DEVEREUX TEXAS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Director, Applications Analytics
Job Titles:
- Victoria Clinical Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Devereux California
As executive director of Devereux California, Amy Evans oversees the care and treatment of more than 90 adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Evans holds 30-plus years of behavioral healthcare experience, working with children and adults throughout multiple systems (child welfare, mental health, education and adult services). She has worked in public mental health settings and held her own private practice. Evans has worked for Devereux for more than 26 years, serving in roles of increasing responsibility. She was named executive director in 2006.
Evans participates in a number of statewide organizations, advocating for better laws and services for the individuals entrusted to our care. She is the current chair of the Vendor Advisory Committee for the Tri Counties Regional Center. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a master's degree from Antioch University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Manager, Enterprise Architecture & Business Process / Wawa, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- of Counsel / Kurtz & Revness
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice - Chair / Adjunct Professor La Salle University
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of Devereux New Jersey
As executive director of Devereux New Jersey, Brian Hancock oversees the care and treatment of more than 500 individuals with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Hancock joined Devereux in 2016, and since then, has helped transform and grow the organization. Hancock has dedicated his career to improving the health, safety and well-being of vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families and communities. Before joining Devereux, Hancock served as chief operating officer at a different human services organization in the state, where he oversaw a robust suite of residential and in-home therapeutic services for more than 10,000 individuals annually.
Hancock's track record of success in improving treatment and outcomes for underserved individuals and their families speaks to his unparalleled dedication and commitment to those he serves. In addition to his professional resume and extensive work with the New Jersey Division of Child Behavioral Health and the Office of the Child Advocate, he has volunteered his time to humanitarian and advocacy work with at-risk and incarcerated youth across the U.S., as well as in Mexico, Ireland and Ukraine. Hancock has received prestigious recognition for his work in the industry, including the Embracing the Legacy award from the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Action Corps., and the Spirit of Crazy Horse award from Reclaiming Youth International.
Hancock earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- President
- President and CEO of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
- Trustee since 2018 ) President and CEO, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health / Villanova, Pennsylvania
Carl E. Clark II is the President and CEO of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and only the seventh president in the organization's history, since our founder Helena T. Devereux resigned from the position in 1957.
Prior to joining Devereux as senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2015, Clark developed a national reputation as one of the top operational and leadership experts in the nonprofit arena.
For more than 20 years, he served in a variety of leadership roles at NHS Human Services (now Merakey), including regional executive director, senior vice president of program operations and, ultimately, executive vice president.
Before his work at NHS/Merakey, he served as special assistant to the executive deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Clark's early professional years were spent in direct care of children with special needs and those with juvenile justice involvement.
Clark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice from Penn State University and a Master of Science in Public Administration from Shippensburg University.
He serves on the boards of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) and the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership®.
Dr. Carlos Pozzi-Montero "Dr. Pozzi," serves as Clinical Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the mental health field for over 30 years. In his role as Clinical Director, Dr. Pozzi oversees the implementation of clinical services for children and adolescents diagnosed with an emotional, behavioral or intellectual/developmental disability.
Dr. Pozzi completed a Doctor of Psychology degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where he also received his masters of Clinical Psychology. He is a Ph.D. Candidate in Health Sciences at Rutgers University. His research work focused on resilience among survivors of childhood abuse.
During his years of experience he has served as case manager, therapist, clinical supervisor, and administrator within programs that serve children and young adults with behavioral and emotional difficulties and developmental disabilities. He also served as tenured Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training in the Graduate School at Wheaton College in Illinois. Prior to finding psychology, Dr. Pozzi's area of study was religion. He attended Northern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master Degree in Theological Studies.
He has focused his research and publications on multicultural factors in psychology, the interaction of faith and mental health, and resilience and adaptation in children who have experienced trauma. His worked has led to several publications including several articles published by the American Psychological Association and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies and contribution of several chapters to a book published by Oxford University Press.
Job Titles:
- BCBA - Executive Director
Carol Anne McNellis, Psy.D., BCBA, holds more than 30 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field. She joined the Devereux Pennsylvania Children's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (CIDDS) center in 1989 as the coordinator of behavior management services. Since that time, McNellis has served in various roles of increasing responsibility. She was appointed executive director of CIDDS in 2018 after serving as clinical director since 2003. While in that role, McNellis supervised a team of 21 psychologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts and clinicians, and served as the primary clinical supervisor for CIDDS' doctoral interns through Devereux's APA-accredited psychology internship program. Her career highlights include: developing/opening a short-term, intensive residential program for children with autism and severe behavior problems, and opening the Devereux Pennsylvania Autism Assessment Center, which provides comprehensive autism diagnostic services.
Prior to joining Devereux, McNellis was a core team coordinator for Applied Behavior Systems in Newtown Square, Pa., and owned a private practice behavioral consulting company. McNellis is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a Doctor of Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University, and has presented locally and nationally on a variety of topics related to evidence-based assessment and treatment practices for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, autism and behavioral challenges.
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Medical Director
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director, Devereux Pennsylvania - Adult Services
Christopher Betts, M.A., serves as the executive director of our Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services center. In this role, he will oversee the care and treatment of nearly 400 adults served by the center's day habilitation and employment programs, and residences throughout southeast Pennsylvania. Betts holds more than 20 years of behavioral healthcare experience.
He joined Devereux Pennsylvania in 2000 as a residential counselor at the organization's Children's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (CIDDS) center; he was promoted to lead counselor in 2001. In 2002, Betts became program coordinator and, that same year, was promoted to treatment manager. In 2010, he began working at Devereux Pennsylvania's Adult Services center as a program director. Later, Betts became program administrator and, in 2016, was promoted to assistant executive director.
Prior to Devereux, Betts held behavioral health positions in the United Kingdom, including youth worker positions at the Somerset County Youth Service and the Somerset Rural Youth Project. He holds a Professional Diploma in Youth/Community Work and a Bachelor of Arts (with Honors) in Youth and Community Work from the University College of St. Mark and St. John (Exeter University, UK). In addition, he holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Immaculata University.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2006 ) Chairman of the Board / Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Clinical Services
As assistant director of clinical services, Clare Penny is responsible for clinical and medical services. Penny previously served as clinical coordinator. Before joining Devereux, she held positions at the Autism Learning Partners in Ventura, Calif. and at the QSAC, Inc. in New York City. Penny earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from California Lutheran University and her Master of Arts in behavioral analysis from Ball State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2013 ) President, Johnson C. Smith University Devereux Family Member / Charlotte, North Carolina
Job Titles:
- Devereux California in 2017 As a Program Coordinator
- Supported Living Program Administrator
Claudia Berumen joined Devereux California in 2017 as a program coordinator in supported living services (SLS) with nearly a decade of experience in SLS program coordination and direct care. In 2020, Berumen was promoted to SLS program administrator. In this role, she supervises the daily operations of the adult residential treatment program, and participates in the oversight of budget, family relations and compliance.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2021 ) New York, New York
Job Titles:
- People Operations Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida
Dave Detro is the People Operations Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. He oversees Human Resources for Devereux Florida. In this role, Mr. Detro is responsible for overseeing all human resource functions across the state of Florida to include recruitment, worker's compensation, benefits, compensation, legal compliance, policy structure, learning and organizational development, consultation, employee relations, and leadership development.
