DEVEREUX - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice President and Cyber / Practice Leader
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Business Leader
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Assistant Vice President, Operations
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 35-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 30 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 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, IT Service Delivery and Operations
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- Education Director
- Principal
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- Member of the Devereux Pocono Advisory Board
- Executive Vice President, Federal Government Affairs
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- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Legal and Policy Director / Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- President
- Trustee since 2018 ) President and CEO, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health / Villanova, Pennsylvania
Carl E. Clark II, M.S., is the president and CEO of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and only the seventh president in the organization's history, since 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, Clark was the special assistant to the executive deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. His early professional years were spent in direct care of children with disabilities 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), the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership® and QualityHealth Pharmacy.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Customer Transformation Partner
Carlos Pozzi-Montero, Psy.D., serves as clinical director for Devereux Florida. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the mental health field for more than 30 years. In his current role, Pozzi oversees the implementation of clinical services for children and adolescents diagnosed with an emotional, behavioral or intellectual/developmental disability.
Pozzi earned his Doctor of Psychology degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where he also received his master's in clinical psychology. He is a doctoral 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 a case manager, therapist, clinical supervisor and administrator of programs that serve children and young adults with behavioral and emotional difficulties and developmental disabilities. He also has served as tenured associate professor of psychology and director of clinical training in the Graduate School at Wheaton College in Illinois. Prior to pursuing psychology, Pozzi's area of study was religion. He attended Northern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a master's degree in theological studies.
Pozzi 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 work has led to numerous publications, including several articles published by the American Psychological Association and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies. He also has contributed several chapters to a book published by Oxford University Press.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administrative Services
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- Member of the Devereux New York Advisory Board
- Associate General Counsel / Linde, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Vice - Chair of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Director of Service Coordination
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Attorney / Pacific Law Group
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2006 ) Vice - Chair of the Board / Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2013 ) Chair of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2021 ) New York, New York
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- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Owner
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- Member of the Devereux Pocono Advisory Board
- Assistant District Attorney
Job Titles:
- Quality Improvement and Learning Director
Danielle Schappert serves as Devereux New Jersey's quality improvement and learning director, and is responsible for overseeing quality improvement initiatives and professional development of staff.
Schappert began her career by providing humanitarian relief in Honduras in 2001. She continued working for various nonprofit organizations in program development and management, quality improvement, professional development, and fundraising.
Schappert currently serves on the Sussex County Mental Health Board, is a Parents, Inc. volunteer, holds an New Jersey Infant Mental Health Endorsement, and is a volunteer education advocate for families navigating complex systems of care.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from Ramapo College of New Jersey, and her Master of Arts in Child Advocacy and Public Policy from Montclair State University.
Job Titles:
- People Operations Director
As Devereux Florida's People Operations director, Dave Detro, MBA, is responsible for overseeing all Human Resource functions across the state, including recruitment, worker's compensation, benefits, legal compliance, policy structure, learning and organizational development, consultation, employee relations and leadership development.
Detro joined Devereux Florida in 2016, and has more than 20 years of operational and Human Resources leadership experience working for large corporations in various industries, including Cracker Barrel, Starbucks, the Apollo Group and Education Management Corporation. Throughout his career, Detro has been responsible for large-scale operations and strategic leadership, and he has served in various senior management positions. He prides himself on being an advocate for all people; a change agent; and a business partner who is able to effectively link people strategies to business strategies.
Detro holds a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University and a bachelor's degree in global business administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Detro also is a national member of the Society for Human Resource Management.
Job Titles:
- Controller
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
David Griffith, CPA, 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 he 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 sponsorship committee member of the Philadelphia Chapter.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Sales
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- Member of the Advisory Board
- SVP Human Resources at Genprex, of Counsel at
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Principal
Job Titles:
- Director of People Operation
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- Member of the Advisory Board
- Founder and President / Team Clean, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Owner and Gallerist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Clinical Pharmacy Manager / Pharmacy Residency Program Director Devereux Parent / Holy Name Medical Center
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2022 ) Psychiatrist, Adventist Health Care / Silver Spring, Maryland
Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, is a passionate and accomplished executive director with more than two decades of dedicated service to children and families served by Devereux Arizona. Jackson is experienced in a variety of service delivery areas, including psychiatric residential treatment, community-based outpatient services, integrated primary care and therapeutic foster care. She consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and families with behavioral challenges. Jackson holds a master's degree in social work and a doctorate in behavioral health.
