New Tampa Schools Have 4 Education Awards Finalists! 

Roxanne Coriell, Adam Wilinsky, Antonyia McCray & Bonnie Walters All Still Vying For Top Honors 

(L.-r.) 2024 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year Dr. Clayton Nylund of Blake High, Hillsborough Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres, 2025 Teacher of the Year finalist Roxanne (Roxi) Coriell, School Board chair Jessica Vaughn & Hunter’s Green Elementary principal Nicole Libby. (Photo provided by Hillsborough Public Schools) 

 Four representatives of New Tampa’s public schools have been announced as finalists for the 2025 Excellence in Education (EIE) Awards. 

From more than 13,000 teachers in Hillsborough County, one of five finalists will be named Teacher of the Year at the event, which is hosted by the Hillsborough Education Foundation, in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, on Thursday, January 23, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa. 

(Above, l.-r.) Dr. Clayton Nylund, Jessica Vaughn, 2025 Teacher of the Year finalist Adam Wilinsky, Pride Elementary principal Paulette English, and Van Ayres.

Similarly, one of five finalists will be named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, and one of four finalists will be awarded Instructional Support Employee of the Year honors. 

New Tampa is represented in all three of the categories, including two of the Teacher of the Year finalists. 

Roxanne (Roxi) Coriell, a kindergarten teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary, and Adam Wilinsky, a fifth grade math and science teacher at Pride Elementary, are both finalists for Teacher of the Year. 

In addition, Antonyia McCray, the success coach at Freedom High, is a finalist for Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. 

And Bonnie Walters, Secretary 4 at Tampa Palms Elementary, is a finalist for Instructional Support Employee of the Year.

TPE secretary 4 Bonnie Walters. 

On December 2, the finalists were visited by the “Surprise Patrol,” made up of representatives from the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Hillsborough County Public Schools and the EIE event sponsors. 

Roxi Coriell was visibly shocked as the Surprise Patrol entered her classroom that Monday morning, the first day back after this year’s Thanksgiving break.“I’m so honored to be the Hunter’s Green Teacher of the Year,” she later said, “and then, every step of the way, has been another complete surprise.” 

HGE principal Nicole Libby says Coriell is an innovator who genuinely deserves the nomination. 

“Mrs. Coriell is an exceptional educator who truly embodies the qualities of a dedicated and impactful teacher,” Libby says. “Her ability to create an engaging, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment sets her apart and makes her incredibly deserving of this recognition.” 

Meanwhile, at Tampa Palms Elementary, principal Angela Gluth says secretary Bonnie Walters, who has worked at the school for 27 years, is the heartbeat of their campus. 

(l.-r.) School Board member Lynn Gray, Antonyia McCray, Freedom principal Kevin Stephenson & School Board Vice Chair Karen Perez

“If she were to win at the District level, it would mean everything to us,” Gluth says. “It would be an opportunity for everyone  to know what we already know about how special and amazing she is. She doesn’t necessarily want the recognition, but I can’t think of a more deserving person.” 

Congratulations to all four of the finalists, as well as to all of the teachers and school staff members who were chosen to represent their respective schools as nominees for this year’s EIE awards. That complete list appears below. 

New Tampa’s 2025 Hillsborough Education Foundation EIE Awards Nominees 

Chiles Elementary 

Teacher of the Year: Felicia Sell, 2nd Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Marie Exantus, Varying Exceptionalities (VE) Teacher Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Cristhian Valladares Murillo, Night Crew Leader Custodian 

Clark Elementary 

Teacher: Brittany Long, 5th Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Donna Clark, ESOL Resource Teacher 

Support Employee: Alena Plumb, Secretary 1 

Heritage Elementary 

Teacher: Heather Leitzke, Access Points Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Lauren Sturlaugson, Media Specialist 

Support Employee: Aracely Garcia, Head Custodian 

Hunter’s Green Elementary 

Teacher: *Roxanne Coriell, Kindergarten Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Michelle Lilius, ESOL 

Resource Teacher 

Support Employee: Ivan Vazquez Rico, Custodian 

Pride Elementary 

Teacher: *Adam Wilinsky, 5th Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Christine Goff, School Counselor 