Joining the team in 2016, Mr. Detro brings with him over 20 years of operational and human resources leadership experience working for large corporations in various industries to include Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Starbucks Coffee Company, the Apollo Group, and Education Management Corporation. Throughout his career Mr. Detro has been responsible for large-scale operations, strategic leadership, and has served in various senior management positions. He prides himself in being an advocate for all people, being a change agent, and serving as a business partner that is able to effectively link people strategies to business strategies.
Mr. Detro holds an MBA from Auburn University and a bachelor's degree in global business administration from University of Phoenix. He is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Mr. Detro is also a national member of the Society for Human Resource Management.
Job Titles:
- Controller
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Devereux 's Controller
David Griffith serves as Devereux's controller. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the organization's accounting, payroll, accounts payable and budgeting functions. Griffith has held this position since he joined the organization in 2012.
Prior to joining Devereux, Griffith was the controller for Crozer-Keystone Health System, a regional health system located outside of Philadelphia. He launched his career with the international accounting firm Ernst & Young, specializing in the healthcare industry. During his 11-year tenure with Ernst & Young, he held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as senior manager.
Griffith holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from King's College, and earned the Certified Public Accountant designation in 2001. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association, where he serves as a director of the Metro Philadelphia Chapter.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
Job Titles:
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- Member of the Advisory Board
Crerand has 30-plus years of behavioral healthcare experience, directing an array of individual and family programs benefiting youth and families in Maricopa County. She has worked for Devereux Arizona for more than 20 years, beginning as a behavioral health tech in the Residential Treatment Center, and later serving as program coordinator. Crerand spent 10 years working for the Regional Behavioral Health Authority for Maricopa County as a child and adolescent case manager. She then served in roles of increasing responsibility, including team lead, assistant manager of the Child and Adolescent Department, manager of the Customer Service/Grievance and Appeals Department.
Crerand also served on several project management and program development task forces relating to access to care for youth and families while advocating for individuals needing appropriate behavioral and mental health services. In 2000, Crerand returned to Devereux as director of Human Resources, a position she held for seven years before returning to the Residential Treatment Center as director of residential programs.
Crerand's experience includes direct care; case management; customer service; grievance and appeals; staff development; employee engagement; retention; program development; and directing programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in life management from Edinboro University and a Master of Arts in organizational management from the University of Phoenix .
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- President and Founder / Team Clean, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Devereux Arizona 's Director of Quality and Compliance
Dr. Anthony "Lee" Martinez is Devereux Arizona's director of quality and compliance, and is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and a licensed clinician. Martinez has significant leadership experience in healthcare practice transformation (e.g., delivery systems, patient-centered medical homes/behavioral health homes, population health management, and optimization of value-based payment arrangements), as well as continuous quality improvement and Lean and Six Sigma process improvement methods.
When Martinez graduated from Arizona State University's (ASU) Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program, he was recognized by the college dean as the program's distinguished graduate. Martinez is now a faculty associate at ASU, where he designed and teaches the Quality in Healthcare course for the College of Health Solutions. He also is widely known throughout state for his Data for Improvement Boot Camps.
Martinez serves on the Board of Directors for the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA), which fills a need for a unified national voice for Latino populations in the behavioral health arena and brings attention to disparities that exist in the areas of access, utilization, practice-based research and adequately trained personnel. Martinez also serves as chair of the NLBHA Finance Committee.
Martinez and his wife, Carrie, have been foster parents for more than 10 years, raising more than 20 foster children. They also are adoptive parents and have four adult biological children, a daughter-in-law and a grandson. Martinez is widely known throughout the New Mexico genealogy community as an expert in genetic genealogy, presenting at the New Mexico Genealogical Society's (NMGS) annual conferences and contributing articles to the New Mexico Genealogist, the NMGS's journal.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Senior Vice President
- Devereux 's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
As Devereux's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Rhea Fernandes is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the organization's national network, which includes 15 centers across 13 states. Fernandes joined Devereux in 2016 as executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania's Children's Behavioral Health Services center, where she was responsible for the care and treatment of approximately 5,000 children and adolescents, annually, living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
Fernandes holds 20 years of behavioral health experience in both community-based and residential programming, serving children, adolescents and adults. Before joining Devereux, she was the executive director of children's services for NHS Human Services, a large nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania, with operations in seven additional states. During her time with NHS, she also held the roles of associate executive director of children's services, and regional director of residential services. She has intern and extern experience in the areas of eating disorders and comprehensive assessments at the Belmont Eating Disorders Unit and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, respectively.
Fernandes has earned the following academic degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mumbai, India; and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and Doctor of Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. She is a member of The Forum of Executive Women, a network of more than 500 women leaders in the greater Philadelphia region.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical / Chief Medical Officer
As Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical/Medical Officer, Dr. Yolanda Graham is responsible for overseeing our organization's clinical strategies, treatment and outcomes. Specifically, she works to integrate the latest scientific and medical advancements with time-tested philosophies and compassionate family engagement to provide practical, effective and efficient care for the tens of thousands of children, adolescents and adults served by the organization every year.
Graham is Board certified in General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and is an expert in the areas of: mental health, child advocacy, psychotropic medication management, behavioral management, and childhood sexual exploitation and trauma. She joined Devereux in 2011 as the medical director of Devereux Georgia and, in 2016, was promoted to her most recent position of executive director of mental health services at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Graham who is widely recognized across the nation as a leading expert in the treatment of sexually exploited children developed and launched Devereux's Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) program in 2012.
Prior to Devereux, Graham was the medical director at Youth Villages, Inner Harbour campus, in Douglasville, Ga. She also served as a consultant for STRIVE, LLC, where she helped to develop a clinical curriculum for commercially sexually exploited children. In addition, she worked as a clinical psychiatrist for organizations including Positive Impact, the Fulton County Metro Youth Detention Center and DeKalb County Community Service Board, among others. Graham lectures nationally and has been published widely on issues related to child/adolescent behavioral health and the commercial exploitation of children. She is an adjunct associate professor at Emory University and an adjunct assistant clinical professor at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Graham earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a Doctor of Medicine from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She completed her residency and two fellowships at Emory University. She serves on the following boards: Georgia Psychiatric Physician's Association (president); Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, Georgia's Drug Utilization Review Board, Shared Hope International and Wellcare's Behavioral Health Advisory Board. In addition, Graham is the past president of the Georgia Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Member of the Devereux Staff
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Associate at Arizona State University
- Devereux Arizona 's Executive Director
As Devereux Arizona's executive director, Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, oversees the care and treatment of more than 4,500 children and adolescents each year. Jackson joined the organization in 1998 as a foster parent recruiter/trainer and, in 2002, was promoted to program manager of foster care services. In 2003, Jackson moved into the role of director of community-based services and, six years later, was promoted to assistant executive director. She assumed her current role in November 2019.
Jackson has earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Social Work (LMSW) and Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. She received the 2015 "Leadership in LGBTQ Health Care Award" from the Behavioral Health Coalition of Southern Arizona and the LGBT Consortium, and the 2015 "Weaver E. Falberg Leadership Promise Fellowship Award" from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.
Jackson is a faculty associate at Arizona State University, where she instructs graduate-level students in the area of social work. She is a member of the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers Board of Directors. She also is a board member of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and has served on the boards of the Wingspan LGBTQ Community Center; the Tucson Centers for Women and Children (renamed: Emerge); and Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona.
Job Titles:
- Devereux New Jersey 's Operations Director
- Operations Director, Residential Services
Ebony Poe is Devereux New Jersey's operations director of residential services. In this role, Poe oversees operations, management and staff training and compliance for more than 65 residential programs across the state. Poe joined the organization in 2004 in a direct care role, and in 2019, she was promoted to operations director of residential services. Poe's individualized approach to care, coupled with her background in social work, has poised her to become an outstanding leader in the field of human services.
