• 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.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given

“Whatever your hand finds doing, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” – Ecclesiastes 9:10

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.

View More Healthcare Heroes

Servant Leadership Snapshot

Celiana Grijalva, Therapeutic Home Specialist

Center/office location: Devereux Arizona/Tucson, Arizona

Length of service: January 2023

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

I embed an inclusive, Servant Leadership mindset into my daily processes by being an active listener, demonstrating empathy and having great communication skills.

How do you inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices?

I inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices by being empathetic, treating everyone fairly and having open and honest communication.

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

Any time I interact with our individuals in my role as a therapeutic home specialist, I always show compassion by empathizing with them and their situations.

View More Servant Leadership Snapshots

Honoring Devereux’s Direct Care Team Members

Ivan Ankamafio, DCP
Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island

“Ivan is an amazing staff member who goes above and beyond for our individuals. He’s a strong advocate for them – and his co-workers. He has a kind heart and really cares about his work. Ivan is always up for the task of learning new things and taking on additional responsibilities. He demonstrates what it means to be part of a team at the Oakhill group home by helping with Servant Leadership and keeping the team together as one united front.”
– Michelle Beaver, Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island
program coordinator

View More Team Member Testimonials