• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Recognizing Our Employees

At Devereux, our employees are the heart of our organization and our most important asset. Every day, these skilled and selfless individuals strive to provide the best possible care and support for the children, adolescents and adults we serve. We honor our talented team members in various ways, including the following article series. Look below to view our latest “Healthcare Heroes”, “Servant Leadership Snapshot” and “Honoring Devereux’s Direct Care Team Members” features that shine a light on our passionate and compassionate staff.

Access a full list of features that recognize our extraordinary employees.

• Healthcare Heroes
• Servant Leadership Snapshot
• Honoring Devereux’s Direct Care Team Members

Healthcare Heroes

James Abrokwah, Devereux California Program Manager

Center/office location: Devereux California – Goleta

Length of service: September 2022

In your role, what are your main responsibilities?

Since joining Devereux California, I have held multiple roles, from providing direct support to providing clinical case management for a residential and adult day program. Currently, I combine program management with clinical case management for a residential program. I am responsible for staff supervision and training, daily program operations, and ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment that is compliant with applicable laws. I lead the development, implementation and monitoring of treatment plans, and conduct relevant clinical assessments and interventions. I also lead Devereux Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (D-PBIS) implementation, advocate for each of the individuals I serve and collaborate with team members, families, agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing a smile on the faces of the individuals I serve puts a smile on my face. I find it rewarding every time I notice happiness, progress, growth and positive change in the individuals in our care. It is also satisfying to be part of a team of highly motivated professionals who demonstrate similar levels of commitment and purpose with a common goal.

How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?

I try to be innovative, courageous and decisive in my quest to see positive change in the lives of our individuals. I value each person as an individual, respect their aspirations and seek to understand their potential and priorities. I endeavor to put my residents first by showing care and concern for their needs, and meeting each need the best I can. I also like to do the right thing and lead with moral authority. I am fortunate to work with team members who bring similar Servant Leadership qualities to our workplace.

What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?

I take an hour walk each day, rain or shine, in darkness or in daylight. Walking is the best medicine.

Why are you a Healthcare Hero?

Heroism comes naturally when people find themselves in professions that are more of a calling than a job. I have been lucky to work in healthcare (mainly mental health) for more than a decade in a few roles, settings and countries. Regardless of the role, setting or country, the passion has been the same. Together, with my fellow Healthcare Heroes at Devereux California, we are making a difference by striving to put smiles on the faces of the individuals we serve, and by making their lives progressively better and safer than before to the best of our abilities.

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Servant Leadership Snapshot

Denis Oswe, Program Manager

Center/office location: Devereux New York/Red Hook, New York

Length of service: January 2022

How do you embed an inclusive, Servant Leadership mindset into your daily processes?

I lead by example, treating everyone with respect, and demonstrating empathy with our individuals, as well as our staff. I value shared accountability, where my team can hold me accountable and vice versa. With my experience as a leadership coach, I inspire team members to grow in their roles, offering guidance to help them discover their strengths, overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

How do you inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices?

I share successes and learning opportunities, while taking full accountability for areas where we can improve. I believe in working together as servant leaders, and communicating how this is beneficial for everyone involved. I encourage collaboration among my team, urging them to take initiative, contribute ideas and be part of the decision-making process. This empowers them, and fosters a positive, inclusive work environment.

Share an example or story of how you demonstrated compassion or delivered quality customer service at your center.

When I joined the program, one of our individuals felt sad whenever his friends went home to visit family. On Thanksgiving, I asked if he wanted to talk to his dad, and he was really happy. I made it my goal to arrange regular video calls between them, even though his dad often had a very busy schedule. To make it more enjoyable, I offered the individual some of his favorite snacks during the calls. The conversations went so well that, now, they talk almost every weekend. It's amazing to see how a busy father can always find time to connect with his son, and I'm grateful for their commitment to speaking with each other.

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Honoring Devereux’s Direct Care Team Members

Taylor Powell, DSP
Devereux Georgia

“Taylor has been with Devereux Georgia for several years, and she is the epitome of a servant leader. She has an amazingly positive attitude and great rapport with all staff and individuals. Her infectious smile and upbeat personality bring a light to all those around her. Taylor’s personal mission is to treat others with respect and kindness in an effort to foster a safe and positive environment. She’s tremendously instrumental in daily milieu operations, fulfilling roles on every shift and unit and providing support to supervisors. Taylor is a leader among her peers, and it is such a pleasure working with her.”
– Melanie Washington, Devereux Georgia direct care
team member

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