In 2013, the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) honored Poe with its prestigious Leadership Award for her dedication to the population we serve. The Devereux Foundation also awarded Poe its Supervisory Excellence Award, an honor bestowed each year upon only one supervisor at every Devereux center across the country for his or her outstanding leadership skills. Poe earned her undergraduate and master's degrees in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2019 ) Retired Executive Officer of Praxair, Inc. Devereux Family Member / Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Clinical Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida
Emily Garten, serves as Clinical Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. In her role as Clinical Director, Ms. Garten provides clinical oversight of Devereux Florida's continuum of care. She is responsible for implementation and support of Evidenced Based Practices and clinical initiatives throughout Devereux Florida. She also oversees Devereux Florida's Commercial Sexual Exploitation for Children Program.
Ms. Garten joined Devereux over 25 years ago as a direct care professional. Over the years, she has obtained a rich history in providing residential and community-based services including outpatient services, foster care, child welfare case management and targeted case management. Ms. Garten has served in a variety of roles at Devereux prior to her current position, which included clinical and operations leadership positions. She has been instrumental in multiple community collaborative initiatives, including the implementation of Wraparound Orange and Devereux's Mobile Crisis Response Services. She is a strong advocate in key community alliances and collaboration for mental health services.
Ms. Garten holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Science from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. She also serves on behavioral healthcare and child welfare committees throughout the state of Florida.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Devereux in 1988 As an Internal Auditor
- Vice President of Audit and Compliance
As Vice President of Audit and Compliance, Fran Wagner is responsible for the development and implementation of our organization's Corporate Compliance and HIPAA privacy programs, management of the Internal Audit department, and the development and implementation of an internal Medicaid Compliance Review program.
Wagner joined Devereux in 1988 as an internal auditor and, since that time, she has served in positions of increasing responsibility, including financial director of Devereux Pennsylvania's Children's Behavioral Health Center, as well as several acting roles for the center director of operations, director of outpatient services and director of quality management. In 2005, she was promoted to the position of national director of Contracts and Accounts Receivable, where she oversaw cost reporting and multi-center contracting, and was as a trainer, consultant and advocate for the Revenue and Accounts Receivable functions at all center locations.
Prior to joining Devereux, she was a supervisor for a CPA firm performing Medicare and Medicaid cost report audits.
Wagner holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accounting from Widener University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 1999 ) Vice Chairman and Chairman Emeritus Devereux Family Member / Worcester, Pennsylvania
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Chief Pharmacy Officer
As chief pharmacy officer, Glen Bianchini, RPh, M.S., leads Devereux's enterprise-wide strategy related to pharmacy operations and medication management services. He is responsible for regulatory compliance, clinical excellence, fiscal performance, pharmaceutical purchasing, pharmacy clinical practice, transitions of care, and the development and implementation of operational and clinical growth opportunities.
Bianchini brings more than 30 years of healthcare and pharmacy leadership experience to this position. Prior to joining Devereux, Bianchini spent eight years at Temple University Hospital, most recently as chief pharmacy officer, where he was responsible for all pharmacy operations, medication safety, quality, budgets, clinical services, performance improvement and regulatory compliance. During his tenure, he successfully grew Temple University Hospital's outpatient pharmacy from $500,000 in annual revenue to $50 million. Before this, Bianchini served in pharmacy leadership roles with the following organizations: St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del.; Southern Ocean County Hospital in Manahawkin, N.J.; Kennedy Health System in Strafford, N.J.; Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia; and the Camden County Health Services Center in Camden, N.J.
Bianchini earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of the Sciences Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, and a Master of Science in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Temple University School of Pharmacy. Bianchini has received awards including the Martin Luther King Award from the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Paul Harris Award from the Gloucester Township Rotary Club. In addition, he has served in various community volunteer and leadership roles, such as: commissioner of the Gloucester Township Municipal Utilities Authority and president of the Gloucester Township Council, Rotary Club, and Sports Alliance.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Chairman / Senior Vice President / Wealth Management
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Founder and President / Nave Newell, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Vice President of Operations
- Devereux 's Vice President of Operations
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Gwendolyn B. Skinner serves as Devereux's vice president of operations. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, including all programs and services for children and adults at Devereux's Florida, Georgia and Texas centers. She has been in this role since May 2017.
Mrs. Skinner, who has more than 30 years of behavioral healthcare experience, joined Devereux in 2009 as executive director of our Devereux Georgia center. Along with her team, she helped transform the center into a highly successful campus with significant clinical and operational expertise. Prior to Devereux, she served as the director for the Georgia Department of Human Resources' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases and the Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
Mrs. Skinner has earned the following academic degrees: a bachelor of arts in sociology, a master of education in guidance and counseling and a master of education in school psychometry from the State University of West Georgia; and Education Specialist in Counseling Psychology and Education Specialist in School Psychology from Georgia State University.
She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Mrs. Skinner also has presented at the state and national levels, focusing on the areas of juvenile justice, mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive diseases. In addition, she and her husband have served as foster parents to more than 40 children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2021 )
Job Titles:
- Director of Quality Management
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Principal / McGillin Architecture Inc.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Admissions Manager
Indra Strong oversees the admissions process of new individuals and nurtures existing ties with families and the community. Prior to joining Devereux California, Strong worked as a supported living service provider. She obtained her Master of Business Administration from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees in Paris, France, specializing in international business. Strong has held senior marketing positions in various organizations in Paris and Riga, Latvia, where she is originally from.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Vice President of Educational Services
As Vice President of Educational Services, Jacalyn Auris, Ed.D., brings more than 25 years of special education experience to this position.
Prior to joining Devereux, Auris spent 28 years at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), most recently as director of student services (merged divisions), where she provided leadership for the merger of multiple educational divisions and all specialized educational services. During her tenure, she designed and implemented a successful reorganization plan, and provided leadership for special education, alternative education, related services, nonpublic education, family-based services, behavioral health services, partial hospitalization, community-based instruction and federal grant programs. Before this, Auris held roles of increasing responsibility at CCIU, including director of student services (single division); supervisor of special education; assistant principal at the CCIU's Child and Career Development Center; professional mentor; and teacher. She also served as an adjunct professor at Chestnut Hill College from 2006 to 2010.
Auris earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Chester University; a Master of Education from Chestnut Hill College; and a Doctor of Education from Immaculata College. She has received several awards, including the CCIU Outstanding Service Award; Annie Sullivan Award; Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units' Gary L. Miller Distinguished Service Award; Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Award of Appreciation; and the National Association of Counties Employment and Training Award. In addition, Auris has served as a member of numerous community groups and associations, including the Pennsylvania School Boards Association; the Council for Exceptional Children; the Pennsylvania Association of School Administration; the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units' (PAIU) Public Policy Committee and Statewide Lead for New Preschool Funding Models: the CCIU Policy Committee; and West Chester University's Special Education Program Advisory Committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2001 )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Staff
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Development and Grants
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2021 ) Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Hospital for Special Surgery / New Paltz, New York
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2017 )
Job Titles:
- Devereux Arizona 's Clinical Director
Janelle Westfall is Devereux Arizona's clinical director. She also is a licensed professional counselor and a licensed behavior analyst in Arizona, as well as a nationally certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Westfall has served as a therapist, clinical supervisor and consultant for children and adolescents for 20-plus years. She has worked with youth and families in multiple treatment settings, including inpatient, residential, group homes and outpatient. Westfall has extensive experience in training clinicians and educators in trauma-informed care; positive behavior support; assessment and treatment planning; and best practice interventions.
