Susan E. Stevenson, M.Ed.
Susan E. Stevenson, M.Ed., is the executive director of FRIENDS WAY, an affiliate of Gateway Healthcare and Lifespan, Inc., where she is responsible for providing leadership for programs and administrative operations.
Stevenson has served on numerous boards of community organizations and is active on state committees for policies affecting systems of care and children’s well-being. She has taught courses and conducted workshops on early childhood, special needs populations, behavior analysis and positive behavior supports, and specialized treatment strategies. Stevenson has presented widely, written and directed numerous grants, and several professional publications.
Stevenson received her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and her graduate degree from Kent State University.
Email Susan: SStevenson2@lifespan.org
Ryan Loiselle, LICSW
Ryan Loiselle, LICSW is the program director for FRIENDS WAY. In his role, Loiselle manages the day-to-day operations including intake, referrals and community outreach, as well as supervising the volunteer facilitators. In 2001, Loiselle began his tenure at FRIENDS WAY as a volunteer group facilitator.
Prior to joining FRIENDS WAY, he worked at Merrimack Valley Hospice with a concentration in pediatric palliative care and children’s bereavement. He also served as the program director of “Jeff’s Place”, a bereavement center in Wayland, MA created by FRIENDS WAY founder, Jenny Kaplan.
Loiselle studied at the University of Rhode Island and received his degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Thanatology (the study of death, loss, grief, and bereavement). He went on to Simmons College in Boston, MA and received his masters in social work.
Additionally, he has presented at several conferences for NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and for NAGC (National Alliance for Grieving Children) on children's bereavement. Loiselle joined the board of directors for the NACG in January 2022.
Email Ryan: Ryan@friendsway.org
Sophia Baptiste, MEd
Sophia Baptiste, MEd is the program supervisor for FRIENDS WAY. As the program supervisor, Baptiste oversees facilitators and creates art activities relevant to the grieving process as well as emotional regulation.
Prior to joining FRIENDS WAY, Baptiste worked at Pine Street Inn as a residential counselor; counseling a group of women dealing with the trauma of homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. During her time as a master’s student, she counseled her internship and practicum caseloads through academic troubles, mental health struggles, emotional dysregulation, and grief. After receiving a Bachelors in English and a Master of Education in School Counseling from UMASS Boston, she hopes to continue expanding her knowledge through a nonprofit lens and offer support to FRIENDS WAY and the RI community as a new resident.
Email Sophia: Sophia@friendsway.org
Ari Alvarez
Ari Alvarez is a dedicated professional with a degree in Business Administration and a passion for making a positive impact in her community. Originally from Mexico, she moved to the USA in 2017, and since then has immersed herself in various roles, including HR, where she has honed her skills in people management and organizational development.
This past summer, she had the pleasure of working with Inspiring Minds, a nonprofit focused on empowering youth. Her experience there reinforced her love for working with kids and her commitment to supporting the Hispanic community. She is excited to be running an urban program for FRIENDS WAY in Central Falls, where she will help Hispanic families navigate their grief, a cause that is close to her heart.
Ari’s future aspirations include returning to school to pursue a degree in counseling, which will further enable her to help others navigate their challenges and achieve their goals.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys watching movies, reading, and spending time with her beloved dogs. She believes in the power of community and looks forward to continuing her journey of growth and service.
Email Ari: Ari@friendsway.org
