Providers

Rebecca Carter, M.Ed, LMHC, NCCE
familyconnections@familyconnectionsri.com
401-864-4301

Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Diversified Liberal Arts from the University of San Diego. She has a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in counseling from the University of San Diego and completed her LMHC at Rhode Island College. Becky has over 30 years experience in the human service field working in residential treatment, community mental health agencies, psychiatric hospitals and private practice.

Rebecca is co founder of Family Connections, LLC.

Kelly Waldron, MA, CAGS, LMHC
familyconnections@familyconnectionsri.com
401-952-8188

Kelly graduated from St. Anselm College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has a Master’s degree and a Certificate of Advanced Graduates Studies from Rhode Island College in Mental Health Counseling. Kelly holds a mental health counselor license in Rhode Island. With over 20 years’ experience in the human service field, Kelly has worked in various settings, such as residential treatment facilities, alternative school settings and private practice. Kelly is the co-founder of Family Connections is the program administrator of the Family Connections therapeutic visitation program, Connecting Families.

Heather Razza, MA, CAGS, LMHC
Heather.Razza@familyconnectionsri.com

Heather graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree. Heather holds a Master’s Degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Salve Regina University. Heather is a licensed mental health therapist in the state of Rhode Island.

Heather has experience in residential treatment facilities for adolescents, school settings as well as private practice. Her treatment approach is strength-based, patient-centered. Heather currently provides individual, couples, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.

Betsy Alper , LICSW
Betsy.A@familyconnectionsri.com

Betsy received a Master’s in Social Work from Rhode Island College in 1990. She has experience working with children and adults in multiple settings including office based, home based and early intervention. She utilizes a strength based approach with children, teens and adults in both individual and family treatment.

Her specialties include adoption and ADHD. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Rhode Island and currently provides home based services to individuals and families.

Wilthonie Johnson-Goncalves, MSW, LICSW
Wilthonie.G@familyconnectionsri.com

Wilthonie obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College.

During the course of her career, Wilthonie has worked as a clinian providing counseling to adolescents involved with the Juvenile Justice system as well as adolescents, adults, couples and families struggling with an array of issues including, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, substance abuse, trauma, abuse etc. Her clinical background also includes working as a psychiatric clinician in an inpatient psychiatric hospital providing assessment, diagnosis, counseling and support to psychiatric and dual diagnosis patients.

With an emphasis on a solution focused approach, Wilthonie seeks to engage and empower all clients while using their unique personal life experiences, strengths, and sense of reliency to foster further life progress.

L. “Vinnie” Velazquez, MS, CAADC, CPRS
Bilingual Spanish
Vinnie.V@familyconnectionsri.com

Vinnie is an advanced Chemical Dependency professional with over twenty-years of experience working in various treatment modalities and community settings. She earned a Master’s Degree in Human services from Springfield College and is currently working on a CAGGS in Education from Cambridge College. Vinnie is bi-lingual in English and Spanish and has over two decades of experience working with individuals and families who need counseling and supports due to the following; substance abuse, sexual assault, depression, grief and loss, re-entry, immigration, domestic violence, LGBTQ, truancy, anxiety/depression and homelessness in diverse treatment and community settings.

Vinnie utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, Motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy as well as mindfulness and trauma informed practices. Vinnie’s person-centered approach supports client’s in finding their voice as they make life changes to live their best life!

Cindy Ogando, LCSW
Bilingual Spanish
Cindy.O@familyconnectionsri.com

Cindy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College. Cindy also graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College. She is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker; fluent in Spanish. Cindy has worked with children, teens, families and the elderly in various settings.

Currently, Cindy works as a clinician for a day care organization, teaching behavioral interventions to teachers and staff, to be offered to pre-school aged children. Cindy also currently works as a clinician for a family reunification program, offering clinical support and observations of court-separated families. Cindy has worked with a diverse population and continues to expand her knowledge in cultural/racial diversity.

Victoria Palmisano, MS, CAGS, LCDP
Victoria.P@familyconnectionsri.com
774-400-4750

Victoria is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional with over 10 years experience working with families and adolescents in their homes, schools and communities. Victoria graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Johnson State College and earned a Masters of Science from Capella University school of Human Services. After working several years with adolescents in the juvenile justice system and drug court, Victoria earned her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Addiction and Substance Use Treatment from Salve Regina.

Victoria has extensive experience working with families affected by trauma and children in DCYF placement. She also has personal and professional experience with children with developmental disabilities, in particular the Autism Spectrum.

Darrell Williams, MS, CADC, CPRS, MHC-A
Darrell.W@familyconnectionsri.com

Darrell received his license through the state of Rhode Island in 2012 which qualifies him as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). His wealth of experience includes ten+ years of working in the substance abuse field and twenty years in the human service field as a change agent.

His work experience includes: consulting and managing residential treatment facilities for men with a dual diagnosis and working with at risk adolescents in the Providence public school system. He has also worked closely with the Department of Corrections and their clients who were diagnosed with severe PTSD and substance abuse disorder. He is currently employed as a clinician and works directly with men and single fathers with anxiety-Depression, PTSD, substance abuse and involvement with DCYF. He occasionally works as an independent contractor with men, women and families to provide addiction counseling. Treatment modalities include an eclectic approach but not limited to: Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy and Conflict Resolution.

