• 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

Arnette Miller, Devereux Arizona Clinician

Center/office location: Devereux Arizona – Tucson, Arizona

Length of service: September 2015

In your role, what are your main responsibilities?

In our Pima Outpatient program, we focus on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that is designed to help individuals manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively. I provide individual, family and group therapy sessions, as well as DBT phone coaching to those in need during crisis situations. I work with other members of our team to use interventions, including DBT, CBT, motivational interviewing and art therapy for those who need support with mood, behaviors, grief and loss, trauma and family issues. I also facilitate our teen and caregiver groups with DBT.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing individuals in our program, who were resistant at first, make positive changes. I enjoy helping higher acuity individuals advocate for themselves and make changes in their homes, schools and placement settings. I also enjoy seeing our teams come together to focus on individuals who are in need. When we see individuals who have tried other programs, enroll in our program and achieve success, it is one of the best parts of my job. When I began working in the DBT program, I made up my mind to be the DBT program, and this has helped make the program more successful because the teens and parents we serve know it works.

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

I have received great advice over the years. My supervisor reminds me that self-care is crucial, and she is right. Our DBT program is extremely important, and being our best selves is critical. Since learning DBT, I run my life using those same skills I teach in therapy. I have also been reminded that even the smallest progress is progress. Seeing small changes in our individuals is important because you can’t focus on the bigger things, without the things that lead you there. In addition, I have been told to never stop learning. Since becoming a DBT clinician, I have learned a lot about myself and the individuals I serve. I am amazed every day! Finally, I have been reminded to ask for help. Sometimes, pride can get in our way. Being able to rely on my colleagues is crucial to our team’s overall success. My team supports and challenges each other.

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

I believe service delivery for all of our individuals must be high quality, solution-focused and result in meaningful and lasting change. I try to lead by example, whether by listening to our individuals and helping them work through a problem, answering a question from a colleague, or brainstorming ideas of how to do things more efficiently.

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

It might surprise some people to know that even though I grew up on the East Coast, I am a diehard Los Angeles Dodgers fan!

Why are you a Healthcare Hero?

At Devereux, we are all “Healthcare Heroes.” It takes a team, and together, we make a difference. Our DBT program has changed the lives of countless individuals and their families because we care. We have integrity and follow through in all we do. I am proud to be a part of that growth and success!

View More Healthcare Heroes

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.

View More Servant Leadership Snapshots

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

View More Team Member Testimonials