Spotlight on Sargent Staff

We are proud to highlight the achievements of our staff. With a commitment of best practices in medical rehabilitation and special education, our staff strives for excellence in providing care to children, adults and families. On a regular basis, we will share our staff’s expertise in this special corner, called Spotlight on Staff.

Spotlight on… Pamela Morelli, MSW, Director of Pediatrics at Sargent Center

Pamela Morelli is Sargent Center’s Director of Pediatrics. Pamela received her Bacheler of Arts degree in Humanities at Providence College and her Masters of Social Work from Rhode Island College. During her education at Providence College, Pam spent a year studying in Switzerland as part of the America in Europe Study Abroad Program.

Pam began working at Sargent Center in 1993 as a Social Worker in the Pediatric Day School. In that role she implemented many of the support programs that the Day School still currently offers to children and families including monthly parent and sibling support groups. Pam’s priority has always been to foster connections with families so that they can navigate the special education system in order to advocate for their children.

In 1997, Pam was acknowledged by her peers as the recipient of Sargent Center’s Special Recognition Award. In 1999, Pam was promoted to her current position of Director of Pediatrics. In her current role at Sargent, Pam is the primary case manager of the lower school. As case manager, she coordinates the home-school partnership with Sargent Center and families. From academcis, communication, physical movement, play and self-care skills, to behavioral and medical interventions, Pam strives to ensure that all of the child’s needs are met through the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Pam also supervises, trains and supports the Day School staff; coordinates the daily operation of the program; and coordinates IEP and family meetings. In addition, Pam tours prospective families and helps new referrals become acclimated to the Day School program. For the past eight years Pam has also been the liaison between Sargent Center and the College of the Holy Cross’s summer internship program. The Day School benefits from a vital learning partnership with qualified college interns who assist with specific activities and projects which support Sargent students.

Pam recently represented Sargent Center in a training program sponsored by the RI Department of Education. Sargent was selected as a community site for a professional development training series on the topic of “The Role of Directors and Administrators in Supporting the Implementation of a Standards-Based Program.”

Prior to her career at Sargent Center, Pam was recognized for her commitment to a variety of pressing community issues. She received an award from the Warwick Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse for being a community advocate. Her Masters’ project at Rhode Island College was chosen to be presented at the National Anti-Poverty Conference held in Atlanta, GA. Pam’s project on the topic of “Welfare to Work” described how to assist and prepare women receiving welfare benefits to re-enter the workforce.

At Sargent Center, Pam enjoys working with the inter-disciplinary treatment team within a team approach and learning from team members, though she most enjoys working with students and families. “It’s amazing to see the progress that children make at Sargent Rehabilitation Center with the proper complement of rehabilitation and educational services.” Her greatest reward is when families tell her that Sargent Rehabilitation Center was the best placement for their children.

Sargent Center is pleased to highlight the work, expertise and commitment of Pamela Morelli.