• 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

Devereux honors its 3,700 direct support professionals during appreciation week in September

At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our direct support professionals (DSPs) are at the very heart of what we do, making a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

As we celebrate Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week – Sept. 13-19 – we thank and honor our more than 3,700 DSPs who are on the front lines, going above and beyond to serve and support those in their care.

“Our DSPs are nothing short of extraordinary – always putting others before themselves,” said Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rhea Fernandes, Psy.D. “Their roles require them to be many things to many people, and each and every day, they step up to the challenge with grace, determination, professionalism and extreme resilience. These dedicated and selfless individuals work tirelessly to provide culturally-competent and compassionate care, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts to help our youth and adults reach their full and unique potential. They truly are Healthcare Heroes.”

DSPs share their perspectives

“I love being part of a team that helps the individuals in our care improve, and successfully complete, their program. Being able to witness a child’s transformation while they are here reminds me of why we do this job.”
– Devereux Texas Direct Support Professional Mike Sorrels

“I am a constant in our individuals’ lives. They count on me to be there for them, and I always am. I love seeing our individuals smile when they achieve a goal they have been working on for a long time. It’s like we achieve the goal together. I’m proud of their successes, and am honored to be part of their lives.”
– Devereux New York Day Habilitation Group Coordinator Jade Shumen

“I enjoy seeing the transformation of our individuals as they learn, utilize and demonstrate new skills. I love hearing from families about their child’s successes after they return home. I enjoy engaging with our individuals, and watching them just have the opportunity to be kids. Most importantly, I love working as part a team to make sure our kids are safe and their physical, mental and emotional needs are met.”
– Devereux Colorado Retention Specialist Meredith Steffan

Help improve lives and inspire others …

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in behavioral health, Devereux is hiring direct support professionals who are committed to making a significant and positive difference in someone else’s life. Visit jobs.devereux.org to explore our career opportunities today.

Latest News

		More than makeovers: Devereux MA/RI’s cosmetology program helps students gain skills, confidence Students enrolled in Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s cosmetology program are gaining hands-on salon experience, and expressing themselves creatively in the process.
		Family credits Devereux PA Children’s Services with helping son thrive in community 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.
		Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2: ‘Not Your Average School Psychologist’ podcast Listen to the first two episodes of Season 3 of the Devereux Center for Effective Schools’ podcast featuring Mark R. Shinn, Ph.D., of Data-Based Consulting, Inc., as he shares how to make assessments meaningful and reduce data fatigue. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music/Audible. In addition, the first two episodes of Season 3 can be found on Spotify here and here.
		Devereux honors direct care supervisors for fostering a positive, supportive work environment Devereux recently presented its 2024 Supervisory Excellence Award to 14 direct care supervisors across the organization for creating a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential.

More Stories