Support Employee: Alexandria DeJoseph, 

Principal’s Secretary 

Tampa Palms Elementary 

Teacher: Elizabeth DaSilva, 3rd Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Lindsay Vizzi, Speech Lang. Pathologist 

Support Employee: *Bonnie Walters, Secretary 4 

Turner-Bartels K-8 School 

Teacher: Elaine Kurtright, Media Specialist 

Ida S. Baker: Marelisa Moreno, ESOL 

Resource Teacher 

Support Employee: Sheila Swain, Bookkeeper 

Benito Middle School 

Teacher: Chris Ellis, English Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Felicia Chalmers, Varying 

Exceptionalities Teacher 

Support Employee: Mili Criswell, Exceptional 

Student Education Paraprof. 2 

Liberty Middle School 

Teacher: Natalia Maritza Sutton, Math Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Dottie Urbanek-Nash, 

School Social Worker 

Support Employee: Angela J. Gonzalez, 

Data Processor 

Freedom High 

Teacher: Barrett Biernacki, Phys. Education Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: *Antonyia McCray, 

Student Success Coach 

Support Employee: Annmarie McLaughlin, 

Principal’s Secretary 4 

Wharton High 

Teacher: Christi Atkinson, Science Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Amanda Rizzi, Access Teacher 

Support Employee: Ona Miller, Principal’s Secretary 

Vanessa Ng & CommLoan Can Provide The Funding You Need To Expand Your Business! 

Commercial lender Vanessa Ng (photos) knows that busy entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses don’t have time to call a bank, apply for a loan, wait to hear back and then call a different bank if they’re turned down by, or just not sure they like, the first option. 

That’s why she works for CommLoan, a company that allows her to help business owners apply for a loan through a streamlined process that provides many options to meets their needs quickly. 

“CommLoan is really efficient and can provide a quote to the borrower within minutes,” Vanessa explains. “We have a database of 750 lenders we work with through a proprietary system called CUPID, and, in some cases, it will give us back 300 options.” 

CUPID, which stands for Commercial Underwriting Pricing Index Data, is an innovative platform developed by CommLoan, a company that was founded in 2014 in Scottsdale, AZ, by long-time mortgage banker Mitch Ginsberg. CommLoan lends nationwide, except in Nevada and North and South Dakota. 

Vanessa joined CommLoan about a year ago, adding commercial lending to her 12-year career as a residential lender. 

She currently works with business owners all over the country and says she is hoping to increase awareness of CommLoan locally in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas. 

Vanessa is originally from South Tampa and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Finance in 2012. She went straight into the mortgage business out of college and first moved to New Tampa for five years, and then, to Wesley Chapel, where she now lives in Estancia at Wiregrass Ranch. 

“There is a lot of expansion and growing businesses in Wesley Chapel, Dade City and Zephyrhills,” she says, “and I’m trying to help out those entrepreneurs.” 

She says she often provides loans for new commercial properties, such as gas stations or car washes, multifamily properties and single-tenant-use buildings, such as medical offices. 

Vanessa also helps business owners who have equity in their current properties refinance their existing loans to get cash out, or help those who have a maturing loan and want to refinance. 

Vanessa says her loans are for a minimum of $300,000 and can go up to as much as $100 million. She notes that some of these loans are as low as zero percent down. 

“CommLoan provides tailored solutions,” Vanessa explains. “So, whether a buyer is looking for no prepayment penalty, a non-recourse loan, or some other specific criteria, I’m able to filter the search for that. Within seconds, I can get the best rates and the best programs for my buyer.” 

CommLoan’s hundreds of lenders include everything from large national, commercial and regional banks to midsize banks, credit unions and debt funds. 

Easing Frustrations 

Vanessa explains that, sometimes, clients come to her feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. 

“If someone goes to a bank for a loan, but then gets turned down, it can leave them scrambling if they’re already under contract to buy a property,” Vanessa explains. “Once I understand the scenario, I can send it to a dozen lenders at the same time and, sometimes, I’ll get offers the same day. It’s very different from waiting a week to just get turned down by one bank. These are busy entrepreneurs who don’t have time to waste hours or days trying to get a loan.” 

She says her job is to remove the frustration from the process. “I do all of the legwork so you can keep running your business.” 

