The Leadership Council

06/03/2026

We were honored to welcome representatives from the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation (RIHEBC) to SUMHLC today for an on-site visit related to our recent Capital Grant Program award.

This important investment will help support our continued efforts to expand access to high-quality behavioral health education, training, and workforce development opportunities throughout Rhode Island.

Pictured (left to right): John J. Tassoni, Jr., President/CEO of SUMHLC; Dylan Zelazo of RIHEBC; and Sophia Elanani, Director of Training.

We are grateful to RIHEBC for their support and commitment to strengthening the behavioral health workforce and the communities we serve.

06/02/2026

SUMHLC is excited to share this upcoming Social Skills Group from Ellie Mental Health for children ages 6–9.

Over the course of 6 weeks, children will learn important life skills including:
✔️ Understanding emotions
✔️ Communication and friendship skills
✔️ Flexible thinking and problem-solving
✔️ Calm-down and coping strategies

Through games, stories, art activities, and group discussions, participants will gain practical tools they can use at home, at school, and with their peers.

📅 Tuesdays beginning June 9
🕔 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 1526 Atwood Ave., Suite 104, Johnston, RI

For more information or to register, contact Toni Almeida Russell at [email protected] or 401-381-5372.

This is a wonderful opportunity to help young children strengthen social-emotional skills in a supportive and engaging environment. 💙

05/26/2026

Join TRAIN RI for an upcoming webinar:

Youth Su***de Assessment & Intervention Strategies
📅 June 2, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎤 Presenter: Thomas Butero, LICSW

This foundational training will cover youth su***de risk assessment, intervention strategies, post-vention, and the role families, schools, communities, and social media play in prevention.

✅ 2.0 CEUs + 2.0 NBCC continuing education clock hours available
💲 Fee: $35

⚠️ A working camera is required for participants seeking a certificate.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sEvXGj2fRf2oB-ebjbdAxw #/registration

05/18/2026

May is Mental Health Action Month, and we’re proud to share the latest edition of the Tides Family Services newsletter. 💚

From youth enrichment programs and advocacy efforts and upcoming community events, Tides Family Services continues to make a meaningful impact for children, youth, and families across Rhode Island.

Thank you to the team at Tides Family Services for your ongoing commitment to mental health awareness, support, and action in our communities.

Take a look through the newsletter to learn more about the incredible work being done every day.

05/15/2026

Join us on May 22 for an upcoming training: Ethics and Liability Issues with Frederic Reamer, PhD.

This intermediate-level webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of ethical and liability issues related to substance use treatment and intervention. Participants will explore key topics including confidentiality and privacy, boundaries and dual relationships, conflicts of interest, and strategies for preventing ethical dilemmas and liability risks in clinical practice.

🗓 Friday, May 22, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎓 3.0 CEUs (NASW-RI, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
🎓 3.0 NBCC continuing education clock hours
📘 Level: Intermediate
💲 Fee: $50

A working camera is required for participants seeking a training certificate.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jc-ohKG3ThShQyRRyJ7u1w #/registration

05/12/2026

Ellie Mental Health, is offering a Social Skills Group for children ages 6–9 starting June 9th in Johnston, RI.

This 6-week group is designed to help children build confidence, strengthen friendships, improve communication skills, and learn healthy coping strategies through games, stories, art activities, and group discussions.

📅 Tuesdays starting June 9th
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 1526 Atwood Ave, Suite 104, Johnston, RI

For more information or to register, contact [email protected] or call 401-381-5372.

Please feel free to share with families or providers who may be interested!

05/11/2026

Join us on May 18 for an upcoming training: Breaking Barriers: Coordinating Care in Medication-Assisted Treatment with Tori Lynn Panzarella, LMHC, LCDP, and Megan Cordeiro, LMHC, LCDP, CADC II.

This intermediate-level webinar will explore the importance of compassionate, coordinated care in supporting individuals receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Participants will learn strategies to address barriers to care, strengthen provider collaboration, and implement evidence-based, person-centered practices that improve treatment engagement and outcomes.

🗓 Monday, May 18, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎓 3.0 CEUs (NASW-RI, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
🎓 3.0 NBCC continuing education clock hours
📘 Level: Intermediate
💲 Fee: $35

A working camera is required for participants seeking a training certificate.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wRCAyZjnRYWrnZIdtZphvw #/registration

05/07/2026

We hope to see you at the 2026 PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade in Providence! 🌈

On Saturday, June 20, thousands will gather downtown for a day filled with live entertainment, local vendors, community connection, and the iconic Illuminated Night Parade.

SUMHLC is proud to support events that celebrate diversity, equity, and belonging for all members of our community.

Learn more about the event and plan your visit here: https://prideri.org/

The 2026 PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade Theme In 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial, a small group of LGBTQIA+ Rhode Islanders fought to be included in the official Read More

05/06/2026

Join us on May 13 for an upcoming training: Trauma-Informed Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities with Francis Tierney, CSE.

This intermediate-level webinar will explore how individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly Autism, may experience and respond to trauma in unique ways. Participants will gain insight into trauma responses, communication differences, and practical strategies to create safer, more supportive clinical spaces.

🗓 Wednesday, May 13, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🎓 2.0 CEUs (NASW-RI, RI Certification Board Chemical Dependency, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors through the RI Mental Health Counselors Association)
🎓 2.0 NBCC continuing education clock hours
📘 Level: Intermediate
💲 Fee: $35

A working camera is required for participants seeking a training certificate.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hJqNehAyRb-O106kdCJ13Q #/registration

05/01/2026

Our May Newsletter is here!

This month, we’re sharing upcoming trainings, highlighting important behavioral health resources, and spotlighting Thrive Behavioral Health and the many ways they support individuals, families, veterans, and our community across Rhode Island.

We’re also excited to share that SUMHLC now offers a new Single Membership option for individual professionals looking to join our network and stay connected.

Take a look through this month’s updates and let us know what training topics you’d like to see in the future!