BETHANY CAPARASO
SOCIAL WORKER
I have a deep passion for supporting children, teens and families who have experienced or are experiencing significant trauma. I hold both a bachelor's and master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida. I began my career in 2008 working in the Child Welfare System in Hillsborough County, FL. My work primarily focuses on children and teens who have experienced trauma related to substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health and/or abuse or neglect. I strive to provide a safe, supportive space for them to heal and grow. In 2017, began working in the school setting as a social worker for Pasco County Schools where I providing counseling, crisis intervention, and support to students in need. I am deeply committed to advocating for children and ensuring they have a voice in their own healing process.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, with particular focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which I use to help individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns that impact their emotional well-being and behavior. I believe in the power of providing children, teens, and families with the tools to understand their emotions, cope with challenges and develop healthier patterns of thinking. I tailor my approach to meet each of my client’s unique needs, drawing from techniques in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. At the core of my practice is a client and family centered approach, which emphasizes collaboration and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, valued, and empowered to share their experiences. I work closely with families to create a supportive environment for growth, believing that healing is most effective when it involves the entire family unit.
Outside of my professional life, I am a firm believer in work-life balance, and I prioritize spending quality time with my family and friends. When I'm not chasing around my energetic 3-year-old son, I love soaking up the sun by the pool or at the beach—there’s nothing like a little time outdoors to recharge. I also appreciate quieter moments at home, where I can relax on the couch with a good crime documentary.
I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I work with, and I am always striving to learn and grow as a professional to best serve my clients.
AMANDA ODUM
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
I am a compassionate and dedicated school psychologist with an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology. My journey in education began as a teacher, where I developed a deep understanding of the challenges that students face both inside and outside the classroom. This experience has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to connect with children on a deeper level and support them in meaningful ways.
Throughout my career, I have worked in various school settings, helping students navigate emotional, social, and academic challenges. I am passionate about empowering children to develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, academic difficulties, emotional regulation, or interpersonal relationships, I strive to provide compassionate support and effective strategies tailored to their unique needs.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based interventions and personalized guidance, ensuring that each child and family I work with feels heard, valued, and supported. I believe that fostering a safe and nurturing environment is essential for growth, and I am committed to helping students and their families build the resilience and tools they need to succeed.
Katie Barfield-Craig
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
I have a profound commitment to supporting the inner resilience of children and their families. I’m dedicated to helping every child discover their inner warrior. I often say I took the long road to my social work career, gaining experience in juvenile justice, law enforcement, child welfare, and the school system. This diverse background allows me to effectively support my clients through their toughest challenges.
My educational background consists of bachelor's degrees in criminology and anthropology, giving me insights into human behavior, psychology, and the impact of culture and society. Additionally, I obtained a Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida, where I developed skills to support children and families and expanded my understanding of the biopsychosocial factors affecting individuals.
With extensive clinical experience, I have worked with children facing trauma, learning disabilities, and emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. My empathetic approach centers on the whole child, using a cognitive behavioral framework to address problematic thoughts affecting emotions and behaviors. I provide personalized support in a safe space, addressing issues like childhood or adolescent difficulties, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and trauma.
As a mother of an active and energetic 8-year-old boy, I also bring personal experience to my practice, which allows me to connect with my clients and families on a deeper level. Believing in the power of humor and warmth, I incorporate these elements into my sessions, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages children to open up and embrace their strengths. This approach not only facilitates the therapeutic process but also helps children build confidence and resilience.
Through dedication and compassionate care, my goal is to make a lasting difference, guiding children and families on their journey towards empowerment and healing. I believe a strong partnership and collaboration with my clients and their families is the key to long-lasting wellness and am always honored to be a part of their restorative journey.
Mikesha Thomas
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Hello, my name is Mikesha Thomas, and I’m excited to introduce myself. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida with a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and families on their journey toward emotional well-being.
I earned my B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Science from the University of South Florida and my M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College. Over the years, I have worked with diverse populations, including young children and adolescents, in both school and community settings. My experience includes serving as the Lead Clinician at PACE School for Girls and Duval County HeadStart, where I provided counseling, monitored client progress, and facilitated group sessions to promote emotional stability and personal growth. Additionally, I have worked as a Military Family Life Counselor, supporting the unique needs of children and families of active-duty service members.