During her tenure at Devereux Arizona, Westfall created and implemented a vigorous internship training program. She also served as the statewide training director for two years, and was the chairperson for Devereux Arizona's annual REACH behavioral health conference. Westfall has presented at both local and national conferences, and is passionate about promoting emotional health and resiliency in children with behavioral health diagnoses.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / JBC Associates, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Program Director at Devereux California
As program director at Devereux California, Jennifer Farley supports all residential, activities and community-based living programs with clinical oversight and a focus on improving the quality of life for the individuals in our care. Farley began her career at Devereux in 2008, and has served as program administrator for the Casa Feliz and Mark Villa adult residential programs, case manager and supported living services program coordinator.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- President - Private Client Group / Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Vice President
John "Jack" Kane brings extensive and wide-ranging legal experience to his position as Devereux's senior vice president and general counsel. Prior to joining Devereux, he served as principal with the law firm Offit Kurman Attorneys At Law. Based in Harrisburg, Pa., Kane provided counsel to Pennsylvania-based and multi-state behavioral health and developmental disability providers, community health centers, assisted living communities, personal care homes, healthcare consulting organizations, and individual healthcare practitioners. Before this, he was a partner with Kelley Partners, Ltd., which joined Offit Kurman in early 2016. In addition, Kane spent 23 years as chief counsel for the Department of Public Welfare, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Office of General Counsel. While at the Department of Public Welfare, he served as lead counsel or co-counsel in all major federal and state court litigation involving the department's Medical Assistance Program, and was responsible for negotiating/drafting significant legislative and budget-related initiatives.
Kane earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University (cum laude) and a Juris Doctor from the Temple University School of Law. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and is admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
Kane has received several honors and awards during his illustrious career, including: the Commitment to Equal Justice for all Persons' Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Excellence Award (2007); the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Award for Excellence in Health Care Law (2006); the American Association of Public Welfare Attorneys' Award (2005); and the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Government Lawyer of the Year Award (2000).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2013 )
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director of Devereux New York
As executive director of Devereux New York, John Lopez oversees educational, residential and day habilitation services for 300 individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism throughout the Hudson Valley region.
Lopez brings more than 20 years of experience working with children and adults with I/DD to his role. He joined Devereux New York in 1996 as a teacher. Since then, he has served in positions of increasing responsibility, including vocational coordinator, when he helped to expand training opportunities and employment experiences offered to students at the Red Hook campus. During that time, he received Devereux's Thomas Donovan Culture of Caring Award, which is presented annually to direct care staff across the organization who go above and beyond to meet the needs of the individuals and families they serve. Lopez later assumed the role of school principal and was involved in the expansion of the Red Hook campus, adding six new classrooms and increasing its capacity to more than 150 children. He was promoted to assistant executive director, and then, executive director in 2014.
Lopez earned his Bachelor of Arts is psychology and special education from Marist College; his Master of Science in curriculum design and instructional technology from SUNY Albany; and his Master of Science in Education from St. John's University. He is an active board member of the New York State Coalition of 853 schools and the Hudson Valley Service Providers.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development and Marketing
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2008 )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice President and General Counsel / the McKee Group
Job Titles:
- Victoria Quality / Management Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Director of Finance for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida
Kelly Messer, is the Director of Finance for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. She is responsible for overall financial management of Devereux Florida including accounting, revenue, finance, accounts payable, purchasing, facility management, and information technology.
Mrs. Messer holds an MBA from Webster University School of Business and Technology and a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Warner Southern College. With over 25 years of experience with Devereux Florida's Financial Department, she has a wide-range of operational and financial experience in financial planning and analysis. Mrs. Messer has extensive experience managing multiple contracts for various agencies and funding streams.
Mrs. Messer continues to help Devereux identify, implement and navigate the industry's ever-changing regulatory environment. She regularly monitors and adjusts the financial system to ensure funds and tangible assets are safeguarded, funds are utilized in accordance to contract requirements as well as accurate and timely financial reporting.
Mrs. Messer has the unique skill set that enables her to bridge the gap between operations and finance. Recognized by colleagues as an expert in her field, Messer is asked to provide consultation and support to other non-profit organizations in the human services industry.
Job Titles:
- Director of People Operations
Job Titles:
- Finance Director
- Devereux New Jersey 's Finance Director
Kevin McDonald serves as Devereux New Jersey's finance director and is responsible for the organization's financial performance. Since joining Devereux in 2019, McDonald has revolutionized the finance team. He stepped into his role during a transformative time of unprecedented growth in our history, and worked quickly to ensure our expansion of services remained on budget. Prior to joining Devereux, McDonald oversaw the finance department for another large provider in the state. Beyond his experience in healthcare and human services, McDonald's financial background spans various sectors, including the pharmaceutical and publishing industries.
McDonald earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern University and his Executive MBA from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He also is a Certified Public Accountant.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Retired Executive / Price Waterhouse Coopers
Job Titles:
- Master
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Social Worker
- Vice President of Operations and Marketing
As Vice President of Operations and Marketing, L. Gail Atkinson is responsible for all programs and services - for children and adults - at our facilities in California, Colorado and Texas. She also oversees our organization's national marketing efforts.
Atkinson, whose behavioral health career spans more than 40 years, joined Devereux in 1971 as an activity instructor and counselor for our former summer camp in Mount Ida, Ark. Following her graduation from college in 1973, she was hired as a recreation counselor for the Devereux Texas - Victoria center. During her time in Victoria, Atkinson was promoted through several supervisory positions, eventually being named executive director of the center in 1989. In 1993, Atkinson was transferred to Devereux Florida's Melbourne Center in the role of executive director. She then moved to League City, Texas, in 1994, to become executive director of the Devereux Texas Treatment Network. In 2006, Atkinson was promoted to vice president of operations, where she managed our Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia and Texas centers. During her tenure as vice president of operations, she also held a dual role of Devereux Colorado executive director, from 2013-2014. In 2018, she was promoted to her current position of vice president of operations and marketing.
Atkinson is a licensed Master Social Worker (Texas) and a licensed Child Care Administrator (Texas). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Hendrix College and a master's degree in General Administration from the University of Houston. She serves as a board member of the following organizations: the National Association for Children's Behavior Health and the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services.
Leah S. Yaw - Chief Strategy Officer, SVP
Job Titles:
- Chief Strategy Officer
- Senior Vice President
As Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Leah Yaw is responsible for developing, communicating, executing and sustaining strategic initiatives across the organization that are aligned with Devereux's mission and core values. Specifically, this includes: overseeing the strategic planning process; building/sustaining organizational alignment and momentum to achieve set strategic goals; managing the mergers and acquisitions process; directing our strategic marketing function; and overseeing the Office of External Affairs. In Yaw's External Affairs role, she manages all fundraising, crisis management, public policy and advocacy, internal and external communications, brand management and strategic marketing across the organization.
Yaw joined Devereux in 2009 in the role of vice president of development and communications and, in 2012, was promoted to senior vice president of external affairs. In 2018, she was promoted to her current position.
Prior to joining Devereux, Yaw was the vice president of strategic advancement for KidsPeace, a national nonprofit organization serving children with behavioral health needs. She began her career serving the public relations and crisis communications needs of both for- and nonprofit corporations in an agency setting in New York City and the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania.
