Owner & Clinical Director | She/Her

Kristen, a graduate of the RIC School of Social Work, brings over 15 years of experience to her practice. After her master's, she pursued advanced autism studies at Johnson & Wales University. She worked as a public-school social worker and classroom consultant and has collaborated with parents and professionals to facilitate special education services. An experienced group therapy facilitator, trainer, and clinical program coordinator, she enjoys providing clinical supervision to colleagues and interns. Kristen specializes in working with neurodiverse individuals, mood disorders, anxiety, and more. She uses various modalities including CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness. She enjoys music, nature, and yoga.

Director of Operations | He/Him

Shane oversees all business operations at Social Sparks. With a background in managing and developing small businesses, he is a scholar from the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program, 2018 cohort. Shane handles billing and claims management, finances and accounting, and office management to ensure smooth operations. Often the first point of contact for families, Shane is compassionate and empathetic, working hard to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Additionally, he is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, providing care to injured and orphaned wildlife in RI. His dual passion for business and wildlife rehabilitation reflects his dedication and versatility.

Admin Assistant & Club Coordinator | She/Her

Elissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College and is currently pursuing her MSW. Through her experience in the Social Work program as well as her work in therapeutic group settings, she has gained expertise in strength-based approaches, group facilitation, and fostering a sense of importance and value in individuals. Elissa values the opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities, recognizing it as essential for understanding and growth. She is known for her kindness, patience, positivity, and care.

Clinician | She/Her

Kristy earned her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from Rhode Island College. She has worked with older adults and adults with disabilities, helping them maintain independence. At the Department of Human Services, she gained experience in Long Term Services and Supports. During her undergraduate internship, Kristy proposed policy changes to improve gender equity for LGBTQ+ clients. She is passionate about transgender and non-binary equity and provides strength-based care through a cultural humility framework. Kristy uses CBT and mindfulness practices and is committed to continual learning. Her hobbies include meditation, reading, and spending time in nature.

Clinician | She/Her/Ella

With 13 years of experience in early childhood settings, Jessica is a bilingual (Spanish & English) social worker who empowers children and families. Calle uses play therapy, CBT, talk therapy, trauma-informed care, and family therapy to build a nurturing environment. Calle believes families are a vital part of the support system, and she works collaboratively to create a support system for the child's well-being. Currently, Calle is an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Community Coordinator, championing and advocating for the workforce that strengthens children's well-being. Her passion lies in fostering connections and building strong foundations for young minds and learners.

Speech Language Pathologist | She/Her

Kathryn is a full time speech language pathologist working with adults in an outpatient hospital setting. She enjoys working with clients, families, and other professionals to provide the most functional and beneficial therapy to meet each clients’ needs. Kathryn also has experience working with children ages 5-15 in the school and private practice settings. She loves facilitating groups and working on social skills to enhance the quality of life for all clients!

Clinician | She/Her

Amanda holds a BA with certification in secondary education from Wheaton College and a Master's degree from Simmons School of Social Work. Her diverse experience spans from preschool to middle-aged adults, specializing in ASD, social pragmatics, selective mutism, and anxiety disorders. With an eclectic therapeutic approach tailored to individual needs, she integrates Social Thinking and CBT techniques. Amanda values the privilege of connecting with each person, listening to their stories, and collaborating on their journey to healing and growth. It's her profound honor to accompany clients through their unique paths towards greater well-being and fulfillment.

Clinician | She/Her

Colleen has a Master's Degree in Social Work from Simmons College (Boston, MA) and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Providence College (Providence, RI). She is licensed to practice in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Colleen has worked as a clinician with Social Sparks since 2018. She specializes in using a strengths based approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to empower her clients to overcome challenges. Colleen has experience in working with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and neurodiverse populations in both individual and group settings. Colleen is committed to treating others with empathy, compassion, and kindness.

Clinician | She/Her

Allori Fernandes has over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She earned her BA in Human Services from the University of Massachusetts Boston and started her career as an in-home direct support staff working with school-age children. After gaining case management experience, she became a supervisor for the Healthy Families Program, where she helped the RI HFA program achieve national accreditation. In May 2020, she received her MSW from Rhode Island College. Currently, she works as a Site Director assisting individuals with job training and apprenticeship opportunities. Allori also has experience with neurodiverse populations and is known for her positive and caring attitude.