Job Titles:
- Business Owner
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Member of the Devereux New York Advisory Board
- Chairman / Retired Executive Officer
- Trustee since 2019 ) Retired Executive Officer of Praxair, Inc. Devereux Family Member / Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
In her role as clinical director, Emily Garten, M.A., provides clinical oversight for Devereux Florida's continuum of care. Garten is responsible for the implementation and support of evidence-based practices and clinical initiatives. She also oversees Devereux Florida's Commercial Sexual Exploitation for Children program.
Garten joined Devereux Florida more than 25 years ago as a direct care professional. Over the years, she has been involved in residential and community-based services, including outpatient services, foster care, child welfare case management and targeted case management. Garten has served in a variety of clinical and operational leadership roles prior to her current position. She has been instrumental in multiple community collaborative initiatives, including the implementation of Wraparound Orange and Devereux's Mobile Crisis Services. She is a strong advocate in key community alliances and collaboration for mental health services.
Garten holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts and sciences 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 Florida.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Pocono Advisory Board
- Officer of Events / the Michael J. Fox Foundation
Job Titles:
- Quality Management Manager
Eric Christensen joined Devereux California in 2023 to serve as the center's quality management manager. He has more than 12 years of experience working in healthcare in areas of privacy, compliance and risk management.
As executive director of Devereux New Jersey, Eric Eberman, M.S.Ed., oversees the care and treatment of more than 300 children and adults, annually, who are living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
Eberman brings more than 20 years of behavioral healthcare experience to this position. Prior to joining Devereux, Eberman was the public policy director for Autism New Jersey where he was responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the agency's public policy activity. Before that, Eberman worked for nearly 15 years at Bancroft where he held roles of increasing responsibility, including senior director of strategic planning, executive director of pediatric and adolescent residential programs, vice president of acute behavioral health, and vice president of clinical services.
Eberman earned his Master of Science in Education, specializing in applied behavior analysis, from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rider University. Eberman currently serves as the Government Affairs Chair of the New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis. In 2014, he received the Philadelphia 76ers' "Heroes Among Us" award, which is given to individuals in the greater Philadelphia area who have made exceptional and overwhelming contributions to better the lives of children in the community. He also was named one of South Jersey Magazine's "Men of the Year," which recognizes men who demonstrate a spirit of caring, giving and making a difference in the lives of others.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Member of the Devereux Arizona Executive Leadership Team
As executive assistant for Devereux Arizona, Evelyn Fimbres supports the executive director and the center's senior leadership team. Fimbres' journey with Devereux began in 2019 as an administrative support specialist. Her organizational skills, combined with her efficiency, adaptability and professionalism, propelled Fimbres to her current role.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Pocono Advisory Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Aspirex Productions, LLC
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Financial Advisor, Vice President, Co - Branch Office Manager
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- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Vice President, Emergency Services
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- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Attorney / Owner / the Barnes Law Group
Job Titles:
- Manager of Quality and Compliance
Greg Strom serves as manager of quality and compliance for Devereux Arizona. Strom's ability to connect with individuals, combined with his deep understanding of their challenges, propelled him from the role of direct care professional to program manager across several programs. In his current role as manager of quality and compliance, Strom upholds the highest standards of care and regulatory adherence and works diligently to ensure Devereux consistently exceeds behavioral health industry standards. His journey reflects a profound commitment to quality care, continuous improvement and compassionate service.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Principal / Nave Newell, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Vice President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Vice President of Operations
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Gwendolyn B. Skinner is Devereux's vice president of operations. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, including all programs and services for children and adults at the organization's Florida, Georgia and Texas centers. She has served in this role since May 2017.
Gwendolyn B. Skinner, Ed.S., LMFT, is Devereux's vice president of operations. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, including all programs and services for children and adults at the organization's Florida, Georgia and Texas centers. She has served in this role since May 2017.
Skinner, who has more than 30 years of behavioral healthcare experience, joined Devereux in 2009 as executive director of Devereux Georgia. 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.
Skinner has earned the following 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. 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:
- Chairman of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2021 )
Job Titles:
- Community Leader
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
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- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice - Chair / President / 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 Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Sales Executive
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 )
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- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2021 ) Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Hospital for Special Surgery / New Paltz, New York
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New York Advisory Board
- Trustee since 2017 )
- Visual Artist and Painter Devereux Family Member
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- Member of the Advisory Board
- President and Chief Executive Officer / JBC Associates, Inc.
