Meet Our Crew
Licensed Professionals
Cindi Gayle
PhD, Licensed Psychologist, NCSP, Qualified Supervisor
Director
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Expertise
Prior to opening my own practice, I worked as an Assistant Professor for UF Health in the College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry for several years. I worked extensively in both inpatient and outpatient treatment pediatric and adult programs focusing on the evaluation and treatment of OCD and related disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Perinatal/Postpartum mental health, Tics/Tourette’s, Trichotillomania, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Complex Trauma and Disruptive Behavior Disorders. I was the director and coordinator of various programs related to Psychological Assessment, OCD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have treated and evaluated individuals all over the world.
I have specialty training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy including Exposure and Response Prevention, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (Certified Provider and Level 1 Trainer), and Habit Reversal Training for Tics, Tourette’s and Trichotillomania. I have experience treating those across the life-span.
I also have significant experience teaching and supervising psychiatry residents/fellows, graduate students in mental health training programs (e.g., Clinical, Counseling, School Psychology and Counselor Education), and postdoctoral fellows in behavioral health treatment modalities. I use a developmental model when supervising future mental health practitioners.
I am engaged in research focused on ASD, OCD and related disorders. I also have presented my work and areas of interest at the local, national, and international level to disseminate information on empirically supported treatments.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
I am excited to provide high quality services and specialized services for those who are in need of such support.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness is focused on taking care of my mind, body and soul.
Jamie Stormer
PsyD, Licensed Psychologist, Qualified Supervisor
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Expertise
My training and clinical experiences focus on the administration of psychological assessments as well as the treatment of Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, ASD and characteristics of other mood disorders. My treatment approaches include the use of CBT, ERP, PCIT, and behavioral modification approaches. I have experience treating individuals across the lifespan.
Training Institutions
I earned my doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University. Following my graduate training, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the UF College of Medicine within the UF health Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry where I had experience working with individuals with diverse presentations.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
I bring an individualized approach to diagnostic clarity and treatment recommendations that emphasizes respect and a celebration of differences. Every person has their own set of strengths that should be recognized and utilized to further their capabilities and develop areas for improvement.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness is to ensure a balance of self care with everyday responsibilities. This includes adopting a lifestyle that includes healthy activities that foster mental, physical, and social functioning. I believe in integrating one’s personal values, beliefs, goals, and preferred activities to assist in creating a plan that meets each person’s individual needs to promote and further wellness.
Gillian Lipari
PhD, Licensed School Psychologist, NCSP
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Expertise
I have a strong background in completing comprehensive pediatric evaluations to include a wide range of clinical presentations, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Training Institutions
Completed Ph.D. Internship at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at UF in 2013-2014 and has worked as a practicing school psychologist in Marion County Public Schools since the 2014-2015 school year.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
I am excited to bring my expertise working with children, families, and school systems to the FLOAAT Center. I have a passion for conducting psychoeducational evaluations and engaging in consultation and advocacy work to ensure that children obtain the necessary supports that they need to be successful and reach their fullest potential.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness is holistic taking into consideration all facets of wellbeing, including the mind, body, and faith.
Amy Mannik
EdS, Licensed School Psychologist
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Expertise
I have over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive evaluations, counseling, advocacy, and consultation services to children, adolescents, and families with a variety of presenting concerns, including autism, anxiety, depression, self-regulation, learning, intellectual, deaf/hard of hearing, and emotional and behavioral. My experience as a school psychologist began in Wisconsin where I worked part-time for a year and developed a keen interest in children with severe emotional behavioral difficulties and autism. From there, I moved to Valdosta, Georgia and worked for two years at Comprehensive Psychoeducational Services of South Georgia providing psychoeducational services to children and adolescents identified as having severe emotional/behavioral disabilities and/or autism. Then I transitioned to Marion County Public Schools, Ocala, Florida, where I currently practice as a school psychologist.
Training Institutions
I completed my Bachelor of Arts from the College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota and my Masters of Science in Education and Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Superior, Wisconsin.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
I am excited to bring my expertise in comprehensive assessment, consultation, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, 504 Plans, and Exceptional Student Education to the FLOAAT Center. I thrive on assisting children and families in gaining access to supports and resources that promote wellness and success in the home, school, and community.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness focuses on the relationship between physical health and mental health.
Fredrica Grant
MS, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Expertise
My training and clinical experiences focus on the behavioral treatment of those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. I also help provide behavioral interventions for those with ADHD, Anxiety and Trauma using my training background. I have worked in close collaboration with other clinical disciplines and allied professionals, including speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists). I have conducted clinical empirical research on treatment outcomes for interventions focused on food refusal and toilet training.
