Parent and Child Psychological Services of Sarasota
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Parent and Child Psychological Services PLLC 
941.357.4090 (Office)/ 727.304.3619 (Fax)
​Instagram: @childtherapysrq

Meet Our Team


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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 Profe
ssional Psychology, San Diego, CA

​katherine f. gibson, psy.d., ABPP 
-Owner
-licensed psychologist
-board certified in clinical child and adolescent psychology
-national register health service psychologist

-CERTIFIED IN PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION THERAPY (PCIT)- THERAPIST AND WITHIN AGENCY TRAINER
-CERTIFIED IN PCIT FOR SELECTIVE MUTISM (PCIT-SM)- THERAPIST AND WITHIN AGENCY TRAINER
-CERTIFIED IN TRAUMA-FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (TF-CBT)

-Licensed in FL, MD, NJ, NY & VA

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 in 2008. 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 also trained to provide SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), a therapy for child anxiety and/or OCD that works with parents only.

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 is first author of "Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Adapted for Older Children: A Research Development Manual." Dr. Gibson is rostered to provide the PCIT adaptation for Toddlers as well. 


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 in 2010, where she provided therapy, assessment and supervision before relocating to Florida and opening Parent and Child Psychological Services in Sarasota in 2014. 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. In addition to running Parent and Child Psychological Services of Sarasota Dr. Gibson was the Training Director at Kurtz Psychology Consulting from 2019 to 2022. In that role Dr. Gibson coordinated training of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate trainees in PCIT, PCIT-SM and CBT. Dr. Gibson was also co-director of the Kurtz Psychology MMK SM camp. Dr. Gibson currently works part time at Caring Cove in Chatham, NJ where she co-directed the first MMK New Jersey assisting the program with adopting the SM Intensive Group Behavioral Treatment camp model from Kurtz Psychology.

​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.

​Dr. Gibson provides training, consultation and supervision on Evidence Based Treatments for children and adolescents. 

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tara motzenbecker, LMHC, NCSP
-​licensed mental health counselor
​-licensed school psychologist
-registered play therapist

-CERTIFIED IN EMDR
​-CERTIFIED IN PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION THERAPY (PCIT)
-CERTIFIED IN PCIT FOR SELECTIVE MUTISM (PCIT-SM)

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

Tara Motzenbecker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed School Psychologist, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and a Registered Play Therapist. 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 provides 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 combined 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 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 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. ​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 second author of "Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Adapted for Older Children: A Research Development Manual."  Tara is certified by Kurtz Psychology Consulting as a therapist for PCIT adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). 
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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

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Jessica Custer, BA
​-Mental Health Counseling
Master's student intern

​Degrees:
  • B.A. in General Studies with an Emphasis on Elementary Education, University of Nevada, Reno, NV
  • A.A. Great Basin College, Elko, NV
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Jessica Custer is a graduate student pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). In her studies, she has earned membership in Chi Sigma Lota academic honor society for counselors and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Jessica completed her practicum placement at Parent and Child Psychological Services and is now completing her student internship with us, both under the supervision of Tara Motzenbecker, NCSP, LMHC

Jessica previously earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2001, where she studied Elementary Education, and has since worked with children of all ages in educational settings, including teaching preschool, and fourth grade. Prior to beginning graduate school for mental health counseling, she worked with elementary students with special needs where she gained experience assisting students with physical, academic, and developmental disabilities.

​Jessica enjoys joining with children and families and helping them through the power of genuine relationships and commitment to their goals. Jessica has a passion for supporting families, teens, and children as they navigate the different stages of development.
Jessica practices from a Christian faith-based perspective for families who desire that framework, and sees each client as valuable, loved, and unique. Jessica understands the importance of faith in the healing journey for many clients and offers faith-based services for clients interested in including that in their counseling experience. Jessica has mentored teens through the Young Life organization and volunteered in the children’s program in her church for many years.

Jessica is currently working toward certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and PCIT Adapted for Selective Mutism as well as Registered Play Therapist certification. Jessica has received training on CBT and treating Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors using Habit Reversal Training. 

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Isabel Devorkin, MS, NCC
​-REGISTERED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR INTERN
-National CERTIFIED Counselor

​
​Degrees:
  • B.S. in Psychology, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, La Crosse, WI
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mount Mary University, Wauwatosa, WI
Isabel Devorkin is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and National Certified Counselor. Isabel received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, and continued her education at Mount Mary University where she earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental health Counseling. Isabel is completing her hours toward licensure under the supervision of the practice owner, Dr. Gibson. 
 
Isabel completed her internship experience with Children’s Wisconsin, where she worked with children and their parents utilizing a variety of interventions such as Play Therapy, TheraPlay, and Child Parent Psychotherapy. There Isabel gained extensive experience with younger children ages 2-8. Isabel also gained experience understanding treatment needs through a trauma lens. 
 