Yaw holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and Public Policy, Summa Cum Laude, from the Honors College of the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Communication Theory, Summa Cum Laude, from the Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. She serves on the board of trustees for the following organizations: Devereux Community Behavioral Health of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast; the Public Policy Advisory Committee for the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities; the Advancement Committee for The Swain School; and the Centennial Planning Committee for Vision 2020.
Job Titles:
- Devereux California in 2021 As the Lead Investigator, Safety and Privacy Officer
Leticia Villarreal joined Devereux California in 2021 as the lead investigator, safety and privacy officer, as well as the leader of incident management. She has performed professional work in the disabilities sector for more than 10 years, and is a member of the national ARC Association.
Job Titles:
- Director of External Affairs
- Director of External Affairs for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida
As the Director of External Affairs for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida, Lindsey Phillips leads the business relations, marketing/communications, community relations, admissions and utilization management departments statewide and provides business relations support to the organization nationally. Her responsibilities encompass all aspects of external relations, strategic communications, media and government relations focused on increasing industry awareness and providing advocacy and support for individuals served through Devereux's programs and services.
Since joining Devereux in 2000, Mrs. Phillips has facilitated multiple key partnerships and is credited for positioning the organization for growth opportunities and collaborative initiatives. As a member of the senior leadership team, Mrs. Phillips works in collaboration with operations, clinical and administrative services to oversee the planning and implementation of initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals served throughout the continuum of care. Leading the strategic planning efforts for the Florida operations in the treatment of sexually exploited youth, she aligned Devereux's national resources and facilitated partnerships among state agencies and community organizations to contribute to the development of a statewide systemic response to one of our nation's fastest growing criminal industries against youth.
With over 25 years of behavioral healthcare experience, Mrs. Phillips began her career as a direct care professional and certified behavior analyst working with individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities, she credits these years of experience as a direct service provider where she ignited a life-long passion for helping many of the most underserved and vulnerable members of our communities.
Mrs. Phillips earned a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master of arts in exceptional student education from the University of Central Florida and serves on behavioral healthcare and child welfare committees throughout the state of Florida.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida
Lisa Kroger serves as Executive Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. She joined Devereux in 2000 and has been a child and family advocate for over 30 years. Ms. Kroger has extensive knowledge in providing residential and community-based behavioral healthcare and child welfare services and ensuring quality treatment procedures to children and adolescents, which has been instrumental in advancing Devereux Florida's programs and services.
Ms. Kroger's focus on the provision of high standards of care supports the Devereux philosophy of individualized and strength-based treatment, while her commitment and leadership in promoting the coordination of care for those served supports effective collaboration with partner organizations. Some of Ms. Kroger's many contributions include advancing Positive Behavior Supports and Trauma Informed Care, as well as the establishment of a youth honor club to promote positive behavior change and leadership. Ms. Kroger is passionate about creating positive peer culture among the staff operating her programs and among all individuals served.
Ms. Kroger earned a bachelor of arts in social work at the University of West Florida and a masters degree in social work at Clark Atlanta University. She is certified as a Licensed Mastered Social Worker (LMSW) with extensive prevention, case management and program development experience. Kroger serves on the board of directors for the Florida Coalition for Children and the Youth Mental Health Commission for Orange County Public Schools.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2017 )
Manal S. Durgin, MD is the Medical Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida programs statewide. Board Certified and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Durgin specializes in treating children and adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities in combination with mental health issues.
Dr. Durgin practices in numerous programs at Devereux Florida, including a child and adolescent psychiatric hospital, residential centers, group homes and foster care. She is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and serves on Devereux's National Medical Advisory Board Committee.
Dr. Durgin received her medical degree at Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. She completed her residency in general psychiatry at the University of South Florida Medical School. Dr. Durgin went on to complete a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of South Florida Medical School and was awarded Chief Fellow.
Dr. Durgin is an active member of several associations, including the appointment as a Distinguished Fellow with the American Psychiatric Association. She serves on an advisory panel for the Florida Medicaid Drug Therapy Program for Behavioral Health regarding Best Practice Medication Guidelines for Children and Adolescents. She also served as councilor and chair of the child and adolescent committee of the Florida Psychiatric Society.
Known as an expert in her field, Dr. Durgin presents at numerous national and statewide conferences. She has presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry meetings, has provided training regarding Trauma Informed Care and Pediatric Psychopathology, and provides consultation to local hospitals for Autism Spectrum Disorders on behalf of Devereux.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Founder and President / the Kingstree Group, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Executive Director
As assistant executive director, Mary H. Esposito brings a unique combination of clinical and operational expertise to Devereux Georgia's residential and community programs. Esposito is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Social Work and Georgia Southern University. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Esposito earned the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force, where she served as a psychiatric social worker. She retired from the state of Georgia with 34 years of experience in mental health, state corrections and juvenile justice. Since her retirement from the state, Esposito has continued to serve children and families in the private, nonprofit community.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant, Office of the Executive Director
As Devereux New Jersey's executive assistant in the Office of the Executive Director, Mary Nardone supports the executive director and his entire leadership team in the management and oversight of the organization. She manages three staff members and guides a team of six administrative professionals across seven offices in the state. Nardone joined Devereux in 2007 as office manager and was quickly promoted to executive assistant in 2008. In addition to her role with Devereux New Jersey, Nardone also is a dedicated advocate for individuals with diverse challenges throughout the state. She serves as committee co-chair and volunteers her time with the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP), an advocacy organization that promotes higher wages and clinical excellence for staff and individuals served by providers like Devereux.
Prior to joining Devereux, Nardone served as office manager and assistant controller for NAPA Auto Parts, an automotive supply chain, for nearly 10 years.
Megan Robinson Joy, Ph.D., BCBA, joined Devereux Pennsylvania in June 2017 as the director of autism services. In her role as state director, Dr. Joy provides clinical oversight of Devereux's autism programs and services in Pennsylvania, including: the Center for Autism Research and Educational Services (CARES), the CARES consultation program, and the Community Adult Autism Partnership Program. She also oversees the implementation of the Devereux Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (D-PBIS) Autism model across our Pennsylvania centers.
Prior to Devereux, Dr. Joy was the regional director of Home and School Consultation at the May Institute in Randolph, Mass. There, she provided clinical and operational oversight to more than 70 clinicians providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism in homes and in public schools.
Dr. Joy earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University under the mentorship of Dr. Edward Carr, one of the founders of Positive Behavior Support. She also holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hamilton College, Summa Cum Laude. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Dr. Joy's work focuses on using the principles of ABA to develop contextually appropriate interventions to teach skills and reduce problem behaviors in natural settings. She has presented at a number of regional and national ABA conferences on supporting families with children with autism, functional behavior assessment, training therapists and educators on the principles of ABA, and using multi-tiered systems of support to develop effective staff training and supervision models.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Devereux in 1982 As a Group Counselor
- Vice President of Operations - Children 's Services
Melanie Beidler, M.S., serves as Devereux's vice president of operations - children's services. In this role, Beidler oversees the organization's Pennsylvania operations, focusing on the care, education and treatment of children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
Beidler joined Devereux in 1982 as a group counselor for children with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since that time, she has taken on positions of increasing responsibility and authority, serving in multiple direct care and supervisory roles at three Devereux centers. From 2011-June 2018, she held her most recent position as executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania's Children's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services center.
Beidler earned both a Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Studies and Master of Science in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University. She is a graduate of the Leadership Main Line Program, an intensive leadership program. Beidler sits on the boards of the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services (PCCYFS) and the PCCYFS' Southeast Region Council. She also will serve as a board member of Devereux's new staffing agency - QualityHealth Staffing, LLC. In addition, Beidler participates on the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association Pediatric Care Work Group and Residential Treatment Center Work Group, and was a former board member of Safe Harbor, a shelter providing housing and services for Chester County's homeless population.