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- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2024 ) Wayne, Pennsylvania
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, and as case manager, supported living services program coordinator and program administrator for several Devereux California adult residential programs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Retired Executive
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- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Ex - Officio
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Vice President
John "Jack" Kane, Esq., 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, Pennsylvania, 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 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 )
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- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Managing Principal, Chief Investment Officer / Peapack - Gladstone Bank
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.
As Devereux New Jersey's director of facilities, Joseph De Vivo oversees capital improvements, maintenance operations and facility upgrades. De Vivo joined Devereux in 2013 as a part-time direct care professional and was later promoted to group home supervisor. In 2015, he transitioned to the Facilities team as a facilities coordinator, and in 2018, he was promoted to facilities manager. In 2022, he assumed his current role as director of facilities.
Job Titles:
- Compliance Officer / Quality Improvement Director
Job Titles:
- Residential Operations Director
Judi De Luca serves as Devereux New Jersey's residential operations director, leading the team responsible for daily operations of more than 70 adult group homes across the state.
De Luca brings more than 20 years of dynamic leadership experience in nonprofit and educational settings to this role. Her experience spans special education in both the public and private sector, community-based mental health, victim advocacy, vocational programming and residential care. Prior to joining Devereux, De Luca worked at Bancroft for more than 10 years, where she held roles of increasing responsibility, including education supervisor, principal of The Bancroft School, senior director of education and children's residential services, and senior director of education.
De Luca earned her Master of Arts in Leadership in Teaching, with a specialization in special education, from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and her Bachelor of Science in Child Development/Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Vice President of Talent and Organizational Development
Kathy Marks, SPHR, brings more than 20 years of talent acquisition/management and organizational development experience to her role as Devereux's vice president of talent and organizational development.
Marks most recently served as vice president of talent management at Penn National Gaming in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, where she was responsible for the company's talent development/acquisition strategy, including executive recruitment; organization design; succession planning; performance management; and initiatives that promote representation and belonging. She also served as director of Human Resources at Argosy Casino Alton in Aton, Illinois; manager of training and development/human resources at Hollywood Casino and Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania; and training and development consultant at Ajilon Consulting in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Marks earned a Master of Education in training and development from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Music in music education from James Madison University. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Manager, Insurance
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Vice President of Pharmacy Operations
Keith Armson, RPh, MHA, Pharm.D., is vice president of pharmacy operations for Devereux's pharmacy division, QualityHealth Pharmacy (QHP). In this role, Armson oversees QHP's organization-wide strategy related to pharmacy operations and medication management services. Specifically, he is responsible for regulatory compliance and clinical excellence, fiscal performance, pharmaceutical purchasing, pharmacy clinical practices and operational and clinical growth opportunities.
Prior to joining QHP, Armson was director of operations for HealthDirect Pharmacy Services where he was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of 26 long-term care pharmacies in nine states. During his tenure at HealthDirect Pharmacy, he also served as regional manager of operations, overseeing 11 pharmacies across the Mid-Atlantic region. Before this, Armson served as vice president/chief operating officer and co-owner of Care First Pharmacy Services; president and co-owner of Plus 1 RX; and director of operations for NeighborCare Pharmacy Services.
Armson earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, a Master of Health Administration from Wilkes University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Shenandoah University. He is licensed to practice pharmacy in Pennsylvania and Florida and is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.
Kelly Messer, MBA, is the director of finance for Devereux Florida, and is responsible for financial management, including accounting, revenue, finance, accounts payable, purchasing, facility management and information technology.
Messer holds a Master of Business Administration from Webster University School of Business and Technology and a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Warner Southern College. With more than 25 years of experience with Devereux Florida's Finance Department, Messer has a wide range of operational and financial experience in financial planning and analysis, including extensive experience managing multiple contracts for various agencies and funding streams.
Messer continues to help Devereux Florida 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 with contract requirements, as well as accurate and timely financial reporting.
Messer has a 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 nonprofit organizations in the human services industry.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President and Chief Safety and Risk Officer
As Devereux's senior vice president and chief safety and risk officer, Kelsey Lawson, JD, brings nearly two decades of senior leadership-level legal and risk management experience in the healthcare industry to this position.
