2023 Culture of Caring

2023 Thomas Donovan Culture of Caring Award

2023 Thomas Donovan Culture of Caring Award

About Thomas Donovan

Thomas Donovan served Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health as a trustee, friend and benefactor, for more than two decades.

Mr. Donovan served on the Devereux Board of Trustees from 1989 to 2010. During his tenure as chairman, from 1997 to 2002, Mr. Donovan expressed his feelings about the qualities that differentiate Devereux from other behavior healthcare providers: “Devereux has many wonderful attributes that contribute to success. However, let us never forget that it is our Devereux culture of caring that makes everything we do effective and successful. A caring culture, coupled with outstanding treatment, makes Devereux the unique and successful organization it is today.”

In 2002, the Board of Trustees established the Thomas Donovan Culture of Caring Award to pay tribute to Mr. Donovan and his exemplary and selfless service to the organization. Today, the award is presented annually to a staff member at each of Devereux’s centers who goes above and beyond, on a daily basis, to help the individuals we serve achieve their full and unique potential.

Look on the following pages to see our 2023 Culture of Caring Award winners.

For more than a century, Devereux has been guided by a simple and enduring mission: To change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences.

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations, providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare.

Our unique model integrates the latest scientific and medical advancements – with time-tested philosophies and compassionate family engagement – to provide practical, effective and efficient care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the more than 25,000 people served every year.

Devereux was founded in 1912 by special education pioneer Helena Devereux, a teacher in a south Philadelphia public school. Today, we are a recognized partner for individuals, families, schools and communities, serving many of the most vulnerable members of our society in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education and foster care.

Devereux operates a network of clinical, therapeutic, educational and employment programs in hospital, residential, community and school-based settings. As part of its continuum of care, Devereux’s 6,500+ team members across 13 states support and empower children, adolescents and adults through services such as: acute care, treatment in residential settings, community-based living, special education day schools, foster care, autism assessments, employment and transition services, school and family consultation, and outpatient or other specialized programs.

Devereux’s Core Values

• Compassion: We have a deep and abiding understanding of, and respect for, our individuals and their families.

• Knowledge: We rely on data and evidence to inform our care. Our work requires a marriage of science and art.

• Collaboration: We require an integrated team approach based on respect, shared goals and altruism.

• Dedication: We maintain relentless optimism and perseverance to support the lifelong journey of those we serve.

• Learning: We pursue continuous personal improvement, professional development and expanding impact.

• Progress: We are always en route, continually incorporating new innovations to advance our services, our industry and the lives of those we serve.

2023 Culture of Caring Award

Devereux Arizona

Shelley Savala Therapeutic Home Specialist

Shelley Savala is an exceptional member of Devereux Arizona’s adult therapeutic foster care team, showing great compassion as a therapeutic home specialist.

Shelley is a true servant leader. When team members are asked to participate in a project or event, Shelley is always the first to volunteer. She is a valued member of Devereux Arizona’s Servant Leadership committee – she lives and breathes our mission.

Outside of Devereux, Shelley is an active member of the Economic Development Community for the Kaibab Paiute Native American Tribe.

Devereux California

Ana Jimenez Assistant Supervisor

Ana Jimenez joined Devereux California as a direct care staff. After a year, she transitioned into her current role as an assistant supervisor.

Ana cares deeply about the individuals she serves and her colleagues. She steps in when needed without being asked, and takes pride in producing quality work. Team members respect her, and often turn to her when they are seeking support.

We are proud to have Ana on our team.

Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School

Wendy Green Case Manager

Wendy Green has made remarkable contributions to our Glenholme School team, and to her program. Her vast experience and knowledge make her the go-to person when needs arise.

Wendy is humble and compassionate, and treats everyone fairly. She is supportive of her team, and of the families we serve. Her professional poise and calming voice provide reassurance, and make all those around her feel safe and comfortable.

She leads by example, and encourages others to be kind, respectful and patient.

Devereux Florida

Tianna Beecham Family Specialist

Tianna Beecham serves as a family specialist for Devereux Florida’s Family Builders Program. Her caring and compassionate nature is key to building rapport with, and strengthening, families.

