• 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

Melvin Washington, Direct support professional

Center/office location: Devereux Pennsylvania – Adult Services – West Chester, Pennsylvania

Length of service: June 1989

In your role, what are your main responsibilities?

I handle the medical concerns of our individuals. I schedule appointments, send paperwork to our nurse and other team members, confer with doctors concerning an individual's medical history, and monitor our individuals' medications. My other responsibilities include van runs and weekly grocery shopping, as well as other shopping for our individuals' wants and needs. I also assist my supervisor and colleagues in ensuring our house is running smoothly.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is simple – just knowing my individuals are happy and feel they are in a safe, comfortable and homelike environment.

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

The best advice I have ever been given was, "Give it a try." I was trying to sell my neighbor a vacuum cleaner when he told me about a job opening at Devereux. He went on to describe his work in a group home. I was initially hesitant, but he told me to give it a try. I did, and 35 years later, I'm still here!

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

I strive to serve as a positive example for my colleagues. When I enter the workplace, my immediate focus is on our individuals and the job at hand. Communication is also very important to me. Great communication between colleagues, the overall treatment team and family members is crucial for our individuals and helps in improving their lives.

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

My colleagues don't know I like to ski. I've been skiing since high school, and it's a lot of fun.

Why are you a Healthcare Hero?

I try to make a difference by first listening. As a veteran staff, I listen to my colleagues and assist them with any wants and needs. I listen to my individuals. So many times, we hear, but we don't listen effectively. It's important for me to know when my individuals need encouragement or just time to talk. I try to stay focused and be the best version of myself. Being considered a “Healthcare Hero” is an honor. I've worked for Devereux for a long time, and I've come to realize my individuals are heroes too because they helped me become a more compassionate and caring person.

View More Healthcare Heroes

Servant Leadership Snapshot

Julie Smallwood, Director of Enrollment Management

Center/office location: Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School/Washington, Connecticut

Length of service: February 2005

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

I am a servant leader at heart.

How do you inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices?

I try to lead by example and inspire all those around me to put others first. I respect others and their talents, and foster independence. I am always willing to lend a helping hand in any way I can.

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

I try to deliver compassion and quality customer service every day. I always make myself available to parents, students and staff. Recently, a parent noted that one of the main reasons they chose to send their child to The Glenholme School was because of my communication and knowledge during the admissions process.

View More Servant Leadership Snapshots

Honoring Devereux’s Direct Care Team Members

Jermaine Stewart, DCP
Devereux Arizona

“Jermaine understands the partnership and collaboration that are involved in making sure students participate in their education. He reads the room, and activity, and adjusts his interactions to make sure all students are engaged. He interacts with students in a way that makes them eager to participate. His infectious smile and laughter are refreshing not only to our students, but also to his colleagues. Knowing that Jermaine is in the house is an indication that it is going to be a great day!”
– Theresa Leal-Holmes, Devereux Arizona bilingual special
education teacher

View More Team Member Testimonials