Diane Ferrara
Summary
Positive, empathic and dedicated to fostering student well-being and academic success with a deep understanding of adolescents and young adults. Able to design and implement supportive counseling programs, my commitment lies in creating a nurturing environment that facilitates both personal and academic growth for students and staff.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Darlington Early Childhood Center
- Responsible for all programmatic operational and financial aspects of a child care facility serving100 children, ages 18 months to 6 years; hired, trained, and supervised a staff of fifteen; established an alliance with the Pawtucket School system for special needs students to attend the Center; formed a parent's organization to support the Center; coordinated services with community based agencies for children and families in crisis; successfully increased enrollment to 100% by adding Kindergarten and Toddler Programs at the Center
Manager/Clinical Supervisor
RI Student Assistance Services
01.2021 - Current
- Provide clinical and administrative supervision for masters level clinicians working within 16 middle and high schools throughout Rhode Island
- Manage and motivate student assistant counselors to be implement Project SUCCESS, an evidenced-based substance use and mental health prevention and early intervention program for adolescents.
- Collaborate with school administrators to ensure the needs of students and the school community are being meet.
- Oversee data collection and adherence to fidelity utilized for reporting to funders.
Clinician/Owner
Diane M. Ferrara, LICSW
09.2002 - Current
- Provide individual therapy for adults with OCD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
- Utilizing a mindful and compassionate approach to an eclectic array of therapeutic techniques allows clients to increase awareness of thought patterns, break free of worry about the future, let go of painful memories of the past, and learn to live in the present moment.
Student Assistance Counselor
RI Student Assistance Services
01.2001 - 01.2021
- Conducted assessments of high school students experiencing substance use issues, family problems, academic difficulties or social/emotional problems; provide treatment recommendations;
- Implemented groups for students on topics such as addiction, social skills and relationship building
- Assisted students in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Educated students on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Clinician
Kent County Mental Health Center
01.1998 - 08.2000
- Provide individual counseling to a general adult mental health population with various issues including PTSD, depression, sexual abuse, anxiety, and substance abuse; provide family and couples counseling and case management services; conduct psychosocial assessments and coordinate treatment planning
Clinician
Fall River Family Services
02.1997 - 01.1998
- Provided general outpatient counseling for adults, children and adolescents with various issues including sexual and substance abuse, domestic violence, grievance and depression; provided comprehensive assessments and conducted individual, family and couples therapy; worked as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
Program Director Child Care Services
Child and Family Services of Newport County
01.1992 - 09.1994
- Oversaw programmatic and operational components of two family-focused child care centers serving low income families; assisted in developing funding opportunities for the program, including grant writing; hired, oriented, supervised and evaluated staff; responsible for program development, public relations, and marketing of program; developed contracts, policies, and procedures for specific services; developed and supervised family center intake process; coordinated various services for families within the agency and with outside agencies; compiled statistical reports and program outcome; coordinated with the Director of Volunteers regarding the volunteer plan, development, and implementation; assisted in developing and monitoring the budget
Education
Master of Social Work -
Boston University
Boston, MABachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Relations
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RISkills
- Clinical assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Clinical Supervision
- Time Management
- Collaboration with team members
- Mindfulness practice integration
Timeline
Manager/Clinical Supervisor
RI Student Assistance Services
01.2021 - Current
Clinician/Owner
Diane M. Ferrara, LICSW
09.2002 - Current
Student Assistance Counselor
RI Student Assistance Services
01.2001 - 01.2021
Clinician
Kent County Mental Health Center
01.1998 - 08.2000
Clinician
Fall River Family Services
02.1997 - 01.1998
Program Director Child Care Services
Child and Family Services of Newport County
01.1992 - 09.1994
Director
Darlington Early Childhood Center
Master of Social Work -
Boston University
Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Relations
University of Rhode Island
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