🌟 The Guiding Light Award
At Mara’s Lighthouse, we believe in celebrating the people who light the way for others. The Guiding Light Award is our monthly recognition of two outstanding providers who exemplify our core values: compassion, dedication, integrity, and excellence in care.
These individuals go above and beyond to support our clients and contribute meaningfully to our mission. Each month, we proudly shine a spotlight on their work and the positive impact they make in our community.
Tamir Shabazz
Tamir brings a thoughtful, compassionate, and culturally responsive approach to therapy, creating a space where clients feel safe to be authentic, explore life's challenges, and pursue meaningful personal growth. As a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University, he is passionate about helping adolescents and adults build resilience, strengthen relationships, and develop the confidence to create lasting change.
Drawing from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care, Tamir tailors each treatment plan to meet the unique needs, goals, and lived experiences of every client. His person-centered philosophy emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and helping clients recognize and build upon their inherent strengths.
Tamir has experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, life transitions, and mood disorders. He also has a strong passion for men's mental health and is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding emotional wellness by fostering open, honest conversations and creating an environment where clients feel understood, respected, and supported. His culturally sensitive approach allows him to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds while helping them develop practical coping strategies and greater self-awareness.
Tamir's work reflects the mission of Mara's Lighthouse—providing compassionate, individualized care that empowers clients to overcome challenges, strengthen emotional well-being, and move forward with hope, purpose, and confidence.
Bernadette Taggart
Bernadette brings a compassionate, supportive, and empowering approach to therapy, drawing on seven years of experience serving children, adolescents, and adults. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Saint Leo University, she is committed to creating a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and encouraged as they work toward meaningful change.
Using a person-centered and strengths-based approach, Bernadette integrates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychoeducation, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She tailors treatment to each client’s individual needs and goals, helping them recognize their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and build greater confidence and resilience.
Bernadette has extensive experience supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, mood disorders, family conflict, relationship challenges, domestic violence, and significant life transitions. Her experience also includes working with veterans and first responders affected by trauma, substance use, and legal concerns, as well as advocating for children who need support with IEP and 504 plans.
Bernadette’s work reflects the mission of Mara’s Lighthouse—providing compassionate, individualized care that empowers clients to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and enrich their lives. Her dedication to supporting her clients and advocating for their needs makes her a deserving recipient of this month’s recognition.
We’d love to hear about your experience at Mara’s Lighthouse. If your provider is being honored this month—or if any member of our team has supported you in a meaningful way—we invite you to share a testimonial or leave a review. Your words help us recognize the dedication of our providers and encourage others who may be considering care. You can choose to submit a private testimonial through our form or leave a public Google review using the buttons below.