Devereux Massachusetts & Rhode Island in the News

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 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.

National Adoption Month celebrates the families who have flourished through adoption and shines a light on the thousands of children across the U.S. who are still waiting to find a family of their own. Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences find stable and nurturing homes where they can heal and grow.

Students enrolled in Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s cosmetology program are gaining hands-on salon experience, and expressing themselves creatively in the process.

Since he began receiving services through Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services in 2018, Casey continues to learn, grow and excel. In 2023, with support from Devereux, Casey secured his first competitive employment position. This year, Casey achieved another significant milestone when he graduated from the Devereux School for Integrated Learning.

The annual “Devereux Golf Cup” was a hole-in-one for Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island. More than 70 golfers hit the greens at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, Rhode Island, for the event, which raised more than $35,000 for the organization’s therapeutic foster care program in Rhode Island.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Devereux is joining other organizations in raising awareness about this national public health issue and spreading the word about actions we can all take to be part of the solution and support youth and adults at risk of suicide.

For many families, the transition from summer vacation to school can be challenging, especially if you are a parent of a child with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences. Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips to help families of children with disabilities get back into the swing of things and make the summer-to-school switch a success.

Among the New England Patriots and other sports memorabilia adorning the walls of Justin's room at a Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island group home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are certificates and awards, commending him on various life achievements

As we spend time with our family and friends this summer, the Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers resilience-building tips to keep our pitchers full – and to fill our children's cups with all they need to flourish.

Pride Month, celebrated in June, is a time to honor and uplift the voices of those within the LGBTQ+ community, promote inclusion and allyship, and recognize the challenges that remain for many LGBTQ+ youth and adults as they strive to live life as their authentic selves.

More than 200 guests gathered at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts, for Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s annual gala to raise critical funds for children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is highlighting the importance of talking openly about mental health to combat stigma, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and encourage those in need to seek support.

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, Devereux is celebrating the differences of children, adolescents and adults with autism, and promoting inclusion for these individuals in all aspects of community life.

Nineteen-year-old Dylan Gauthier is a high school senior with his own YouTube channel who dreams of becoming an actor. Dylan, who was served by Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island between 2018 and 2023, is looking forward to the future, while reflecting on the past.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is celebrating the many remarkable achievements of youth and adults with developmental disabilities, highlighting the importance of helping these individuals lead productive and fulfilling lives.

During Recreational Therapy Month in February, Devereux is highlighting the positive impact recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, games and sports, can have on those with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Executive Director Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CAGS, LMHC, LADC-I, was recently elected to the Children’s League of Massachusetts Board of Directors.

During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Devereux is highlighting the importance of empowering survivors to break the cycle of abuse, regain their independence and take control of their lives.

For more than 10 years, Steve Groccia and his wife, Maureen, have been making the holiday season brighter for youth who receive services through Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island youth are learning healthy coping skills in a creative way. Children and adolescents at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s East Meadow group home are creating comic books that emphasize the importance of coping skills, such as deep breathing and grounding (refocusing on the present moment).

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Before you dive head-first into the decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping and entertaining, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico, M.A., suggests you take time to focus on your social and emotional health and well-being.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island serves children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences across all stages of life. Learn how we are providing hope and healing to those in need.

Katrina and Melvin Jones became therapeutic foster parents with Devereux New Jersey in 2008. Since that time, they have fostered 25 children, including three currently. In 2012, they adopted their first foster child, Dennis, and then, in 2019, they adopted three other children, all brothers, Lavion, Demetrius and Dayshawn.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Devereux is celebrating the significant contributions of employees with disabilities, and highlighting the importance of creating a workplace culture that is positive, supportive and equitable for all.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Devereux is joining other organizations in spreading the word about actions we can all take to provide help, healing and hope to those who are struggling.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s occupational therapy (OT) internship program helps prepare Massachusetts college students for entry-level school-based and psychosocial OT positions.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently enhanced its school library, creating a calm and comfortable space for students to read and check out books. In addition to many new book titles geared toward students’ interests, the library now features bean bag chairs and pillows, a white noise machine that plays soothing sounds, decorative plants and updated lighting.

