Our Thrive Emerge Team
Rick Silver, MD, MPH, Director and Founder of Thrive Emerge, (he/him) is a psychiatrist who has been working with neurodivergent patients (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD) and families for several decades. His straightforward style of explaining the workings of the neurodivergent brain and the challenges of the neurodivergent journey has helped parents, educators and mental health professionals better serve this unique population.
He is the author of Neurospicy: A Parent Empowerment Guide, moderator for a monthly neurodivergent parent support group, national speaker on neurodivergence, and Clinical Director of The Village, a peer-based, outdoor treatment program for neurodivergent teens and young adults who are struggling to launch. He obtained his training from the University of Michigan, the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health and the University of Maryland Medical School. He has three daughters, two of whom are neurodivergent and has been told that he has “a touch of ADHD.”
Mary Jo Puglisi, LCPC, (she/her) has been working in the fields of counseling and education for over 30 years. Her practical approach is rooted in a strong background in psychology and a firm belief that everyone can grow and learn. Mary Jo’s primary treatment modality is cognitive-behavioral, allowing clients to see how changing the messages they give themselves and shifting their behavioral patterns can benefit their lives. She has designed and run special education programs in private schools in Maryland and counseled the students in these programs. She has spoken at the local and national level on topics central to educational counseling and has had several articles published in magazines, as well.
Mary Jo completed her undergraduate and graduate education at Loyola College in Maryland, earning a B.S. in Psychology in 1988 and an M.S. In Counseling Psychology in 1993 with a strong focus on the relationship between physical and mental health. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Mary Jo is the mother of 4 young adult children and loves spending time with them more than anything else. She also loves to travel, scuba dive, and enjoy time with friends.
John Yearick, LCPC, (he/him) has been practicing for 10 years. He specializes in addiction treatment for substance abuse and screen overuse. The modalities of treatment that he practices include CBT, Reality Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.
His past experience includes overseeing adolescent and adult substance use Intensive Outpatient Programs, working in outpatient mental health, and facilitating screen detox treatments. Outside of therapy he is a father and husband who enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Sara Love, (she/her) is a dedicated Certified Professional Career Coach, Life Skills Coach, and Executive Function Coach with nearly a decade of experience in the Village program. Her passion lies in supporting neurodivergent young adults, particularly those on the Autism spectrum, in developing the skills they need to succeed in both life and work.
Sara specializes in helping individuals enhance their executive functioning, social communication, and job readiness, empowering them to navigate personal and professional challenges with confidence.
Kyle Richardson, LCSW, (he/him) is a licensed clinical social worker and certified DBT practitioner. He has practiced therapy in a full spectrum of environments, including treatment foster care and at the UMBC counseling center. He currently provides traditional therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy services for Thrive Emerge.
Along with leading DBT both in groups and in individual sessions, Kyle also works as a family therapist for families involved in the Thrive Emerge program.
Alyson Bradbury, MS Ed (School Psychology), MPS (Art Therapy), (she/her) is an Executive Functioning Coach at Thrive. She graduated with a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College where she studied psychology and fine arts. In 1997, she received an M.P.S. in art therapy and creativity development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her first art therapy position was with the Child Life program at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Then, Alyson worked with homeless LGBTQ teenagers and young adults, conducting therapy and building community through art. In 2008, she returned to school to build upon her skills as a therapist. She earned her M.S. in Education, specializing in School Psychology from Brooklyn College. Alyson utilizes her background as a school psychologist and a therapist in her work to enhance her understanding of young adults and how to work with them so they can achieve their goals.
Kathleen Maskell, (she/her), earned a BS and MEd from Towson State University and a Masters of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University. She has been certified by the State of Maryland in Reading since 1993. After three years of teaching at the elementary level and five years at the middle school level, Ms. Maskell joined the Curley faculty in 1995 as an English Instructor. She has served as English Department Chair and is the Coordinator Emeritus of the Saint Anthony Program . She enjoys traveling and spending her summers at Ocean City.
Alyssa Fenix, M. Ed, (she/her/hers) is an Executive Function Coach and Diversity Practitioner, with extensive professional background in Special Education and Consultative Services. Her approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families centers around affirming neurodiversity and understanding how to use the unique qualities your brain has to offer to be the best version of yourself. Alyssa uses her expertise in the Special Education and Transition services (from high school to postsecondary supports) as well as her personal experience being a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent kids to connect individuals with the resources and best practices that would support in various areas of their lives. The framework of her work includes self-advocacy and empowerment, School Collaboration/Communication, and Intersectionality, and Active Unmasking (learning how to shed learned “fitting in” behaviors to be your most authentic self).
Her passion for supporting clients to explore their identity drives her work as a Diversity Practitioner and Consultant. Through leading professional development trainings, Consulting and Coaching services, Resource and Policy Review, and Artivism (Art & Activism), she works to educate academic and mental health professionals and clients on how to provide safe and inclusive spaces and services for diverse populations, with particular emphasis in supporting LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Neurodivergent Individuals.
