About Us

Mission & Vision

At SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program, we are building uniquely diverse workforce pipelines in mental health, education, and community service.

We envision an equity-driven and culturally responsive training and mentorship space that builds uniquely diverse workforce pipelines by providing future leaders with access to high-quality clinical internships, experiential learning, and community engagement opportunities in mental health, education, and community service, empowering them to drive healing, innovation, and social change.

Core Values

The SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program is grounded in a set of core values that reflect our commitment to equity, community empowerment, and professional excellence in psychology, mental health, education, and community service. These values guide our teaching, supervision, service, and leadership development efforts:

Equity and Access

We are committed to breaking down barriers to education, mental health services, and career opportunities for all, especially for BIPOC, multilingual, low-income, and underserved communities. We ensure that all interns have access to meaningful, supportive, and inclusive learning experiences.

Cultural Responsiveness

Our program is rooted in the belief that culture matters. We prioritize culturally grounded practices that honor the unique identities, lived experiences, and worldviews of the diverse populations we serve and the interns we train.

Experiential Learning and Reflection

We value hands-on learning through community-based projects, real-world service, and guided reflection. Interns engage in meaningful work that connects theory to practice and personal growth to professional skill-building.

Service to Community

Service is at the heart of our mission. Interns contribute to transformative community projects that promote mental wellness, resilience, social justice, and collective healing.

Mentorship and Leadership Development

We foster the development of emerging leaders through structured mentorship, supervision, and exposure to interdisciplinary professional roles. We cultivate confident, capable individuals prepared to lead with compassion and integrity.

Trauma-Informed Practice

We operate from a trauma-informed lens, recognizing the impact of individual, historical, and systemic trauma. Interns are trained to provide compassionate, respectful, and responsive support that promotes healing and empowerment.

Collaboration and Partnership

We believe in the power of collaboration—across disciplines, communities, and institutions. Our program thrives through intentional partnerships with schools, universities, employers, and mental health organizations.

Lifelong Learning and Professionalism

We instill a commitment to ongoing learning, ethical practice, and excellence. Interns are prepared to uphold professional standards while remaining adaptable, curious, and growth-oriented.

Discover Our Story

Empowering Future Leaders in Mental Health, Education, and Community Service

The SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program was born out of a deep commitment to equity, access, and excellence in experiential learning. Co-founded by Dr. Julio E. Sabater PhD and Dr. Ivelisse Sabater MEd, Th.D., our program was designed to remove systemic barriers that often stand in the way of aspiring mental health professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Dr. Julio E. Sabater PhD’s own journey underscores the need for such a program in Rhode Island. A licensed clinical psychologist, Mental Healthcare Industry Leader, and Advocate, he was once forced to leave the state to complete his APA-accredited internship in clinical psychology—a critical step in his training that was not accessible locally. After gaining the required experience elsewhere, he returned to Rhode Island and dedicated his career to building a sustainable pipeline for the next generation of mental health and community service professionals.

Dr. Ivelisse Sabater MEd, Th.D. brings over two decades of experience in education, teaching, and leadership to the heart of the program. As an Education Industry Leader, she has played an invaluable role in shaping curriculum design, mentoring students, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion across all initiatives. Her strong foundation in bilingual education and commitment to culturally responsive teaching have helped create a nurturing learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.

At SabaterLAB Clinical training and Service Internship Program, we ensure that students no longer have to leave Rhode Island to access high-quality, bilingual, hands-on training opportunities. Our experiential learning program blends direct clinical and community engagement with culturally responsive mentorship, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in psychology, mental health, education, and community service careers.

Through our commitment to workforce development and equitable access to training, we continue to expand pathways for students who are passionate about making a difference. Here, aspiring professionals receive the support, training, and guidance necessary to serve diverse communities—without the systemic barriers that once made such opportunities unattainable.

