Heart to Heart Counseling, LLC specializes in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintains a private practice in Sarasota Florida.
Meet The Team & Find The Right Counselor & Therapist For You
April S. Lambert, LMFT
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST
-Owner and Founder of Heart to Heart
- 15+ Years in practice
- MS in Counseling at California State
University, Fullerton ('93)
- License No. FL MT1908
I believe that every person has intrinsic value and thus should be treated with great respect and positive regard. My overall approach is based on this premise and this attitude is maintained throughout therapy. My approach is direct, open, and relational. I do not hesitate to offer concrete direction once trust has been earned. I consider the "whole" person in developing a treatment plan, which to me includes their personal and family history, physical and emotional health, and current relationship support. I believe that the best therapy leads the client (both individuals and couples) towards increased well being.
Jennifer Wheat,
LMFT
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST
- 15+ years in practice
- MS in Counselor Education at
Indiana University ('02) & Post-Graduate
Certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy
at Indiana Wesleyan University ('04)
- License No. MT3610
There are times when the weight of our troubles is too much for us to carry alone. Life’s challenges and losses can sometimes lead to anxiety, stress, depression, hopelessness and even despair. If you experience these things, the wise and courageous thing to do is ask for help. In our work together, I will integrate our Christian faith and value system along with evidence-based treatment strategies to help you move from hopelessness toward freedom and healing. I accept Aetna, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar Health, Cigna, Meritain, and Blue Cross insurance.
​
**Please note that Jennifer sees clients OVER 18 YEARS OLD at 329 Nokomis Ave S, Suite H, Venice FL 34285.
Michelle Rogers,
LMHC
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
- 15+ years in practice
- MA Mental Health & Counseling from
Regent University Virginia Beach VA (95)
- License No. MH11929
I have a deep conviction in the reality of a compassionate God who is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. I am passionate about helping others to break free from destructive beliefs and unhealthy behaviors that rob them of joy. If you would like to learn more about me visit my website and blog at www.michellerogerslmhc.com.
​
​
Scott Makowske,
MS IMHC
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
- 20 years experience
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
from National Louis University ('20)
- License No. FL MH22357
While my most extensive experience is in addictions treatment and substance abuse counseling, I have a passion for trauma, mental health, and family therapies as well. Even from my early beginnings in this career, my focus and ultimate goal has always been to help people from every walk of life, no matter their history or background. I prioritize getting to know my clients as individuals and tailoring my treatments specifically to each one. I take a “whole life” approach, focusing not only on personal issues, but taking a deep look into relationships with family and friends, ideas of value systems, and beliefs about oneself. I firmly believe all need to be addressed to have advantageous outcomes in therapy.
Greg Cintron,
LMFT
LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST
- 15 + years in practice
- MS in Counseling at University of Phoenix - Lone Tree Campus CO ('09)
- License No. FL MT3781
People would describe me as calm, humorous, and direct. I come from a diverse professional background with 10 yrs. in the medical field and 15+ yrs. in the mental health field. I understand the dynamics and complexities of trauma within the individual and family unit. I consider it an honor to have worked with trauma survivors including military, paramilitary professionals, grief/loss and family members for 20+ years. I also thoroughly enjoy helping couples wherever they are in their journey together, to include co-parenting. Lastly, God has given me the ability to help professionals meet career goals through problem-solving and navigating working relationships. I am an EMDR Provider and trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I serve adolescents & adults.
Kara Bumgarner,
LMHC
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
- 13 years in practice
- Argosy University / Sarasota ('08)
- License No. FL MH10745
I have been working in the mental health field since 1989 and in practice since 2008. It has been said "if you have a pulse, then you have problems." Grief, life transitions, marital issues, illness, and anxiety (excessive worry), are just a few of the issues we might encounter in life. I am solution-focused and work to give you the tools necessary, to manage the problems in your life. I do not hesitate to give you direct feedback as you seek healing. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and empowering environment where you can deal with your pain and struggles and start living the life you desire.
Ashleigh H. Lorenz,
LCSW
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
-15 years experience
- MA of Social Work from University of
South Florida
- License No. FL SW10064
I have been fortunate to have 15+ years of experience in varying areas of social work from early childhood development, family therapy, children and adolescent issues, human trafficking, and geriatrics. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong passion for women and children and have made it a mission to assist them in walking through and healing from the challenges of life. My goal is to provide a safe and healing environment for my clients while helping them identify the power that lies within themselves for change, growth, and flourishing. This is accomplished by exploring unhelpful thought and behavioral patterns and identifying how these hold a person back from reaching the goals and desires held for life.
​​
​
​
​
Claudine Aievoli,
LCSW-R, MsEd, BC PPC
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
-15+ years experience
- MS in Education from Bank Street College
of Education (03)
- License No. FL SW18899
Hello, I’m Claudine. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting women, children, and families through life’s challenges. My passion is to combine clinical excellence with biblical wisdom, helping people find true healing, resilience, and hope.
​
I work with women — especially Christian women — healing from betrayal trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), grief counseling, trauma recovery, and faith-based principles, I create a safe, compassionate space where women can rediscover strength, identity, and peace.
​
I also support parents, children, and teens facing anxiety, OCD, ADHD, self-esteem struggles, and the ups and downs of growing up. A special focus of mine is helping parents and teens reconnect, communicate, and thrive together. For families who desire Christian counseling, I integrate biblical principles with evidence-based care to build faith, resilience, and healthy relationships.
​
My mission is simple: whether you are a woman longing for healing, a parent seeking guidance, or a teen learning to manage big emotions, I walk alongside you toward clarity, courage, and restoration. Life after betrayal is possible, healing for families is real, and restoration is God’s gift for every generation.
Elizabeth Payne,
​LMHC
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
-10 years experience
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at
Liberty University ('19)
- License No. FL IMH18590
No matter where you find yourself in life today, I am a firm believer in the power of a safe space to process, heal, and grow. Outside of my faith and family, serving as a source of encouragement and guidance to others is my greatest passion, and it would be an honor to walk beside you in this season.
I work with couples and individuals ages 12 and up. My approach is empathetic, person-centered, and holistic as we evaluate the mental, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual aspects of life. One of my favorite things to “nerd out” over is how understanding our own brains lends so much insight into how we can break free from addictive patterns, manage anxiety, find healing from trauma, and instill healthy habits. We will integrate this into our counseling sessions as well as other techniques and tools. Therapy can be hard work, but YOU are a worthwhile investment and I would love to partner with you on the journey.
*Prospective clients please contact Elizabeth at 941-927-7411 or email at elizabethpaynetherapy@gmail.com for consultation. Accepted insurance includes Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. My self-pay rate is $145 and I do work on a sliding scale in select situations.
Bekah Hilts,
IMF
REGISTERED INTERN: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
-3+ years experience helping refugees and survivors of human trafficking
-12+ years of experience in social work/ non-profit
- MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University
- License No. IMF 4102
​
Wherever you are in your life journey, I believe having a safe space to "come as you are" is essential to the healing process. That is why I firmly believe in creating a compassionate atmosphere without judgment. My therapeutic approach is holistic (mind, body, spirit). My experience living overseas for 3+ years helping refugees and survivors of human trafficking and having 12+ years in non-profit/social work has allowed me to understand the power of human connection and the immense value we all possess as image bearers of God. My training includes couples and individual therapy, parent-child relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship stressors. I am passionate about getting to know your story and collaborating with you to find meaningful goals that help decrease anxiety and empower you to find peace.
