About Our Team

Program Director

The full-time Program Director works closely with key stakeholders to support and strengthen the statewide strategy for this initiative, as well as oversee Recovery Friendly Advisors, who serve as resources to businesses and employers engaged in this work.  

Jonathan Goyer

RI Governor’s Recovery Friendly Workplace
Program Director 
Email: [email protected]

Recovery Friendly Advisors

Recovery Friendly Advisors (RFAs) are employees of the RFW Initiative, whose role is to be a resource to businesses and organizations that wish to become designated as Recovery Friendly.


Abbie Knapton

RI Governor’s Recovery Friendly Workplace
Recovery Friendly Advisor
Email: [email protected]

Advisory Council Members

The Advisory Council is a group of diverse business leaders, state leaders and content experts who provide valuable oversight and guidance for this initiative.

  • Frank Sanchez, Co-Chair, Rhode Island College
  • Dr. Susan Andrews, Co-Chair, Electric Boat
  • Kyle Adamonis, Department of Administration
  • Kathleen A. Carty, Vantage Point
  • Frank Cerilli, Rhode Island Foundation
  • Raymond Coia, New England Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund
  • Lisa Conlan, Parent Support Network
  • Ralph Coppola, RI Manufacturers Association
  • Robert Delaney, Institute for Labor Studies & Research
  • Paul DeRoche, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
  • Cynthia Farrell, Thundermist
  • Jenifer Giroux, Rhode Island College
  • Mike Grey, Sodexo & Governor’s Workforce Board
  • Eileen Hayes, Amos House
  • Linda Hurley, CODAC
  • Mike LaPolla, Dan’s Management
  • Libby Fulham Lipinski, Shawmut Design and Construction
  • Linda Mahoney, Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals
  • Oscar Mejias, RI Hispanic Chamber
  • Robin Melfi-Coia, New England Laborers’ Labor-Management Cooperation Trust
  • Dan Shedd, Taylor Box
  • Heather Singleton, Rhode Island Hospitality Association
  • Monica Smith, RICARES
  • John Tassoni, Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council
  • Lisa Tomasso, Hospital Association of Rhode Island

Operations Group

The Operations Group provides crucial day-to-day support and expertise in the development and implementation of this initiative.

  • Jenifer Giroux, Rhode Island College
  • Kim Ahern, Office of Governor Dan McKee
  • Ravenn Hackney, RIDMAT
  • Karen Morton-Clark, New Hampshire’s RFW Advisor
  • Rachael Sardinha, RIDOH Academic Institute
  • Lauren Slocum, Central RI Chamber of Commerce
  • Christopher Tanguay, Department of Labor and Training

Want to declare your business a Recovery Friendly Workplace?