Alumni Spotlight: Flavia A. Albert, M.A.

11/25/2024

Inspired by her mission to make learning an adventure for children and their families one story at a time, Providence, RI, native and Community College of Rhode Island alumna Flavia A. Albert, M.A., is set to release her first children’s book, Lou’s New Trick, in December.

Albert’s book, recommended for children ages 2–6, tells the story of a lovable, mischievous Goldendoodle named Lou who learns about positive behaviors in a “silly, kid-friendly way,” an extension of Albert’s work as the Assistant Director of Student Outreach and Support Services at Providence College, where she provides case management and coordinates action plans for students of concern. The book, she says, helps children see the importance of talking about their feelings, celebrating kindness in everyday moments, and sharing and taking turns with friends.

After struggling to find her way following high school, Albert left her four-year college and enrolled many years later at CCRI, earning her certificate in Social Services in 2011. She eventually transferred to Roger Williams University for her bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences in 2015 and Master of Arts in Community Development in 2022, both while working full time within her community.

With a passion for community advocacy and education, Albert has dedicated most of her professional career to working with families in need of resources and advocating for behavioral health in diverse settings, first as a Family Services Coordinator at Lifespan and later as a Behavioral Health Specialist with Providence Public Schools. She also volunteers for the Board of Advisors at Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, which provides wraparound services for those facing a variety of barriers, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Albert credits her two young boys with sparking her creativity and keeping her motivated. Her journey into writing has helped her blend her passion for behavioral health and early childhood development with her love for storytelling.

What was your initial college experience like and what changed for you at CCRI?

When I graduated high school, I initially enrolled in a four-year institution but quickly found myself feeling lost and disconnected from both faculty and resources. It became clear to me that I wasn’t ready, so I made the difficult decision to drop out mid-semester. While working full-time, I realized I wasn’t fulfilled and wanted more for my future. That’s when I decided to enroll in the Social Service Certificate program at CCRI as a way to ease back into college and explore my interests.

During my time at CCRI, I had the privilege of taking several classes with [Human Services] Professor [John] Worsley, who was not only a great professor but also an amazing mentor. His guidance and encouragement helped me regain my confidence and feel supported in my academic journey. The certificate program lasted two semesters, but I stayed at CCRI two additional semesters to prepare for a smooth transition to Roger Williams University. CCRI was pivotal in helping me rediscover my potential and setting me on the path to success.

What inspired you to pursue a career in behavioral health and social services?

My passion for behavioral health and social services grew from witnessing the challenges faced by communities with limited resources, including barriers like language access and insufficient support systems. I recognized how transformative it could be when individuals and families were given the tools and understanding they needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential.

This realization inspired me to focus on creating opportunities for others to thrive, especially for those who may feel overlooked or misunderstood. In my work, I strive to ensure that families and individuals facing emotional, social, or systemic barriers have access to the support they need to succeed.

Being in this field allows me to contribute to positive, lasting change by helping people build resilience and navigate their challenges toward brighter futures. It is incredibly rewarding to be part of work that directly impacts lives and empowers others to grow and succeed.

How does the subject matter of the book tie into your daily work?

It’s been a rewarding experience. The subject ties closely to my work in social-emotional learning and behavioral health, where I help others

navigate challenges and express emotions. As a mother, I’ve combined my professional expertise and parenting experiences to create a book that teaches kids important lessons about emotions and kindness in a way that’s fun and engaging.

What made you want to test the waters as an author?

Growing up, I didn’t see reading as something cool or fun, and it wasn’t a big part of my life. Because of that, I didn’t enjoy reading much as a child. When I became a mother, I knew I wanted something different for my children. I wanted them to be exposed to the joys of reading and to have opportunities I didn’t have.

Writing this book is also about giving back to my community. I deeply care about helping families see the importance of reading and closing the word gap. Books can open doors for children, build stronger connections within families, and empower them to succeed. This book is my way of sharing that passion and making reading feel fun and exciting for everyone!

You’ve worked with people of all ages and even families as a major advocate for mental health awareness and ensuring people have the resources they need. How have those experiences prepared you for your current role at Providence College?

My experiences working with people of all ages and families have been invaluable in preparing me for my role at Providence College. Whether supporting children, teens, or parents, I’ve learned how to meet individuals where they are, build trust, and help them navigate challenges while connecting them with the resources they need.

These experiences have honed my ability to advocate for others, address diverse needs, and create supportive environments—skills I use daily at Providence College. Working in mental health and social services has also taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and holistic problem-solving, which are crucial in supporting our students’ well-being and success.

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