Clinician | He/Him

Ash, a veteran of the United States Army, earned his MSW from Simmons University in 2023. With over 15 years in Human Services, he is a generalist practitioner with a person-centered, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed approach. Currently, as a Mobile Response Stabilization clinician, Ash provides crisis interventions for adolescents and adults experiencing emotional and behavioral dysregulation. He is recognized for his skills in rapport building, crisis management, and leading psychoeducation groups. Ash collaborates with clients to ensure their voices are heard without judgment. His self-care activities include listening to music and spending time with his dog, Lilly.

Clinician | She/Her

Dakota is a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a dedication to exceptional mental health services. She earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in neuroscience from Loyola University Chicago and a Master’s in Social Work from Boston University. With over 10 years of experience, Dakota has worked with individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities, aiding their independence and personal goals. Her clinical experience spans enhanced outpatient services (EOS) for children and families and community health centers for adults. Dakota specializes in neurodiverse individuals, anxiety, and depression, utilizing CBT and solution-focused therapy. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, walks, weightlifting, and baking.

Clinician | She/Her

Bryanna holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. She has extensive experience working with children with behavioral and developmental disorders. As a behavioral specialist, Bryanna provided home-based therapeutic services to children and teens with Autism. She also served as a camp counselor for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Bryanna utilizes a strengths-based approach, meeting clients where they are. She incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Gestalt Therapy, among other modalities, in both individual and group settings.

Clinician | He/Him

Mike is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with an MSW from Rhode Island College, earned in 2016. He has extensive experience with adolescents and young adults with Autism, as well as individuals with substance use disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and compassion fatigue. Mike has worked in various settings, including outpatient, inpatient, IOP/PHP, and home-based services. His treatment modalities include CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Crisis Intervention, and group therapy. Mike is an Autism advocate, public speaker, and writer. He enjoys outdoor activities and competitive distance running.

Clinician | She/Her

Diane L. Marolla has over 30 years of experience in healthcare, both in administrative and clinical roles. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bryant University and a Master’s in Social Work from Rhode Island College. Diane has worked at Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, Butler Hospital, and more. Appointed by Governor Carcieri, she served two terms on the Board of Social Work. Diane writes for The Smithfield Times, teaches at SUMHLC, and is an independent consultant. She sees clients 18+ for various issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Diane is licensed in RI (ISW01545), MA (123448), and CT (12065).

Clinician | She/Her

Alicia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Rhode Island College School of Social Work. Alicia has experience working with children, teens and young adults who have a variety of emotional, social and behavioral disorders. Her background consists of several years of experience supporting individuals with behavioral challenges through her work in home-based services and as a school social worker. Alicia has also facilitated mindfulness and social skills groups for students at the elementary and secondary levels. In therapy she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques to promote client’s overall wellbeing.

Clinician | She/Her

Jennifer brings the strengths-based lens to her work, drawing from various modalities, some of which include ACT, CBT, DBT, and ERP. She has experience working with a myriad of diagnoses, including OCD, anxiety, and depression, and trauma. She is skilled in working with people identifying as LGBTQIA+, as well as people going through various life stages and transitions. Using a mindfulness approach, she brings a mind-body-spirit connection into the work. She enjoys working with all ages and with individuals, couples, and families. As a musician she strives to incorporate an arts connection in a meaningful and effective way, when appropriate.

She/Her

Tara is a clinical social worker with a special emphasis in child and adolescent trauma/child development and behavior. Along with her work with younger populations, Tara has worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. She has a passion to help adults, children, families, and adolescents gain resilience and hope through various evidence-based approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, and goal oriented treatment).. Tara creates a warm, nonjudgmental environment for all individuals to feel safe and heard in her space

School-Based Mental Health Coordinator/Clinican

She/Her

Alyssa is a skilled school-based clinical therapist with a Master's in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Salve Regina University. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and families, in crisis intervention, home-based therapy, and outpatient counseling. Alyssa employs strengths-based and person-centered approaches, emphasizing patience as the cornerstone of building strong therapeutic relationships. She is dedicated to supporting and fostering positive outcomes for her clients.

