Devereux Arizona in the News

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, Devereux is celebrating the differences of children, adolescents and adults with autism, and promoting inclusion for these individuals in all aspects of community life.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is celebrating the many remarkable achievements of youth and adults with developmental disabilities, highlighting the importance of helping these individuals lead productive and fulfilling lives.

During Recreational Therapy Month in February, Devereux is highlighting the positive impact recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, games and sports, can have on those with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

When Elijah Sanchez joined Devereux Arizona in 2019, he was looking for “a new opportunity.” He thrived in his role as a behavior coach, and all those around him took notice. Sanchez was quickly promoted to lead behavior coach, before assuming his current role of program coordinator for Devereux Arizona’s Pima outpatient program in 2021.

During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Devereux is highlighting the importance of empowering survivors to break the cycle of abuse, regain their independence and take control of their lives.

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Before you dive head-first into the decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping and entertaining, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico, M.A., suggests you take time to focus on your social and emotional health and well-being.

Devereux Arizona hit the jackpot with its annual “Double Down for Devereux” event to raise critical funds for children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. The event, which featured casino-style games, generated more than $40,000.

Devereux Arizona recently unveiled two new campus murals created by community partner Ideas Collide. The murals, which cover the walls of the cafeteria, feature flowers and desert scenery painted in bright colors, with the words, “You got this” and “The best is yet to come.”

Katrina and Melvin Jones became therapeutic foster parents with Devereux New Jersey in 2008. Since that time, they have fostered 25 children, including three currently. In 2012, they adopted their first foster child, Dennis, and then, in 2019, they adopted three other children, all brothers, Lavion, Demetrius and Dayshawn.

Devereux Arizona serves more than 4,000 individuals – and their families – each year across the state. Learn how we are making a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of those with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Devereux is celebrating the significant contributions of employees with disabilities, and highlighting the importance of creating a workplace culture that is positive, supportive and equitable for all.

Devereux Arizona recently received a “Center of Excellence” designation from Arizona Complete Health for its LGBTQIA+ services. “Center of Excellence” are providers that have shown the ability to deliver exceptional services, focusing on: 1) quality of care, 2) health of individuals and 3) coordination of services.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Devereux is joining other organizations in spreading the word about actions we can all take to provide help, healing and hope to those who are struggling.

If you are looking to create a summer routine for your child, Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers enriching – and fun – activities for families of children with disabilities.

Devereux Arizona is thrilled to announce that its Transition Age Youth outpatient program in Maricopa received a “Center of Excellence” designation from Arizona Complete Health.

Everyone deals with stressful situations at some point in their lives. Being able to adapt to those situations requires resilience. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers a five-week Resiliency Challenge to help adults learn how to “bounce back” from misfortune or change.

Devereux Arizona Accounts Receivable Specialist Team Lead Kagen Leva was 37 years old when he came out as transgender. Leva, who was working at Devereux Pennsylvania’s Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services center (now Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services) at the time, describes it as a “sudden realization.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn common warning signs of mental illness in youth and adults, as well as coping techniques to help you strengthen your well-being and resilience.

Patricia Armellini, who receives services through Devereux Pennsylvania, wears many hats in her day-to-day life. She is a dog owner, artist and retail employee. Patricia says Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program has taught her essential job, life and social skills, and helped her secure and maintain meaningful employment.

Devereux Arizona recently collaborated with the University of Arizona Southwest Institute for Research on Women and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation to provide health education, as well as mental and behavioral health services for LGBTQ youth.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is raising awareness about the importance of inclusion for children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, and celebrating the unique strengths and vital contributions of these individuals.

February is Recreational Therapy Month. Learn how Devereux is using recreational activities and programs to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences acquire new skills, boost their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has reported nearly 74,000 cases of human trafficking in the U.S. Learn how Devereux is empowering survivors to regain control of their lives and supporting them on their path to recovery.

The holiday season is here. For many, this time of year may generate feelings of excitement, joy and happiness while, for others, it might elicit feelings of anxiety, anger, regret or disappointment. Learn how to recognize and label your feelings so you can better enjoy the holiday season.

Devereux recently released its 2021 annual report, which includes information about our commitment to quality and safety, and the Devereux Family Standard.

November is National Adoption Month. Learn how Devereux is helping youth in need find safe, stable and supportive homes where they can grow and thrive.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role people with disabilities play in the workforce. Learn how Devereux is helping adults build self-confidence, utilize their skills, achieve their goals and thrive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020, with an average of one person taking their own life every 11 minutes. Learn how you can help someone who is struggling.

Planning on taking to the skies or hitting the open road this summer? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips for families of children with disabilities to ensure a safe and successful trip.

