Delivering individualized, compassionate care: Devereux honors DSPs during appreciation week

Advocates, caregivers and mentors – Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s direct support professionals (DSPs) serve all of these roles and more, as they work to ensure the children, adolescents and adults in their care lead healthy, happy and fulfilling lives.

During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week – Sept. 11-17 – Devereux is honoring its more than 2,700 DSPs for providing exemplary service and always putting the needs of others first.

“We want to thank and recognize our skilled and selfless DSPs for their unwavering commitment to our organization and the youth and adults they serve,” said Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rhea Fernandes, Psy.D. “These talented and passionate individuals selflessly support those in their care, while their dedication and drive inspire and energize all those around them.”

Supporting, empowering others

Devereux’s DSPs go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Here’s what just a few of them say is the most rewarding part of their jobs.

“I joined Devereux Florida as a DSP a little over a year ago because I love working with people. Working in this type of environment brings excitement, and I feel very rewarded. I love that Devereux sees the DSP role as being a caregiver, while also being a leader. The emphasis on Servant Leadership is something I really like about Devereux.”
– Devereux Florida DSP Elise Monet-Stevens

“What I have liked about my job during my first year with Devereux is being able to refine my skills and add new knowledge by finding solutions for challenges I may face. I also enjoy sharing new ideas with staff; helping our individuals achieve their goals; and securing a safe living environment for those in our care. I believe it is important to have patience, compassion, adaptability, reliability and attentiveness, and I always try to be positive.”
– Devereux California DSP Rolan Hakim

“I have been with Devereux Pocono for 16-plus years. Over the years, I have had a number of individuals who have responded well with me. Knowing that both the individuals and I have achieved positive results is the reason I do this job.”
– Devereux Pocono DSP Wayne Keesler

Make a positive impact …

Want to help youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences achieve their full and unique potential? Devereux is hiring direct support professionals who are dedicated to our mission and want to contribute to the happiness and overall well-being of those in need. Visit jobs.devereux.org to explore our career opportunities today.

Latest News

		Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes: Spotlight on Devereux Arizona Clinician Arnette Miller At Devereux, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. Learn how Devereux Arizona Clinician Arnette Miller is serving and inspiring others every day.
		Season 2, Episode 6: ‘Not Your Average School Psychologist’ podcast Listen to the latest episode of the Devereux Center for Effective Schools’ podcast featuring Amanda Nickerson Ph.D., NCSP, who shares her work informing the National Association of School Psychologists PREPaRE model, which provides training to school crisis response teams. Dr. Nickerson is a professor and director of the Dr. Jean M. Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible.
		Servant Leadership Snapshot: Devereux New York Program Manager Denis Oswe Devereux New York Program Manager Denis Oswe leads by example, treats everyone with respect and demonstrates empathy with the individuals he serves, as well as his colleagues. Learn how he is motivating and inspiring all those around him.
		Devereux MA/RI gala raises $225,000 to benefit youth, adults with disabilities More than 200 guests gathered at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts, for Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s annual gala to raise critical funds for children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
		Faces of ASCEND: Meet Devereux TCV Outpatient Therapist Jamaca Chavis Thanks to ASCEND, Devereux TCV Community Services Outpatient Therapist Jamaca Chavis is taking college classes to become a licensed professional counselor.