Faces of Fall River #10: Ryan Fitzgerald

This Face of Fall River was made possible by the Campaign to Elect Robert Anctil 6th Bristol.

Meet Ryan Fitzgerald, philanthropist and owner of Fitzgerald Counseling Group.

Born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, Ryan attended public school in the city. He first worked in web design after obtaining a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from UMASS, Dartmouth then went on to become a public school teacher in the city. Ryan taught ELA at Durfee High School and was part of the turnaround team at the alternative high school when it switched over to Resiliency Preparatory School. While there Ryan worked with a team in proposing and obtaining a $400,000 grant, the latest awarded in the state, for developing a hybrid model educational program for at-risk youth. After Durfee, he helped develop and implement an evening program for students who had to work during the day so they could also earn their high school diploma.

While working with children, Ryan soon realized that what was needed went beyond what schools and teachers could offer, and switched careers over to mental health counseling in order to help children best. He and his wife Jill started Fitzgerald Counseling Group in 2019 with an eye toward bettering the work environment, compensation, and providing the best clinical work possible. The practice has grown to 5 locations with a 6th opening later this year in Fitchburg. Fitzgerald Counseling has over 50 therapists currently providing care to children, adults, and families.

Ryan has been very active in charitable work, having partnered with local businesses and individuals in various endeavors, including public clean ups, providing care for the homeless population, helping to raise money and gifts for children at Christmas, providing financial support to schools for enrichment programs, and supporting the development of a playground for disabled children.

Ryan has lived and/or worked in Fall River his entire life, but now resides in Dartmouth with his wife and 2 children. Ryan is always looking to help others, and strongly believes that communities thrive when people come together to do good things.

Faces of Fall River is a series by Michael Silvia. You can see the previous Faces of Fall River here. If you know a good candidate, email info@fallriverreporter.com.