Children's Grief w/ R. Loiselle

Ryan Loiselle, LICSW is the program director for FRIENDS WAY. In his role, Ryan manages the day-to-day operations including intake, referrals, trainings, community outreach, as well as supervising the volunteer facilitators. In 2001, he began his tenure at FRIENDS WAY as a volunteer group facilitator. Prior to joining FRIENDS WAY, he worked at Merrimack Valley Hospice with a concentration in pediatric palliative care and children’s bereavement. Ryan studied at the University of Rhode Island and received his degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Thanatology (the study of death, loss, grief, and bereavement). He went on to Simmons College in Boston, MA and received his master’s in social work. Additionally, he has presented at several conferences for NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and for NAGC (National Alliance for Grieving Children) on children's bereavement. Ryan joined the board of directors for the NACG in January 2022.

FRIENDS WAY serves families throughout Southeastern New England. Staffed with highly qualified mental health care professionals and extensively trained community volunteers, we provide peer support to children and their families in a safe and nurturing environment. Our services are free to all families, with 100% of our program funded through fundraising activities and community support.

We give back to the community through the provision of training programs, community outreach and crisis intervention outreach for grieving families. We also offer referrals that can provide the appropriate level of care. Conducting more than 150 presentations and in-service training workshops about guiding children through their loss and grief, we have become a proven resource for Rhode Island agencies that seek bereavement services for their community members.

Visit FRIENDS WAY.