Isabel has experience using trauma informed and strength-based approaches when working with children and their parents. She has worked with children with PTSD, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, ADHD and behavioral challenges. Isabel has worked one one one with a child with Autism on Daily Living Skills, has worked with at risk teens, and has experience as a teaching assistant in a child care center. Isabel has complete the TF-CBTWeb course, training on treatment of OCD, and is currently completing training on treating Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors with Habit Reversal Training and treating School Refusal. 
 
Isabel is currently working toward certification in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and PCIT Adapted for Selective Mutism. 

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kirsten m. ellingsen, ph.d., PMH-C
-licensed psychologist
​--INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

-CERTIFIED IN PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

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
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 and has received her Perinatal Mental Health Certificate.

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.

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rachel funnell, M.A., LMFT
-licensed marriage and family therapist
-CERTIFIED IN PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION THERAPY (pcit)

Degrees: 
-B.A. in Psychology, Nyack College, Nyack, NY
-M.A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology,  Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, La Salle University, Philadelphia, 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.

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JULIA M. HOLLINGER, PSY.D., NCSP
-LICENSED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
-NATIONALLY CERTIFIED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
​--INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

-CERTIFIED SCHOOL SUICIDE PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Degrees:
B.S. in Psychology, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA
Ed.S. in School Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
Psy.D. in School Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Julia Hollinger is a Licensed School Psychologist, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and a Certified School Suicide Prevention Specialist.  Dr. Hollinger received her Doctor of Psychology degree in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.  Prior to that Dr. Hollinger earned an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL.  Dr.  Dr. Hollinger is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists and is highly experienced as a school psychologist, having worked with individuals from preschool through college age in both the school and outpatient settings in Pennsylvania and Florida for the past 14 years. 
 
Dr. Hollinger specializes in conducting psychological, psychoeducational evaluations and ADHD testing for children and adolescents with a wide range of academic, socioemotional, and/or behavioral difficulties.  She completed her predoctoral internship through the Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 Neuropsychological Clinic in New Oxford, PA, which afforded her the opportunity to both assess and intervene with adolescents with a variety of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychic impairments.  Dr. Hollinger’s postdoctoral work has focused on conducting comprehensive, individualized assessments in order to understand an individual’s personal strengths and challenges and to offer specific recommendations for treatment. Furthermore, Dr. Hollinger is well versed in educational procedures and policies, and enjoys assisting families navigate the special education evaluative process.  She aims to bridge the gap between families and schools to provide the child with the most appropriate treatment across settings with respect and consideration for all parties.
 
In addition to diagnostics, Dr. Hollinger also has expertise in suicide prevention and intervention.  She is a longstanding member of the American Association of Suicidology and is certified through that organization as a Certified School Suicide Prevention Specialist. 
 

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Ginger Martin, PsyD
​-Licensed Psychologist
​--Independent Contractor

Degrees: 
B.A. in Psychology, and English Allegheny College, Meadville PA
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana PA
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana PA
Dr. Martin is a licensed clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience. She received her doctorate through the Clinical Psychology Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. She completed her doctoral internship at Coastal Behavioral Healthcare in Sarasota PA and her postdoctoral fellowship in The Child Development Program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. Dr. Martin also participated in the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders) program at Children’s National Medical Center. She provided assessments and participated in research in Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders and the Autism Treatment Network at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh PA. Dr. Martin also worked in private practice providing assessments, parent support, behavioral therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and adolescents in Pittsburgh PA before moving to develop her own private practice, Mindful Behavioral Health. Here in Sarasota FL, Dr. Martin continues her work with children, teens, and parents in private practice. 

Dr. Martin has presented to faculty and multidisciplinary teams for early intervention on the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorder identification, assessment and diagnosis. She has also presented on the topic of childhood anxiety, COVID-related anxiety and stress, and maternal and child stress and anxiety to schools, students, and parents. She received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award through the Passion Meets the Road awards in 2016. 

Dr. Martin specializes in working with children, families, and parents with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach. Dr. Martin has experience working with children ages 2-18 and combines psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play techniques, and mindfulness in her practice. She specializes in working with school-aged children dealing with stress and anxiety related to school, social dynamics, or sports, as well as helping parents/mothers manage stress and anxiety related to parenting and life. Kids need tools to understand their emotions, to develop healthy coping strategies, and to feel in control of their emotions. Moms likewise need tools to manage stress and anxiety so that they can create balance in their parenting and support their children more fully. Dr. Martin’s approach is individualized, straightforward, and involves the parents so they can support their children. She takes the time to get to know her clients, is careful in the selection of treatment approach, and teaches the parents and child to be more knowledgeable about the concern, more aware of their emotions and responses, more in control, and more mindful.

Parent and Child Psychological Services PLLC 
info@childtherapysrq.com
941.357.4090 (Office)
727.304.3619 (Fax)                                                                                                                                                               
4071 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 204                                                                                                              
Sarasota, FL 34233                                                                                                                                   
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