I am passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to thrive, and I look forward to working alongside the families at this agency to create positive change. I am eager to collaborate, support, and empower each child to reach their fullest potential.
Nicole Padilla
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
I’m a school psychologist (Ed.S.) with a lifelong passion for supporting the growth and development of children and adolescents. My journey began over 15 years ago as a ballet teacher, working with students ages 3 to 18. It was in the dance studio that I first saw the power of strong, supportive relationships in helping young people thrive—an insight that continues to shape my approach today, whether I’m in a classroom, counseling session, or evaluation setting.
Before becoming a school psychologist, I worked as an elementary school teacher, where I built a strong foundation in child development, collaboration, and whole-child support. Now, I carry that same team-oriented spirit into my work at Growing Minds Psychology, where I provide both therapeutic services and comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations. My goal is always to uncover a child’s unique strengths and challenges while equipping families with clear, actionable insights and compassionate support.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from National Louis University. My experience includes assessing a wide range of learning, emotional, and developmental needs, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, anxiety, depression, and giftedness. In counseling, I focus on helping children build confidence, emotional awareness, and practical coping skills—while working closely with families every step of the way.
As both a psychologist and a mother, I understand how important it is to create a thoughtful, nurturing path forward for each child. I feel honored to support families in building connection, resilience, and lasting growth.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and our two young sons. We enjoy outdoor adventures like biking, kayaking, and hiking, and we’re always up for exploring something new together. I’m proud to be a part of the Growing Minds Psychology team and look forward to walking alongside families on their unique journeys.
Haley Cote
LICENSED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
As a school psychologist, my mission is to nurture the unique potential within every child and adolescent, empowering them to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. With a strong foundation in education and psychology, I bring over five years of dedicated experience as a school psychologist, specializing in comprehensive psychoeducational assessments and therapeutic interventions.
My educational background has laid the foundation for my work. I earned my undergraduate degree from Florida Southern College and went on to complete my graduate studies at the University of South Florida, where I received an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology. This academic preparation, combined with my professional experience, enables me to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to students and families alike.
My work centers on identifying and supporting students with giftedness, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, autism, and ADHD. I am deeply committed to delivering individualized, evidence-based evaluations that not only clarify learning needs but also guide effective educational planning and support. I believe in each student’s potential, as a result, my approach combines professional insight with compassionate care. I partner closely with families to ensure that every child receives the tailored support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Marilyn Marrero
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (Bilingual)
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice, committed to helping individuals and families find healing, growth, and emotional well-being. I earned my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Leo University.
I began my clinical journey in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and have since gained extensive experience working in both community-based mental health and private practice settings. These experiences have shaped my ability to support clients through a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, I offer culturally sensitive and trauma-informed counseling. I’ve worked with victims of violent crimes, as well as children, adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and the elderly.
My work with children and adolescents often focuses on emotional regulation, behavior management, self-esteem, and family communication, as well as healing from trauma or challenging life experiences. I also support children and families navigating ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, offering strategies to build coping skills, social development, and stronger family relationships.
With young adults, I provide guidance as they transition into adulthood, helping them explore identity, manage academic and career pressures, develop independence, and improve relationships. My supportive, goal-oriented approach empowers clients to build resilience and confidence during this transformative time.
I also served as a contracted Assessor for the State of Florida, conducting evaluations and offering recommendations in Department of Children and Families reunification cases. In that role, I used the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment to help inform child welfare decisions and support family reunification efforts.
I am certified in Adoption Trauma, Therapeutic Trauma-Informed Care/Childhood Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Abuse Trauma. My training and experience in trauma work are central to the care I provide.
Areas of expertise include:
Abuse, Neglect, and Child Welfare
Adoption and Attachment Trauma
Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Behavioral Issues and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Children and Adolescent Counseling
Couples and Marriage Counseling
Depression
Family Conflict
Grief and Loss
Parenting and Psychoeducation
Parent Coordination
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Young Adults Transitioning into Adulthood
My therapeutic approach is rooted in Reality-Based Therapy, a client-centered form of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy that emphasizes improving present relationships and life circumstances. I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that contribute to their stress or emotional pain.
Through collaboration and trust, I help clients build emotional resilience, develop healthier relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.