South County Clinical Supervisor | She/Her

Lauren holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Rhode Island College and specializes in child and adolescent trauma. She is the clinical supervisor of Social Sparks' South County location. With over 10 years of experience Lauren has worked with children and adults from various walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community, judicial system, and DCYF. Lauren uses person-centered therapy to help clients discover that they hold the power and strength to improve their own lives. Lauren facilitates individual and group counseling using aspects of CBT, DBT, social-emotional learning, and tailors therapy to meet the needs of the individual.

School-Based Mental Health & Intake Coordinator | 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

Ella is a compassionate clinician with a Master of Social Work degree from Rhode Island College. With experience in medical and educational settings, she is passionate about delivering high-quality clinical support within schools.

Grounded in trauma-informed and person-centered practices, Ella meets each client where they are by listening deeply, nurturing strengths, and helping them reach goals with empathy and consistency. She fosters growth, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging, ensuring each client feels valued and empowered in their journey.

Clinician | He/Him

Matthew Bretschneider is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with an MSW degree from Rhode Island College and a BFA degree from New York University. Matthew has extensive experience teaching performing arts in clinical settings; he has applied theater games and activities based in expressive arts to support social-emotional learning goals for groups, individuals, and organizations including Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Providence Public Schools. Matthew’s focus areas include crisis intervention, interpersonal skills, behavior modification, LGBTQIA+ youth, and supporting clients who are coping with depression or anxiety related to loss, trauma, and social stigma.

Clinician | She/Her

Alex graduated from the University of New England with a BA in Health Science and a Master’s in Social Work. She has over three years of experience working with elementary-aged children in public and special education programs. Previously, she taught social and independence skills to children with disabilities in a community program. Her expertise includes strength-based approaches, understanding adverse childhood trauma, and neurodiversity. Alex designs positive group settings that inspire creativity and mindfulness. She has experience with children with ASD, ADHD, and anxiety. Alex is committed to helping children learn lifelong skills and develop a confident sense of self.

Clinician | She/Her

Kristy holds a Master of Social Work degree from Widener University and specializes in child and adolescent trauma, postpartum depression, and anxiety. With years of experience in the non-profit sector, she has supported children, adults, and families through adversity, helping them build skills for empowerment and growth. Kristy provides individual and group counseling, incorporating CBT, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and DBT. She is also trained in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, offering a transformative, non-judgmental healing experience alongside her equine partners. Kristy is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to navigate challenges and achieve positive change.

Clinician | She/Her

Hillery holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. She provides individual and group counseling to children, adolescents, and adults with diverse emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal needs. Hillery uses a person-centered, strengths-based approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), emotional regulation, interpersonal skill development, and play-based interventions. She is passionate about helping clients build self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and develop effective coping strategies. Hillery is committed to creating an affirming, inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ clients and individuals of all backgrounds. Her professional interests include relationship counseling, trauma-informed care, OCD, anxiety, life transitions, and meaningful personal growth.

Clinician | She/Her

Jenna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University. She has experience supporting children and adolescents in both clinical and school-based settings, working across a range of developmental stages in general and special education environments. Jenna provides individual and group counseling using evidence-based approaches, including CBT, emotional regulation, interpersonal skill development, relationship-building strategies, and play-based interventions. She specializes in helping clients build social skills, self-awareness, and self-management while supporting emotional regulation, social connections, and positive behavioral growth. Guided by a strengths-based approach, she meets clients where they are and fosters growth.

Clinician | She/Her

Alexis holds a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences (specializing in Couple and Family Therapy) from URI. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds and is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel comfortable being their authentic selves.

Using a strength based, client centered approach, Alexis works collaboratively with her clients to support healing, personal growth, and positive change through psychoeducation, skill building, and self-exploration. Alexis draws from CBT, Narrative therapy, and Solution Focused therapy, with experience supporting anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, emotional regulation, codependency, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Clinician | She/Her

Kate is a mental health counselor and registered yoga teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Holistic Counseling from Salve Regina University, along with certificates in Advanced Graduate Studies and Expressive and Creative Arts. With years of experience working with clients, Kate is a skilled and welcoming therapist for both adults and children. She integrates mindfulness, breath work, and body-centered therapy into her approach, providing clients with skills to increase self-awareness and foster self-empowerment. Kate is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can learn, heal, and grow.

Clinician | She/Her

Katherine holds both a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. With a warm, approachable, and charismatic presence, she easily builds genuine connections with clients across the lifespan ranging from adolescents to adults.