Program Overview

The SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program was established through a collaborative initiative between Sabater Laboratory for Psychological Innovations Inc. (SabaterLAB) and the SabaterLAB Foundation, driven by a mission to build uniquely diverse workforce pipelines in mental health, education, and community service. Through experiential learning, workforce development, and culturally responsive training, the program equips high school and college students with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to excel in psychology, mental health, and social services.

As part of SabaterLAB’s commitment to trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health care, the program integrates clinical exposure, research opportunities, and community-based service projects that prepare interns to address the complex needs of underserved populations. Meanwhile, the SabaterLAB Foundation reinforces this mission by building partnerships, securing funding, expanding access to education and mental health services, and supporting career development—ensuring that the program remains accessible, inclusive, and impactful.

Rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the program offers bilingual and culturally responsive training, bridging workforce gaps and expanding community-based mental health services. Through direct engagement in community initiatives, mental health screenings, and professional development workshops, interns gain real-world experience that fosters healing, resilience, and innovation.

By integrating the clinical expertise of SabaterLAB with the community-centered mission of the SabaterLAB Foundation, the SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program ensures that interns emerge as leaders and advocates in their fields—driving forward a shared vision where mental health services, education, and career opportunities are equitable, sustainable, and accessible to all.

Eligibility & Requirements

The SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program offers experiential learning opportunities for students at various levels of academic and professional development. Participants engage in mental health and community service initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in psychology, education, and related fields.

For more details or to apply, please visit our application and enrollment page.

Meet the Team

SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program Staff

Key Personnel

Mariajose Reyes Mendez
Intern'23 | Staff | 360 High School | Rhode Island College (RIC)

Mariajose’s drive to excel was evident from her earliest days as an intern. Now a healthcare administration major at Rhode Island College, she brings her knowledge, insight, and professionalism to her duties as Executive Assistant and Technical Support Coordinator, earning the respect of clients, partners, and colleagues alike.

In these roles, Mariajose continues to flourish. She actively collaborates across the organization and builds meaningful relationships with community organizations, colleges, and universities. Her thoughtful coordination, consistent presence, and dedication to inclusive outreach reflect her deep commitment to the mission and the people it serves.

Ruben Guerrero
Intern'23 | Staff | Mount Pleasant High School | Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)

Ruben Guerrero is outdoing himself as he advances his studies in administration and finance at CCRI, actively applying his knowledge while refining his expertise as a multi-skilled facilitator at SabaterLAB. His professionalism and adaptability reflect his deep commitment to growth and service.

Wearing many hats, Ruben has earned the trust and respect of our clients—qualities essential to delivering excellent care and support. As Executive Assistant to the CEO/VP, his eagerness to learn fuels his continuous development, a journey that began during his internship and continues to flourish.

Junior Faculty

Laicely DePina
Intern'22 | Staff | Shea High School | Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)

Laicely DePina, an outstanding nursing major at CCRI and one of three interns in our inaugural PrepareRI cohort, now serves as our Executive Service Coordinator and Internship Teacher. Her journey with SabaterLAB is a powerful example of growth, dedication, and purpose.

Laicely takes great joy in engaging with clients at their unique stages, offering personalized support to help them move forward. In her teaching role, she equips our interns with the tools and confidence needed to transition to college life—laying a strong foundation for their academic and professional success.

Elizabeth Mangeni
Intern'23 | Staff | The Met High School | Clark University

Already well on her way to becoming a psychologist at Clark University, Elizabeth Mangeni exemplifies dedication and purpose. As a Mental Health Assistant and Coordinator at SabaterLAB, she continues to impact countless lives by teaching valuable skills to community members, interns, and clients alike. Her involvement in our program has become a strong anchor in her professional development and growth in the field.

Elizabeth’s leadership, compassion, and ability to connect with others have made her an invaluable part of our team. She represents the future of culturally responsive mental health care with both heart and excellence.

Faculty

Dr. Ivelisse Sabater, M.Ed., Th.D.
Dean | Teaching Faculty | Educational Leader

Dr. Ivelisse Sabater is an accomplished educator, dean, and community advocate with over two decades of experience in curriculum design, teacher training, and workforce development. She currently serves as Dean and Teaching Faculty in the SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program, where she mentors students in education, mental health, and professional development.

