“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”- Bob Marley
Kim Martinez, LMHC
Kim is the owner and lead counselor at True North Counseling.
She helps families work together to assist children in gaining life-long skills in order to become emotionally healthy adults.
She treats children with self-esteem concerns, anxiety, gifted children, ADHD, LGBTQIA+, school and family behavior issues, and High Sensitivity.
Kim works with parents to create healthy and effective parenting techniques.
She specializes in using art therapy, play therapy and sand tray techniques. As well, Kim uses Synergetic Play Therapy.
Kim is a infant toddler developmental specialist , a Family Centered Parenting Coach and a specialist in High Sensitivity
Kim studied at the University of South Florida for a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Florida State University for a Masters in K-12 Arts Education and Nova Southeastern University for a Masters of Mental Health Counseling
Published articles/quoted articles:
Quoted in Reader’s Digest:
https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/healthy-habits-family/
FirstPlayCafe ezine:
https://www.firstplaycafe.com/blog/helping-kids-communicate-through-art-and-nature
Jen Taylor Play Therapy Blog:
https://jentaylorplaytherapy.com/anxiety-in-children
Jen Taylor Play Therapy Blog:
https://jentaylorplaytherapy.com/dare-to-dream
Quoted in The Plum online:
https://theplumonline.com/relationships/birdnesting-pros-and-cons
Marni Wonderley, M.A. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Marni is an experienced school counselor with 25+ years in the public-school system. Marni has worked with children ages 5 and older. During those years, she has helped children and parents navigate through anxiety, depression, divorce, family changes, traumatic and various other life experiences. Children often handle events different than adults. Marni uses an eclectic approach when working with children. The tools she uses often include art, sand, and play as those are less threatening to children than having to “talk” about what is happening.
In addition to working with children, Marni is available to consult with parents going through the diagnosis and evaluation process with schools. She can help navigate the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.
She will be offering small group counseling for social skills and transition to middle school and high school.
While Marni is a part of True North Counseling Services, she is working towards a Doctorate degree in Community Counseling with an emphasis in Trauma.
Marni is excited to join this private practice and can’t wait to be able to provide H.O.P.E. and Solutions.
Kristen Staron-La Cagnina, LCSW
Kristen enjoys working with children and specializes in working with children ages 0 to 10 and their families. She works with infants, young children, and their families to help overcome challenges with adjustment problems, exposure to trauma, anxiety, depression, and bonding and attachment. This is done by learning about infant and child development, developing social and coping skills, and bonding, play, art, and sensory activities.
Kristen has nine years of experience engaging in mental health therapy with children using techniques such as play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. She believes in working with children at their level of needs and understanding. She has worked with children and their families, children in foster care, and adopted children and children in the process of being adopted. She is certified in the use of the DC:0-5: Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Development Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood, is trained in infant mental health, and has completed the Certification Program for Adoption Competent Mental Health Professionals. Kristen is also an active member of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health.
Kristen received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida.
Genevieve May, MSW Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
Genevieve May graduated from Florida State University in 2017 with her Master of Social Work. She is an Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern at True North Counseling Services. Genevieve is passionate about using play to guide children who are experiencing stress at home, school, in their families or in peer relationships. Genevieve specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She enjoys working alongside parents/caregivers and understands that each family is unique and needs a therapeutic approach tailored to their lives specifically. Genevieve also works with adolescents (ages 13-17) who are struggling with self-esteem and identity issues and is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist. Genevieve will be running the Saturday groups for True North Counseling.
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