Prior to joining Devereux, Lawson was the chief compliance and risk officer at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, where she oversaw the development and implementation of the health system's corporate compliance program, internal audit and enterprise risk management. She also served as chief compliance officer at North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale, Minnesota; associate general counsel for the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis; attorney and consultant for Halleland Habicht, PA and Consulting in Minneapolis; and patient safety and risk officer at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena, Montana.
Lawson has earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School, and a Master of Science in Health Services Research, Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota Graduate School of Public Health. She is a licensed attorney in Minnesota and Montana. Lawson is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association's Health Law Section Council and the Health Care Compliance Association. She has presented nationally on healthcare compliance issues and topics.
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
Kimberly Davis is an executive assistant for Devereux New Jersey, providing support to the executive director and leadership team. In this role, Davis oversees the administrative staff, as well as all administrative operations.
Davis joined Devereux in 2018 as an administrative supervisor and, since that time, has held roles of increasing responsibility. Previously, she served as a district sales manager, overseeing and coaching large teams of sales representatives throughout New Jersey. Davis participates in various professional organizations, including the American Society of Administrative Professionals, the National Notary Association of Notaries and the National Realtors Board of Realtors. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Information Systems and her Master of Management in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Vice President of Marketing
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Owner
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, M.S., 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 Devereux's 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 Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley.
Yaw holds a Bachelor of Arts in English writing and journalism (summa cum laude) from the Honors College of the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in communication theory (summa cum laude) from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where she also was a University Honors College Graduate Fellow and undergraduate honors student advisor. Yaw serves on the board of trustees for the following organizations: Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, National Public Policy Advisory Committee; The Swain School, Advancement Committee; and Victory House. In 2022, she was selected as an honoree in Ragan Communications and PR Daily's "Top Women in Communications Awards," in the "Crisis Navigator" category. In addition, Yaw was named one of IEra WomenLeaders magazine's "10 Most Influential Women Leaders" in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- CGMA
- Trustee since 2024 ) Winter Park, Florida
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New York Advisory Board
- Owner Devereux Parent / Lena Martino Transition Services, LLC
Job Titles:
- Director of External Affairs
As director of external affairs for Devereux Florida, Lindsey Phillips, M.S., 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, and are focused on increasing industry awareness and providing advocacy and support for individuals served by Devereux Florida.
Since joining Devereux in 2000, Phillips has facilitated multiple key partnerships, and is credited with positioning the organization for growth opportunities and collaborative initiatives. As a member of the senior leadership team, 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 Devereux Florida in the treatment of sexually exploited youth, she aligned the organization'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 more 25 years of behavioral healthcare experience, 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 with igniting a lifelong passion for helping many of the most underserved members of our communities.
Phillips earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Arts in exceptional student education from the University of Central Florida. She serves on behavioral healthcare and child welfare committees throughout the state.
Lisa Kroger, LMSW, serves as executive director for Devereux Florida. She joined Devereux in 2000, and has been a child and family advocate for more than 30 years. Kroger has extensive knowledge in providing residential and community-based behavioral healthcare and child welfare services and ensuring quality treatment procedures for children and adolescents.
Kroger's focus on the provision of high standards of care supports Devereux's 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 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. Kroger is passionate about creating positive peer culture among the staff operating her programs and among all individuals served.
Kroger earned a Bachelor of Arts in social work from the University of West Florida and a master's degree in social work from Clark Atlanta University. She is certified as a Licensed Master 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 ) Vice - Chair of the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New York Advisory Board
- Vice - Chair / Photographer, Filmmaker and Author
Manal S. Durgin, M.D., is Devereux Florida's medical director. Board certified and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Durgin specializes in treating children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in combination with mental health issues.
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.
Durgin received her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. She completed her residency in general psychiatry at the University of South Florida Medical School. 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.
Durgin 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 Florida Psychiatric Society's Child and Adolescent Committee.
Known as an expert in her field, Durgin presents at numerous national and state conferences. She has presented at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry meetings, provided training regarding trauma-informed care and pediatric psychopathology, and provides consultation to local hospitals on autism spectrum disorder.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- Technician
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Financial Advisor, Vice President / Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Founder
- Member of the Advisory Board
- President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Co - Chair / Retired Executive
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:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Partner / Shebitz Berman & Delforte
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- 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 Connecticut, Massachusetts/Rhode Island and 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, serving in multiple direct care and supervisory roles at three Devereux centers. From 2011 to June 2018, she held her most recent position as executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania's Children's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services center (now Devereux Pennsylvania Children's Services).
