About Us
Experienced Clinicians • Trusted Evaluators • Dedicated Advocates
At Coastal Clinicians Group, we understand that court involvement can be one of the most overwhelming and emotionally charged experiences an individual may encounter. Our clinicians work closely with family law attorneys in matters before both Juvenile Court and Probate and Family Court. As approved vendors with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), we bring over three decades of experience conducting evaluations, assessments, and providing supportive case management services that help attorneys develop a comprehensive understanding of the clients they represent. Our focus is on achieving favorable case outcomes and promoting the safety, stability, and well-being of individuals, children and families.
Our Team
Karen Clark, PhD, LICSW
Dr. Karen Clark is a doctoral-level clinician and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with more than 30 years of experience working with children, adults, and families across clinical, academic, and forensic settings. She specializes in parenting capacity evaluations, bonding and attachment assessments, home studies, and risk assessments involving domestic violence, substance use, mental illness, and other child welfare protective concerns. Dr. Clark has been qualified as an expert witness in Juvenile courts throughout Massachusetts to provide an expert opinion in the areas of parental capacity, bonding and attachment, child development, trauma, domestic violence, and parental alienation dynamics. She is also a Guardian ad Litem in the Probate and Family Courts. Prior to her work in Massachusetts, Dr. Clark conducted forensic assessments for defense attorneys with The Bronx Defenders and District Council 37 in New York City. Her professional experience also includes international assignments as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Romania, where she worked with universities to help establish social work as an academic discipline and designed field training curriculum for students to work in psychiatric settings and orphanages. Dr. Clark served on the faculties of the Graduate Schools of Social Work at Monmouth University (2002–2005) and Springfield College (2014–2024). She has authored peer-reviewed publications and presented nationally and internationally on forensic social work, child welfare, trauma, immigration, and culturally responsive clinical social work practice.
Ellen Broadhurst, LICSW
With more than 45 years of social work experience across several states, including 30 years as a school social worker and 20 years as an Independent Court Investigator, I bring deep insight into clinical, educational, and legal systems. I serve as a trusted strategic resource, helping ensure that family dynamics and systemic failures are clearly understood. My studies at Anna Maria College (B.A. in Psychology, 1986) and Bryn Mawr College (Master of Social Services, 1990) provided a strong foundation for a career centered on navigating complex human experiences within social, educational, and legal systems. I practice forensic social work with close attention to the social, psychological, and environmental factors that affect people involved in legal proceedings. My approach is trauma-responsive and solution-focused, providing clients with clear, practical guidance and connecting them with services and supports that address the root causes of legal and protection concerns. Legal and administrative processes can feel overwhelming and punitive. I serve as a strategic advisor and clinical coach, bringing clarity, structure, and emotional support to a difficult experience. My practice centers on empowering clients behind the scenes. I help parents understand and comply with court requirements, and I teach practical techniques for emotional regulation and boundary setting so they can advocate for themselves without jeopardizing their legal position. I also work closely with defense counsel to support their clients.
Marissa Ann Sabo, LCSW
I am a CPCS social work vendor with more than a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families involved with the child welfare system and community-based behavioral health systems. I have worked in residential and congregate care settings supporting youth with complex trauma histories, behavioral health needs, family instability, and court involvement. Throughout my career, I have been committed to advocating for the rights, safety, and emotional wellbeing of children and adolescents. I have held leadership and clinical roles at large social service organizations including Seven Hills Foundation, where as Program Director for a residential group home program for adolescents, I supervised multidisciplinary teams, oversaw trauma-informed treatment programming, collaborated with families and community providers, and supported youth navigating significant emotional and behavioral challenges. While completing my Master of Social Work degree at Anna Maria College, I was a graduate-level social work intern with Seven Hills Foundation's Behavioral Health Group and was an undergraduate social work intern with the Department of Children and Families, where I conducted family assessments, assisted with service planning, observed complex investigations and attended child welfare court proceedings. I have a compassionate, grounded, and trauma-informed approach to my work and am dedicated to helping clients and families achieve stability and wellbeing.
