Meet Our Clinicians

Karlie Cesarini
Co-Owner - MSW, LICSW

Karlie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and over 20 years of experience in private practice. She is the co-owner of Solidground Psychotherapy, which she helped establish over two decades ago.

She works with adolescents and adults (ages 16 and up) who are navigating anxiety, depression, mood-related concerns, and life transitions. Karlie’s approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in practical strategies that help clients build insight, emotional balance, and confidence in their daily lives.

She believes in the importance of overall wellness and encourages healthy routines, movement, and finding moments of peace as part of emotional well-being. In addition to her clinical work, Karlie serves as the Clinical Coordinator for Fall River’s Community Outreach Programs, including the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative, the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, and the Gun Violence Prevention Program.

Melissa Carlson
Co-Owner – MA, LMHC

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from U Mass-Dartmouth along with a Masters in Counseling from Boston College . She has 20 years experience in Private Practice in addition to 15 years in Residential Care and has been LMHC certified since 1997. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Oppositional Defiance, and Improving Parenting Skills, Anxiety and Mood Disorders. Her schedule includes Office Based Evenings and School Outreach; focusing on individuals aged 10+.

Gregory Cesarini
Psy.D

Dr. Greg Cesarini holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from William James College and has over 25 years of clinical experience working with diverse populations across a variety of settings, including more than 20 years in private practice. He provides therapy services to children ages 8 and older, adolescents, and adult males (18+).

Dr. Cesarini offers comprehensive psychological and projective testing for children, adolescents, and adults. His services include evaluation, interpretation of results, and treatment recommendations for clients, families, and outside agencies.

For psychological testing referrals, please email gregcesarinipsych@gmail.com to request a referral form.

Alexander Assad
MSW, LMHC

Alex holds a bachelor's degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a major in Sociology and minor in Social Work and Criminal Justice. In 2010 Alex obtained a Master's in Social Work from Springfield College and has been LICSW certified since 2017. Alex has worked in child protection as well as worked with children with serious emotional disturbances. Alex specializes in working with children 7-12 years of age with issues related to depression, anxiety and anger.

Karen Flannery
MSW, LICSW

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Salve Regina University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Boston College. Karen received her LICSW over 10 years ago and has worked with children and adolescents for over 20 years in the private sector and through contracts with the Department of Children and Families. Karen has completed extensive training in trauma with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy and has recieved her certification. Her schedule includes Evening office and home based hours.

Cecilia Huard
LMHC

Cecilia holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Bridgewater State University. Cecilia received her LMHC in 2017 but has been working with children and families for over 20 years in the private sector, schools and with the Department of Children and Families. Cecilia specializes in youth and families, relationships, educational system and deficits, ADHD, ODD, OCD, depression and anxiety, ASD, PTSD & Trauma, and everyday stressors. Cecilia utilizes a multitude of modalities with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her schedule includes Evening, office and home based hours. She believes all people do the best they can and strives to offer them the supported path they can use to get to where they need and want to be.

Evonne Carvalho
MA, LMHC

Evonne holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Bridgewater State University and has been LMHC certified since 2011. She specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with adolescents and adults, Couples and Family Therapy and Grief/Bereavement Counseling. Language capacity includes English and Portuguese. Her schedule includes office-based evenings, as well as school outreach; focusing on individuals aged 12+.

Rebecca Sylvia
LMHC

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science along with a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Bridgewater State University. She has 5 years experience working as an In Home Family Therapist, and has been LMHC certified since 2019. Rebecca specializes in child play therapy using a client centered approach. Rebecca is available day and evening appointments with varied flexible hours; focusing on individuals 3+.

Matt Silva
MSW, LICSW

Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts with majors in English and Psychology from UMASS Amherst, along with a Masters of Social Work from Boston University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Assumption College for Resiliency Counseling. He has 15 years of experience working in a myriad of settings including schools, hospitals, private practices, and residential programs. Matt recently had the honor of receiving the Counselor of the Year Award from Fall River Public Schools. He specializes in Trauma Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Child and Adolescent Therapy, and Family Therapy. His schedule includes varied office hours and weekend appointments; focusing on individuals aged 16+.

Ashley Estacio
LMHC

Ashley graduated with a BA in psychology in 2012 and has since acquired her Licensure as a Mental Health Counselor and Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth. With over 12 years of experience in the Mental Health field, experiences include the juvenile court system, group/residential care counseling, DCF involved/adoption/foster care, in-home services, substance use facilities, school-based counseling, and trauma-based care. Ashley utilizes an integrative approach including various therapeutic modalities, specializing in children, adolescents and young adults with trauma, adjustment issues, relationship conflicts, personality disorders, criminal history, interpersonal conflicts, and anxiety disorders. Ashley's schedule includes afternoon and early evening hours, currently facilitating sessions in-person and telehealth.

Michelle Podolski
LMHC 

Michelle is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has experience working with a variety of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Umass Dartmouth in 2014 and her Masters in Psychology from Bridgewater State University in 2018. She understands that every person wants to feel heard and supported. Michelle creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment to foster growth and positive change. Michelle specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and uses a client centered approach. She loves animals just as much as people and has two cats and a new puppy she enjoys spending time with when she is not enjoying all that nature has to offer. Michelle is available day and evening appointments with varied flexible hours focusing on individuals 12+.

Robert Johnson LICSW

Robert has been working in the field of social work for over 25 years. He works with children, adults, and the elderly. His approach is empowerment. His core belief is that the best practice is the practice of listening and caring and having faith in the inner strengths of the client to find/develop his or her own path through life's journey.

Riley Oliver
LMHC

Riley holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Johnson and Wales University and is LMHC certified. Riley has been working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in a variety of settings (including outpatient therapy, residential programs, after school programs, inpatient units, and within the school system) for over 11 years. Riley has extensive experience working with patients who have experienced trauma. She specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with adolescents and adults, and couples therapy. She believes in working with and building upon the strengths within her clients and believes in providing a safe, non-judgement space for her clients to feel welcomed. Riley loves animals and working out, and holds a certificate
in 'Weightlifting for trauma'. Her schedule includes office-based and tele-health week day evenings, as well as weekend availability; focusing on individuals aged 13+.

Kayce Farias
M.A.

Kayce holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a minor in childhood studies, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Bridgewater State University. She has recently graduated with her Master's Degree as of May 2025, and is working towards obtaining her License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). Kayce has experience providing individual therapy to children and adolescents with various mental health challenges using an integrative approach. Her office hours include daytime and evening availability.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UMass Dartmouth (2016) and earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University in 2025. She is currently working toward her License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) and provides individual therapy to adolescents and adults using an integrative, holistic approach. She offers daytime and evening appointments in-office and via telehealth.