Steven Sockwell and his wife, Lindy, have several investment properties near Rockville, IL. A few months ago, they were working with a Realtor® to purchase a new rental property and the Realtor recommended Vanessa and CommLoan as a lender. Even though Vanessa was far away in Florida, Steven decided to reach out to her. 

“Ever since then, she’s been great to work with,” Steven says. “We’ve had several things she’s helped us with, including two transactions from start to finish. She’s very helpful and the transactions have been smooth.” 

He adds that Vanessa has, “a wealth of knowledge” and credits her experience with helping them get the properties they wanted. 

“She’s a very hard worker,” Steven adds. “Anything I have questions about, she’s able to answer them.” 

He says he’s in the process of buying another rental property and that he will continue to work with Vanessa and CommLoan because it’s been such an easy process. 

“One thing I’ve noticed about CommLoan is that everything is very streamlined,” he says. “The information in documentation is very straightforward and to the point. It’s so different than going to a local bank here where everything is so convoluted and you have to read, re-read, and re-read again to understand it. Instead, everything is very orderly and tells you want to do next, step-by-step. And, anything we don’t understand, we ask and Vanessa answers quickly.” 

Steven says Vanessa also helped him look at his current portfolio of properties and figured out how to use the equity in those properties to, “seize the moment” to buy other properties. 

“I didn’t know how to go about doing that and she walked us through it,” Steven says. 

He also says working with Vanessa has been so easy, even if he wasn’t in the process of purchasing a property and needing a loan, he would still feel comfortable reaching out to ask her questions. 

“She would answer,” he says. “I’m sure of it. She’s a great person to work with.” 

For more information, contact Vanessa Ng via email at vng@commloan.com, call or text her at (561) 310-4720 or visit VanessaNg.CommLoan.com. 

Baseball & Softball Are For Everyone At The North Tampa Athletic Association! 

When Duncan Pastore was growing up in New Tampa, he played recreational baseball with what is now the North Tampa Athletic Association (NTAA), dreaming of one day playing Major League Baseball. 

Duncan became a Wharton High standout who recently signed with the New York Yankees and, at age 24, is currently playing for its Single-A affiliate, the Yankees’ Florida State League (Single A) affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons. 

Back in Duncan’s NTAA days, his father Lou was one of the league’s volunteers, ensuring his son and others in the community had a thriving league for youth baseball and softball, even serving as league president. 

“Duncan playing with the Yankees is a dream come true,” Lou says. “It’s every kid’s dream to play professional baseball and eventually [make it to] the big leagues. As you move up the ladder from high school to college, the chances of you making it one step further is less each time. The fact that he was able to do it makes me, his mom, and everyone who knows him extremely proud of him.” 

And to think, it all started on the fields in New Tampa. 

This spring, hundreds of boys and girls will have their opportunity to work on their dreams their dreams to follow in Duncan’s footsteps, while others will play just to get outside, have fun and develop skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship in the NTAA. 

Duncan Pastore 
(Source: Nova SE University)

Registration is now open for boys and girls ages three to 16 (as of April 30, 2025) to play baseball and softball with NTAA. 

Robert Pickett is the director of baseball for ages 12 and under for the league. 

“We’re a thriving and growing league, right in the heart of New Tampa, and a lot of people don’t know about it,” Robert says. 

While the NTAA had more than 450 players last season, Robert says an ideal size would be closer to 600-700 playing baseball and softball. “The more teams there are, the more competitive it is,” Robert explains. “I’d rather have 10 teams in each division instead of three. It’s more fun.” 

That’s why he and others from the entirely volunteer-run league are increasing their recruiting efforts this year, hoping that new players will grow the NTAA community. 

The NTAA plays baseball and softball at two field complexes. One is Eber Field, located near the corner of Cross Creek Blvd. and Kinnan St., and the other is Live Oak Park, located behind Turner Bartels K-8 School. 

“Every night the parks are bustling,” Robert says. “If you drive by Eber Field on a Tuesday night, you’ll see games on two fields, concessions are open, families are everywhere,” he says. “You can go hang out and feel the sense of community.” 

Registration for the Spring 2025 NTAA season will remain open until mid-January. That’s vastly different than at the nearby Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA), where registration filled within minutes of opening. 