As a result of the ever-increasing prevalence of mental health disorders among youth in the state, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona announced it is partnering with Spectrum Healthcare to expand autism services into northern Arizona. The expanded services, which will be offered via telehealth, include specialized therapy for children and adolescents, ages 2 to 18, with autism spectrum disorder.

Practicing empathy can help you build stronger relationships, manage your emotions and foster greater compassion. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers free video series on the power of empathy and how to avoid toxic positivity.

In recognition of Pride Month in June, team members from Devereux centers across the country share what #DevereuxPride means to them.

There has never been a more important time to make your mental health a priority. Learn coping strategies for managing stress and building resiliency.

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Learn how Devereux is helping children, adolescents and adults with autism lead fulfilling, productive and socially-connected lives.

Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, recently received Integrated Health Magazine’s “Integrated Health Excellence Award” for her contributions to the advancement of behavioral and integrated health, and for her commitment to health equity among the LGBTQ+ population.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults with developmental disabilities increase their independent living skills, integrate into the community and achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare nonprofit organizations in the country, just published our most recent Safety and Quality Report.

Learn how Devereux is using recreational therapy to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences learn new skills, achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.

Devereux Arizona’s foster care program recently achieved certification in “Together Facing the Challenge,” an evidence-based therapeutic foster care training model developed by Duke University.

Human trafficking is a global issue that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual trauma and exploitation lead safe, healthy and happy lives.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers tips for having a happy - and less stressful - holiday season.

In celebration of National Adoption Month, learn how Devereux helped a young man heal from past trauma and find his forever family.

An article written by Devereux Arizona Clinical Director Janelle Westfall, LPC, LBA, BCBA, and Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Behavioral Health Services Clinical Supervisor Molly Stubbs, LPC, was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article - “Telehealth: An unexpected silver lining during a pandemic” - explores the benefits of offering virtual behavioral health services.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn how Devereux is helping adults secure and maintain meaningful and competitive employment in the community.

Devereux Arizona recently celebrated the grand opening of its Assessment and Intervention Center (AIC) and Brief Intervention Program’s (BIP) new Tucson location. Devereux Arizona’s AIC and BIP offer short-term, intensive residential services to youth, ages 9 to 17, who are experiencing significant social, emotional and behavioral health challenges.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, and the fourth leading cause of death for people ages 35 to 54. Learn how you can support those in crisis - and possibly save a life.

Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, recently received the “Champion for Change” award at the 2021 Let’s Get Better Together Conference, hosted by the Queer Resource Collective and the LGBTQ Integrated Health Coalition of Southern Arizona.

One hundred youth survivors of sex trafficking are on the road to recovery, thanks in part from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona and its Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program.

Is your child excited - and nervous - about heading back to school this fall? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips to help children with special needs ensure a smooth transition.

Read this Arizona Health and Living Magazine article spotlighting Devereux Arizona’s culinary arts program, which teaches students valuable job skills, including menu planning, food preparation, table setting and serving. The goal of this program is to prepare youth for future employment in the food service industry.

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers tools and resources to help adults strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the current issues facing the LGBTQ community. Learn how Devereux is creating safe spaces to help youth and adults strengthen their overall emotional health and well-being.

Devereux Arizona recently began providing LGBTQ and gender-expansive affirming integrated care to better meet the needs of youth enrolled in the organization’s outpatient program in Phoenix.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of many individuals. Learn how to cope with uncertainty and build your resiliency.

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Devereux Senior Vice President of Organizational Development Rayni Brindley, M.Ed., BCBA, shares her perspective on raising a child with autism.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults of all abilities achieve success in their homes, schools and communities.

At Devereux, providing fun, safe and effective recreational activities is a critical component of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health proudly supports diversity and inclusion for all individuals. Read this Echo Magazine article featuring Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, as she discusses the center’s efforts to create an environment where team members - as well as the individuals and families they serve - feel safe, comfortable, accepted and supported.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual trauma thrive and succeed in life.

The Phoenix Business Journal recently named Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, one of its 2020 “Health Care Heroes” for helping youth and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences thrive and succeed in life. Awards were given in 10 categories to those who have “devoted their careers to selflessly helping others.” Jackson was named co-winner in the Mental Health category.

The holidays may look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean the festivities have to stop. Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers creative ways to make the season special, while staying safe and healthy.

Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, was recently elected to the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers (ACHSP) Board of Directors. ACHSP membership voted Jackson onto the board this summer as a result of her 20-plus years of behavioral healthcare experience in the state.

November is National Adoption Month, and Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children find a loving family and a permanent place to call home.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents and thrive in their communities.

Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, shares activities to help your child or adult with special needs learn new skills - and have fun - while staying safe and healthy.