Job Titles:
- Statewide Clinical Director
Job Titles:
- Devereux New Jersey 's People Operations Director
- People Operations Director
Michele Price is Devereux New Jersey's People Operations director. In this role, Price is responsible for the oversight of the organization's more than 1,000 employees. She manages a team of eight team members who are directly responsible for analysis; employee recruitment and retention; employee relations; compensation; benefits administration; performance management; employee safety; and workers compensation. Price joined Devereux in 2007 as a Human Resources manager, and was promoted to People Operations director in 2019. In addition to her work that directly impacts the organization and its staff, Price also serves as a liaison between federal and state licensing bodies to ensure best practices and adherence to accreditation and external regulatory requirements.
Prior to Devereux New Jersey, Price worked in various industries, including the education and nonprofit sectors. She earned her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York, Brockport, and her master's degree from the New York Institute of Technology.
Job Titles:
- Statewide Clinical Director
As Devereux New Jersey's statewide clinical director, Michelle Lipchock leads a growing team of clinicians across the Garden State. Lipchock joined Devereux in 2000, and is an outcomes-driven clinician who sets the highest standards of excellence in all of Devereux New Jersey's service lines. In her role, Lipchock utilizes evidence-based, individualized treatment plans in our residential, vocational and behavioral health programs. She has become a prolific speaker and lecturer in the fields of social work and behavioral health, and is considered one of the premiere thought-leaders in the state. Lipchock leads our Devereux Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (D-PBIS) program, training staff on this proven clinical model. In her current role, she oversees our growing Treatment Home Program, as well as our Intensive In-Home and Intensive In-Community (IIH and IIC) service delivery models. Lipchock also is a master's level professor in the field of Social Work at Rutgers University.
In 2007, the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families named Lipchock "Clinician of the Year," an honor bestowed on one practitioner in the state who exemplifies clinical excellence and dedication to her work. Lipchock earned her undergraduate and master's degrees in Social Work from Temple University and her doctoral degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Executive Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida
Michelle Llorens serves as Executive Director for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida. Mrs. Llorens has extensive knowledge in providing residential mental health and behavioral health services. Not only does Mrs. Llorens have over 20 years of behavioral healthcare experience, she has over 20 years of experience at Devereux! Beginning her career as a direct care professional at the Devereux Florida Viera Campus, she has also served the role of a speech pathologist, educator, behavior analyst, senior clinical manager, program director and regional administrator.
Mrs. Llorens has demonstrated strong operational leadership, credited with the development and implementation of systemic changes that have resulted in qualitative and quantitative improvements in the programs she has provided clinical and operational oversight, and she has directly contributed to making positive behavior change with many individuals in our care. Throughout her tenure at Devereux, Michelle has received many acknowledgements, including being honored with the Devereux Supervisory Excellence Award and as a nominee for the Weaver Falberg scholarship award.
Mrs. Llorens earned a bachelor of arts in communication disorders and a master of management from Webster University. She is a national board certified behavior analyst and has presented at numerous state and national conferences on treatment approaches and positive outcomes based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Llorens serves on the board of the Florida Behavioral Health Association.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Staff
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of People Operations
Mike Ernst, SPHR, SCP, is Devereux's senior vice president of people operations. In this role, Ernst develops roadmaps for, and executes, all employee-related initiatives. Specifically, he is responsible for innovation in the following areas: talent acquisition, engagement and retention, employee development, and total rewards, along with further strengthening Devereux's culture and employment environment. In addition, Ernst oversees Devereux's staffing company - QualityHealth Staffing, LLC.
Prior to joining Devereux, Ernst was the vice president of human resources at NHS Human Services Inc., a national behavioral healthcare provider in Lafayette Hill, Pa. While at NHS, Ernst managed the company's people strategies and human resources activities, including: professional development and education, human resources business management and services, and talent acquisition and labor relations activities for more than 10,000 employees. Before that, he served in the following roles: worldwide director of human resources at Drug Information Association in Horsham, Pa.; senior consultant/strategist at The CBI Group, Inc., in Newark, Del.; director of human resources at the Office of the Governor Mitt Romney in Boston, and vice president of human resources/operations for CGN Marketing & Creative Services in Boston. Ernst started his career as a residential counselor and acting program manager with Devereux Pennsylvania.
Ernst holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University. He earned a Senior Human Resources Certificate from Villanova University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Staff
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Development and Grants
Job Titles:
- Adult Day Program Administrator
As program administrator for Devereux California's adult day program, Nellie Just is responsible for all scheduled activities, events and learning modules for each day program participant. Just has worked in the adult day program since 2018 in various capacities, including assistant supervisor and interim program administrator.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Executive Director
- Devereux New Jersey 's Assistant Executive Director
Nicole O'Neal serves as Devereux New Jersey's assistant executive director, where she supports the Executive Director in overseeing operations, organizational growth and licensing and compliance for more than 500 individuals throughout the state and their families. O'Neal joined the organization in 2007 as a program manager, and was promoted to assistant executive director in October 2019. She holds nearly 20 years of experience in the field of human services, having begun her career in a direct care role. Prior to joining Devereux, O'Neal supported adults at several providers in the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas including Intercommunity Action, Inc. and Community Service Alternatives.
In 2017, the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP), an advocacy organization that promotes higher wages and clinical excellence for staff and individuals served by providers like Devereux, honored O'Neal with its prestigious Leadership Award for her dedication to the population we serve. O'Neal also has been an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She earned her undergraduate degree from Lock Haven University and her MBA, with a concentration in Medical Services Administration, from Widener University.
As director of behavioral services, Noelle Escovedo works to maximize Devereux California's effectiveness in program implementation, positive interventions, best practices and clinical care. Escovedo's background includes health administration, person-centered care, treatment outcomes, crisis management and data collection. Her career includes positions with Passages Ventura, where she worked as a compliance executive, and at California Psych Care, where she served as a clinical supervisor. Escovedo also worked as a facilitator for children with autism, and as a trainer for behavioral teams working in private practice in Ventura County.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Devereux Texas' Executive Director
- in 1992 As a Special Education Teacher
As Devereux Texas' executive director, Pamela Reed, M.S., oversees the care and treatment of more than 350 children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences each year at our League City and Victoria campuses.
Reed joined Devereux Texas in 1992 as a special education teacher and, since that time, she has served in roles of increasing responsibility, including director of educational services - when she collaborated for four years with a large Texas school district to operate a federally-funded alternative education program - director of operations and assistant executive director. She was promoted to executive director in 2006.
Reed earned her Bachelor of Science in education from Texas Tech University and her master's degree in educational administration from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She is a Texas Licensed Child Care Administrator, and is sought out by local, state and national organizations as a mental health leader and expert. Reed has worked tirelessly throughout her career to advocate, educate and help raise funds to advance the field of behavioral healthcare and improve the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges, as well as their families.
Job Titles:
- BCBA - Executive Director
- Executive Director, Devereux Pennsylvania - Children 's Behavioral Health Services
Patricia Hillis-Clark, Psy.D., holds more than 20 years of experience in the child and adolescent behavioral healthcare field. She is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and Delaware, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist.
