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, LICSW

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, RD, LICSW

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, LICSW

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.

smile Photo to come

Lynda Bonneau, LICSW

Lynda Bonneau, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 15 years of diverse experience in mental health, education, and crisis intervention. She currently serves as a School Social Worker at Robert L. Bailey IV Elementary School in Providence, Rhode Island, where she provides comprehensive support to students through individual counseling, group interventions, mental health screenings, and crisis management. As a vital member of the Special Education Team, she conducts psycho-social assessments and contributes to the development and monitoring of IEPs and behavioral plans.

Previously, Lynda held clinical and leadership roles at Bradley Hospital, Rhode Island’s only psychiatric hospital devoted exclusively to children and adolescents. In her capacity as Social Work Supervisor and Clinical Social Worker, she provided direct care, family therapy, and clinical supervision, while also collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and discharge planning for adolescents in crisis.

Her early clinical work included intensive community-based treatment for high-risk youth and their families at Psychological Centers, where she provided individual, family, and systems-focused therapy aimed at preserving family stability and preventing out-of-home placements.

Lynda holds a Master of Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Education from the University of New Hampshire, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She is also certified in School Social Work and trained in various assessment tools, including the BASC-3, Conners-4, and Vineland-3. Committed to supporting families through transitions and challenges, she has a longstanding passion for promoting mental wellness, educational access, and prenatal and maternal health.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, and traveling.

smile Photo to come

Tania Almeida, LICSW

Tania Almeida, LICSW is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families across various settings. Her career spans residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, and educational environments.

Tania is a fierce advocate for mental health awareness and social-emotional wellness. She is known for her effective communication skills, her ability to connect easily with clients to build strong therapeutic relationships, and her unwavering commitment to empowering individuals through a strengths-based perspective. Fluent in Portuguese, Tania brings a culturally responsive lens to her practice as well. 

Tania earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of Rhode Island in 2004. She went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wheelock College in 2006, solidifying her foundation in evidence-based practice and client-centered clinical care.

Guided by a belief in the power of self-determination, Tania collaborates closely with her clients to identify their goals and harness their strengths. Her clinical approach integrates a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Crisis Intervention. Whether addressing acute challenges or supporting long-term emotional growth, she fosters a safe, supportive, and culturally attuned environment where healing and resilience can thrive.

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.

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(401) 618-5378

29 Smith Avenue
Unit 1
Greenville, RI 02828

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