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 co-chairs the PCCYFS Behavioral Health Committee. She also serves as a board member of TCV Community Services, an affiliate of Devereux. 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:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- CFO / C.W. Matthews Contracting Co, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Director
- in 2021 As Director of Marketing
Michael Telep joined Devereux New Jersey in 2021 as director of marketing. In this role, he leads the admissions, marketing and communications departments. Telep is responsible for strengthening Devereux New Jersey's market reputation and brand by guiding internal and external communications, social and strategic marketing, admissions, and account management.
Job Titles:
- Statewide Clinical Director
Job Titles:
- 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:
- Business Administrator
- Member of the Devereux Arizona Executive Leadership Team
Michelle Balk serves as business administrator for Devereux Arizona. She previously held the role of teaching assistant at Devereux's Arizona's residential treatment center before transitioning into finance. As business administrator, she oversees vital aspects of the finance department. In addition, she has been instrumental in fostering a culture of Servant Leadership and continues to be a driving force in advancing the mission of Devereux.
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:
- Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of People Operations
Mike Ernst, SHRM-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.
Prior to joining Devereux, Ernst was the vice president of Human Resources at NHS Human Services (now Merakey). While at NHS, Ernst managed the organization'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, Pennsylvania; senior consultant/strategist at CBI Group in Newark, Delaware; director of Human Resources at the Office of the Governor Mitt Romney in Boston, and vice president of Human Resources/operations for CGN Marketing and 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:
- Adult Day Program Manager
As program manager 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, interim program administrator and program administrator.
Job Titles:
- Director of Brief Intervention Programs
- in 2024 As the Director
Nicole Gutierrez joined Devereux Arizona in 2024 as the director of brief intervention programs and has more than 18 years of behavioral healthcare experience. Gutierrez began her career assisting economically disadvantaged individuals and families where she developed a passion for community support and stability. Gutierrez spent more than 15 years with the Department of Child Safety in various roles, including program manager and investigator of felony child abuse under the Office of Child Welfare Investigations. She also served as assistant program director for the Division of Child Support Services. Gutierrez holds a bachelor's degree in human services and a certification in public management. She is trained in forensic interviewing of children, advanced motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Executive Director
Job Titles:
- Operations Director, Vocational Services
As Devereux New Jersey's operations director of vocational services, Nidaa Cocchi leads 12 day programs and supported employment services across the state.
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:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice President, Institutional Asset Management
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Director and Corporate Counsel / AMETEK, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Chief Executive Officer / HealthAdvanta, LLC
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New York Advisory Board
- Professor of International Law and Human Rights / Bard College
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Senior Vice President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Vice President of Quality Improvement
As vice president of quality improvement, Philip Putnam, JD, brings nearly 25 years of risk and safety leadership expertise in the behavioral healthcare field to his role.
Philip joined Devereux Florida in 1998 as a corporate compliance specialist and, in 2000, was promoted to director of risk management and contracts where, among other things, he helped develop Devereux's first incident report tracking and management system (RADAR) and a system to ensure accreditation/regulatory compliance (IIS). In 2009, Philip was promoted to his most recent position at Devereux Florida - director of legal, risk and quality - in which he provided counsel on all quality, legal, risk and safety matters impacting the center's operations. He also oversaw Devereux Florida's risk and safety management functions; was responsible for quality management and accreditation; collaborated with government agencies; and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements.
Philip has earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in speech pathology and a Master of Science in healthcare administration from the University of Central Florida; and a Juris Doctor (cum laude) from the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law. He holds a certificate in Quality and Safety from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Philip is an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida's School of Global Health Management and Informatics.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Pocono Advisory Board
- Chairman / SVP, Business Development and Relationship Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Corporate Accounts - Physician Office / Medline Industries, LP
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Executive Director of Devereux Pennsylvania's Children 's Behavioral Health Services
As Devereux's executive vice president and chief operating officer, Rhea Fernandes, Psy.D., is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the organization's national network, spanning 12 states.
