Andrew collaborates with clients through a process of deep listening, reflection, and psychoeducation. He empowers them with tools for healing and growth to become the best versions of themselves. He works with relationship dynamics and attachment theory to help create and strengthen connections. Sessions often focus on understanding and expressing emotions, desires, and boundaries in healthy, effective ways, exploring passions, and examining one’s inner, spiritual self. Andrew has experience with people of all ages and a wide variety of personal challenges, and is excited to work with those who seek transformation. He received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University with a specialization in Art Therapy, and brings curiosity, play, and the creative process into sessions for those who desire it.
Melissa takes a solution-focused approach and works with youth and adults through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Lindenwood University and her Master’s in clinical mental health with a concentration in Forensic and Correctional Counseling at William James College. Before joining Riverside, Melissa worked with youth, incarcerated adults, and homeless veterans – she is a Marine Corps veteran herself. In her free time show enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and loved ones.
Ivana Lucero is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider with a Master of Social Work from Simmons College, a Master of Education from Lesley University, and a Bachelor of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Ivana’s clinical experience has primarily been with adults in outpatient mental health settings. Her clinical interests include trauma, social justice and oppression, intersectional identity exploration, and supporting the needs of individuals who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. She also focuses on adjustment difficulties such as environmental stressors, life transitions, health stressors, chronic pain, grief and loss. Ivana draws on traditions of narrative and relational therapies and is committed to culturally humble, trauma-informed, and identity-affirming care.
In his clinical practice Philip utilizes a relational approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused tools to guide a personalized approach to client needs. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Siena College, and his master’s in clinical mental health with concentrations in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as African and Caribbean Mental Health at William James College. Phil has counseled adults, couples, children, and families with challenges ranging from anxiety, depression, and trauma, to relationship and adjustment issues. His goal is to help clients seek out their passions and develop the self-esteem and resilience they need to succeed. Phil is a proud immigrant hailing from Nairobi, Kenya and dedicated to supporting the specific needs of people of color. When not working he enjoys playing basketball and soccer, and hiking with faithful pointer Onyx.
Lisa is a licensed mental health counselor and is Board-Certified – TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) with 18 years of experience in the field. She earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. Before joining Riverside TeleCare, Lisa primarily worked with adults in community mental health, elder services, and crisis response. Lisa takes a humanistic approach: she looks to match best practices to the preferences and learning style of the person, although often pulling from CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches. She believes in people’s potential and ability to thrive in a life of their choosing. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and cooking.
Kara Blake is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with people living with HIV, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people who use drugs. Kara also has a passion for supporting other helping professionals. They believe in a harm reduction approach, that the client is the expert in their own life, that all change is incremental, and overcoming stigma, shame and trauma are often the first steps to change. With their Masters in social work from Columbia University, Kara incorporates techniques from motivational interviewing, CBT, relational therapy, and somatic interventions into their practice. Additionally, Kara enjoys listening to and playing music, watching scary movies, and their houseplant collection.
Chelsey is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider with over nine years of experience. She earned her Master of Social Work from Simmons College. Before joining Riverside’s Telecare team, she provided care in an outpatient hospital program for veterans, at an adult community mental health center, and for children and their families through the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families. Believing that physical and mental health are inseparable, Chelsey is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for eating disorders and is a Certified Personal Trainer. In her therapeutic practice, she employs a client-centered approach drawing from CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused treatments. When not working, she is happily spending time with her family and her dogs Chandler Bing and Waffles, and visiting the Cape.
Ryan Rivard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10+ years in the field. He earned his degree from Boston College’s master’s in counseling psychology program in 2011, where he is now an adjunct instructor teaching and providing supervision for graduate students entering the field. Ryan has provided a broad range of clinical services as a therapist, supervisor, and manager in a variety of mental health settings. He has worked for many years as a therapist in outpatient mental health and substance use treatment providing counseling to a broad range of adults, teens, and children, and is currently the program director of Riverside’s outpatient center located in Lynnfield. He is excited about the possibilities that telehealth offers to increase access to treatment and looks forward to ensuring that those served by Riverside TeleCare receive exceptional care as they would in any in-person setting!
Brandi is Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Riverside Community Care. In partnership with other Riverside departments, she is responsible for implementing a variety of systems and specialties within the Behavioral Health division including trainings on exposure therapy and suicide prevention. A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Brandi has been with Riverside for her entire career and has worked with residential services, home-based family therapy, and outpatient therapy. Brandi’s true passion is working with children. Outside of Riverside, Brandi loves watching her sons play sports – especially baseball – and opens her home to foster children.
Riverside TeleCare is a service of Riverside Community Care. A community-based non-profit organization serving more than 40,000 people a year in Massachusetts, Riverside Community Care offers a wide range of mental healthcare, developmental and brain injury services, early childhood and youth programs, addiction treatment, trauma response, and more. And our digital learning platforms extend our reach to more than three million people around the globe, providing tools for education, prevention, and crisis management.