Alumna Spotlight: Bianca LaBella '19

Bianca LaBella ’19 needs to reschedule.

It is a Tuesday night, and she’s working, and she is about to check in with a patient.

Our phone interview for the latest Mercy Alumnae Spotlight feature will have to wait for another day.

Trying to get ahold of LaBella these days can be a little tricky, but it is more than understandable, and from our standpoint, pretty inspiring.

After graduating from Providence College with a degree in Social Work, and later from Rhode Island College with a Master of Social Work, LaBella has completely devoted herself to her work, and most importantly, the people she works with – her patients, who are predominately children and teenagers, dealing with various disabilities, and challenges.

On this night in late October, LaBella is spending her time at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, where she works as a Pediatric Clinical Social Worker in the Emergency Department.

A few hours before arriving at Hasbro’s, though, she was finishing her day at the Sargent Rehabilitation Center in East Greenwich, where she has spent the last three months as a full-time social worker, supporting students ages 3-22 with autism, traumatic brain injuries, genetic conditions, developmental delays, and behavioral and mental health challenges.

“To me, social work means having the privilege and opportunity to connect with youth and families from all walks of life,” LaBella said. “I’ve been able to work in a variety of settings and witness the resilience, strength, and diversity of experiences that each individual and family brings. What makes this work so meaningful to me is the power of genuine connection — building relationships based on trust, compassion, and understanding. Those relationships are at the heart of what I do, and they remind me every day.”

For LaBella, its takes about 20 minutes to drive the 14 miles between Sargent Rehabilitation Center and Hasbro, but we know she would drive a lot longer than 20 minutes for the families and children she works with.

This is what the Mercy graduate had to say when we asked her why she chose this profession, and ultimately this busy, but incredibly fulfilling life.

“I chose social work because it embodies everything I care about — compassion, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported,” LaBella said. “The profession aligns with the ethical values and principles that guide not only my work, but also how I live my life. Social work reflects the way I approach people and relationships — with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to understand their stories. It allows me to bring my whole self to what I do, blending my personal values with my professional purpose to create meaningful connections and positive change in the lives of others.”

Over the course of her still young career, LaBella has done well to follow her value system and make sure every one of her patients and clients is being seen, and now so will she. Earlier this month, she was named the 2025 Social Worker of the Year for school social work and children and families by the Rhode Island Chapter of National Social Workers.

In November, LaBella will be recognized at the group’s annual awards dinner, alongside other social workers, legislators and practitioners in the field.  

“I’m very surprised, humbled, and honored to receive this award,” LaBella said. “As I’m only two years into my career, I feel incredibly grateful for the recognition.”

Although she is only a few years out of college, that hasn’t stopped LaBella from making an immediate impact, and it’s not hard to see why.

When talking with her about the profession, LaBella is incredibly thoughtful and compassionate, and it is obvious that she is not only bringing her whole self to the situation – she is learning about herself, too.

“Through my work in social work, I’ve learned so much about myself—especially about my passions and my ability to connect with and support children,” LaBella said. “This experience has shown me how essential connection, relationship, and advocacy are to truly making a difference. I’ve often had to step outside of my comfort zone to advocate for my clients and patients in a variety of ways, and those moments have been some of the most meaningful and empowering parts of my journey.”

At Mercy, LaBella wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she knew she needed two things from whatever profession she chose.

“I wanted to be in a profession related to education/policy, and working with people,” LaBella said.

She’s got that now.

At Hasbro’s Children’s Hospital (her part-time job), LaBella helps conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients; supports patients and families during acute events including deaths and serious injuries; and provides crisis intervention. At her full-time job at Sargent Rehabilitation Center, which serves as a special education/therapeutic school for children with unique and complex needs, she provides support to multiple classrooms; individual and small group counseling; and social-emotional learning.

It is a job that demands a lot, and it certainly takes a lot.

However, all that emotional and physical energy that comes with the profession is worth it because LaBella knows how crucial her work is in today’s society.

“The ethical values, principles, and core of the social work profession is deeply needed at this time,” LaBella said. “Social work bridges the gap between human need and systemic change. As both a school social worker and a hospital social worker in an emergency department, I see firsthand how social work meets people at critical moments in their lives — whether it’s a student struggling to learn while managing emotional challenges, or a patient and family coping with crisis and uncertainty. Social workers provide not only direct support, but also advocacy, education, and connection to resources that help individuals build stability and hope. In a world where stress, inequities, and mental health needs are growing, social work ensures that compassion, dignity, and social justice remain at the center of care.”

As a community, we are so inspired by Bianca's commitment to others, and so grateful that her new community in Rhode Island has someone like her there for them. 

Thank you, Bianca.

We’re honored to highlight you as our latest Alumna Spotlight feature.

You’re a true Woman of Mercy!