If you are looking to create a summer routine for your child, Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers enriching – and fun – activities for families of children with disabilities.

Golfers recently hit the greens to raise critical funds to support children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences served by Devereux.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Olanzer Cameron has always had a passion for working with children. In 2022, Cameron embarked on his journey with Devereux, and now serves as a teacher at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s Center for Autism Resources and Education Services (CARES) recently hosted a police appreciation brunch to provide students living with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to learn from, and socialize with, local police officers.

Everyone deals with stressful situations at some point in their lives. Being able to adapt to those situations requires resilience. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers a five-week Resiliency Challenge to help adults learn how to “bounce back” from misfortune or change.

Devereux Arizona Accounts Receivable Specialist Team Lead Kagen Leva was 37 years old when he came out as transgender. Leva, who was working at Devereux Pennsylvania’s Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services center (now Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services) at the time, describes it as a “sudden realization.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn common warning signs of mental illness in youth and adults, as well as coping techniques to help you strengthen your well-being and resilience.

In this video, Gwen Eaton shares how Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island helped her son, Danny, overcome emotional and behavioral health challenges, learn valuable life and social skills, and become a thriving member of his local community.

Patricia Armellini, who receives services through Devereux Pennsylvania, wears many hats in her day-to-day life. She is a dog owner, artist and retail employee. Patricia says Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program has taught her essential job, life and social skills, and helped her secure and maintain meaningful employment.

Students at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island are strengthening their social skills and building positive and healthy relationships with others through the center’s “Building Connections” program.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is raising awareness about the importance of inclusion for children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, and celebrating the unique strengths and vital contributions of these individuals.

Devereux has announced that President and CEO Carl E. Clark II has named Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CGAS, LMHC, LADC-I, executive director of Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

February is Recreational Therapy Month. Learn how Devereux is using recreational activities and programs to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences acquire new skills, boost their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has reported nearly 74,000 cases of human trafficking in the U.S. Learn how Devereux is empowering survivors to regain control of their lives and supporting them on their path to recovery.

The holiday season is here. For many, this time of year may generate feelings of excitement, joy and happiness while, for others, it might elicit feelings of anxiety, anger, regret or disappointment. Learn how to recognize and label your feelings so you can better enjoy the holiday season.

Lorraine Clark credits Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island with helping her son, Mario, develop effective coping skills, learn how to advocate for himself and achieve success.

Devereux recently released its 2021 annual report, which includes information about our commitment to quality and safety, and the Devereux Family Standard.

November is National Adoption Month. Learn how Devereux is helping youth in need find safe, stable and supportive homes where they can grow and thrive.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role people with disabilities play in the workforce. Learn how Devereux is helping adults build self-confidence, utilize their skills, achieve their goals and thrive.

When it comes to hands-on learning, students enrolled in the vocational program at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island have a growing appreciation for gardening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020, with an average of one person taking their own life every 11 minutes. Learn how you can help someone who is struggling.

Planning on taking to the skies or hitting the open road this summer? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips for families of children with disabilities to ensure a safe and successful trip.

Practicing empathy can help you build stronger relationships, manage your emotions and foster greater compassion. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers free video series on the power of empathy and how to avoid toxic positivity.

In recognition of Pride Month in June, team members from Devereux centers across the country share what #DevereuxPride means to them.

Since 2017, Sheila Castillo and her husband, Yusel Rivera, have fostered five children through Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and in July 2021, they adopted one of the children in their care, Natalia.

There has never been a more important time to make your mental health a priority. Learn coping strategies for managing stress and building resiliency.

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Learn how Devereux is helping children, adolescents and adults with autism lead fulfilling, productive and socially-connected lives.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Therapeutic Day School Licensed Psychologist Jessica Kemp, Ph.D., NCSP, HSP, recently detailed findings from her study examining the effectiveness of aligning proactive classroom management practices with social and emotional learning skills at the annual National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) convention.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults with developmental disabilities increase their independent living skills, integrate into the community and achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare nonprofit organizations in the country, just published our most recent Safety and Quality Report.