Dr. Hillis-Clark joined Devereux Pennsylvania in 2000 as a clinician at "Gateway," which was located in Newtown Square, Pa. In 2018, she was named executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania Children's Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) after serving as CBHS' clinical director since 2009. Hillis-Clark specializes in working with highly-traumatized populations, including sexually exploited and trafficked youth. Before joining Devereux, she was a social worker at the Children's Aid Society.
Hillis-Clark has earned the following degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cabrini College; Master in Social Work from Temple University; and a Doctor in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She has completed certification programs including: Financial Success for Nonprofits Cornell University; Behavior Analysis - Florida Institute of Technology; and School Psychology - Eastern University. She holds a Diplomate from the Academy of Cognitive Therapists. Hillis-Clark has presented locally on the topic of sexually exploited and trafficked youth, and has served as adjunct teaching faculty at the graduate level. She serves as an advisory board member of the Devereux Cleo Wallace and Devereux Cleo Wallace Foundation, and is the chair of the American Psychological Association's (APA) Division 12 Mentorship Sub-Committee. In addition, she has served as a past Division 12 reviewer for the APA's Annual Convention Submissions for Presentation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Director and Corporate Counsel / AMETEK, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice - Chair / Vice President and Regional Property Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Vice President
Job Titles:
- Director of Legal, Risk and Quality Management
As the Director of Legal, Risk and Quality Management for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida, Philip Putnam oversees the legal needs of the organization, oversees audit and compliance functions as well as risk and quality management. Mr. Putnam's compassion for helping children and families, and his steadfast commitment to help staff become effective and efficient, has been instrumental in leading the organization to establish and maintain best practices for the safety and well-being of children.
Throughout the span of his career, Mr. Putnam has been fundamentally responsible for the development of a sophisticated risk and quality management system, including incident reporting and response, child safety-protocols, state and federal regulatory compliance and an overarching system to ensure safety for thousands of children, in a variety of settings, on a daily basis. He has provided leadership and support for the creation and opening of several programs, including the development of Devereux's lead agency, Devereux Community Based Care. In addition, Mr. Putnam created Devereux's first system to track and trend incident reports and restraints in our behavioral healthcare, intellectual/developmental disabilities and child welfare programs.
His experience and knowledge areas include risk management including incident reporting and conflict resolution; quality management; information technology; state and federal regulatory compliance; litigation management including general liability and employment claims; new business development; contract management and procurement; environmental safety as well as accreditation of child welfare and behavioral health programs.
Mr. Putnam received his Master's in Healthcare Administration at the University of Central Florida. He then went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Florida A&M University, College of Law. He was selected as one of only two law students throughout the state to assist the Office of the Governor with legal research regarding adoption and child welfare issues.
He co-authored Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs in Health Care - A Study of Organizational Utilization. Mr. Putnam is also a member of the Florida Bar and is licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration as a Licensed Hospital Risk Manager.
Job Titles:
- President of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Director of Operations and Community Development
Rebecca Popke serves as director of operations and community development, providing operational oversight of all programs and services, as well as program development. Popke began her career at Devereux as a direct care staff, while pursuing her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She later served as the program administrator of adult residential facilities and supported living services. Popke earned her graduate degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Her skills in program leadership, coupled with her experience as a therapist, have helped Popke assist individuals, families, guardians and placement agencies as they liaison with Devereux's services and person-centered planning.
Job Titles:
- Victoria Campus Administrator
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Facilities
As director of finance and facilities at Devereux California, Robertson oversees all aspects of business related to financial planning and budgeting, general ledger, information technology and facilities. He is a senior finance leader who most recently ran financial planning and analysis for automotive startup Fair Financial in Santa Monica. Prior to that, Robertson worked in the consulting sector where he oversaw finance and compliance at BLX Group LLC in Los Angeles, which served municipalities and tax-exempt bond issuers, including a diverse set of nonprofits. In this role, he led financial planning and analysis and risk management, overseeing financial controls, and serving as chief compliance officer for SEC, FINRA, and MSRB regulation compliance. Robertson spent the first half of his career at Toyota Financial Services in Torrance, where he held lead roles in financial planning, product pricing analysis, leasing, and transformational project teams. Robertson is a graduate of the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Amherst College.
Bob Kelly has more than 15 years of regional and executive finance and operations leadership, with a career that includes retail operations, transportation and healthcare. Kelly's expertise lies in providing business strategy, financial analysis with a relentless commitment to performance improvement, organizational development, technology implementation and development of targeted goals for optimizing operational and financial results.
Kelly graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in finance and is an avid triathlete. He is passionate about helping to restore youth and families, and inspiring others to exceed their dreams!
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer / Operating Vice President
Robert C. Dunne has held the role of Devereux's senior vice president and chief financial officer, treasurer since 2008. Along with his dual role as operating vice president, Dunne is responsible for the organization's financial performance, as well as setting and implementing financial strategy and procedures across all centers. He also oversees Devereux's information technology efforts and all facility-related matters.
Dunne joined Devereux in 1992 and, since that time, he has served in roles of increasing responsibility, including controller, senior director of finance and vice president of finance. Before joining our organization, he spent nine years at international accounting firm Ernst & Young, most recently in the role of senior manager.
Dunne holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from La Salle University; in 1985, he became a Certified Public Accountant. In addition, he serves on the boards of Devereux Cleo Wallace and the Devereux Cleo Wallace Foundation. Dunne is also a board member of the Devereux Community-Based Care (a Florida affiliate of Devereux) and chairs its Finance Committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Market President / Key Bank
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2004 ) Montclair, New Jersey
Job Titles:
- Devereux Arizona 's Director of People Operations
Ron Herget serves as Devereux Arizona's director of People Operations. He joined Devereux in 2002, and has more than 20 years of human resources experience in behavioral healthcare, manufacturing and higher education.
Herget's experience centers around People Operations strategy; advancing the organization's mission through human resources; and delivering great customer service to all. As a member of the senior leadership team, Herget's goals are to make Devereux Arizona an employer of choice, and continue to support the organization's mission, vision and values.
Herget has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. He is certified through the Human Resources Certification Institute as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). He also is certified through the Society of Human Resource Management as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
Job Titles:
- Organizational Development and Quality Improvement Director
As Devereux New Jersey's organizational development and quality improvement director, Sarah James oversees organizational growth and ensures high quality care as service offerings expand to reach more individuals than ever before. James joined Devereux in 2001, and has held various management and leadership positions. She began her career in a direct care role in both residential and vocational settings, and quickly moved into administrative roles in quality improvement and learning. James is one of our center's Servant Leadership Champions, helping to drive efforts to embed Servant Leadership best practices across the organization.
James has become an in-demand speaker in the field of behavioral health, and has delivered lectures and trainings at conferences for the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP); the New Jersey Alliance for Children, Youth and Families; the Eastern Communication Association; and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families Division of Child Behavioral Health Services. James earned her undergraduate degree from Rowan University and her master's degree from LaSalle University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2015 )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice President, Tax & Investor / Relations Triumph Group, Inc.
As a learning specialist, Sherry Davis is responsible for direct care staff training, as well as classroom training for new hires. Prior to her current role, Davis served as a clinical case manager for the Mark Villa and Weisman Center. Davis began her career at St. Vincent's as a direct care staff, working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was quickly promoted to a leadership position and worked at St. Vincent's for 10 years. Subsequently, she worked for Paul Cooney and Associates (in conjunction with TCRC), where she recruited and trained community members to participate in an adult foster program. She then worked at Hinchee House (recruiter) and Hillside House (program director). Davis received her Bachelor of Arts in developmental and experimental psychology from UC Santa Barbara in 1980. In 1997, she received her Master of Arts in clinical psychology from Antioch University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Market President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Vice President of Operations - Adult Services
As Vice President of Operations - Adult Services, Stephen Bruce, M.Ed., BCBA, manages the care, treatment and outcomes of our adult population - living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Most recently, he served as executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania's Adult Services center, where he oversaw the care and treatment of nearly 400 adults served by the center's day habilitation and employment programs, and residences throughout southeast Pennsylvania.
