Our Staff

At From the Ground Up Wellness Center, we are proud to introduce our dedicated team of mental health wellness professionals. Our staff is composed of qualified individuals who specialize in various areas of mental health, ensuring that we provide comprehensive care tailored to the needs of our clients.

With extensive training and experience, our team is equipped to support individuals through their mental wellness journeys. We believe in fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment where every client feels safe to explore their mental health concerns.

Kimberly Perry

Leela Haghanizadeh-Foley

Leela Haghanizadeh is a LICSW with over 18 years of experience providing mental health services to children and adults. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology and Childlife at Wheelock College and received her Master of Clinical Social Work from Boston College. She has experience working in various settings including outpatient, Emergency services, inpatient services , and medical setting with both children and adults. Leela practices within client-focused and family system model utilizing evidence-based therapies to aid the success in achieving one’s therapeutic and personal goals. Therapy will be conducted as a team effort between the clinician, client(s), family, and any additional supports as deemed appropriate for treatment. She is trained in various modalities that are but not limited to CBT, DBT, ERP, MI, and Solution focus. She specializes in working with clients who obtain a diagnosis but not limited to OCD, Severe anxiety, Depression, trauma, and LBGTQ++ Ally. Leela is able to provide individual therapy, family therapy, parental support, couple therapy, and Autism assessments (ADOS) for both children and adults.
Kimberly Perry

Erica Ferguson

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Dietitian (RD). I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I work with clients individually and also offer couples and family counseling. I see clients for anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, relationship concerns, weight management concerns, diabetes management, and other mental health and eating stressors. I combine the therapeutic approached of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Family Based Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

I believe everyone has their own story to tell and everyone deserves to be heard. I am here to listen to your story and help support you through your journey. I strive to create a warm, safe environment where I will listen with compassion, patience and support. My goal is to help my clients feel empowered to achieve their own personal goals.

Being a Registered Dietitian, I am able to bring a unique perspective to my clinical practice. I have worked in behavioral weight control for over 25 years. I have extensive expertise in weight management, binge eating, and diabetes management. I work to help my clients achieve a healthy relationship with food while identifying problematic eating behaviors. Helping achieve weight loss while working on increasing self-esteem has been a primary focus for me.

Erica received her Master’s in Social Work from Boston College and Bachelors of Science from Syracuse University.

Kimberly Perry

Kim Perry

I am a dedicated and empathetic Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. I graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2017 with a double Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies, which laid the foundation for my understanding of human development, behavior, and family systems.

I went on to earn my Master’s in Social Work from Boston College, specializing in Clinical Mental Health. My graduate training equipped me with a robust clinical toolkit, including expertise in trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions.

Professional Experience:
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with at-risk populations in a variety of acute care settings, including psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment programs, and correctional facilities. In these high-stress, high-risk environments, I have developed extensive experience in crisis intervention, trauma recovery, and supporting individuals with complex mental health and behavioral concerns. My work with these diverse populations has helped me develop a flexible, client-centered approach that adapts to the unique needs of each individual or group.

In addition to my clinical experience, I have been deeply committed to advancing my expertise through specialized, intensive trainings. I have completed several intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) trainings, which has enhanced my ability to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. I have also completed an Intensive Program in Couples and Family Systems Therapies, which has deepened my understanding of family dynamics and the interconnections of relational systems. These specialized trainings have further enhanced my ability to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families.

Therapeutic Approach:
I believe therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and active listening. I work with clients to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their emotions, experiences, and challenges. By drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities—including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused and Family Systems Therapy—I tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs, whether they are seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or family therapy.

I understand that healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, or life transitions, I am here to support you in building the skills and insights necessary for lasting change and emotional well-being.

Specialties:
Anxiety and Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Life Transitions
Couples and Family Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Family Systems Therapy

Alexandra Ramos

Alexandra Ramos is a licensed clinical social worker and a dedicated mental health professional. She has a Masters in Social Work from Sacred Heart University where she graduated in May 2024. With extensive experience working with children, adolescents and families, Alex specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and creating individualized treatment plans.

Alex has a diverse experience includes inpatient care, residential, partial hospitalization, case management, and work in specialized programs including autism and developmental disabilities. Alex is passionate about helping individuals navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve personal growth.

Alex’s expertise includes therapeutic intervention, crisis management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Outside of her clinical work, Alex is continually expanding her knowledge, staying updated on the latest practices in mental health to provide the highest level of support to her clients.

Michelle Powers

Michelle Powers, our dedicated Administrative Assistant who is passionate about client care and always ready to lend a helping hand. With a warm smile and a heart for mental health, she ensures every client feels supported and informed in their journey.

COLOR WAS ADDED BY STRENGTH WITHIN US & SUPPORT AROUND US

Contact Us

(401) 618-5378

29 Smith Avenue
Unit 1
Greenville, RI 02828

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