Helping You Thrive

Welcome to LiveWell Gainesville, a private therapy practice that offers you a peaceful, personalized experience in a convenient location to meet your needs. We provide therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all orientations, from preteens to elders.

We work from a person-centered, empowerment perspective that honors the significance of who you are and the power of your voice and your choice. We use EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral, and Humanistic techniques.

Wendy Gibbs, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified grief counselor,  Founder

I provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and coordination of care for a range of mental health challenges including: PTSD, mood disorders like bipolar and depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, dissociative disorders, bereavement, alcohol abuse, identity struggles, and relational distress.

I am also honored to provide therapeutic support for our U.S. military warriors returning home, as well as their families. I enjoy teaching college General Psychology and value fostering mentorship for college-aged students.

I am a trained EMDR therapist and have a passion to care for patients who are the survivors or witnesses of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.  I have additionally been trained in trauma response care as an advocate through the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence.

I have experience working as a victim advocate coordinating with law enforcement, working in group psychiatric practice coordinating with medical care, and consulting with both U.S. military veterans and veteran care-giver organizations.

Prior to pursuing graduate work, I served as a high school advisor and certified Advanced Placement English teacher for four years and an editor and ghost writer for five years. I have collaborated on more than 27 published manuscripts. I received my bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Florida and have been a life-long resident of Alachua County.

My husband of 21 years, teenage children, and I enjoy kayaking the beautiful springs and rivers of Florida.

Micki Luck,
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

My focus is on increasing wellness through a whole-person approach that is unique to each individual. Working with adults of all ages, including elderly, I love helping my clients find their individual paths to health and healing.   

Despite the best efforts and intentions, there are times when your life seems too difficult and harder than it should be. This may show up as a sense of meaninglessness, feeling stuck in a dead-end job, a tumultuous relationship, or perhaps a destructive habit. Repetitive thought patterns and the feeling that you “should know what to do” may be keeping you stuck. 

My approach is person-centered, affirming, and integrative. I incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques, without adhering to a prescriptive or “one-size fits all” intervention style. Areas of treatment include, but are not limited to, anxiety, addiction, mood disorders, disordered eating and body image issues, trauma, grief, chronic illness, and identity and/or sexuality issues. I also work with men’s issues and persons affected by diversity and/or cultural, familial, or societal stressors. 

A social worker for over 20-years, I have worked in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, veteran’s services, and medical health care. I enjoy the diversity of practice and am continually in awe as I witness the strength and resilience of the individuals that have allowed me to walk alongside in their journeys.

I grew up in Mississippi, completed my college education in North Carolina, and have lived in Gainesville, FL for 10 years. I find my restoration in nature and in my relationships (including my dog Lou), and have a great love for books and chocolate!

 

KatIE SPARGO, Licensed mental health counselor

 

States of Licensure

  • Florida: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

  • South Carolina: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • North Carolina:  Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

As a counselor, I believe that the human capacity to heal and be resilient is a unique aspect of being human. I view it as an honor to join with individuals and families as they journey towards mental health and wholeness. I am extremely passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma as they work to heal, find meaning, and grow through their stories.

I hold a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and I am currently earning a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education at the University of Florida. I am also EMDR trained. My doctoral work has provided me with invaluable access to research, interventions, and developments in the counseling field. I have been an instructor of record for an undergraduate Stress and Anxiety Management course, a Family and Community Involvement course, and a teaching intern for a master’s level Trauma and Crisis Intervention course.  

I have experience working with individuals across age ranges and life experiences. I have worked with clients as they processed trauma histories, individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression, foster care and adoption issues, those who have experienced trauma, individuals who are survivors of violence, individuals who have a history of sexual assault, and adolescents with behavioral issues. My work has taken place in many settings including an academic setting, therapy camps, and individual sessions.  

I am enthusiastic about the science that makes therapy work and often utilize psychoeducation to help others understand their struggles. I work from an integrative trauma-informed, attachment-based approach. I also utilize elements of other humanistic approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral, Creative interventions, Logotherapy, Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Trust-Based Relational Interventions, and Psychotherapy.

