• 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

Lynette Adhiambo, Program director

Center/office location: Devereux New Jersey – Upper Southern 1 Region (Gloucester and Camden counties)

Length of service: December 2019

In your role, what are your main responsibilities?

I oversee eight group homes in Gloucester and Camden counties. My responsibilities include:

• Recruiting, training and supervising eight program managers
• Ensuring program managers comply with all Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Devereux standards
• Overseeing weekly, monthly and yearly budgets for the region
• Acting as a liaison between Devereux and group home residents’ stakeholders
• Facilitating monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings with program managers in my region and across the state
• Conducting quarterly program reviews in other regions to ensure compliance with DDD and Devereux standards

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the individuals we serve live their lives to the fullest by meeting and exceeding their goals. Sometimes our individuals do not know their own potential. Helping them realize what they can do and then watching them succeed keeps me motivated.

Another rewarding part is seeing the staff entrusted to me prosper in their lives and careers. When staff tell me that something I shared with them changed the trajectory of their life or made them have bigger dreams for themselves, I feel valued.

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

My mom was, and still is, my greatest inspiration. She always told me to, “Count your blessings.”

I also enjoy quotes. A friend shared his motto with me that I have since adopted: “Live life simply so that others may simply live.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Another quote I love is: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” – C. S. Lewis

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

As a leader, I strive to provide my team with opportunities to succeed in their positions and in their lives. I make a point of celebrating all their achievements. My focus is on uniting them and helping them think of themselves and their positions as more than a job, but a calling. I recognize that when they understand what is expected of them, they thrive. I meet them where they are and help them “surprise” themselves by doing what they think is impossible.

For the individuals under my scope, I keep in mind their life goals and consider their strengths to help them succeed. Our individuals may not always understand the big picture. I help them see what they are capable of and focus on out-of-the box solutions to their challenges. By listening, observing and considering the whole person, we can always find ways to improve others’ lives.

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

My colleagues do not know that I hope to run for public office one day. I believe everything I’m learning now is preparing me for a bigger platform. I would like to be in a position to make positive legislative changes.

Why are you a Healthcare Hero?

I am a Healthcare Hero because I put others first. I try to understand the needs of others and am always willing to go above and beyond to meet those needs. I make a difference because I bring a wealth of knowledge to my role. I see the good in people and allow them to fail without giving up on them. I try to see what is in the heart of those I work with every day.

View More Healthcare Heroes

Servant Leadership Snapshot

Becky Strickland, Clinical Support Coordinator

Center/office location: Devereux Florida/Winter Park, Florida

Length of service: 2014 (Strickland previously worked for Devereux from 2011-2013.)

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

I embed a Servant Leadership mindset into my daily interactions by focusing on the growth and well-being of my team members. I encourage open communication and teamwork. It is important for me to make sure everyone feels heard and valued. I demonstrate integrity and a strong work ethic, and lead by example. I try to understand and address the needs of my team members, both professionally and personally, and show genuine concern for all.

How do you inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices?

I inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices by leading by example and fostering an environment that supports the Seven Pillars of Servant leadership. I nurture a culture that values collaboration, skilled communication and mutual respect, while encouraging my team to support one another.

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

When I first learned we were going to be implementing a new electronic health record (EHR), I immediately focused on the positives that would come from this change. Some of my colleagues struggled with the way things looked in the new EHR versus the old EHR. I listened patiently to their concerns, empathized with them and assured them I would be there to help during the transition. I extended myself to every person who needed one-on-one support. No matter how many times someone called or emailed me a question, I would happily help them and make sure they felt comfortable. My favorite phrase is, “I got you.” Those three words are my Servant Leadership mantra. If someone needs something, they can rest assured I will go above and beyond to make sure their needs are met.

View More Servant Leadership Snapshots

Honoring Devereux’s Direct Care Team Members

Kadiatu Donnie, DSP
Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services

“Kadiatu Donnie is an incredibly dependable and trustworthy staff. She always displays a positive and therapeutic environment for the individuals we serve and other staff. Kadiatu completes her tasks with efficiency and attention to detail. She is flexible with her schedule to accommodate any changes or special requests. Kadiatu pays extra attention to the cleanliness of the program and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure everything is in order. Her meticulous work ethic and high standards have not gone unnoticed. I want to commend Kadiatu for her professionalism and respect toward our individuals and families, as well as her colleagues. She consistently demonstrates a high level of respect and integrity in her interactions with others, creating a positive work environment for everyone. Kadiatu is an invaluable asset to our team and our organization.”
– Teresia Jones, Devereux Pennsylvania Adult Services program coordinator

View More Team Member Testimonials