Learn how Devereux is using recreational therapy to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences learn new skills, achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.

Human trafficking is a global issue that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual trauma and exploitation lead safe, healthy and happy lives.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently celebrated the opening of a new residence hall for children, adolescents and young adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers tips for having a happy - and less stressful - holiday season.

In celebration of National Adoption Month, learn how Devereux helped a young man heal from past trauma and find his forever family.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn how Devereux is helping adults secure and maintain meaningful and competitive employment in the community.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, and the fourth leading cause of death for people ages 35 to 54. Learn how you can support those in crisis - and possibly save a life.

Students and staff at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island laced up their sneakers recently to participate in the Rutland Police Department’s annual 5K-9 race, which benefits the department’s K-9 Foundation.

Is your child excited - and nervous - about heading back to school this fall? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips to help children with special needs ensure a smooth transition.

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers tools and resources to help adults strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

When Michael and Jaysus, who both receive services through Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, learned they would be interning with the Fitchburg Fire Department they were excited about the opportunity to gain new skills and build upon their existing strengths. The young men are enrolled in Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s Center for Autism Resources and Education Services, a day school that provides primary, elementary and secondary education services for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the current issues facing the LGBTQ community. Learn how Devereux is creating safe spaces to help youth and adults strengthen their overall emotional health and well-being.

Read this Rhode Island Small Business Journal article featuring Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Therapeutic Day School Clinician Jessica Kemp, Ph.D., NCSP, as she shares tips she recently provided during a Department of Revenue presentation to help students, families and caregivers embrace online learning.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Therapeutic Day School Clinician Jessica Kemp, Ph.D., NCSP, recently offered tips to help parents engage children in remote instruction during a virtual panel discussion hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Diversity Council.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of many individuals. Learn how to cope with uncertainty and build your resiliency.

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Devereux Senior Vice President of Organizational Development Rayni Brindley, M.Ed., BCBA, shares her perspective on raising a child with autism.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults of all abilities achieve success in their homes, schools and communities.

Read this OurSports Central article spotlighting the Worcester Railers Hockey Club’s pizza donation to front-line staff at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The hockey club, a minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders, delivered pizzas to more than 120 team members and students as part of its “Hockey Feeds the Need” program.

At Devereux, providing fun, safe and effective recreational activities is a critical component of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Director of Clinical Services Ashley Warhol, Psy.D., and Coordinator of Diagnostic Services and Clinical Training Rachel Schein, Psy.D., HSP, were recently appointed to the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology’s (SCCAP) Acute, Intensive and Residential Service executive board. SCCAP is a division of the American Psychological Association.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual trauma thrive and succeed in life.

The holidays may look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean the festivities have to stop. Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers creative ways to make the season special, while staying safe and healthy.

November is National Adoption Month, and Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children find a loving family and a permanent place to call home.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents and thrive in their communities.

Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, shares activities to help your child or adult with special needs learn new skills - and have fun - while staying safe and healthy.

Devereux is launching an adult resilience initiative to help team members learn new skills to strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

Pride Month is an annual celebration in June of the LGBTQ community. Learn how Devereux is working to ensure every child, adolescent and adult in our care feels welcomed and safe to express themselves openly and without judgement.

There has never been a more important time to make mental health a priority. Learn how to manage stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.

Learn how to talk to children and adults with autism about COVID-19 to ensure they have the information and resources they need ? without causing unnecessary worry and anxiety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth and adults with developmental disabilities often face barriers that can make it challenging to function on a daily basis. Learn how Devereux is helping to break down these barriers.

At Devereux, providing fun and healthy recreational activities is a critical part of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country and every state in the U.S. Learn how Devereux Florida is granting hope and healing to individuals in need.

The holidays are a time of celebration, filled with family gatherings, gift giving and good cheer, but for many people, they also are a time of stress and seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Devereux Center for Resilient Children’s Nefertiti B. Poyner offers tips for families to slow down this holiday season and focus on being present, not perfect.

Since 1995, National Adoption Month has been recognized in communities across the country. Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children in need find a permanent, loving family.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and achieve their fullest potential.

Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Devereux joins other individuals and organizations to promote awareness and combat the stigma associated with this tragic loss of life.

Devereux’s Amy Kelly shares back-to-school tips for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s Dr. Ashley Warhol and Bernadette Conneely discussed gender diversity and dialectical behavior therapy at the Association of Children’s Residential Centers conference.

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program, a strength-based assessment and planning system designed to promote resilience in children, ages 4 weeks to 6 years old.

Artist Henri Matisse once said, “Creativity takes courage.” Students at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island are courageously expressing their hopes, fears and dreams through art - and earning accolades along the way.

Pride Month is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ community, and a time when LGBTQ individuals - and their supporters - seek to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges youth and adults face in their daily lives.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is proud to serve as a nationally recognized leader in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare, providing innovative specialty mental health programs/services for youth and adults with emotional and behavioral disorders.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month in April, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health a leading provider of autism services for children, adolescents and adults - wants to highlight the need for greater understanding, compassion and support to help individuals diagnosed with autism lead more independent, fulfilling and socially connected lives.

For the past two years, Sheri-ann Mclean, program director at Devereux Advanced Behavior Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has been cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration among staff in the organization’s Short-term Assessment and Rapid Reintegration (STARR) program in Paxton, Mass.

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

Recreational therapy uses activities such as music and dance classes and arts and crafts to help stimulate and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. In the United States, one of the biggest challenges to combating this form of modern-day slavery is a lack of awareness and understanding.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., offers tips for families to focus on togetherness during the holiday season.

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Month and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health wants to shine a light on the urgent need to connect the thousands of children and youth in the U.S. foster care system with permanent, loving families.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and make a positive impact in their communities.

The American Association of Suicidology reports that, in the U.S., nearly 45,000 individuals died by suicide in 2016. In addition, the organization said suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, with an average of one person taking his or her own life every 11.7 minutes.

This month, the Devereux Center of Resilient Children invites everyone to embrace our shared role in promoting healthy early childhood development by taking its online pledge to promote the resilience of all children, and to learn more about the negative impacts of childhood trauma, as well as the need for trauma-informed practices.

The Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island center’s annual “Gala & Auction,” held this spring in Worcester, Massachusetts, set a record for the organization’s premier fundraising event. Featuring live entertainment, fantastic food, dancing and a live auction for the 10th anniversary of this event, the Gala generated more than $270,000, which represents a 20 percent increase in sponsorships and a 30 percent increase in live auction results.

Devereux announced that President and CEO Carl E. Clark II has selected Noah D. Noyes as Devereux Connecticut, The Glenholme School’s, incoming executive director. Noyes, who currently serves as the school’s operations manager, will assume this role on Nov. 1, 2018. Noyes succeeds Maryann Campbell, who will retire on Jan. 31, 2019, following more than four decades of leadership and vision.

Kerry Ann Goldsmith, executive director of Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, was recently honored with the prestigious “Fellow” award by the Association of Children’s Residential Centers (ACRC).

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island was recently reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation for a period of four years for “achieving the highest standards of professional practice for the services it provides.” The Devereux center first received COA accreditation in 2009.

In March, Devereux Massachusetts / Rhode Island held its seventh annual “Legislator’s Breakfast” event at its Rutland, Mass., campus. During the event, attendees heard a moving speech from Devereux parent Erica Sarro, about her son’s journey to Devereux.

Devereux Massachusetts / Rhode Island Director of Clinical Services and Internship Training Ashley Warhol, Psy.D, was recently featured in a New England Psychiatrist article called “Behavioral disorders: accurate diagnosis proves challenging.”

After an amazing 51 years of service, Bob Wheeler Devereux Massachusetts / Rhode Island maintenance specialist has retired. The Massachusetts / Rhode Island team recently honored Wheeler and his achievements during a retirement celebration in Devereux’s Rutland, Mass., office.

Eight youth from our Devereux Massachusetts / Rhode Island center were crowned champions of the recent National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) East Rodeo competition as a result of their stellar show of sportsmanship, reinforcing their self-esteem and self-discipline.