Training Institutions
I earned my bachelor of science (BS) degree from Andrews University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in French. During my undergraduate studies I served as the executive administrative assistant for Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA). It was there that I learned about the effectiveness of ABA therapy and developed a passion for helping children and their families. I continued my education at Simmons University where I obtained an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and completed my practicum training at the May Institute. In 2017, I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I have experience working in the following settings: in-home, center-based, and on-line using telebehavioral health platforms.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
I use a behavioral approach tailored to the unique needs of every client. I value assisting individuals in making changes in their behaviors to build independence and harmony within families. I also truly enjoy working with caregivers and other important key stakeholders (e.g., teachers, other family members who assist with child care, etc.) as well to give them tools and skills to empower them in the process of facilitating behavioral changes across the family/school unit.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness is to ensure I pursue areas that are important to me whether it be my family, career, or hobbies. I enjoy water sports, reading a nice book, challenging myself to a complex puzzle.
Julie Wiggins
MA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Expertise
I started my career primarily working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Over the past six years, I have expanded my competency and now help children diagnosed with a wide range of symptom presentations such as those with behavioral difficulties associated with disorders such as anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and ODD. As a behavior analyst, I am able to provide direct support to children while also involving the whole family through individualized caregiver and sibling training. I prioritize a multidisciplinary approach to providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) care by partnering and working closely with a client’s educational support team and medical providers - such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, pediatricians, and psychiatrists.
Training Institutions
I discovered my love for working with children and seeing them thrive in therapeutic settings while in college at Florida State University, where I obtained my bachelor of science degree in Family and Child Sciences. Upon graduation, I worked as a registered behavioral technician while obtaining my master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through Arizona State University. I seek to stay up to date on the ever growing field of behavior therapy and actively find ways new research can best be implemented to provide the most effective care.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
My goal is to help FLOAAT clients and their family as a unit. Recognizing that all behavior is a form of communication, I help individuals find the most effective and appropriate ways to communicate with others. Prioritizing independence and autonomy, I strive to help families learn the best way to help their children learn a variety of skills - allowing children to live purposeful and meaningful lives both at home and in society.
Approach to Wellness
I have learned the best way I can help others is by first taking care of myself. I am taking life one day at a time, cherishing the big and small moments and seek to model this mindset for my clients. You can find me at my happiest sitting on the couch with my cat, Cauliflower, curled up in my lap while watching a new Netflix documentary with my husband.
Sabrina Brijbassi
MEd/EdS, LMHC
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Clinical Expertise
I have a background in providing therapy services and treatment to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from various backgrounds with a variety of presenting concerns that include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, ADHD, disordered eating, and mood disorders. My approach to effective treatment involves working with clients to incorporate strategies and interventions to improve their quality of life through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Intuitive Eating and other interdisciplinary theories. I have specialized training in CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training.
Training Institutions
I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida with a Masters and Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling. I completed a dual practicum and internship in both a private practice and institutional setting during that time. After graduation, I went on to complete my Registered Internship in UF Health's College of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Division of Psychology where I provided services to patients in inpatient, outpatient, and specialized clinic settings.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
I am excited to provide a safe and open space for those seeking to make changes in their lives to improve quality of life and encourage value-driven actions. I bring an effective and individualized treatment approach to address presenting concerns and help others as best as I can to work towards their therapeutic goals. I strive to advocate for my clients and create an environment that is culturally sensitive and inclusive of those from any background or identity.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness is finding the balance between self care and responsibilities. We can't pour from an empty cup so I strive to help clients hold space for both and reframe taking care of one's self as productivity so that we may have more energy and ability to manage whatever else life throws at us. I work with clients to create healthy habits that promote their own values and beliefs, and I work hard to model that in my own life.
Erik Bustamante
MA, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Preferred Pronouns: he/him/his
Clinical Expertise
Across my career, I have provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in a wide variety of locations: in-home therapy, clinic-based intensive outpatient treatment of severe challenging behaviors, and hospital-based treatment of severe challenging behaviors. My clinical experience has been working with individuals aged 5-22, mainly with developmental, intellectual, and/or mood disorders. My clinical interests are in treatment generalization to new settings (school or home), behavior reduction, skill acquisition, and integrating trauma-informed care in ABA practices.
Training Institutions
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Biological Sciences. I then pursued my Master of Arts degree in ABA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology while working at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s in-patient Neurobehavioral Unit (NBU). The NBU is designed for the assessment, stabilization, and treatment of individuals who engage in severe challenging behavior. While working as a clinician on the NBU for the past 5 years, I was fortunate to collaborate with several other disciplines (e.g., Speech and Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, School Staff, and Psychiatry) to create comprehensive treatment packages and ensure community support and resourced for admitted individuals and their families.
For the past 7 years, I have also volunteered my summers at Camp Opportunity, a non-profit organization that runs a summer camp for children from abusive and neglected households in the inner city. In my time at Camp Opportunity, I have worked both as a one-on-one counselor, and more recently, as a mentor for incoming counselors, guiding them on how to diffuse difficult situations and use trauma-informed practices with children diagnosed with social emotional learning disorders.