Jasmine Hollingsworth, E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP, (she/her), is a certified Trauma-Informed and Accessible Yoga Teacher. She is also mom to three amazing neuro-diverse kids and is diagnosed ADHD/Autistic herself! She is passionate about supporting and advocating for disability rights and awareness. In her spare time, she is pursing degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience.
Shana Silver, (she/her), is a dedicated Physician Extender at Thrive, where she plays a crucial role in leading the medication management team. Since 2019, she has enhanced her mental health expertise through comprehensive training at Thrive, building a strong foundation in compassionate care.
Shana served as a Paramedic since 2018, gaining invaluable experience in emergency response and patient care. Her diverse background allows her to approach mental health with a holistic perspective, particularly focusing on the unique needs and challenges faced by the neurodivergent population.
Shana’s personal journey with ADHD and dyslexia informs her practice, enabling her to connect with patients on a deeper level. She understands the complexities of navigating these challenges and strives to create a supportive environment for those facing similar experiences. Her commitment to advocacy and patient-centered care makes her a valuable asset to the Thrive team and the community she serves.
Chrys Lane, MSN, RN, CNL (she/her), has dedicated over 25 years to the fields of psychology, nursing, and education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UMBC, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and later obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Passionate about the healing power of community, Chrys actively volunteers with organizations such as SPCA, Meals on Wheels, and the Maryland Responds Reserve Medical Corps. She remains at the forefront of nursing practice by serving as an Adjunct Professor in the BSN program at her alma mater, ensuring the next generation of nurses is equipped with the latest evidence-based standards.
A two-time recipient of the Nursing Excellence Award, Chrys is deeply committed to delivering exceptional patient care. Beyond her professional life, she finds joy and happiness as the proud “Kahu” (guardian) to her beloved pets, Ember and Peanut, and occasionally, Dany, Sunny, and Charlie.
Jennifer Valerio, M.S., (she/her) completed her BS in Psychology from Rutgers University, and her MS in Counseling from Villanova University. Jen has worked with teens and adults in a variety of social service, educational, and mental health environments. They include residential treatment centers, a group home for parenting teens and their infants, a community health center, and college counseling and career centers.
After completing her graduate degree, she spent seven years as a Risk Reduction Specialist and Health Educator, providing short-term counseling, education, and training to patients, healthcare staff, and community groups. Jen joined Thrive in 2024, after taking time off to raise her family, during which time she volunteered as a Scout Leader, PTA fundraiser and President, and as a member of her school district’s Family Life Advisory Committee.
Jen draws on this wide background and experience to help clients face their challenges and develop their unique strengths, so that they can truly thrive. Jen enjoys spending time with her husband and two young adult children and their two cats. Her passions include reading, crafts, the ocean, and promoting health, happiness, and unity for all people.
Rose Cohen, (she/her) is an Executive Functioning Coach at Thrive. She graduated with a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College where she studied psychology and fine arts. In 1997, she received an M.P.S. in art therapy and creativity development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her first art therapy position was with the Child Life program at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Melissa Carnell, (she/her) is an Executive Functioning Coach at Thrive. She graduated with a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College where she studied psychology and fine arts. In 1997, she received an M.P.S. in art therapy and creativity development from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her first art therapy position was with the Child Life program at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Then, Alyson worked with homeless LGBTQ teenagers and young adults, conducting therapy and building community through art. In 2008, she returned to school to build upon her skills as a therapist. She earned her M.S. in Education, specializing in School Psychology from Brooklyn College. Alyson utilizes her background as a school psychologist and a therapist in her work to enhance her understanding of young adults and how to work with them so they can achieve their goals.
April Nash, (she/her), joined Thrive in 2014 as a receptionist and has moved up to the finance manager over the years. During that time she has worn many hats from receptionist, intake coordinator, medication manager, front desk supervisor, and now finance manager and insurance advocate. Accounting is her passion and I’m very confident in her ability to assure accuracy in day to day billing. She also has over 20 years of customer service experience and is always willing to help a client in any way possible. She looks forward to furthering my career and education in finance for both myself and my work here at Thrive.
Before starting at Thrive, she was a stay at home mom with a background in accounting and administrative work. Thrive allows me a great balance of work life and home life.
Kate Lemke, (she/her), is an Administrative Supervisor at Thrive Emerge with multiple years of industry experience. Kate joined the Thrive team in 2022 as a receptionist and is now the Administrative Supervisor and Village program assistant program coordinator. Her passion for office management comes from her love for organization and coordination with families in need.
Kate is a mother of a 2-year-old son, two dogs, and a cat. She has an undergraduate degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland in Psychology and Sociology, specializing in special education.
Andrea Pacheco, (she/her), began working with Thrive Emerge in 2022 and has taken on a broad range of responsibilities that contribute to the daily efficiency and overall success of the organization. Her primary duties include scheduling patient appointments, ensuring that the calendar remains organized and patient needs are met in a timely manner.
With a strong focus on detail and organizational skills, Andrea ensures that every task is completed with precision and care. She takes pride in maintaining clear communication with both patients and colleagues, striving to create a smooth experience for everyone involved. Her role allows her to be at the heart of the administrative side of patient care, supporting the larger team in delivering high-quality services.