Devereux is launching an adult resilience initiative to help team members learn new skills to strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

Listen as Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, discusses the center’s programs and services on Radio.com’s Be Kind Always podcast. Jackson shares valuable information about Devereux Arizona’s autism services, therapeutic foster care program, outpatient services and residential treatment center, and explains how the organization is changing lives for individuals with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Pride Month is an annual celebration in June of the LGBTQ community. Learn how Devereux is working to ensure every child, adolescent and adult in our care feels welcomed and safe to express themselves openly and without judgement.

Listen as Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, discusses the center’s programs and services on Hubbard Radio’s Valley Focus show. Jackson shares valuable information about Devereux Arizona’s therapeutic foster care program and outpatient services, and explains how the organization is supporting individuals and families during COVID-19.

There has never been a more important time to make mental health a priority. Learn how to manage stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.

Learn how to talk to children and adults with autism about COVID-19 to ensure they have the information and resources they need without causing unnecessary worry and anxiety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth and adults with developmental disabilities often face barriers that can make it challenging to function on a daily basis. Learn how Devereux is helping to break down these barriers.

Devereux Arizona is partnering with marketing communications firm Ideas Collide to provide suitcases for Devereux Arizona youth living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Devereux Arizona was recently awarded a $25,000 grant to support the organization’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program.

At Devereux, providing fun and healthy recreational activities is a critical part of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country and every state in the U.S. Learn how Devereux Florida is granting hope and healing to individuals in need.

Take a listen as Devereux Arizona Executive Director Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, shares valuable information about the center’s programs and services on The Buckmaster Show.

The holidays are a time of celebration, filled with family gatherings, gift giving and good cheer, but for many people, they also are a time of stress and seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Devereux Center for Resilient Children’s Nefertiti B. Poyner offers tips for families to slow down this holiday season and focus on being present, not perfect.

Read this Phoenix Business Journal article spotlighting Devereux Arizona’s culinary arts program, where students learn how to plan, prepare and serve nutritious and delicious meals.

Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II has named Yvette Jackson, LMSW, DBH, as executive director of Devereux Arizona, with campuses in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.

Since 1995, National Adoption Month has been recognized in communities across the country. Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children in need find a permanent, loving family.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and achieve their fullest potential.

Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Devereux joins other individuals and organizations to promote awareness and combat the stigma associated with this tragic loss of life.

Devereux’s Amy Kelly shares back-to-school tips for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Four Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health centers have been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ advocacy group in the U.S., for supporting and serving LGBTQ youth and families.

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program, a strength-based assessment and planning system designed to promote resilience in children, ages 4 weeks to 6 years old.

Pride Month is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ community, and a time when LGBTQ individuals - and their supporters - seek to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges youth and adults face in their daily lives.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is proud to serve as a nationally recognized leader in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare, providing innovative specialty mental health programs/services for youth and adults with emotional and behavioral disorders.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month in April, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health a leading provider of autism services for children, adolescents and adults - wants to highlight the need for greater understanding, compassion and support to help individuals diagnosed with autism lead more independent, fulfilling and socially connected lives.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona received more than 300 “sweet cases” from the nonprofit Together We Rise, in partnership with Toyota Financial Services.

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

Recreational therapy uses activities such as music and dance classes and arts and crafts to help stimulate and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. In the United States, one of the biggest challenges to combating this form of modern-day slavery is a lack of awareness and understanding.

Two events benefitting Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona raised nearly $20,000 this fall for youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences, as well as those served by the center’s foster care programs.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., offers tips for families to focus on togetherness during the holiday season.

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Month and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health wants to shine a light on the urgent need to connect the thousands of children and youth in the U.S. foster care system with permanent, loving families.

David Messer, Ph.D. and Behavioral Health Consultant for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona’s Adolescent Health & Wellness Clinic, recently received the 2018 American Education Research Association’s (AERA) Outstanding Dissertation in the Counseling & Human Services Division Award. The award was presented at the AERA’s annual convention last April.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and make a positive impact in their communities.

The American Association of Suicidology reports that, in the U.S., nearly 45,000 individuals died by suicide in 2016. In addition, the organization said suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, with an average of one person taking his or her own life every 11.7 minutes.

Thanks to the continued generosity from the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation, Devereux Arizona’s Scottsdale campus has exceeded the halfway point toward funding its $1.25 million capital campaign for a new dormitory that will serve youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

This month, the Devereux Center of Resilient Children invites everyone to embrace our shared role in promoting healthy early childhood development by taking its online pledge to promote the resilience of all children, and to learn more about the negative impacts of childhood trauma, as well as the need for trauma-informed practices.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona, a nonprofit behavioral health provider, today announced plans to open a new and innovative adolescent health and wellness clinic in Mesa, Arizona.

Learn more about Devereux Arizona foster parents Sydni and Emery Engle - and their adoption journey - in this Arizona Daily Star article.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona Executive Director Lane Barker was recently named Phoenix Business Journal's “CEO of the Year” in its inaugural “C-Suite Awards” event on October 19.