About Us
The National Cooperative Parenting Center (NCPC) was co-founded by Drs. Debra Carter and Michael Spellman. In 2023 The NCPC welcomed Dr. Christine Profito as a new partner.
Who We Are
The NCPC offers guidance and support for Parenting Coordinators throughout the entire training process while striving to meet the specific needs of each state or locality. We work closely with attorneys, mental health professionals, group practices, and court systems to ensure they receive the best possible talent in their courtroom.
Dr. Debra K. Carter Ph.D.
Dr. Carter is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a clinical and forensic psychology practice in Bradenton, FL. She is a Certified Parenting Coordinator and nationally recognized expert in Parenting Coordination training, as well as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. Dr. Carter is also the mother of three children.
Dr. Carter serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts – FL Chapter and on the FL Supreme Court Parenting Coordination Workgroup. She also co-founded the 12th Judicial Circuit Family Court Professional Coalition and serves on the Executive Board of the 12th Circuit Family Law Advisory Group. She is the primary training coordinator for the 12th Judicial Circuit Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Program, the Social Study and Parenting Plan Facilitation Program, and their Parenting Coordination Program.
Dr. Carter has presented as an invited speaker at national and international association conferences such as the American Psychological Association and The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. She has been a frequent speaker for the Florida State Circuit Courts Judicial College, the Family Court Conference, the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts, the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, the Florida Psychological Association, Marital Inns of Court, and the University of South Florida. Dr. Carter has received numerous awards and honors for her clinical work and contributions to the family law system, including “Psychologist of the Year” and recognition as a “Distinguished Psychologist.”
Dr. Michael B. Spellman Ph.D.
Dr. Spellman is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Parenting Coordinator, as well as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. In these capacities, he has worked extensively with children, families, and the court over the past 30 years. Dr. Spellman also serves as a consultant to clinicians and corporations that are interested in maximizing their quality of service.
Dr. Spellman has served on Florida’s Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse and was awarded “Psychologist of the Year” by his peers. On the national level, Dr. Spellman was awarded the prestigious Heiser Award by the American Psychological Association. In addition to his work in the area of forensic psychology, Dr. Spellman’s practice is focused on children with attention deficit disorders and other academic challenges. He enjoys a reputation as an astute diagnostician with training in both psychological and neuropsychological assessment.
Dr. Christine A. Profito Psy.D.
Dr. Profito is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Parenting Coordinator. She also has training in Florida Supreme Court Family Law Mediation. In these capacities, she has worked extensively with children, families, and the court over the past 10 years. Dr. Profito is an Officer in the 12th Judicial Circuit Family Court Professional Coalition and member of FL Chapter of the AFCC.
Dr. Profito’s NCPC work includes the areas of:
• Family Law
• Parenting Plan Evaluation (Custody)
• Parenting Coordination
• Relocation Risk Assessment • Reunification Therapy
• Forensic Psychological Evaluation
• Litigation Support & Consultation
Dr. Profito’s psychology practice field includes child, adolescent, and family therapy and assessment. She provides therapy for all ages as well as evaluations for ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism, personality & mood disorders, and general intelligence/achievement. Dr. Profito specializes in behavior interventions for Autism Spectrum children and is trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and the Gottman Method.
Dr. Profito began her training at Louisiana State University, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology. She then attended George Washington University for her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology, specializing in children/adolescents and assessments. Before working with The National Cooperative Parenting Center, Dr. Profito completed her APA accredited internship at Pine Grove Behavior Health and Addiction Services. Her post-doctoral training focused on children, adolescents and families struggling with disruptive behavior, ADHD, mood disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Our Mission
Promoting the welfare of children and the stability of their families is the cornerstone of a healthy community and a promising future.
Services Offered
parenting coordination
custody evaluations
litigation consultations
Family mediation
Dealing with High Conflict People
Healthy, stable families are the foundation of our communities. Our family services programs are dedicated to identifying and addressing mental health needs, alcohol and drug issues, as well as loss and life transition.
We offer an array of services that are designed to assist families in attaining healthier lifestyles, rewarding interpersonal relationships, and an enhanced quality of life.