Clinician | She/Her

Jodie is passionate about working with individuals and families, believing the therapeutic relationship drives change. With over 20 years of experience, she builds trust and mutual respect in a safe space. Jodie involves caregivers in the process, focusing on childhood mental health (birth to age 12) and supporting families impacted by anxiety, depression, developmental delays, high-functioning autism, and challenging parent-child relationships. She uses CBT, Child Parent Psychotherapy, and relaxation practices. As a trained Circle of Security® Parent Group Facilitator, Jodie integrates this into individual and family sessions, helping parents engage differently with their children.

School & Clinic-based Clinician | She/Her/Ella

Freila is a dedicated and bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate mental health challenges, learning and developmental disabilities, and trauma. Her therapeutic approach is characterized by openness, warmth, and compassion. She employs a holistic approach to therapy, addressing the body, mind, and spirit. Her practice is rooted in a strength-based perspective. Freila utilizes a diverse array of methodologies, including art therapy, play therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques. Freila enjoys spending her free time crocheting, reading, tending to plants, practicing yoga, and traveling.

Clinician | She/Her

Stephanie has over 20 years of experience as a social worker, working with individuals from elementary school through young adulthood. She is skilled in facilitating groups for children and adolescents with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges and has extensive experience advocating for students with disabilities. At Brown University, she arranged disability-related accommodations and facilitated support groups. She also provided crisis counseling at Providence College and Johnson and Wales University. Stephanie works with individuals with ADHD, anxiety disorders, autism, and behavioral difficulties. She has specialized training in DBT and incorporates CBT, and mindfulness techniques into her practice.

Clinician | She/Her

Chrissy has her MSW from Rhode Island College. She has worked with many populations, including individuals with disabilities, corrections, DCYF-involved youth, and Older Adults. Chrissy is known for her therapeutic D&D groups and work with the Aging Population. Chrissy is a member of the RI Chapter of NASW and is the recipient of the NASW Promising Practitioner award. She provides both individual and group therapy services. Chrissy believes in focusing on a client’s strengths and treatment matching according to her client’s needs. In her free time, Chrissy enjoys reading, music, and cuddling with her two rescue cats.

Meet Jack and Chloe, our emotional support bunnies! Jack is a Mini Rex rabbit and Chloe is a Marten mix. They enjoy visiting friends at Social Sparks, eating hay, playing in their wooden bunny castle, and getting banana treats. Both Jack and Chloe were adopted and are now a bonded pair. They don't like to be separated, so they will always travel together when visiting Social Sparks!

Masters of Social Work Intern | She/Her

Hello, my name is Ariana DeQuattro, and I am an intern at Social Sparks. I received my Bachelors of Social Work from Saint Anselm College and am currently pursuing my Masters of Social Work at Rhode Island College. I enjoy guiding children and adolescents, fostering their growth, and enlightening youth on daily living skills and trauma-informed care. Previously, I was a case manager for adolescents experiencing first episode psychosis and have worked with children who have experienced trauma. Outside of academia, I love kickboxing, painting, kayaking, and reading.

Masters of Social Work Intern | He/They

Jamie is currently a graduate student studying at Rhode Island College in the Master of Social Work program. Jamie has worked with a variety of populations, ages, and genders, and hopes to pursue a career working namely with the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer person himself, Jamie hopes to spread education and advocacy for all those who could benefit. Jamie hopes to inspire and empower people to be true to themselves and to have the confidence to express that. Jamie spends his free time cooking, baking, and tending to his plants and pet.

Masters of Social Work Intern | He/Him

Ben is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Rhode Island College and will be graduating in May 2025. Ben has been working with children and young adults in Rhode Island since graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2009 with a degree is music. He currently works at the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center at Bradley Hospital doing exposure therapy and treating children with OCD and other anxiety disorders. Ben is a lover of animals and plants, he enjoys gardening, hiking/walking and playing frisbee in his free time.

Masters of Social Work Intern | She/Her

Kristen is currently pursuing her MSW at Rhode Island College. She brings extensive experience working with children and adolescents in various settings, including inpatient, residential, and schools. Kristen has a strong background in supporting children with Autism, developmental disabilities, and mood and anxiety disorders. She currently serves as a Behavior Specialist and RBT in a therapeutic school setting. In this role, she collaborates across disciplines, working with teachers and therapists to develop effective coping strategies, build peer relationships, and enhance emotional regulation skills. Kristen is passionate about reading, music, and nature.