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

My name is Enid Valois, though I prefer to be called Veronika. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I developed a deep appreciation for culture, community, and resilience.

Professionally, I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of justice-involved individuals through my work with nonprofit organizations. I currently serve as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Program Officer and provide support services to both the Board of Directors and the Director of Student Services.

I hold an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from the Community College of Rhode Island and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Rhode Island College. In addition, I have the privilege of teaching Domestic Violence Batterer’s Intervention classes through the Rhode Island Batterers Intervention Program (RIBIP).

As the only Spanish-speaking domestic violence facilitator supporting the Latino community in Rhode Island, I strive to bridge service gaps and create a safe, inclusive space for individuals who might otherwise feel isolated or misunderstood.

I take great pride in my work and am deeply passionate about helping others. I am a testament to the power of hard work and dedication, and I aim to inspire others to reach their fullest potential.

VValois@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

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

Jheneire is a passionate mother, artist, musician, mental health supporter, motivational speaker, and social justice advocate. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she spent over 15 years serving youth and families. In 2022, Jheneire transitioned to Rhode Island, where she began working at RISAS as a Student Assistance Counselor. There, she promoted substance use prevention education at Providence Career and Technical Academy while building collaborative relationships with stakeholders throughout the state.

Jheneire holds dual master’s degrees in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Work, as well as a certificate in Human Services Management from Wheelock College (now Boston University). She was also awarded a fellowship in design at the Design Students League in New York.

Driven by a commitment to education, empowerment, and inspiration, Jheneire leverages the transformative power of art, critical thinking, music, and mental health support to uplift individuals and communities.

JLoreus@risas.org