Meet Our Team
Tara McDonnell, LCSW, RPT-S
Tara McDonnell, Founder of Rising Lotus, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) who specializes in working with children under 6. Tara is dedicated to providing early intervention to help families create a strong and healthy foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being. She has worked successfully with children who have experienced anxiety, attachment disruptions, depression, divorce, grief and loss, sensory processing challenges, sexual abuse, and trauma, as well as gifted children with social-emotional difficulties. Tara has extensive experience and training in evidenced-based interventions such as Child-Centered Play Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and utilizing art therapy techniques. Tara is also an HSP-Knowledgeable Professional, specializing in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and Children (HSCs). Tara is also the Chair of the Southeast Chapter of the Florida Association for Play Therapy.
Alexandra Connor, LCSW
Alexandra Connor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent her career working with children and their families. Before entering private practice, Alex provided services in a variety of settings such as schools and outpatient settings. She also worked as a Therapist and Program Coordinator at Tykes and Teens, where she created an LGBTQ+ group for youth. She works with both individuals and groups whose concerns may include depression, anxiety, abuse, gender identity and sexual identity, as well as emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse. Each treatment plan is tailored to fit her client’s emotional and therapeutic needs and can include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, and Psychodrama interventions.
Melissa Krulik, Ph.D, NCSP
Dr. Melissa Krulik is a Licensed Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). She received her undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and doctoral degree from Temple University. In addition, Dr. Melissa is a credentialed Health Service Psychologist. She has extensive experience in psychoeducational assessment for children through young adults ages four to twenty-two. Dr. Melissa has worked in various settings including private practice, PK-12 schools, and university-based diagnostic centers. She is committed to the highest standards of evidence-based practices. Her training and experience encompass the wide range of neurodevelopmental, educational and behavioral disorders that present in childhood and adolescence. Dr. Melissa has spent her career helping children and their families in a collaborative, supportive and warm environment.
Jillian Lepera, LMHC, C-DBT
Jillian is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults in relationship building, communication strategies, and trauma resolution. She has provided services in many arenas including community mental health, inpatient residential, outpatient therapy, group therapy settings and pediatric primary care. Dedicated to considering the whole mind, body and spirit in therapeutic work, Jillian brings creativity, self-expression and positive psychology to help individuals create meaningful lives and relationships. Her approach encompasses behavioral, cognitive, dialectical-behavioral and person-centered treatment modalities. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapy effective for trauma resolution. Trained in art therapy techniques and play therapy strategies, Jillian provides creative interventions and modes of expression for her clients.
Kara Murphy, LCSW
Kara Murphy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, group and family settings. Kara has extensive experience being trained in and utilizing evidence-based modalities. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent and Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), she has also received specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With additional training in play and art-based modalities, Kara enjoys making treatment a fun and safe place for all of her clients to learn and express themselves in various ways.