Our Leadership Team

Melissa Emidy is the chief program Officer at Rhode Island Student Assistance Services.  Melissa is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and government sectors, specializing in youth development, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Melissa previously served as Executive Director of Inspiring Minds; she expanded the organization’s reach, serving over 3,000 students annually.  Melissa also served as Grant Officer for the Rhode Island Department of Education, overseeing a $50 million federal grant and driving early childhood education reforms. She has a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and is recognized for her strategic leadership, partnership-building, and commitment to social justice and youth empowerment.

MEmidy@risas.org

Kristine serves as the Executive Staff Assistant at Rhode Island Student Assistance Services, bringing over eight years of nonprofit experience focused on supporting historically excluded communities. Their career in the nonprofit sector began as an AmeriCorps member at McKinney Shelter in Newport, where they provided critical support to unhoused and low-income individuals seeking employment opportunities. With extensive expertise in systems administration and data management, Kristine excels at enhancing operational efficiency and driving impactful organizational outcomes.

KPearson@risas.org

Kathy, an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist, has been a community prevention coalition leader in Rhode Island for over 17 years. Kathy is widely recognized for her contributions to prevention in RI. She has also worked in the substance treatment field in the UK. Kathy enjoys rowing, sewing, walking her dog with friends, and mentoring youth.

KSullivan@risas.org

Heidi is an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist with a master’s degree in education. She has been recognized locally and nationally as a leader in the prevention field, an area she has worked in for the past 10 years.

HDriscoll@risas.org

Colleen is a licensed mental health counselor with over 25 years of experience in the counseling field, including student assistance, employee assistance, and private individual and family psychotherapy. Colleen is known as “Mom” to four young adults and one puppy. When she is not at work providing training and clinical supervision to student assistance counselors or managing RISAS projects, she is likely outdoors, hiking, kayaking, skiing, biking, or in the kitchen cooking with the music blasting.

CJudge@risas.org

Sue was a student assistance counselor with RISAS for 29 years before becoming a manager in 2018. She has a special fondness for middle school youth, but loves training and teaching people of all ages. Sue enjoys all forms of social dancing, quiet walks in the woods, and international travel.

SDavis@risas.org

Adam joined RISAS as a Student Assistance Counselor in 2019, got carried into the whirlwind of private practice for a minute, then found himself back at RISAS as a Clinical Supervisor. Never one to fit snuggly inside the proverbial box, Adam has consistently had one foot in the counseling world and one in the education and youth nonprofit world. Outside of his time supporting SACs, you can find him cozied up with a good book or belting out bass notes in the Rhode Island Gay Men’s Chorus.

ARodriquez@risas.org

Diane was a student assistance counselor with RISAS for 20 years before becoming a clinical supervisor in 2021. She has been in private practice as a psychotherapist since 1999. In her free time, Diane enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, meditating, hiking, and painting.

DFerrara@risas.org

Charlene Williams was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. She affectionately and specifically highlights being raised on the Southside of the city of Providence. She was educated in the Providence Public School System and received her high school diploma from Classical High School.

In 2009 Charlene graduated from the American International College in Springfield, MA with a major in English and a double minor in sociology and criminal justice. After graduation she returned to the place she called home; the city of Providence.

In 2012 Charlene joined Providence Community Libraries, present day Community Libraries for People, working as a Children’s Specialist. In this role she supported early childhood intervention efforts through literacy. She developed library programming for primary grades working with neighboring schools and colleges to support youth in the Mount Pleasant area of Providence.

After working for the libraries for three years Charlene joined the YMCA, working for their Providence Youth Services branch. There she worked as a site director at the Pleasant View Elementary School. She ran out of school time programming for over 40 elementary age children during the school year and over 100 elementary age children during the summer. She collaborated with Providence Public Schools and other local organizations to boost summer learning, keep students active and engaged after school and during the summers.

Charlene ultimately returned to the library, working at the Wheeler School in Providence with students in nursery through second grade. After working for the Wheeler School for eight years she transitioned to Equity and Inclusion work, becoming the Assistant Director of Wheeler’s Equity, Community and Belonging Office in 2023. In this role she has developed skills in youth development and leadership supporting mentor programs, affinity leadership programs and service-learning programs.

At Rhode Island Student Assistance Services Charlene is transferring her skills in developing and supporting youth leaders, coordinating the Teen Institute Program (TI). Joining the organization in July of 2024 Charlene has connected with youth and staff to support the ongoing efforts of supporting the wellbeing of youth, supporting their awareness around addiction and their abilities to have an impact on their communities through positive actions; implementing change or raising awareness.

Charlene is also a mother of three children. When she is not working, she can be found reading, going for walks or in community with family, friends, other educators, activists and mothers.

CWilliams@risas.org

Melly is a proud immigrant, born in Dominican Republic. Her family relocated to Queens, New York at the age of 10. Melly attended Lehman College where she graduated with a B.A. in History, a double minor in Childhood Education and Psychology.

Melly began a career in Child Protection, where she found her true calling for the Social Work profession. For 15 years, she worked at New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) where she developed a passion for working with children and families in a diverse urban setting.

In 2022, Melly joined RISAS as a Student Assistance Counselor. RISAS has provided the opportunity to promote substance use prevention and education. Working in a Middle school setting has further developed community engagement and service delivery skills that promote positive outcomes for students and their families.

When not at work, Melly enjoys tending to her plants, listening to music, and dancing.

MBello@risas.org

I have over 15 years of dedicated experience in the mental health field.  I am a licensed mental health counselor and certified student assistance counselor known for a compassionate approach to therapy with a commitment to supporting adolescents. As a clinical supervisor, I play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health professionals, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills to make a positive impact in the lives of their students. Additionally,  I have worked in higher levels of treatment and successfully ran an after-school Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents, providing essential support to young individuals facing unique challenges.

My approach is enriched by my passions outside of work. I enjoy creative journaling and drawing, which allows me to express my thoughts and emotions while inspiring others to explore their own creativity. A lover of nature, I find joy in gardening and a special affinity for horseback riding, activities that ground me and offer a peaceful escape.

With a blend of professional expertise and personal interests, I bring a holistic approach to mental health counseling, aiming to be a trusted advocate for those I work with.

RYoung@risas.org

Leigh has been with the Rhode Island Youth Suicide Prevention Program (RIYSPP) since 2009. Leigh and members of RIYSPP train and educate adults and youth throughout the state about the warning signs for suicide, risk and protective factors, and how to get a young person connected with help. Leigh enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, visiting area beaches, hiking, and running.

LReposa@risas.org