Gifted Testing Sarasota therapist

Tara Spurr (Motzenbecker)

Tara Motzenbecker, Owner, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed School Psychologist


Tara Spurr (Motzenbecker), is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed School Psychologist. After earning a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, Tara began her career in the Pinellas County Schools as a School Psychologist. In the schools, she focused on gifted testing, academic evaluations, 504 evaluations and assisting in interventions for students. Tara began offering private gifted evaluations in 2008. She has developed a passion for ensuring that each child is seen and heard during the testing and their individual needs are met to optimize results.

In 2017, Tara decided she wanted to offer more and began her entry into therapy for children, teens and adults after earning a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. She attended advanced trainings in EMDR, treating OCD, trauma, behavior and anxiety.

Tara is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed School Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant in Training and a Qualified Supervisor. She is also certified as a PCIT Therapist, Within Agency Trainer and PCIT for Selective Mutism Therapist.

Tara truly enjoys connecting with her clients and seeing their lives improve day by day.

Jessica Custer

Jessica Custer, MA, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, NCC


Jessica Custer, M.A., NCC, RMHCI, is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University and is currently completing her licensure hours under the supervision of Tara Motzenbecker, LMHC, RPT-S.

Jessica brings a strong background in education, having worked extensively with elementary-aged children and students with special needs. Her experience in classroom teaching and supporting children with physical, academic, and developmental challenges laid the foundation for her inclusive, client-centered approach to mental health care.

She is trained in evidence-based modalities including Play Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Habit Reversal Training, and interventions for Perinatal Mood Disorders. Jessica is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), with specialized training in PCIT for Selective Mutism, and serves as a certified Body Project facilitator through the National Eating Disorders Association.

Jessica works primarily with children, teens, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral concerns, grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. She also supports women facing perinatal mental health challenges, parenting stress, and relationship or family difficulties. Her therapeutic style emphasizes empathy, relationship-building, and holistic care, with a goal of becoming a Registered Play Therapist.


Cheyanne Matthews

Cheyanne Matthews, M.A., Certified School Counselor, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern


Cheyanne Matthews is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and Certified School Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Messiah University and completed post-graduate coursework in Mental Health Counseling at the University of South Florida. Cheyanne is currently completing her licensure hours under the supervision of Tara Motzenbecker, LMHC, RPT-S.

Cheyanne comes from a diverse background in both education and mental health settings, with over 10 years of experience working with elementary-aged children and younger. She has always been passionate about supporting the whole child and takes an approach that is warm, client-centered, and developmentally appropriate, meeting each child where they are in their unique journey.

She has extensive experience working with children with disabilities and is dedicated to creating an environment where children feel valued and supported. Cheyanne specializes in working with children experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and low self-esteem, and supports children in developing emotional regulation skills, improving social skills, managing behavioral challenges, and coping with life transitions.

Cheyanne utilizes a variety of modalities to best support each child’s needs, including play therapy techniques, mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and strength-based interventions. She strives to create a safe and welcoming environment where children feel empowered to express themselves, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive.


Sophie Gengler

Sophie Gengler, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern


Sophie Gengler is a Clinical Mental Health Graduate Student at Northwestern University. With a background in neuroscience and philosophy, Sophie bridges the science of the brain with the richness of lived experience. She offers a grounded, holistic approach to therapy that honors both the complexity of the mind and the deep intelligence of the body. Her clinical work integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, and other embodiment-based practices that support healing beyond language, inviting clients into deeper presence and integration. In addition to her therapeutic training, Sophie brings two years of experience as a breathwork coach and yoga teacher, incorporating mindful movement and breath into her work with clients.

Sophie works with individuals who are seeking more than just relief from symptoms—they are yearning for reconnection with their authentic selves. Whether navigating trauma, identity transitions, or the subtle disconnection that can come with modern life, she supports clients in reestablishing a relationship with their bodies, senses, and inner wisdom. Her approach to healing is about uncovering authenticity and embracing embodied aliveness.

Sophie’s intention is to guide people into a state of saturated awareness, through which deep inner healing can occur. Through compassionate attunement, deep somatic engagement, and body-based practices like breathwork and movement, she helps clients move from survival into wholeness. Her work creates space for people to feel more fully alive, embodied, and connected to who they truly are. Sophie works primarily with teens, adults, and couples utilizing trauma-informed approaches to holistic healing.