Kara C. DeBlois, LICSW has been practicing on the South Shore of Massachusetts for over 15 years. She received both her Bachelors of Psychology and Masters of Social Work Degrees from Boston College. Her professional experience includes working as a clinician in an Adolescent Partial Program early in her career. From 2013-2019, Kara directed both Adult and Adolescent PHPs on the South Shore. She later worked in integrated pediatric medicine providing outpatient therapy and psychoeducation to adolescents and young adults with substance use and mental health challenges. Additionally, she has provided outpatient therapy to clients since 2014. She opened her private practice in 2016, where her specialties included working with adolescents and adults around challenges pertaining to anxiety, panic, complex trauma, and life transitions. She is a trained EMDR therapist.
Kara has a passion for training and supervising MSW students and clinicians working toward independent licensure. She enjoys collaborating with other professionals in the community and has spoken at many schools in Massachusetts with an emphasis on psychoeducation and prevention.
Kara is excited to direct MCAW’s PHP and IOP to provide exceptional, evidenced base treatment to adolescents in the community. She is excited to lead a team of passionate, dedicated professionals. In her free time, she spends time with family and friends, enjoys traveling and being by the ocean, reading, and spending time with her dog.
Edith Ortiz, LICSW has been in the mental health field for several years, specializing in supporting children, adolescents, and families. Edith was born and raised in Chicago, IL and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She later moved to Boston to receive her Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of settings—including schools, community organizations, and clinical practices—providing therapy, crisis intervention, case management, interdisciplinary care, and ongoing support to help clients navigate challenges and build resilience. Additionally, she opened her private practice in 2024, working with BIPOC young adults around challenges related to anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, and life transitions.
Edith has been with the MCAW team since 2023 and has provided compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based practices that honor each client’s unique story and strengths. Edith is excited to continue to work with the MCAW team as the Program Manager in the North Shore office continuing to provide the same exceptional care to adolescents and their families.
Outside of work, Edith enjoys reading, going to the movies, and spending time with her two cats.
Bonnie Felter, LCSW has been practicing clinical social work for over 20 years, primarily on the South Shore. Bonnie joins MCAW having worked in previous Partial Hospitalization Programs for adolescents and adults for nine years. Her professional experience also includes working in inpatient psychiatric care, providing case management and therapeutic services at the VA, working in Corrections and other community agencies. Bonnie is well versed in many levels of care with a variety of populations, including adults, adolescents, Veterans, and clients working to manage both mental health and substance use challenges. Bonnie has a knack for meeting clients where they are at and engaging them in treatment with her compassionate demeanor, clinical skill, and keen sense of humor. She utilizes numerous treatment modalities including DBT, CBT and utilizes a harm reduction approach to treatment.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spoiling her 3 cats, going to comedy shows and concerts, and trying new restaurants. She has also volunteered in animal rescue for many years, helping to care for, and re-home pets in need.
Christopher Buterbaugh, LMHC joins the MCAW team with extensive mental health experience having worked with a multitude of populations with a vast range of mental health and substance abuse challenges. Having obtained a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from Syracuse University and later a Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling, he brings an eclectic therapy approach to the team. He is well versed in CBT, DBT, harm reduction, and client centered therapy. His work experience spans many years working in outpatient community counseling, a crisis center, Emergency Rooms, and Corrections. He has extensive experience working with diverse clients and developing collaborative treatment plans advancing clients towards their identified goals. Strengths based and client centered care is the foundation of his clinical approach. He is an empathetic, thoughtful and encouraging clinician.
In his free time, he enjoys family vacations, collecting historic memorabilia, and Cryptozoology.
Obtained her Masters in Social Work from Boston University and has her LICSW. She previously obtained a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Social Work from Skidmore College. She has worked in an EAP, outpatient, hospital and private practice settings. She has experience with adolescents, young adults, and adults. She has extensive experience with crisis interventions. She previously worked as an adventure based social worker in New York. She also has a federal certification in conducting substance abuse evaluations. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, traveling and pampering her two dogs.
