Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health California

Call (805) 968-2525

Devereux National

  • ASCEND Program
  • CA Video
  • March awareness
  • Careers at Devereux
  • Inspirational messages of Hope banner

Tweet Share on LinkedIn Send email Print

Devereux California Leadership

Amy Evans, M.A., LMFT, LPCC

Executive Director

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.

Veronica Arenas-Soto, SPHR

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.

Noelle T. Escovedo, M.A., BCBA

Director of Behavioral Services

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.

Jennifer Farley

Program Director

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.

Indra Strong, MBA

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.

Eric Christensen

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.

Sherry Davis, M.A.

Learning Specialist 

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. 

Nellie Just

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.