RICARES Staff

Melissa Bernier

Program Director, Recovery Support Services

Email: mbernier@ricares.org

Introducing Melissa (she/her), a compassionate Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Melissa is thrilled to join RICARES and looks forward to continuing her journey of growth and learning within such an amazing organization. Grateful for her own recovery experience and the positive impact it has had on her life, Melissa is eager to contribute her skills and passion to support individuals on their recovery journeys at RICARES. Outside of work, Melissa finds joy in spending quality time with her family, friends, and beloved dog Bentley, cherishing each moment of connection and happiness.

Melissa’s commitment to supporting others on their recovery paths is rooted in her deep appreciation for the positive changes it has brought to her life. She is driven by a desire to pay forward the support and guidance she has received, empowering individuals to embark on their own journeys of growth and recovery.

Kevin (he/him) is one of our recovery coaches. A native of Providence, Kevin is a person in long term recovery and truly loves helping others. Formally incarcerated for 30 years, Kevin uses his own recovery and that experience to inspire others with substance use disorders to begin a life in recovery and find the hope, happiness, and wellness that he has found.

Kevin Monteiro

Recovery Coach

Email: kmonteiro@ricares.org

Arame Sembene

Communications Coordinator

Email: asembene@ricares.org

Arame (she/her) started her tenure at RICARES in 2017 as a high school intern seeking to study psychology and explore the field of recovery. She attended The MET High school at the time, which was a career-oriented high school that encouraged its students to develop their passion through real-world experience while doing internships. Arame has learned a lot about the addiction recovery field, from matters of recovery advocacy and de-stigmatization, to legislation focused on prevention. Arame continues to be a key contributor to our team as she pursues her Psychology degree at Rhode Island College.

James is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) with over two years of experience. Originally from Colombia and fluent in Spanish, he brings a unique perspective to his work at RICARES. James recently joined the RICARES family, where he’s been making a positive impact for just over a month. Through his lived experience, James has shown remarkable strength and resilience, celebrating nearly five years of sobriety.

Beyond his professional endeavors, James finds solace and fulfillment in his passion for fitness and combat sports. Whether he’s engaged in rigorous High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes or lifting weights, the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment fuel his spirit. Yet amidst the intensity of his workouts, James always makes time for what matters most—his daughter. Their shared moments, whether watching movies or simply enjoying each other’s company, serve as reminders of the joy and blessings that come with sobriety.

James’s story is one of redemption and hope. Through his experiences, he’s become a beacon of inspiration for others battling addiction. At RICARES, he’s dedicated to lending a helping hand and offering unwavering support to those on their own journey to recovery.

James Sprole

Recovery Coach

Email: jsprole@ricares.org

Alyssa Stalaboin

Program Coordinator

Email: astalaboin@ricares.org

Alyssa (she/her/hers) joined the RICARES team in September of 2023 as a Program Coordinator after graduating from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Sports, Entertainment, Event Management in May of 2023. Her areas of focus include recovery housing, the RICARES volunteer network, and fundraising for the organization. Alyssa enjoys learning tips and tricks to help peers follow their path to recovery. Alyssa’s background includes planning minor events and baking various desserts in her free time.

Sandy is a person in long-term recovery who is passionate about bringing recovery tools and practice to those seeking and in recovery from substance use disorders, and their families. Prior to joining RICARES, Sandy led the collegiate recovery program at the University of Connecticut, and was awarded the Association of Recovery in Higher Education’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for her efforts. Sandy also brings over 30 years of experience leading operational, learning, and performance consulting teams at the The Hartford Financial Services Group.

A Recovery Coach Professional since 2019, Sandy is also the co-host of the Recovery Matters! podcast, a certified facilitator for CCAR’s Recovery Coach Academy and a member of the International Association of Recovery Coach Professionals (IARCP). A graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Sandy is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Social Work at the University of Connecticut.

Sandy Valentine

Executive Director

Email: svalentine@ricares.org