Katherine provides both individual and group counseling, drawing from evidence-based practices including strengths-based therapy, CBT, and narrative therapy. She has experience supporting a wide range of clients, including the LGBTQIA+ community and military service members and their families. Katherine is passionate about empowering individuals to seek out personal growth and a stronger connection to their inner self.

Clinician | She/Her

Alison earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph and her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut. She brings over ten years of experience working with clients in a variety of settings, including five years as a public school counselor. Alison values collaboration and believes in meeting each client where they are. Using a strengths-based approach, she helps clients build confidence, develop coping skills, and work toward their individual goals. She has experience supporting children and adolescents with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and social, emotional, and behavioral concerns while creating a safe, welcoming space.

Clinician | She/Her

Kasey earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Health from Rhode Island College and her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional, with certifications in crisis intervention and behavioral health. Kasey’s experience includes inpatient care, community-based crisis co-response with law enforcement, and outpatient therapy with children and adults. She has an interest in working with elementary-aged children and incorporates play-based therapeutic approaches to create a supportive and engaging environment. In her free time, Kasey enjoys paddleboarding, spending time with family, and her two dogs.

Clinician | She/Her

Jillian earned her Master’s in School Counseling from Virginia Tech and completed her LMHC-A coursework at Rhode Island College. With over 15 years of experience in public schools, she is a valued MTSS team member. She facilitates social skills groups, individual counseling, and teaches social-emotional learning. Jillian collaborates with educators and advocates for students and families. Her eclectic therapeutic approach meets clients where they are, focusing on those with executive functioning and anxiety issues. She utilizes various clinical methods, including CBT, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness interventions.

Clinician | She/Her

Cassandra holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College and a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Child and Adolescent Trauma. She has extensive experience working as a direct support staff for the neurodivergent community and was honored as one of Rhode Island’s Direct Support Professionals of the Year in 2022. Cassandra provides individual and group therapy for children, teens, and young adults. She specializes in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety Disorders, utilizing social-emotional learning curriculums along with art, movement, and play therapy to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Clinician | She/Her

Amy earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Rhode Island and an AA in special education/early childhood education. Amy has extensive experience supporting children and families in schools, in-home settings, and in collaboration with DCYF. She approaches counseling with the belief that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that by identifying and challenging irrational thoughts, we can improve our response to life’s challenges.

Therapy Turtles

Shelly and Waffles are the beloved therapy turtles at Social Sparks South County, bringing a sense of calm, curiosity, and connection to our space! They were adopted as a pair and have been together their whole lives. They are both in their 20s. These friendly reptiles provide a unique source of comfort for clients of all ages. Watching them swim, bask, and explore their habitat can help promote mindfulness, reduce anxiety, and spark meaningful conversations about patience, resilience, and growth.

Shelly is the more adventurous of the two, often leading the way in exploring new spaces, while Waffles enjoys a more laid-back approach, reminding us all to slow down and take things one step at a time. Together, they create a welcoming and therapeutic environment, proving that sometimes, the best support comes from the most unexpected places.

Be sure to stop by and say hello to Shelly and Waffles during your visit. They love making new friends!

MSW Intern | She/Her

Hannah is earning her Master of Social Work degree at Springfield College and has an undergraduate background in Human Development and Family Sciences and Psychology. Her experience providing behavioral and strengths-based support to individuals and families has fostered an interest in mental health and client advocacy. Hannah is passionate about meeting clients where they are, recognizing their strengths, navigating challenges, and working toward goals. She is particularly interested in working with young children and using play-based therapy to create a fun, supportive environment. An animal lover exploring pet therapy, Hannah also enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

MSW Intern | She/Her

Libby holds a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Rhode Island and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Rhode Island College. She brings over eight years of experience working with children and adolescents with learning differences in academic settings. Libby has supported students in building confidence, strengthening executive functioning skills, and navigating social-emotional challenges. She provides a warm, supportive approach to therapy, helping clients recognize their strengths while working toward meaningful growth. Libby utilizes a holistic, individualized approach, incorporating strengths-based practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques to support each client’s unique needs and goals.

MSW Intern | She/They

Samantha is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Rhode Island College. They bring a strong background in caregiving, education, and advocacy, with experience supporting individuals and families across diverse life stages. During the past academic year, Samantha was a UCEDD trainee at the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, an experience that shaped their interdisciplinary perspective and commitment to inclusive, person-centered work. Samantha approaches their work through a generalist, strengths-based lens, valuing collaboration, cultural humility, and meeting clients where they are. She strives to create a supportive, affirming space rooted in empathy, curiosity, and respect. Outside of work, they enjoy ice skating, reading, and spending time outdoors with friends.