Some parents have asked why NTAA is open for registration while WCAA is completely full. What’s the difference? 

According to Robert, it all comes down to capacity. 

With the ongoing explosive growth of Wesley Chapel (vs. the nearly-built-out community in New Tampa), there’s simply more demand for WCAA youth baseball and softball than there is space for players. 

Because WCAA and NTAA are both part of the Babe Ruth League, there are flexible geographic boundaries, unlike with Little League Baseball programs. So, WCAA’s capacity is crunched by both tremendous growth in its “home” area, and kids from Dade City and Zephyrhills who want to play in Wesley Chapel. 

Meanwhile, NTAA’s geographic location makes it sandwiched in between other areas where New Tampa kids can go to play, such as Lutz or Wesley Chapel. 

To register, visit NT-AA.com 

That means there’s still room in the NTAA for kids in nearby Wesley Chapel to be part of a league that is this year celebrating 10 years since switching from Little League Baseball to the Babe Ruth League, which provides more flexibility for players who don’t live in the 33647 zip code. 

“It’s a great outlet to have fun,” Lou says of participation in NTAA. “Sports can teach kids a lot about how to grow up and mature and become great leaders and teammates. At the same time, kids can just go out and play and not have to worry about cleaning their room or all the things they have to do.” 

Lou says NTAA taught his son to be a role model for other kids, which started with Duncan looking up to the older players, and then wanting to be like them. 

“Duncan wanted to break the park’s home run record,” Lou explains, “and then, when he was 12, he did it. The younger kids looking on went chasing for that home run ball as if (Yankees star) Aaron Judge himself had hit it over the fence. They ran it back to the dugout and Duncan signed it and gave it back to them. He learned to be a role model at such a young age, and that’s a big part of who he is today.” 

Lou currently actually works for the Yankees as a groundskeeper for George Steinbrenner Field, where the Tampa Tarpons play, and still also maintains the fields for NTAA. 

“I have now taken care of every field Duncan has played on since he started playing baseball,” Lou says, adding that he also takes a lot of pride in maintaining the fields so NTAA kids have an outstanding place to play. 

In January, Duncan will return to his childhood baseball fields to host a one-day camp for young players, ages 5 to 12, whether or not they are registered to play with NTAA. He will be joined by other professional baseball players who want to give back to their community and mentor young people who want to sharpen their skills. 

“Youth Day with the Pros” will be held on Saturday, January 11, at the Live Oak baseball complex. To register, go to NT-AA.com. 

Registration for NTAA’s spring baseball and softball season is open now through mid-January. Players must be at least three years old on April 30, 2025, and no older than 16 on that date. Practices, which begin in early February (the season runs through May) are held at Live Oak Park (behind Turner Bartels K-8 School) and Eber Field (at the corner of Cross Creek Blvd. and Kinnan St.). For more information, see the ad below. To register, go to NT-AA.com. 

Noire Nail Bar Offers Luxury Nail, Eyelash & Waxing Services Near The Outlets 

Co-owner John Nguyen (on the phone) invites the residents of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa to visit Noire Nail Bar, located across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

With its premier location on S.R. 56 across the street from Tampa Premium Outlets and its owners’ commitment to customer satisfaction, Noire Nail Bar has been a go-to destination for nails and skin care since it first opened in 2018. 

Owners John and Vanessa Nguyen say the location, next to Mellow Mushroom, makes it the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening of relaxation, pampering and enjoying all of the amenities nearby. John says there are several more restaurants that will soon open in the area, making the location even more attractive. 

Noire Nail Bar offers manicures and pedicures, spa treatments, waxing and eyelash extensions. 

“The most important thing to us is to have the best customer service,” John says. “We keep the salon clean, constantly update our nail polish collection with new colors and keep up with what’s trending in nail design.” 

In fact, he says, any nail design you can find or think of, the technicians at Noire Nail Bar can create for you. Just check out the salon’s Instagram page at @noirenailbar_wesleychapel to see some of the many unique and intricate designs they have done for their clients. 

Whether you’re looking for the trendiest nail shape and design, or a more traditional or professional look, the happy nail technicians at Noire Nail Bar are always willing to accommodate you. 