What I Bring to FLOAAT Center Clients
I am passionate about not only helping my clients, but also in building their support systems and connecting with other stakeholders and disciplines to ensure the best outcomes. My biggest hope is that my clients and their support systems develop an improved quality of life by being able to engage in their daily lives with less restrictions and/or being comfortable communicating their wants and needs. I plan on incorporating lessons I’ve learned from previous experiences, and adapt them to each of our client’s personal goals and/or values.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness includes taking the time to enjoy quality time with loved ones, friends, and the occasional “treat yourself” day!
Care Team
Graduate Student Trainees
Allison Greene
BS, Doctoral Student
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Training Institutions
I am a graduate of the University of Miami where I received my B.S. degree in Psychology and Elementary/Special Education. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Florida where I am pursuing my doctoral degree in School Psychology.
Why I’m Choosing a Mental Health Career
If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I have always kept this quote in mind when thinking about my career goals. This quote is why I am choosing a career in mental health. Mental health is so important and to be able to help someone with their mental health is what I want out of my career. The field of school psychology will allow me to better help the school-age population to the best of my ability by not only understanding the psychology side, but also how school plays an impact on their mental health.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness is to incorporate simple pleasures into my day. Although sometimes it is harder than other days, I try to set aside time each day to do something that I truly enjoy such as taking a nice walk through nature, eating my favorite dessert, or getting in bed early to read a book.
Michayla Yost
BS, Doctoral Student
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Training Institutions
I am a graduate of the University of Florida where I received my B.S. degree in Psychology. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Florida where I am pursuing my doctoral degree in School Psychology.
Why I’m Choosing a Mental Health Career
To me, a career in mental health means the opportunity to help my clients and their families reach their goals by offering support during challenging times. Psychology is a fascinating field that allows me to constantly learn and grow while changing the lives of those I work with. My hope is to provide children and families in need with high-quality services and resources that allow them to thrive.
Approach to Wellness
I believe that promoting wellness means doing things every day that are good for my mind and my body. Wellness is a lifestyle that involves waking up every day and making decisions that the healthiest and happiest version of myself would make. My approach to wellness involves spending quality time with my family and friends, getting plenty of sleep every night, taking walks in nice weather, and meditation.
Sasha Hatfield
MS, Doctoral Student
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Training Institutions
I am a graduate of both Boston College, where I received my B.S. degree in Economics, and Saint Joseph's University, where I received my M.S. in Education. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Florida where I am pursuing my Specialist degree in School Psychology.
Why I’m Choosing a Mental Health Career
I have always known I wanted my career to be focused on helping others. After teaching elementary school for four years, I discovered I am most passionate about helping children and adolescents be the best versions of themselves, academically, socially, and emotionally. The field of school psychology enables me to combine my enthusiasm for both education and psychology. In the future I hope to equip my clients with the knowledge and skills to face challenges, be resilient, and achieve personal growth.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness focuses on building habits and doing activities that promote physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of community. I also think it is important to find a personal balance between responsibilities and relaxation.
Shanyn Thompson
BS, Doctoral Student
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Training Institutions
I am a graduate of the University of Florida where I received my B.S. degree in Psychology. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Florida where I am pursuing my doctoral degree in School Psychology.
Why I’m Choosing a Mental Health Career
I have always enjoyed working with children and families, as well as having opportunities to help others. This field allows me to merge these passions. I am excited to be able to provide support and resources to those in my community, as well as empower my clients to be their best selves. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I hope to be able to promote that through my work.
Approach to Wellness
My approach to wellness focuses on finding a balance between the things that are most important to oneself. For me, that includes finding time to be with my friends and family, reading, and getting outside.
Abigail Howe
MS, MEd, BCBA, Doctoral Student
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Training Institutions
I hold a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree focused on Early Childhood Education and a Masters of Science (MS) degree focused on Special Education from Southern Illinois University (SIUC). I am a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS), Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS), and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I recently received a Masters of Education (MEd) from the University of Florida (UF) and am pursuing a PhD in School Psychology at UF. I have worked with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ACD), individuals that identify as Autistic, and people with varying developmental disorders.
Why I’m Choosing a Mental Health Career
As a neurodivergent person, I want to help people of all abilities by providing a variety of comprehensive assessment services to help foster clarity and understanding regarding a potential diagnosis. Assessments are a starting point to help determine what supports or services will help a person not only survive, but thrive in the world. Understanding neurodiversity, cultural diversity, gender identity, individual needs, and that a person is more than just a diagnosis, allows me to create treatment plans and support to help people of all abilities. As a fellow neurodivergent person, I provide both personal and professional understanding when assessing and working with people that experience and see the world differently.
Approach to Wellness
As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), I strive to follow an Aryurvedic lifestyle which focuses on the understanding of a holistic approach to wellness as well as the importance of the mind-body connection. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, biking, dancing, time at the beach, spending time in nature, attending art performances, time with friends, traveling to new countries, and of course, teaching and practicing yoga.