Putting the Spotlight on Our Healthcare Heroes
At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our employees are heroes in every sense of the word, helping children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences lead more fulfilling and rewarding lives. These committed and compassionate individuals humbly dedicate themselves to serving - and inspiring - others. Look below to read stories that recognize and celebrate Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes, and learn how they make meaningful and positive differences in the lives of those in our care - every day.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Carolyn Dash – Devereux Pennsylvania – Adult Services Clinical Coordinator
 Title: Clinical coordinator
Center/office location: Devereux Pennsylvania – Adult Services – Berwyn
Length of service: 2009
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I joined Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services in 2009 as a direct support professional, and transferred to Devereux Pennsylvania – Adult Services in 2011 after completing my master’s degree.
As a clinical coordinator, I carry a caseload and provide supervision and oversight of psychological services by members of our clinical team. I also provide quality control of the delivery of clinical services at our center.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The rewards in my position come in the form of an individual reporting their own success. It means so much to me to support our individuals through life’s ups and downs. Having a close relationship within the residential setting makes this possible.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Build up your team.” To me, this means taking advantage of the residential setting in which we work. Someone is always there to continue the work you have started. We have so many caring team members who might just need a little direction. So, take time to build, train and invest in your team – it will make a world of difference in achieving successful treatment and outcomes for our individuals.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I try to be an active listener. I want anyone who comes to me, whether that be my family, colleagues or the individuals we serve, to leave the conversation knowing I heard them and have taken into consideration what they said.
I also try to be a good representative for our organization. When someone comes to me with a problem, I believe it is important to get involved in the solution.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
I love the outdoors, and would choose a mountain home over a beach home any day.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
Working in this setting, you need to be willing to do some tasks outside of your role. Whether that be fixing an individual’s phone, picking up a cake for a birthday, or getting your hands dirty during a move – these are all actions that make a difference in the success of our programs and the happiness of our individuals.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Natacha Janac – Devereux Florida Clinical Therapist
 Title: Clinical therapist
Center/office location: Devereux Florida – Broward County
Length of service: 2010
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I provide quality, competent and cultural sensitive therapeutic services to children and families in our foster care program. I am also responsible for contributing to, and participating in, treatment planning to ensure my clients receive the best possible care.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being part of a team that cares about the well-being of the children and families we serve. I am blessed to work with colleagues who share the same vision and passion.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” I believe this to the core, and it is something I think everyone should believe.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I demonstrate Servant Leadership by showing kindness and gratitude. I believe kindness is one of my greatest strengths as a person and as a clinician – it helps me empathize with the families I serve, as well as my colleagues. I also demonstrate gratitude, because I am extremely grateful for the longevity I have had at Devereux. My gratitude has helped me push forward during challenging times, and has spurred me to strive to become a better version of myself every day. As the veteran on our team, 13 years and counting, I believe it is my responsibility to lead by example by encouraging my colleagues to live up to their full potential. Since I have been employed at Devereux, I have obtained my license in mental health counseling, as well as my doctorate in clinical psychology. I encourage my team members to do the same so we can build a strong group that provides high-quality services to our clients. It is our responsibilities to be accountable partners for our colleagues, so our clients receive the best possible care. Putting the needs of our clients first is what makes our team so great. We may be a very small group in Broward County, but the impact we make in our community is mighty.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
There is not much my colleagues do not know about me. We are a small and well-connected group of people. However, if I were to pick one specific thing, it might be that they are unaware of how much of a social change agent I am in the community, and that I recently published a book chapter: “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a Global Context, Chapter 8, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Caribbean.”
