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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

Dawn Holmes

Dawn Holmes, Devereux Texas Special Education Teacher

Center/office location: Devereux Texas – League City

Length of service: June 2020

In your role, what are your main responsibilities?

I am directly responsible for teaching the students assigned to my caseload. I work with a co-teacher, and together, we deliver Devereux Texas’ education service plan for approximately 20 individuals. I provide math and Language Arts instruction according to the goals set forth by a committee comprised of professionals knowledgeable about the needs of each individual. In addition to teaching, I also coach students in using emotion regulation skills as taught by our therapists. I also sit on Individualized Education Plan (IEP) committees, and write IEP goals and objectives for our individuals.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the successes of the individuals in my classes. It is amazing to work with the diversity of levels, interests and abilities of the individuals entrusted to our care. Every day is a new day, and every day we see growth and success.

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

My very first teaching assignment was when I was 17 years old, teaching 18-month-olds in a private preschool. The director told me to keep my expectations high and my actualizations real. She also told me that the key to effective teaching was patience, organization and a love of what you do.

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

I believe that leaders should be directly involved when working with their colleagues, and our individuals and families. On a daily basis, I rotate into four different classrooms, leading lessons and assisting the support staff who are also leading lessons. Staff see me consistently working alongside them to promote a healthy and enriching learning environment for all students based on their individual needs.

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

I have been in school for 55 years. I started kindergarten when I was 5 years old, and have never stopped learning. Right after high school, I attended Blinn College, and then, Texas A&M University. Upon graduation in 1985, I started teaching kindergarten. Over the years, I have taught kindergarten through eighth grade general education, and sixth through 12th grade special education, and have enjoyed every minute of my career.

Why are you a Healthcare Hero?

I have the privilege of making a difference in the academic, social and behavioral education of the individuals who have been entrusted to me by caring parents and agencies. It is my honor to be able to find the gifts in these individuals, and help them in achieving their full potential. I fully intend to continue to support and encourage the individuals I work with, every day.


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Servant Leadership Snapshot

Celiana Grijalva

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 and Michelle

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