As co-founder, president, and executive director of the SabaterLAB Foundation, Dr. Ivelisse leads initiatives that promote bilingual education, technical training, and entrepreneurship. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusive learning environments and empowering future professionals through equitable and accessible education.

Dr. Ivelisse also teaches GWR 101: Grant Writing, a signature course within the program where she extends a warm invitation to students to "Explore the Arts in Writing Grants"—an opportunity to approach grant writing not just as a technical skill, but as a creative and impactful form of storytelling.

In recognition of her dedication and leadership, Dr. Ivelisse has been named the Education Industry Leader in the Providence Business News (PBN) 2025 Business Women Awards, honoring her excellence and stewardship in workforce development and community transformation.

Dr. Julio E. Sabater, PhD
Chief Psychologist | Educator | Community Advocate

Dr. Julio is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and community leader dedicated to advancing mental health equity, workforce development, and culturally responsive education. As CEO of Sabater Laboratory for Psychological Innovations Inc. (SabaterLAB) and co-founder, vice president, and board chairman of the SabaterLAB Foundation, he spearheads initiatives that empower diverse communities through bilingual and accessible programs in education, mental health, and career development.

Dr. Julio serves as Chief Psychologist and Teaching Faculty in the SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program, where he mentors students in psychology, research, and clinical practice. His work emphasizes cultural identity, resilience, and holistic mental health approaches, shaping the next generation of mental health professionals and community advocates.

Dr. Deloris Mitchell, PhD
Educational Practitioner | Teaching Faculty

Dr. Deloris Mitchell is an accomplished educational practitioner with over a decade of experience specializing in program leadership, curriculum design, and professional development. She holds a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology from Capella University (2024), and a Master of Science in Human Services with a specialization in Counseling Studies (2011). Dr. Deloris is also endorsed by the Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health as an Infant Family Specialist (2025), a credential recognizing her culturally sensitive, relationship-focused practice in promoting infant and early childhood mental health.

Dr. Deloris is deeply committed to advancing equitable education practices across diverse learning environments, including both face-to-face and online modalities. A strong advocate for Special Education Services, her work emphasizes embedded instruction and inclusive strategies that enhance learning outcomes for K–12 students of all abilities.

As part of the SabaterLAB Clinical Training and Service Internship Program, Dr. Deloris contributes her extensive expertise in educational program development and training, helping shape the next generation of professionals committed to equity, education, and mental health.

Khary Green, MA
Counselor/Psychotherapist | Dance/Movement Therapist | Artist-Educator

Khary Green, affectionately known as KJ, is a Boston native whose journey as both a mental health professional and performing artist reflects his lifelong passion for healing, creativity, and community. He currently serves as a Counselor/Psychotherapist at University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) at Northeastern University, where he brings a client-centered, strength-based approach to therapy. His work is informed by a wide range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Dance/Movement Therapy, narrative therapy, drama therapy, mindfulness, journaling, art, music, and poetry.

Khary earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University. He is also on staff with Sawubona, a community-based organization supporting youth and teens in Bridgeport, CT through creative expression. As their Dance/Movement Therapist, he uses movement to help build resilience and promote emotional well-being.

Before entering the counseling field, Khary enjoyed a vibrant career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and arts educator. He studied Musical Theatre at Syracuse University and holds a BA in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh. His performance career has taken him across the U.S. and internationally to Paris, London, Egypt, Euro-Disney, and aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. He served for five years as the resident choreographer at Boston Children’s Theatre, choreographing productions such as West Side Story, Seussical the Musical, The Secret Garden, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

In all his work—whether in the studio, on stage, or in the therapy room—Khary is driven by the power of creativity to connect, empower, and heal. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys quality time with his young son, traveling, engaging in creative projects, and attending movies, performances, and sporting events.

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