Tianna’s commitment to helping children and families is remarkable. When challenges arise, she is always quick to offer assistance to find a solution.

Tianna is a pillar of strength in our program.

2023 Culture of Caring Award

Devereux Georgia

David “JD” Hurlock Program Manager

David “JD” Hurlock manages Devereux Georgia’s adolescent male unit. He goes above and beyond to provide activities for the individuals in his program, even securing micro-grant opportunities and collaborating with area civic organizations.

JD sees the positives in everyone he meets. He symbolizes Servant Leadership and what the Culture of Caring Award is all about.

Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island

Jill Seitz Assistant Program Manager

Jill Seitz has served as a dedicated Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island team member for nearly 10 years, most recently in the role of acting assistant program manager for our West Meadow program.

Jill is a stabilizing force in the program. Her commitment to the students and families she serves, as well as her colleagues, is paramount – they know they can always count on her to be present, consistent and helpful.

Jill advocates for the needs of the program and her students. We are lucky to have her on our team.

Devereux New Jersey

Marie Boursiquot Program Director

Marie Boursiquot’s level of care for the individuals she serves is evident. She visits each program to become better acquainted with our individuals so she can understand their unique needs. During these visits, she acknowledges and appreciates program staff, who she calls her “partners in care.”

Marie’s support goes beyond the borders of the Lower Central region. She is ready and willing to assist other regions, whether by sitting in on a licensing inspection, completing an audit or conducting a meet-and-greet. She is a team player through and through.

Devereux New York

Jacinter “JJ” Juma Direct Support Professional

Jacinter “JJ” Juma greets everyone at Devereux New York with a smile and a “hello.” The immediacy with which she forms positive relationships is impressive. In addition to providing the highest quality care for our individuals, she assists with our orientation program for international team members.

JJ is the utmost professional. She always puts others first, and her commitment and compassion is nothing short of inspiring.

We are fortunate to have her on our team.

Devereux New York CARES

Jacquelin “Jackie” Adams Special Education teacher

Jacquelin “Jackie” Adams has served as a special education teacher at the Devereux New York Center for Autism Research and Education Services (CARES) since 2003. She demonstrates commitment and compassion for teaching individuals with autism, and assisting in the growth and development of her support staff.

Jackie not only works with her classroom team, but also with families to ensure everyone is on the same page.

She is dedicated to Devereux’s core values, and is a clear servant leader.

Devereux Pennsylvania – Adult Services Alex Kimani Direct Support Professional

Alex Kimani has worked at Devereux Pennsylvania – Adult Services’ Spruce home for nearly 20 years.

Alex takes pride in his position. He comes to work with a “can-do” attitude, mentors new colleagues and always strives to meet the needs of the adults he serves. He advocates for our individuals, as well as their families.

When needed, Alex takes a leadership role within the home to ensure everything runs smoothly.

He is a servant leader who puts others first.

Devereux Pennsylvania – Children's Services

Prince Kpasie School Special

Prince Kpasie is an asset to Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services’ School for Integrated Learning. His ability to build rapport with our individuals is essential when providing instruction and care.

Prince is always willing to lend a helping hand, and is patient and flexible when dealing with our individuals, as well as his colleagues.

Prince exhibits Devereux’s core values through his dedication and enthusiasm, and inspires all those around him to be their very best.

Devereux

Pocono

Phyllis Garafola Direct Support Professional

Phyllis Garafola makes a significant and positive impact on the individuals she serves and her team – every day. She builds strong relationships with families, coordinates enriching and exciting activities for our individuals, and supports those in her care, and her colleagues, at a level beyond all expectations.

Phyllis advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and works through any challenge that may arise with grace and determination.

She is viewed as a role model throughout our center, and everyone agrees, they are better for knowing her.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s Board of Trustees, Executive Directors, Advisory Boards and Corporate Management team expresses its deepest appreciation and admiration for our 2023 Thomas Donovan Culture of Caring award recipients.

Your contributions, and those of your colleagues at Devereux centers across the country, help provide the most compassionate care, innovative programs and services, and highly successful outcomes for thousands of individuals, and their families, each year.

Thank you for keeping us

#DevereuxStrong