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I am not sure I can call myself a “hero.” However, I do find joy in making a difference in the lives of everyone I meet. I am very intentional about making people feel good and leaving an impact. As humans, we all yearn for a sense of belonging and love. The most important skill a clinician can have in their tool belt is themselves. I have been blessed to work with individuals who may lack a sense of belonging in their lives, and I view myself as the tool to help them become a better version of themselves. I believe it does not take much to leave an impact that can change a person’s view of the world for the better. A little kindness goes a long way.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Justin Veilleux – Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School Senior Licensed Practical Nurse
 Title: Senior licensed practical nurse
Center/office location: Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School – Washington
Length of service: August 2018
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I assist with maintaining student records and providing continued education for our students, as well as our staff. I also help make sure we are compliant with the Department of Children and Families. Maintaining safety for our students and staff is a big part of nursing.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
We work with kids, helping them cope with various things they struggle to cope with on their own, with the ultimate goal of assisting them in achieving a bright future. Being part of a team with that same goal is very rewarding.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
One of my clinical instructors, Mrs. Brester, was a nurse for many years. She always told me the best nurses keep their cool. She said, “Just remain calm, think, and if you know what to do – you will do what you need to do.” I have taken that with me everywhere.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
When it comes to maintaining the safety of our students and staff, there is not any room for compromise. Maintaining safety at all times is one of the many roles of nurses. I hold myself accountable, if I make a mistake, I will do my best to learn from, and improve upon, my performance. Collaborating with other departments is paramount to the success of students in our program. Nursing is always looking ahead to properly care for our students, either managing their medications or coordinating healthcare appointments. We always try to find ways to streamline those processes.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
Whenever I take time off from work or go on vacation, I always make sure to travel somewhere that I can bring my two awesome dogs!
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I honestly do not view myself as a hero, I just see myself as another nurse doing what they should be doing. Helping out where they can, however they can. I do my job to the best of my ability, and then hope to improve upon that again tomorrow.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Tasheika Roberts – Devereux New Jersey Program Director
 Title: Program director
Center/office location: Devereux New Jersey – Upper Southern 2 Region, based in Cherry Hill
Length of service: December 2014
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I oversee the operations and delivery of services in a residential, community-based setting. My day-to-day responsibilities include managing staff; implementing policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards; monitoring program outcomes and effectiveness; and maintaining relationships with individuals and stakeholders.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to help others, either by directly providing services or contributing to our organization’s mission of “changing lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences.”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I have been given is to “treat others the way you want to be treated.” This encourages me to be kind, empathetic and respectful toward others, which can lead to positive interactions and relationships. By treating others with the same respect and kindness that I would like to receive, I am able to create a more positive and harmonious environment for myself and all those around me.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis by empowering my colleagues. I provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. I offer training, mentoring and coaching, and give them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work. With regard to our individuals and families, I demonstrate Servant Leadership by utilizing the “putting people first” principle. I strive to go above and beyond to help our individuals, and make myself available to listen and offer support when needed.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
I am a past pageant title holder. I held the title of Miss Caribbean New Jersey 2013.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I am a Healthcare Hero because of the difference I make on a daily basis. I provide compassionate care, advocate for the needs of the individuals we serve and support their families.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Chris Niro – Devereux California Direct Support Professional
 Title: Direct support professional
Center/office location: Devereux California – Santa Barbara
Length of service: March 1999
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I lead Devereux California’s greenhouse vocational program. I ensure the adults we serve who participate in the program have the opportunity to learn new skills and achieve success in a therapeutic environment tailored to meet their unique needs. Our individuals are involved in every aspect of the greenhouse, including selling the plants they grow to local venues and restaurants, as well as at local farmers markets.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
We have a wonderful and productive team at the greenhouse, and I emphasize that we are a team. I am very grateful to offer our individuals the opportunity to learn new skills and help them integrate into the community.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is to “be kind.”
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I demonstrate Servant Leadership by working as a part of our team, rather than just a leader. I make sure I am working alongside our individuals so we can all learn and grow together.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
One thing my colleagues may not know about me is I was the first female member of an all-male management team at a discount chain of retail stores.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
“Be kind” is our motto at the Greenhouse. We help each other succeed and grow, just like our plants!
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