2024 Quality and Safety Report

View Devereux’s latest Quality and Safety Report, which outlines our steadfast commitment to progress and innovation, as well as our most recent initiatives centered on safety and quality.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Launches New Career Accelerator Program
Devereux ASCEND is a comprehensive career accelerator program designed exclusively to give behavioral healthcare team members the career guidance, one-on-one coaching, skills and financial assistance they need to reach their full potential. With ASCEND, Devereux is empowering team members at all levels to follow their passions, grow their skills, and make the greatest positive impact with the families we serve.
Staying curious: A new approach to making a New Year’s resolution
As 2024 comes to a close, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico encourages us to make a commitment to staying curious in 2025. Learn the positive benefits of curiosity, including how it can make you healthier and happier.
Devereux in the news ...
Read the latest news and announcements from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.
Join Our Team
If you are looking for a rewarding career in behavioral health, Devereux is hiring individuals with a passion for helping children, adolescents and adults in need. We offer advancement opportunities, competitive pay/benefits, student loan debt assistance and more. Explore our job opportunities today!
Sharing Messages of Hope
At Devereux, our families, caregivers, team members and supporters motivate, encourage and inspire us every day. Read stories, testimonials and messages of hope from our Devereux community.

Devereux New York adult writes children’s book about journey with cerebral palsy

Samantha VanAlstyne, who receives services through Devereux New York, recently wrote a children’s book titled, “Hi, I’m Sam,” about her journey with cerebral palsy and learning self-acceptance.

VanAlstyne says she began the writing process in October 2020, and the book was published in January 2021.

Samantha VanAlstyne is a devoted aunt, dedicated college student – and most recently – published author.
VanAlstyne, who receives services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York, wrote a children’s book titled, “Hi, I’m Sam,” about her journey with cerebral palsy and learning self-acceptance.

“The whole thing started as a conversation with my niece who’s 7. She wanted to know why I live in a group home instead of with my dad,” VanAlstyne explained. “Then, the idea evolved into a teaching tool for children and adults who might not otherwise know how to broach the subject.”

Devereux New York Executive Director John Lopez noted, “We are extremely proud of Samantha and all she has accomplished. She is a talented young woman who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, decided to take the time to write and publish a book – on top of completing several college courses. At Devereux New York, we strive to help the individuals we serve pursue their dreams, and Samantha is doing just that!”

Writing from the heart

VanAlstyne says she began the writing process in October 2020, and the book was published in January 2021.
The description on the back cover reads, “Meet Sam, a young woman who is a little different than most. But that’s okay! Come along on this journey of learning about who you are, and that with the right attitude and a little help from those you love, anything is possible.”

“I learned from this experience that the book was more needed by the public than I anticipated,” VanAlstyne shared. “I had zero intention of selling more than a handful of copies, but here we are a few months later having sold 200-plus copies.”

A future filled with possibility

In addition to writing, VanAlstyne enjoys knitting, crocheting and watching movies and TV shows on Netflix. She is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in psychology from Hudson Valley Community College with the hope of one day helping individuals with substance use disorder.

She credits Devereux New York team members with helping her “come into my own and become more independent.”

As for her next writing venture, VanAlstyne says, “There will be sequels to ‘Hi, I’m Sam,’ I’m just not sure when.”

Learn more about Devereux New York, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Chords of connection: Devereux CA partners with ArtLabbé to empower adults through music Twice a week, ArtLabbé Santa Barbara offers music classes to adults who receive services through Devereux California. During the classes, which take place at Devereux California’s campus in Goleta, adults listen to a variety of songs, sing along to familiar favorites and express themselves freely.
		Devereux FL team works seamlessly to keep youth safe during active hurricane season Devereux Florida team members did not just weather recent storms in the Sunshine State, they emerged even stronger. During an active hurricane season, staff banded together to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in their care.
		Staying curious: A new approach to making a New Year’s resolution As 2024 comes to a close, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico encourages us to make a commitment to staying curious in 2025. Learn the positive benefits of curiosity, including how it can make you healthier and happier.
		MA/RI’s Devereux School earns NASET ‘School of Excellence’ distinction Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island (MA/RI) is thrilled to announce the Devereux School in Rutland, Massachusetts, was recently named a “School of Excellence” by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) for the 2024-25 school year.