Darrell received his Bachelors of Science with a concentration in human service and Master of Science with a concentration in mental health counseling from Springfield College. He is currently preparing to take the state exam to become a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) by the year 2020.

Susan Olson, MS, LCDP
Susan.O@familyconnectionsri.com
(401) 588-1647

Susan holds a Master’s of Science degree in Addiction Studies from Capella University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Family Development from American Public University. She also holds a license in chemical dependency and is working towards her gambling certification. Susan has 10 year’s experience working with clients in methadone clinics and in community mental health/substance use agencies. Susan’s expertise is working with women with substance use disorders who are pregnant or postpartum and currently serves on the Committee for Substance Exposed Newborns. She also has experience working with men involved with the legal system of RI. She also has experience with SUD groups and individual counseling.

Susan utilizes a holistic and client centered approach. She believes in meeting a client where “he/she is at” and works from a biopsychosoicial and spiritual therapeutic approach. She also enjoys teaching DBT and mindfulness skills and has a working knowledge of the 12 steps of recovery programs. Susan likes to use music and the arts while working with clients. She believes in meeting a client where he/she is at and works with the client to problem solve. This provides a sense of accomplishment for client’s who struggle with substance use disorders which is important in the healing process. Susan also believes in self-care and in her spare time enjoys music, spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading and crocheting.

Liz-Anna Darling, MS, LMHC, LCDP
lizanna.pd@familyconnectionsri.com
(401) 632-6324

Liz-Anna Darling graduated from Rhode Island College after working on three Master’s Degree: Agency Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling and Co-Occurring Counseling. She has earned her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Mental Health Counseling after which she was able to become an independent Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional (LCDP)

Liz-Anna has over 20 years of experience working in various settings such as Residential Treatment Facilities, and Community/State Agencies (DCYF, DOH, DOC), working with children, adolescents and adults who present with both mental health and/or substance use disorders.

Liz-Anna provides primarily Individual therapy, and extends her expertise to couples in crises, family and group therapy. She utilizes a variety of treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational therapy, Solution Focused and Person-Centered Therapy

Liz-Anna has reported good results working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, mood disorders, marital conflicts, grief and loss, domestic violence; she has also helped many fight and overcome their Addition to drugs.

Margerie Serrano, MEd
Bilingual Spanish
margerie.s@familyconnectionsri.com

Margerie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with concentrations in Community Outreach and a Master’s in Education with fields of study in Mental Health, Family, and Marriage Therapy. She also works as a Substitute teacher in an underserved community as well as a Eco friendly Charter green school.

Margerie has 11 years’ experience working in education and mental health services with a deep interest in community, physical education, and natural methods of healing. During the course of her career, she has worked in-patient psychiatric, ran group therapies, and worked 1:1 and with family’s servicing individuals where Spanish is their primary language.

Margerie meets clients where they are at by using a variety of treatment strength base modalities including CBT, DBT, Motivational interviewing, solution-focus, mindfulness, Trauma, and breathing exercises. She encourages clients by teaching coping strategies and patients with oneself. Margerie is bilingual English and Spanish speaking.

Alexandria Pettinato, MS, LCDP
alex.p@familyconnectionsri.com
401-255-4747

Alexandria holds a Bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Rhode Island and a Masters of Science degree from Lasell College in Newton, MA. She became a Licensed Chemical Dependency Provider in the state of Rhode Island in 2018. Alexandria has 8 years experience in the substance abuse field providing individual and group therapy. Her experience includes working with adults with substance abuse issues in the outpatient setting as well as incarcerated individuals.

Bridget K. Kinsella, MSW, LCSW
bridget.k@familyconnectionsri.com

Bridget graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Manhattan College. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College and obtained a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Child and Adolescent Trauma. Bridget has twenty years experience working in the Child Welfare System.

Bridget’s clinical experience includes trauma specific counseling with children and adolescents. She is trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Bridget enjoys using play therapy and creative arts therapy as interventions. She believes building a trusting therapeutic relationship and safe space for children to heal is the most important part of treatment.

Bridget is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Rhode Island. Bridget is available to work with children, teens, adults and families.

Sabrina Estrela, LCSW
Bilingual Portuguese
sabrina.e@familyconnectionsri.com
1-774-331-8020

Sabrina graduated in 2022 with a Masters in Social work from Rhode Island College. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with adolescents and adults.I have worked in a variety of settings including school settings, residential and community based. She enjoys working with families and helping people with the healing process. She is a big advocate for self care and self love. Sabrina is a Bilingual Clinician fluent in Portuguese, and can understand some Creole and Spanish.

Rebecca Flores, MS, CAGS, REAT
Bilingual Spanish
rebecca.f@familyconnectionsri.com

Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling, Emphasis on Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse. She has a Master of Science in Psychology with General Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Health Psychology from Grand Canyon University, and a Certificate of Advance Studies in Holistic & Expressive Arts from Regina University.

