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Devereux New York helps team members hone skills, advance in careers

At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our team members are our greatest asset, and we are committed to fostering an environment where they can grow their careers.

Devereux New York invests in the future of its employees by providing numerous opportunities for professional development through training, mentoring and coaching.

“We want to help our staff achieve their career goals,” said Devereux New York Executive Director John Lopez, M.S.Ed., who joined the organization in 1996 as a teacher. “Over the years, I have served as vocational coordinator, helping to expand training opportunities and employment experiences for our students. I also have served as school principal, working to enhance and grow our Red Hook campus. Later, I was promoted to assistant executive director, and then, executive director in 2014. I am grateful for the opportunities I have received, and want to ensure all of our team members are afforded those same opportunities to learn new skills and reach their full potential.”

Enhancing knowledge, abilities

Devereux New York prioritizes professional development to help team members excel in their roles and advance within the organization. Look below to find out how the center has helped just a few employees enhance their knowledge and abilities.

“I began working for Devereux New York in 2017 as an overnight direct support professional. Later, a friend recommended that I apply for a manager position because she felt that I matched certain skills and qualities needed for the job, and I showed potential for growth. I applied – and got the job. I enjoyed everything about being a residential manager, but knew I wanted to do more. I looked for trainings and courses to help me reach the next level. With the support of my co-workers and a persistent work ethic, I have reached my goal of being a residential director. I am so grateful that I took full advantage of every opportunity Devereux provided me, and will continue to do so.”
– Residential Director Je’Lysa Carter

“I joined Devereux New York in 2011 as a residence counselor. My mother is a senior special education teacher for preschoolers and, as a kid, I would go to her classroom and help out. This gave me the drive to help individuals with special needs and follow in my mother’s footsteps. Since joining Devereux, I have served in roles of increasing responsibility, including direct support professional, assistant residence manager, and now, residence manager. Being with Devereux has helped me enhance my communications skills, and taught me patience and to always put others first.”
– Residence Manager Dave Maneri

“In 2001, I was hired as a behavior specialist at the Devereux Millwood Learning Center (now Devereux New York Center for Autism and Research and Education Services). I had a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and wanted a job where I could help people. In addition to my role as behavior specialist, I have worked as a lead behavior specialist, teacher, and now, curriculum coordinator. I have been with Devereux for more than 20 years, working my way up and learning so much. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to communicate with our population and help them meet their goals. When I started, I just had a bachelor’s degree, but I enjoyed the job so much that I went back to school and earned my master’s in education.”
– Curriculum Coordinator Mary Romano

“I started working for Devereux New York in November 2001, shortly after 9/11. I had been living in Queens, but the events of that day encouraged me to pursue what I really wanted: a life and career outside of the city. Since joining Devereux, I have served as a teacher assistant, case manager, quality assurance specialist/investigator, data systems coordinator/trainer and, most recently, information systems manager. In the 20-plus years I have worked for Devereux, I have met the greatest, kindest and smartest people. The work is what brought me to the organization. The people are why I stay.”
– Information Systems Manager Cesar Vasquez

Join our team!

Looking for a rewarding career in behavioral health with competitive benefits and opportunities for growth and advancement? Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is hiring committed and compassionate team members who want to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Visit jobs.devereux.org to explore our career opportunities today, and learn what makes us a behavioral healthcare employer of choice.

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.

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