kirsten m. ellingsen, ph.d.
licensed psychologist
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
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 working toward PCIT International certification as a PCIT therapist.
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 working toward PCIT International certification as a PCIT therapist.
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
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.
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, 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).
Dr. Gibson is certified by PCIT International as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist and Level 1 Trainer (able to provide in-house training to other therapists). 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, 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).
Dr. Gibson is certified by PCIT International as a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist and Level 1 Trainer (able to provide in-house training to other therapists). 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.
amanda l. hanson, psy.d.
licensed psychologist
Degrees:
-B.S. in Psychology and Philosophy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
-M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Argosy University, Tampa, FL
-Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Argosy University, Tampa, FL
-B.S. in Psychology and Philosophy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
-M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Argosy University, Tampa, FL
-Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Argosy University, Tampa, FL
- Dr. Amanda Hanson has been involved in the mental health field for over 15 years engaging in multiple roles within the mental health system. After ongoing experience working in the field, Dr. Hanson pursued her Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Argosy University, The American School of Professional Psychology in Tampa, Florida. Following the successful completion of her education, Dr. Hanson continued to receive ongoing training through her internship and post-doctoral training in the treatment of children and teens, and the provision of higher levels of care.
Since beginning her career, Dr. Hanson has extensive experience providing both psychological assessment and psychotherapy to children, teens, and adults in multiple settings, including outpatient community mental health, residential treatment facilities, and the private sector. Dr. Hanson has experience providing therapeutic interventions with a broad array of presenting issues, including disruptive behaviors, trauma, high conflict families, internalizing disorders, self-injurious behaviors, and sexual behavioral problems. Dr. Hanson utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, with experience providing evidenced-based treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. Treatment modalities often include individual and family therapy components.
Dr. Hanson has expertise in the specialized treatment of trauma, including advanced training and experience providing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Dr. Hanson has worked with children and teens who have experienced trauma in a variety of settings, including higher levels of care, such as residential treatment facilities.
Dr. Hanson has conducted comprehensive assessments for a variety of presenting concerns, including psychoeducational issues, social-emotional functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and diagnostic clarification. Additionally, Dr. Hanson has ongoing experience providing forensic evaluations, which have included parental capacity, psychosexual assessments, trauma evaluations, juvenile competency, child custody evaluations, and other court related psychological evaluations. Dr. Hanson has provided expert testimony within multiple areas in the court system and acted as a liaison for consultation for forensic matters. Additionally, Dr. Hanson has extensive experience working with family law and the dependency system and holds the contract for the children’s advocacy center in Pasco County to provide psychological evaluations.
Dr. Hanson has also engaged in providing teaching and education to both post-secondary educational systems and in supervising and training graduate level students. Dr. Hanson has taught at the college level in the areas of general psychology, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology.
Dr. Hanson is certified as a Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator and a Level I EMDR provider.
Sara Hofmann, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Degrees:
B.S. in Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, MA
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
B.S. in Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, MA
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
Dr. Sara Hofmann earned her M.A. degree in clinical psychology at Clark University in 2005 and practiced as an in-home therapist for several years, specializing in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and hoarding behaviors. She later earned her doctorate in counseling psychology at the University of Northern Colorado and served as the assistant director of a large campus-based community mental health clinic. She then completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of California Davis Children's Hospital in the Child and Adolescent Abuse Resource and Evaluation (CAARE) Center. In this capacity, Dr. Hofmann provided trauma treatment for young survivors of abuse and neglect as well as their families. She also provided forensic assessment services including psychological evaluations of children and parents involved in child dependency and criminal cases, juvenile competency evaluations, and risk assessments for juvenile sexual offenders.
As a child psychologist, Dr. Hofmann uses evidence-based practices to help children, teens, and families improve functioning and move toward healthier behaviors and habits. She has worked with clients in outpatient, in-home, and detention settings and has extensive experience in both therapy and assessment. Currently, Dr. Hofmann works primarily with children, teens, and families in the areas of trauma, disruptive behaviors, externalizing disorders, anxiety, OCD, selective mutism, and mental health issues related to child dependency. Dr. Hofmann is a certified therapist in PCIT for Traumatized Children (PCIT-TC), which addresses disruptive behavior concerns through a trauma-informed approach. Dr. Hofmann is currently working toward PCIT International certification as a PCIT therapist. Dr. Hofmann has also completed advanced training and clinical experience in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is currently completing requirements for final certification in this evidence-based trauma treatment.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hofmann is an assistant professor of psychology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, teaching abnormal psychology and a variety of statistics and research courses. She leads an active research group and has presented at several national conferences in the areas of emotion identification and regulation, clinical program evaluation, counselor education and supervision, and parenting competencies. She has also published articles on the ethical practice of psychology with youth in detention settings. Her current research focuses on the utility of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques such as mindfulness practices to improve emotion regulation in at-risk and court-involved adolescents.
Dr. Hofmann is completing her supervised hours for licensure as a post-doctoral fellow under the supervision of Dr. Kate Gibson
As a child psychologist, Dr. Hofmann uses evidence-based practices to help children, teens, and families improve functioning and move toward healthier behaviors and habits. She has worked with clients in outpatient, in-home, and detention settings and has extensive experience in both therapy and assessment. Currently, Dr. Hofmann works primarily with children, teens, and families in the areas of trauma, disruptive behaviors, externalizing disorders, anxiety, OCD, selective mutism, and mental health issues related to child dependency. Dr. Hofmann is a certified therapist in PCIT for Traumatized Children (PCIT-TC), which addresses disruptive behavior concerns through a trauma-informed approach. Dr. Hofmann is currently working toward PCIT International certification as a PCIT therapist. Dr. Hofmann has also completed advanced training and clinical experience in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is currently completing requirements for final certification in this evidence-based trauma treatment.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hofmann is an assistant professor of psychology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, teaching abnormal psychology and a variety of statistics and research courses. She leads an active research group and has presented at several national conferences in the areas of emotion identification and regulation, clinical program evaluation, counselor education and supervision, and parenting competencies. She has also published articles on the ethical practice of psychology with youth in detention settings. Her current research focuses on the utility of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques such as mindfulness practices to improve emotion regulation in at-risk and court-involved adolescents.
Dr. Hofmann is completing her supervised hours for licensure as a post-doctoral fellow under the supervision of Dr. Kate Gibson
tara motzenbecker, m.s., NCSP
licensed school psychologist
Degrees:
-B.A. in Psychology, American University, Washington, DC
-M.S. in School Psychology, University of Rhode Island, N. Kingstown, RI
-B.A. in Psychology, American University, Washington, DC
-M.S. in School Psychology, University of Rhode Island, N. Kingstown, RI
Tara Motzenbecker is a Licensed School Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. 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 received her Master’s degree at the University of Rhode Island in School Psychology.
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 is currently working towards her Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist and Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional credentials. Tara is working toward PCIT International certification as a PCIT therapist. Tara provides individual therapy for children and teens facing a variety of issues using play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral approaches.
Tara is a member of the National Association for School Psychologists, the Florida Counseling Association and the Association for Play Therapy.