 

Paige Carter, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern

As a counselor, I am dedicated to cultivating a therapeutic space where people can experience healing and growth, reclaim their sense of self, and rediscover the joy in life.

I recognize that painful life experiences can lead to feelings of loss and lack of identity, and I am committed to equipping clients with the tools they need to process trauma, identify their inner strengths, and find pleasure in life’s experiences once again.

I hold a Master’s and an Education Specialist degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Florida, and beginning in the Fall of 2024, I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at UF. My endeavors at UF have included being an Instructor of Record for undergraduate courses – Interpersonal Communication, College and Sexuality, and Introduction to Trauma and Crisis – and being a part of research teams focused on education and psychology.

My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in humanistic, systemic, and psychodynamic theories, creating an integrative framework that honors the complexity of the human experience. Having a diverse therapeutic background that includes working in a psychiatric hospital, a detox and rehabilitation center, a couples’ counseling clinic, school settings, and a residential treatment facility for mental health, I have gained invaluable experience in supporting individuals, couples, children, and families through various stages of their healing journey. Supporting people in the therapeutic journey as they process trauma, grieve loss, and learn and apply practical coping skills has equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and the importance of providing tailored therapeutic interventions.

Outside of my professional endeavors, I find joy in exploring the nature of Florida through hiking, kayaking, and swimming. I cherish moments spent laughing with family and friends, and I enjoy immersing myself in a wide range of literature: thriller, comedy, historical fiction/nonfiction, romance, and psychoeducation books. I am always reading

something!

 

 

Kathryn Large, Licensed mental health COUNSELoR

I provide therapy for adults, college students, and adolescents with various mental health concerns including but not limited to clinical anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, grief and adjustment disorders, and relational distress.

My goal as a practitioner is to form deep and authentic relationships with clients and sit with them amid struggle and loss of all kinds. I seek to empathically connect with clients to bring healing in a safe environment and help them move forward with collaborative solutions. Through counseling, my hope is that each of my clients feel accepted, known, and empowered to reach their highest potential. I believe this will enable my clients to live healthy and happy lives.

I have been counseling individuals and groups at LiveWell Gainesville, LLC since 2019. I am a trained EMDR therapist, and I provide trauma-informed and person-centered care using a variety of therapeutic techniques.

I have lived in Gainesville for the past four years with my husband, Jeremy. I enjoy reading and watching movies, exploring Gainesville’s many parks, and cuddling our puppy Obi.

 

Jennifer Schmidt, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern

As a counselor, I am passionate about helping couples and individuals live more meaningful and connected lives. My approach to counseling is grounded in empathy and focused on creating a safe and collaborative space for clients to heal and reach their goals.  

I provide services to clients who are seeking to enhance their sense of connection to themselves and their partners, learn how to repair and grow from conflict, and build trust and vulnerability in their relationships. I serve couples and adults of all ages struggling with various mental health concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship distress, grief and loss, men’s issues, trauma, and adjustment disorders.

I am a proud veteran and use this unique perspective to understand the complex and diverse backgrounds of my clients. I am passionate about continuing to serve the military community and working with veterans who are looking for support.

I grew up as an Army brat and have spent my childhood and adult life moving and living across the United States. My family and I are excited to be returning to Gainesville and serving this great community. Outside of work, I enjoy running, photography, and spending time with my kids.

 
 

Clint gibbs, accountant

Clint Gibbs is a graduate of the Warrington college of Business and also the Fisher School of accounting from the University of Florida. He has been working in the area of finance and accounting for over 25 years. In his free time, Clint manages a YouTube channel that is focused primarily on cycling and also enjoys kayaking Florida’s waters with his family.

 

Alexandria Zaldivar,
Office Manager

 

I am one of the first faces you’ll be greeted by when you walk into our office.

I am a University of Central Florida alumna with over ten years’ experience in client relations and a love for client care.  I look forward to using this experience to make your time with us warm and welcoming. When I’m not assisting the team in the office, I can be found dancing, reading, watching movies or exploring Gainesville with my family.