John says many clients now prefer a fairly new service called Gel-X. 

While gel polish goes over a person’s nails, Gel-X is an alternative to acrylics that extends the length of the nails. 

“It’s a healthy product,” John explains. “When you wear it, you feel like it’s lighter for your nails and more comfortable. It doesn’t get heavy like acrylic nails.” 

And, he says, its much healthier for your nails than other options, since it’s not likely to cause nail damage or skin irritations. 

However, Gel-X is far from the only option at Noire. For those who prefer dipping powder, gel, or even acrylic, Noire Nail Bar offers all of those options. 

In addition, Noire also now carries magnetic nail polish (photo above), which gives nails a fun, textured effect by using metallic particles that can be activated and moved into unique designs by using a magnet. You really have to see it to understand how magnetic polish works. 

Nails & Packages For Every Occasion 

John says that Noire Nail Bar also is perfect for any special occasion, such as a wedding, prom, holiday party, or other event. Noire’s nail techs can create nails and designs that will stand out and give just the “vibe” you want. 

If you’re coming in with friends or family, the salon is designed with pedicure chairs in small groups to facilitate better conversations, rather than your group being spread out in one long line. This provides privacy and intimacy for those who want to enjoy the experience together. The salon also can host all kinds of parties, from weddings to bridal showers to birthdays. 

For children under 10 years old, the salon offers manicures, pedicures, nail polish and nail designs at special (reduced) prices. 

Noire Nail Bar recommends appointments to ensure a leisurely experience, especially on busy weekends, but walk-ins are always welcome. 

Men and women can take advantage of Noire Nail Bar’s packages that include Basic, Deluxe, or Signature spa treatments. For example, a “Sport Spa Pedicure” includes a callus treatment and sugar scrub to improve blood circulation, plus a massage to relieve muscle tension and tightness. 

Noire’s “Citrus Spa Treatment” is energizing, while the “Cucumber Treatment” is purifying and revitalizing, and “Milk & Honey” is for anti-aging. An “All-Organic Pedicure” includes nothing but certified-organic products, and the “Luxury Six-Step Collagen Pedicure” provides the ultimate in detoxification and anti-aging treatments to rejuvenate and moisturize your feet. Hot stone and hot candle wax massages can be added to any pedicure, as well. 

John also says that Noire guests are always treated to a relaxing experience in an upscale atmosphere. The salon is a quiet and calm place, where the technicians are focused on their customers, not on chatting with each other. The serene environment helps to enhance the experience of the spa treatments Noire Nail Bar provides. And, guests always are offered a complimentary glass of wine (for ages 21 & older, with proper ID), soda or water to enjoy during their treatments. 

Beverlee Bench, who posted a five-star Google review after she got a manicure with nail art and sculpted nails at Noire, says, “Customer service from start to finish was impeccable. Definitely will be back!” 

Noire Nail Bar now offers eyelash extensions, too, and also offers waxing of eyebrows, upper lip, legs, arms and Brazilian bikini waxing. 

“I love this nail salon with a passion!,” Jessie Maher says in her five-star Google review. “The staff is always amazing, kind and patient when I bring the kids with me.” 

She adds, “The reason I go back time and time again is because of the incredible service, as well as the sense of feeling welcomed, and knowing I will be taken care of and come out with flawless nails.” 

Readers of the Neighborhood News receive 10% off all services on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by bringing the ad below with you to the salon, or by mentioning the ad when you check in. 

Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd in Lutz, and is open Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun. To make an appointment, call (813) 536-0161. Visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel.com or follow @noirenailbar_wesleychapel on Instagram to see the salon’s huge array of possible nail designs. 

Tampa Palms Psychology’s Dr. Brian Wilson Helps Adults Manage Life’s Struggles 

Dr. Brian Wilson of Tampa Palms Psychology is happy to offer consultations inside his office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center (above) or virtually vis Telehealth (photo below). (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Because his Tampa Palms Psychology — the practice of Brian Wilson, Ph.D. — continues to grow, Dr. Wilson recently moved to the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Palms Blvd. just south and west of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit off I-75. 

The new office is just a half-mile from his previous workspace, where patients met with Dr. Wilson in a private room at a co-working office. He made the move to the new space in April. 