Rebecca has 15 years of experience working with adults and youth to improve and enhance physical, emotional, social, and psychological awareness in public schools, the nonprofit sector, and private practice.

She is also a Registered Expressive Art Therapist (REAT) with The International Expressive Art Therapy Association (IEATA). She currently provides clinical and home-based art therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults. She assesses the causes and seriousness of the client’s presenting issues with mental health difficulties, including substance use.

Denise O. DiOrio, LICSW
denise.o@familyconnectionsri.com
401-741-6618

Denise graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelors degree in Social Welfare. Prior to receiving her Masters degree at Boston University in social work, she worked as a case worker with the psychiatric population.

Denise is currently working in the healthcare system. She has certifications in criminal justice, palliative care, and is a member of NASW and the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Denise has more than 20 years experience, working with children, adolescence, adults and families

Veronica Castaneda, MS, LCDP, CAADC
veronica.c@familyconnectionsri.com
401-288-1204
Bilingual Spanish speaking

Veronica graduated from Springfield with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Service with a concentration in community and youth development, later completing a Masters Degree in Human Service with a concentration in mental health. Currently licensed as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counselor. Worked specifically with substance abuse and concurring disorders for over 5 years. Experienced in adult education along with youth and community work.

Veronica has over 10 years experience working in various mental health setting, including residential, with children adolescents, families and adults.

Jocelyn Hernandez, MA, LCDP, CPRS
Jocelyn.h@familyconnectionsri.com
401-837-1620

Graduated from Springfield College with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Later obtaining a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Salve Regina University. License as a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor and Peer Recovery Specialist. Working towards obtaining CAGS to become license in mental health counseling.

Over 10 years of experience working with women and children in residential treatment program settings. Working closely with DCYF, Family Drug Court, Baby Secure Court and a list of other providers statewide. Training in Dialectical & Cognitive Behavior therapy, Person Centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Utilizing a strength base approach to counseling in an effort to foster healing and resilience.

Shawna Bell, LMHC-A
Shawna.b@familyconnectionsri.com

Shawna graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She is a recent graduate of Rhode Island College with her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Shawna holds her Mental Health Counseling Associate license in the state of Rhode Island.

Shawna has years of experience working in community-based agencies serving a variety of different individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her therapeutic approach is person-centered, utilizing interventions based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, directed in helping the client live a valued, goal-oriented life.

Shawna is currently accepting new clients for individual, couples, and family counseling serving children, adolescents, and adults.

Ileana E Santiago, MA, CAGS, CAMS, LCDP
Ileana.s@familyconnectionsri.com

Ileana holds a master’s from Salve Regina University with a concentration in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling. She is licensed as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Substance Abuse Professional, and Anger Management Specialist. She is also a certified Problem Gambling and an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist.

Ileana has extensive experience in mental health diagnosis and treatment. For over twenty-six years, she has specialized in preventing and treating chemical dependency as a program coordinator, director, lead counselor, addictions therapist, and substance abuse specialist. During this time, she has worked in various socio-cultural settings, such as community mental health centers, schools, group homes, and inpatient and outpatient settings. Ileana has experienced psychotherapy for adults, youth, and parents with various disorders, including anxiety disorders, sexual abuse, depression, mood disorders, relationship issues, attentional difficulties, and youth behavioral challenges.

Ileana believes in each person’s innate potential and ability to grow and heal. Her approach brings a compassionate, non-judgmental, mindful awareness to sessions. This approach helps clients slow down to explore and heal emotions and beliefs that limit their sense of well-being and potential. Her clients learn to use mindfulness as a powerful tool for change.

Heather Lucitt, MA, MAT
heather.l@familyconnectionsri.com
401-436-4677

Heather graduated from Rhode Island College with a bachelor's in psychology and began working as a family service coordinator serving adjudicated youth and their families. Heather went on to earn a master’s in Agency Counseling and a master’s in teaching, obtaining Rhode Island state teaching certification. She also completed post graduate courses in psychology at Columbia University and has trained in Domestic Violence Advocacy, Peer Recovery and parenting education.

Heather has experience working with adolescents and adults in methadone treatment centers, residential treatment facilities and state and community-based agencies providing in-patient, out-patient, and home-based therapy.

Heather takes a multimodal approach to therapy, providing a broad scope of treatment designed to help clients overcome difficulties in multiple areas of life that affect their mental health. Treatment utilizes aspects of CBT, SFBT, MET and DBT and is tailored to meet the needs of each individual and family.

Asia Smith, LICSW
Asia.S@familyconnectionsri.com
401-996-9812

Asia Smith obtained a bachelors degree in psychology and a Masters degree in clinical social work from Rhode Island College. She holds a license in the State of RI as independent clinician and has over ten years of diversified experience working in a of variety of settings such as urgent care, hospital settings, inpatient treatment facilities and middle schools. With extensive experience working with youth, families and adults, an emphasis on person centered care and solution focused treatment, she aims to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives.