Staff

Dr. Alexandra Zimbleman

Practice Owner & Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Alexandra Zimbleman is the founder and owner of Ocala Psychology. She is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults who are experiencing a variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, medical/health issues, work/life balance, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. She specializes in working with women’s issues, health care professionals, and college students. Dr. Zimbleman works to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for her patients. As a therapist she is highly warm and supportive, while also providing feedback that is direct and honest.

Dr. Zimbleman uses evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, which means that there is research that demonstrates the effectiveness of the interventions that she uses. Dr. Zimbleman tailors her approach in therapy to meet each patient’s individual needs and goals. She strongly believes in the importance of awareness of and being sensitive to the impact of the sociocultural context for each patient when providing clinical services.

Prior to founding Ocala Psychology, Dr. Zimbleman worked for a group private practice in Tampa, FL for three years. She has experience working in four university counseling centers including Florida State University (FSU) Counseling & Psychological Services, University of Pennsylvania Counseling & Psychological Services, and University of Delaware Center for Counseling and Student Development. Dr. Zimbleman completed her American Psychological Associated (APA)-Accredited internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) Counseling Center in Tampa, Florida where she received specialty training in health psychology and university mental health. She earned her doctoral and master’s degrees in clinical psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She completed specialty training in cognitive therapy from the Center for Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Maria Palacio-Weaver

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Maria Palacio-Weaver is a licensed mental health counselor specializing in anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, eating disorders, and life transitions. Maria believes in providing a safe, compassionate space where being heard, supported, and genuinely understood are the primary focus. She believes that healing happens in relationship with ourselves, with others, and in the therapeutic connection we create together. 

Maria uses evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She believes every client brings their own strengths, insights, and lived experiences, and her role is to help them use these strengths to create meaningful and lasting change. 

Prior to joining Ocala Psychology, Maria worked at an eating disorder treatment center in West Palm Beach, FL, and a practice in Pembroke Pines, FL. She has experience working in domestic violence shelters, community-based practices, and providing group therapy. Maria earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling with specialization in Marriage, Couples and Family counseling from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She completed her internship at New Dimensions Day Treatment Center in Katy, Texas. 

Shawn Patrick Rimbach

Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern

Shawn is a registered mental health counseling intern. He received his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University, and he presently works under the direct supervision of a licensed and qualified supervisor. He has experience counseling adults suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, and substance use issues. Shawn specializes in working with veterans and the larger military community.

Shawn works to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment where his clients can feel free to be open and honest throughout the counseling process. Shawn uses evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based therapy. He focuses on helping clients to become more resilient during difficult times.

Shawn is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served 4 years and was stationed at RAF Fairford, England. After Leaving the USAF in 1990, Shawn moved back to the USA and graduated with his bachelor’s degree from California State University Bakersfield in 1993. After a long career working in the insurance industry in California, Shawn moved to Ocala, Florida, in 2021. Shawn’s life’s passion has always been to help others and he is excited about the opportunity to work at Ocala Psychology as a counselor.

Shawn’s professional affiliations include the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, America Counseling Association and the Military and Government Counseling Association.