“It’s a very quiet, warm, upscale and relaxing environment, right on a lake,” Dr. Wilson says, adding that while he enjoyed his previous location and the opportunity it gave him to grow, it’s nice to have a more personal and permanent space. 

“I have my own dedicated office now,” he says. “I designed it myself. It’s a better space, with better furniture, and much homier.” 

He says he’s had his eye on the Tampa Palms Professional Center for many years, but when he opened his practice in 2021, the Covid pandemic made virtual or Telehealth sessions the norm, instead of in-person visits, so it didn’t make sense for him to have a full-time office at that time. 

Now, many people prefer to meet with Dr. Wilson in person, although he says about half of his patients still choose to meet virtually. “I let my patients decide,” he says. “Some providers are insisting on in-person and others on Telehealth, but I do whatever works for my patients.” 

He says he has some patients who are disabled or have other reasons why they can’t leave the house, so he’s happy to meet with them via private, secure videoconferencing. 

Dr. Wilson has been practicing since 2003 and now has two decades of experience. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville and earned both his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He also completed a psychology residency at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital. 

Whether you meet him in person or online, Dr. Wilson helps adults navigate life’s difficulties, especially when it comes to job stress, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, or any number of other issues. 

“I have the benefit of having worked in a variety of settings, so I feel comfortable taking on a lot of things,” he says. He considers himself to be a generalist who can address a wide variety of concerns with adults. He does not, however, counsel anyone under the age of 18. 

He commonly helps people who are experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and has years of experience helping military veterans. 

Dr. Wilson also is experienced in helping those who have serious or life-changing medical issues and are learning to cope with a new reality, as well as the mental health problems that develop as a result. 

Another area of expertise for Dr. Wilson is geriatrics — helping older adults. This could be people who are caring for a spouse who is ill, or those who are realizing that the transition into retirement is not what they thought it would be. 

His two decades of experience include primary care and community mental health, psychiatric patients in mental health facilities, residential and outpatient PTSD treatment, geriatric mental health and health psychology. Dr. Wilson is licensed to practice psychology in both Florida and Minnesota, and is a member of the American Psychological Association. 

He says the best approach for those who are beginning the search for a trusted therapist is still to get a recommendation from a friend or family member. “That’s probably the best referral you can get,” he says. 

But if you don’t have a word-of-mouth reference from someone you know, he says to do an online search, choose a few therapists, try to talk to a few of them and “go with your gut.” 

He says that, of course, you should always check with the Florida Department of Health to be sure the provider you want to work with is appropriately licensed and has no disciplinary actions or malpractice claims. 

This can be done by searching “Florida Department of Health License Lookup” online. 

“Beyond that, those of us [practitioners] who are thoughtful will always be happy to schedule a no-charge, no-commitment phone call to see if we’re a good fit,” he says. “Don’t schedule with someone without at least first having a conversation about their approach.” 

While Dr. Wilson says he is primarily a private pay provider, he does accept patients with original Medicare and will provide a receipt to anyone who needs to submit an out-of-network receipt to their insurance company. He says some insurance companies, but not all, will cover about 50 percent of the cost of treatment. 

Fellow professional therapist Dr. Brian Doane of Tampa Bay Counseling Services is quick to say that he thinks very highly of Dr. Wilson and doesn’t hesitate to recommend him — for example, if he has a patient whose spouse needs counseling, too. 

“If I’m working with someone and they say, ‘My spouse is looking for a therapist,’ he’s the first person I send them to,” Dr. Doane says, noting that it’s an important referral, since Dr. Doane will continue working with that person’s spouse and has a vested interest in both parties getting good help. 

“Dr. Wilson is super compassionate, very ethical, and all the things that you want in a therapist,” Dr. Doane says. “He also has a really nice balance between being very kind and compassionate, while also being assertively direct. He also knows the timing of when to be direct, providing honest feedback at a time when the person is able to receive it.” 

Tampa Palms Psychology is located at 5331 Primrose Lake Cir., Suite 245, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. For appointments with Dr. Brian Wilson and more information about the practice, call (813) 491- 9343 or visit TampaPalmsPsychology.com.