licensed school psychologist, independent contractor
Degrees:
-B.S. in Psychology University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
-M.S. in School Psychology Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
-Psy.S. in School Psychology Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
-B.S. in Psychology University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
-M.S. in School Psychology Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
-Psy.S. in School Psychology Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
Lauren is a Certified and Licensed School Psychologist. She utilizes many different resources to identify learning disabilities among children and provides families with educational recommendations. Lauren completed her Master’s Degree and Specialist Degree in School Psychology at Nova South Eastern University in Davie, Florida. She has serviced Broward County Public Schools and Charlotte County Public Schools. In addition to assessments and evaluation, her further experiences include: Applied Behavior Analysis, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Crisis response team member, and Zones of Regulation practitioner. Lauren was recently awarded the 2020 State of Florida School Psychologist of The Year, Early Career by The Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP).
Lauren is an excellent evaluation specialist and has an abundance of school-based knowledge that can be utilized to support child advocacy in schools. She provides evaluations and assessment findings to help identify strengths and weaknesses in children’s learning and development. Lauren has experience working with children ages 4-18 with varying disabilities and exceptionalities. Lauren is able to provide school advocacy for families to help them secure effective educational plans. Lauren also provides educational counseling services for children who need extra support to reach their full educational potential.
Lauren loves working with children and strives to make children feel comfortable throughout the evaluation process. Lauren’s calm demeanor, patience, playfulness, and understanding easily allows her to establish rapport with children to obtain accurate assessment results. Outside of diligently working, she is a newbie gardener, hot yogi, and beagle dog mom who enjoys exercising and being in nature.
Lauren is an excellent evaluation specialist and has an abundance of school-based knowledge that can be utilized to support child advocacy in schools. She provides evaluations and assessment findings to help identify strengths and weaknesses in children’s learning and development. Lauren has experience working with children ages 4-18 with varying disabilities and exceptionalities. Lauren is able to provide school advocacy for families to help them secure effective educational plans. Lauren also provides educational counseling services for children who need extra support to reach their full educational potential.
Lauren loves working with children and strives to make children feel comfortable throughout the evaluation process. Lauren’s calm demeanor, patience, playfulness, and understanding easily allows her to establish rapport with children to obtain accurate assessment results. Outside of diligently working, she is a newbie gardener, hot yogi, and beagle dog mom who enjoys exercising and being in nature.