Gretchen Sparacino grew up in Pittsburgh and earned her bachelor’s degree in studio art with a minor in psychology from the College of Charleston. Drawn to both creative expression and human behavior, she remained in Charleston and later completed a master’s degree in clinical counseling through The Citadel’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Gretchen began her counseling career working with children in residential placement—work she describes as both demanding and deeply inspiring. That early experience shaped her commitment to the field and solidified her desire to pursue advanced clinical training. It also grounded her belief in the importance of meeting people where they are, especially during periods of instability and transition.
Following graduate school, Gretchen worked in community mental health in Chicago, Illinois, gaining valuable experience supporting individuals and families navigating complex social, emotional, and systemic challenges. She later returned to Charleston to begin her family and continue her professional work within a community she values deeply.
Family and community are central to Gretchen’s life and clinical perspective. She is married, the mother of three children, and understands firsthand the demands and rewards of family life across different stages. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys staying active through tennis, which she finds both grounding and energizing.
Gretchen brings these life experiences into her work with warmth, steadiness, and respect for the complexity of the people and families she serves.
