Devereux Florida Leadership

	Gwendolyn B. Skinner, Ed.S., LMFT Vice President of Operations 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. 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 a 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.
	Lisa Kroger, LMSW Executive Director Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida 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.
	Michelle Llorens, BCBA Executive Director Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida Michelle Llorens, BCBA, serves as executive director for Devereux Florida. Llorens has extensive knowledge in providing residential mental health and behavioral health services. She began her career as a direct care professional at Devereux Florida’s Viera campus and, since that time, has held a variety of roles, including speech pathologist, educator, behavior analyst, senior clinical manager, program director and regional administrator. Llorens demonstrates strong operational leadership, and is credited with the development and implementation of systemic changes that have resulted in qualitative and quantitative improvements in Devereux’s Florida’s programs and services. In addition, she has directly contributed to making positive behavior change with many individuals in our care. Throughout her tenure at Devereux, Llorens has received many acknowledgements. She was honored with the Devereux Supervisory Excellence Award and was nominated for the Weaver E. Falberg Leadership Promise Fellowship Award. 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.
	Manal S. Durgin, M.D. Medical Director Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida 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.
	Carlos F. Pozzi-Montero, Psy.D. Clinical Director Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida 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.
	Emily Garten, M.A. Clinical Director Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health 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.
	Dave Detro, MBA People Operations Director Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida 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.
	Kelly Messer, MBA Director of Finance Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida 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.
	Lindsey Phillips, M.A. Director of External Affairs Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida 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 and vulnerable 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.