About the Therapist

Mary Gavin Cantillo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who specializes in working with school aged children and their families, particularly gifted children. Having worked at Pine View School for the gifted for more than ten years, Mary is intimately aware of the challenges facing gifted children and their families, as well as the academic demands and social emotional needs that present themselves.

She is thrilled to be able to continue this work in her private therapy practice. A former classroom teacher, Mary melds her knowledge of instruction and how to learn with therapeutic techniques such as play therapy, art therapy, bibliotherapy, and journaling to effect change.

Mary received her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Education and Mental Health from the University of South Florida. She practices as a therapist in Sarasota, Florida. She is state licensed in Mental Health and holds additional state certifications in School Counseling, Gifted Education, Elementary Education, and Education Leadership. She also earned accreditation as a National Board Certified Teacher in School Counseling and received additional training in Art Therapy at the Ringling School of Art and Design. Skills Based Counseling is located in Sarasota, Fl.