Dr. Fernandes joined Devereux in 2016 as executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania's Children's Behavioral Health Services center (now Devereux Pennsylvania Children's Services), where she was responsible for the care and treatment of approximately 5,000 children and adolescents, annually, with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
Fernandes holds more than 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 (now Merakey), a 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 degrees: Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Mumbai, India; and a Master of Science in counseling psychology and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. She serves as chair of the Devereux/TCV Community Services board of directors, and is a member of The Forum of Executive Women, a network of women leaders in the greater Philadelphia region, and Chief, a national network of C-suite leaders. Fernandes is a recipient of the 2019 Philadelphia Business Journal's Minority Business Leader award and is a 2024 Philadelphia Titan 100, which recognizes 100 CEOs and C-Level execs in the Philadelphia area.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Executive Director
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer / Operating Vice President
Robert C. Dunne, CPA, has held the role of Devereux's senior vice president and chief financial officer, treasurer since 2008. 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 all facility-related matters.
Dunne joined Devereux in 1992 and, since that time, has served in roles of increasing responsibility. Before joining the 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, and he earned his Certified Public Accountant certificate in 1985. He serves as an officer for substantially all Devereux affiliates, and participates on several nonprofit boards outside of Devereux.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Retired / KeyBank
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Board of Trustees
- Trustee since 2004 ) Montclair, New Jersey
Ron Herget, PHR, SHRM-CP, has worked for Devereux Arizona's People Operations (formerly Human Resources) department since 2002 and has more than 20 years of progressive 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 quality customer service to all. Herget holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. He is certified through the Human Resources Certification Institute with a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Additionally, he is certified through the Society of Human Resource Management as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
Job Titles:
- Clinical and Program Director of Mental Health Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- President and CEO / Consolidated Engineering Company
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Member of the Devereux New York Advisory Board
- Principal
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Vice President, Tax / 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 Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
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 Devereux's adult population 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's degree 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:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Co - Chair / Shareholder
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Business Development Manager / DocuVault Delaware Valley, LLC
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Executive Director
- Member of the Devereux Arizona Executive Leadership Team
Sunshine Turner, M.Ed., serves as assistant executive director of Devereux Arizona, leading operations of the center's broad continuum of services. 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 time working as a juvenile detention officer before teaching special education for students with emotional differences.Turner served as both an assistant principal and principal before joining Devereux Arizona more than 10 years ago. She holds a bachelor's degree in family studies from the University of Arizona, a master's in education from Northern Arizona University and a principal certificate. Turner's passion for serving youth and families is evidenced by her pursuit of excellence in the initiatives she models for Devereux Arizona staff.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Pocono Advisory Board
- Vice - Chair / Retired Executive
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Retired Attorney / Founder, Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Retired Executive / IMC Construction
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Pocono Advisory Board
- Chief Executive Officer / Involve It Solutions
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- CEO and Co - Founder / LendingPoint, LLC
Job Titles:
- Member of the Corporate Officers Team
- Language Pathologist at Devereux Pennsylvania 's Leo Kanner Center
- Vice President of Information Resources
As vice president of information resources, Tom Shurer, M.A., M.S., is responsible for Devereux's information technology (IT) function, including maintaining the organization's IT infrastructure and applications, and implementing future strategies to enable innovation.
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 Devereux, Shurer was a speech language pathologist at Elwyn, a human services organization serving individuals with disabilities.
Shurer has earned the following 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:
- Member of the Devereux New Jersey Advisory Board
- Family Member
Job Titles:
- People Operations and Learning Director
Veronica Arenas-Soto has worked at Devereux for more than 20 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.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Principal / CliftonLarsonAllen
Job Titles:
- Member of the Devereux Georgia Advisory Board
- District Director
Job Titles:
- Medical Officer
- Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical / Medical Officer
As senior vice president and chief clinical/medical officer, Yolanda Graham, M.D., FAPA, DFAACAP, is responsible for overseeing Devereux'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 and 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 executive director of mental health services at Devereux. In 2018, she assumed her current position of senior vice president and chief clinical/medical officer. Graham, who is widely recognized across the nation as a leading expert in the treatment of sexually exploited children, developed and launched Devereux's Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program in 2012.
Prior to Devereux, Graham was the medical director at Youth Villages, Inner Harbour campus, in Douglasville, Georgia. She also served as a consultant for STRIVE, LLC, where she helped 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 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. Graham serves as president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's (AACAP) Regional Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the National Center on Child Trafficking, the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Leadership Council, Shared Hope International's JuST Response Council, and the American Medical Association. She is the past president of the Georgia Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Georgia Psychiatric Physician's Association. In 2018, Graham was named Psychiatrist of the Year by the Georgia Psychiatric Physician's Association. She is recognized as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, after earning Distinguished Fellow status in 2016. She was awarded Distinguished Fellow status with AACAP in 2023.