Gifted Testing Sarasota therapist

Tara Spurr (Motzenbecker)

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


Tara Spurr, 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 Spurr, 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 Spurr, 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.


Cristy Logan

Cristy Logan, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

Cristy Logan is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Tennessee and is currently completing her licensure hours under the supervision of Susan Jamieson, LCSW. 

Cristy’s background includes working with children and adolescents in school settings and those involved in the child welfare system, while also providing support for caregivers. Cristy has treated clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, and self-esteem issues, as well as survivors of child abuse and neglect, and sexual assault. 

Cristy’s therapeutic approach is focused on the client’s self-determination to create change, while recognizing the various environmental, educational, cultural, and biological systems that contribute to client well-being.  Cristy aims to create an empathetic, safe, and hopeful therapeutic experience for each client. She uses a variety of modalities including play therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, TF-CBT, narrative therapy, and emotional regulation skills.  



Ketna Isma

Ketna Isma, Graduate Student Abilene Christian University

Ketna Isma is a graduate student at Abilene Christian University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s program. She is working under the supervision of Tara Spurr, LMHC. Ketna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Florida State University. Ketna has a variety of experiences working with children in the school setting as well as working with adults.

Ketna aspires to partner with her clients as they process minor and major events in their life. Ketna is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families create safe, strong, and fulfilling relationships.

Her therapeutic approach integrates Solution-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while always prioritizing the individual needs of her clients. She specializes in anxiety, stress, worry, identifying and changing troubling emotions, grief, relationships, family issues, and self-esteem.

Ketna is currently offering individual, family and couples therapy.