Bruce brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership and behavioral healthcare experience to his role. Before joining Devereux in 2015, he was president and CEO of Midland, a provider of educational, residential and day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. Prior to that, he served a significant part of his career at Bancroft, a nonprofit provider of services for individuals with brain injuries, autism and intellectual disabilities. During his 25-year tenure at Bancroft, Bruce held early roles such as director of pediatric and adolescent services, and more recent positions including: vice president of planning/marketing/admissions, vice president of clinical operations, and vice president of strategic planning.
Bruce holds a Master in Special Education, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis, from Temple University. In addition, he is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has served as an adjunct professor at Temple University, where he has taught courses in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Job Titles:
- National Director of Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities Services
Dr. Stewart Shear is a licensed psychologist in the State of Pennsylvania and serves as Devereux's national director of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Services. In this role, Shear oversees the development and implementation of best practices for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Prior to his current position, Shear was the director of Clinical Services for Devereux Pennsylvania's Adult Services center in Berwyn, Pa., where he was responsible for the implementation of clinical services, community-based services and day programs for adults with I/DD, dual diagnosis and brain injury. He also held the role of Devereux Pennsylvania senior clinical director. During his 24-year tenure with the organization, Shear also served as Devereux New Jersey's administrator for Community Services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and Devereux Pennsylvania's clinical director for children with intellectual disabilities.
Shear is a supervising psychologist for Devereux's Doctoral Internship Program and is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Pennsylvania Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. He also serves on the IRB Research Review Committee, is a member of Devereux's National Ethics Committee, and is an advisory board member for the Pennsylvania Communities Faith Leadership Project.
Throughout his career, Shear's passion can be found in applied research related to self-management, as well as the practice of faith and quality of life issues for adults with disabilities. His research has resulted in various publications and presentations at local and national conferences. Shear earned his master's degree in Psychology with a clinical concentration from Marywood University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the State University of New York (SUNY) - Binghamton. In addition, he earned his doctorate with a specialty in School Psychology from Lehigh University.
Job Titles:
- Devereux Arizona in 2013 As Assistant Director
- Director of Devereux Arizona
- Regional Director of Operations, Tucson Area
Sunshine Turner serves as director of Devereux Arizona's brief intervention programs, overseeing the day-to-day operations for a broad continuum of services across the state, ranging from in-home preservation to intensive short-term residential treatment.
Turner began her career in human services more than 20 years ago with the Arizona Department of Developmental Disabilities, providing care for children with autism. She also spent two years working as a juvenile detention officer before teaching special education for students with emotional differences in the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). During her time with TUSD, Turner served as both an assistant principal and principal. She continues to remain connected to the school community by serving on Sahuaro High School's Site Council.
Turner joined Devereux Arizona in 2013 as assistant director of residential programs, and helped open an inpatient residential treatment center and short-term intensive stabilization program for youth in crisis in Pima County.
During her time with Devereux, Turner has served on several committees, and is an active member of the senior leadership team. Turner has presented at various conferences on topics, including special education law, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and most recently, bridging the gap between behavioral health and our school system.
Turner holds a bachelor's degree in family studies from the University of Arizona, and a master's in education from Northern Arizona University, as well as her principal certificate.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Regional Development Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Vice President, Corporate / Business Development Meridian Bank
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Retired Executive / IMC Construction
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Social Worker
- Devereux Pocono 's Executive Director
- Executive Director, Devereux Poconos
As Devereux Pocono's Executive Director, Tina Skoda oversees the center's day-to-day operational, clinical and administrative functions.
Skoda holds more than 20 years of behavioral healthcare experience. She joined Devereux Pocono in 2003 as director of operations where, among other things, she oversaw the center's residential, day and community programs. In 2012, Skoda moved into the role of assistant executive director, where she was responsible for the center's overall operations and quality improvement initiatives, as well as all licensing, financial, and administrative processes. She was promoted to executive director in November 2017.
Prior to Devereux, Skoda worked with the elderly as a behavioral health program director for Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, Pa. In addition, she worked with children as a regional director of behavioral health rehabilitation services for New Hope of Pennsylvania, Inc., in Wyoming, Pa.
Skoda is a licensed social worker and has earned bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Marywood College. She is also a certified paralegal.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Devereux 's Vice President of Information Resources
- Language Pathologist at Devereux Pennsylvania 's Leo Kanner Center
- Vice President of Information Resources
As Devereux's Vice President of Information Resources, Tom Shurer is responsible for our information technology (IT) function, including maintaining our IT infrastructure and applications, and implementing future strategies to enable innovation across the organization.
Shurer joined Devereux in 1984 as a speech language pathologist at Devereux Pennsylvania's Leo Kanner Center and Health Services Units. During his tenure at Devereux, Shurer has held various management and administrative positions, including: residential program supervisor, director of quality improvement/regulatory affairs, program director - information resources, director of clinical technologies and national director of information resources. He has served in his current role since 2013.
Before joining our organization, Shurer was a speech language pathologist at Elwyn - a human services organization serving disabled and disadvantaged individuals.
Shurer has earned the following academic degrees: Bachelor of Science in Communications Disorders from Pennsylvania State University; a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from George Washington University; and a Master of Science in Information Science from Pennsylvania State University. He has presented on a variety of topics - including clinical technology best practices, business continuity, technology planning, data analysis and reporting, and system implementation strategies during national/regional conferences.
He is a former board member of the Arc of Chester County.
Job Titles:
- People Operations and Learning Director
- Soto, SPHR, SHRM - SCP / People Operations and Learning Director
Veronica Arenas-Soto has worked at Devereux for 19 years, and currently serves as director of People Operations and learning. Arenas-Soto has held various roles of increasing responsibility within People Operations. In 2009, she was named head of the department. Arenas-Soto obtained her certification as a Professional in Human Resources Management from the University of California in Santa Barbara in 2002. She also is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the Human Resources Certification Institute and as a SHRM-SCP by the National Society for Human Resources Management.
Job Titles:
- Victoria Quality / Management Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Principal
Job Titles:
- Devereux New Jersey As Operations Director
- Operations Director, Vocational Services
Yasmin Qazilbash joined Devereux New Jersey as operations director of vocational services in 2016, and since then, has transformed the organization's vocational and day habilitation program model. Under Qazilbash's leadership, Devereux New Jersey has grown to become a premiere provider of vocational services for adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. In her current role, she oversees nearly 200 staff members serving nearly 300 individuals. Qazilbash has more than 20 years of experience working with children and adults with autism. Prior to joining Devereux New Jersey, Qazilbash spent more than 10 years at Eden Autism Services, leading vocational and residential habilitation services in central New Jersey. Qazilbash also has served as a behavioral consultant for Newark Public Schools, and has done extensive work to promote employment and self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities throughout her career.
Qazilbash is one of Devereux New Jersey's Servant Leadership Champions, helping to drive efforts to embed Servant Leadership best practices across the organization. She earned her undergraduate degree from The College of New Jersey and her master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Rider University. She also holds a New Jersey State Principal/School Administrator's Certification and national certification as an Employment Support Professional.