Putting the Spotlight on Our Healthcare Heroes
At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our employees are heroes in every sense of the word, helping children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences lead more fulfilling and rewarding lives. These committed and compassionate individuals humbly dedicate themselves to serving - and inspiring - others. Look below to read stories that recognize and celebrate Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes, and learn how they make meaningful and positive differences in the lives of those in our care - every day.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Kimberly Barfield – Devereux Florida Program Director
 Title: Program director
Center/office location: Devereux Florida – Titusville, Florida
Length of service: September 2007
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
As program director, I oversee all aspects of my program while providing a safe and caring environment for the youth we serve.?I support my staff and clinical team by helping our individuals complete daily activities and achieve long-term goals. I strive to hire effective and efficient staff, understanding that being a motivating mentor is crucial to their success. I aim to create and nurture effective communication within the organization and build a team that utilizes such communication. I lead by example by pulling up my sleeves and getting my hands dirty when needed. One of my greatest strengths is the level of hands-on leadership I demonstrate within my program.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the successes of the individuals we serve and connecting with their families. I try to make a positive change in the lives of the youth in our care by building trust with them, as well as with their internal and external support systems. Another rewarding part of my job is witnessing the successes of my staff. I have seen so many team members advance within the organization. This growth reflects the time and development I have put in with them.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. This reminds me to be kind, sympathetic and treat others with respect.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I believe leaders should be involved with their teams and the individuals and families they serve daily. Servant Leadership is when you lead by example, but remain humble when your achievements are noticed.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I pride myself in being a strong woman who has overcome a great deal in life, but to be transparent, I was terrified. I knew my team needed to know about my diagnosis, but telling them, while assuring them that I would remain their trusted leader, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I informed them of my potential upcoming health challenges, but not for one day did I allow that to impact my work. I dedicated myself to my family, job, and the individuals we serve without batting an eye. I never gave up. Every day, I tried to get better and become a better me, not just for myself, but for everyone.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I have the opportunity to make a difference every day. It’s an honor to be able to help the individuals we serve achieve their goals and see them smile, and knowing that you played a part in that smile.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Lucas Cepeda – Devereux PA CARES Clinical Coordinator
 Title: Clinical coordinator
Center/office location: Devereux Pennsylvania Center for Autism Research and Education Services (CARES) – Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Length of service: August 2009
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
As clinical coordinator, my responsibilities include the development and supervision of clinical, research, employment training (for students) and transition services, as well as the development, training and monitoring of Devereux Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (D-PBIS) programmatic aspects for the individuals we serve. In addition, as a member of the CARES leadership team, I support the day-to-day operations, staff trainings and other projects intended to improve the quality of our school services.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is when our teams or the program produce relevant improvements in the quality of life of our students or contribute to any significant growth in our students. This could be learning a new skill, expanding their ability to trust or any other improvement in social behaviors, all of which results in expanding their ability to enjoy the world and/or their relationships with others. Another rewarding aspect of my job is when we can support staff in overcoming challenges, developing themselves professionally and/or making progress toward their professional goals.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I’ve been given plenty of good advice over the years. Something that stuck with me recently came during a professional development meeting with Devereux Executive Director of Autism Services Todd Harris, and it relates closely with the following quote from a book by Daniel Kahneman: “The easiest way to increase your happiness is to control your use of time. Can you find more time to do the things you enjoy doing?” This advice serves as a helpful reminder for me when I’m not feeling satisfied with any aspect of my life.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
Both personally and professionally, I try to anticipate other’s needs and look for solutions from a win-win lens. I see collaboration as necessary to maximize how we help others. I strive to create trusting relationships with my colleagues and balance their personal goals with our greater goals as much as possible when supporting decisions.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
I joined Devereux in 2009, arriving from Argentina as an international employee. I’ve spent a good amount of my adult life here. Many of my colleagues have known me almost the entire time. They’ve seen me get married (I met my wife at Devereux), buy a house, have children and become a U.S. citizen, among many other things. There isn’t much they don’t know about me after all this time.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I would never identify myself as such. I can, however, state with great confidence that everything I do in our program is always with the best interest of our students, staff and program in mind. I think of everyone at CARES as an extension of my family, and I do my best to help them feel cared for and supported.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Arnette Miller – Devereux Arizona Clinician
 Title: Clinician
Center/office location: Devereux Arizona – Tucson, Arizona
Length of service: September 2015
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
In our Pima Outpatient program, we focus on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that is designed to help individuals manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively. I provide individual, family and group therapy sessions, as well as DBT phone coaching to those in need during crisis situations. I work with other members of our team to use interventions, including DBT, CBT, motivational interviewing and art therapy for those who need support with mood, behaviors, grief and loss, trauma and family issues. I also facilitate our teen and caregiver groups with DBT.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing individuals in our program, who were resistant at first, make positive changes. I enjoy helping higher acuity individuals advocate for themselves and make changes in their homes, schools and placement settings. I also enjoy seeing our teams come together to focus on individuals who are in need. When we see individuals who have tried other programs, enroll in our program and achieve success, it is one of the best parts of my job. When I began working in the DBT program, I made up my mind to be the DBT program, and this has helped make the program more successful because the teens and parents we serve know it works.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I have received great advice over the years. My supervisor reminds me that self-care is crucial, and she is right. Our DBT program is extremely important, and being our best selves is critical. Since learning DBT, I run my life using those same skills I teach in therapy. I have also been reminded that even the smallest progress is progress. Seeing small changes in our individuals is important because you can’t focus on the bigger things, without the things that lead you there. In addition, I have been told to never stop learning. Since becoming a DBT clinician, I have learned a lot about myself and the individuals I serve. I am amazed every day! Finally, I have been reminded to ask for help. Sometimes, pride can get in our way. Being able to rely on my colleagues is crucial to our team’s overall success. My team supports and challenges each other.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I believe service delivery for all of our individuals must be high quality, solution-focused and result in meaningful and lasting change. I try to lead by example, whether by listening to our individuals and helping them work through a problem, answering a question from a colleague, or brainstorming ideas of how to do things more efficiently.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
It might surprise some people to know that even though I grew up on the East Coast, I am a diehard Los Angeles Dodgers fan!
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
At Devereux, we are all “Healthcare Heroes.” It takes a team, and together, we make a difference. Our DBT program has changed the lives of countless individuals and their families because we care. We have integrity and follow through in all we do. I am proud to be a part of that growth and success!
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on James Abrokwah – Devereux California Program Manager
 Title: Program manager
Center/office location: Devereux California – Goleta
Length of service: September 2022
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
Since joining Devereux California, I have held multiple roles, from providing direct support to providing clinical case management for a residential and adult day program. Currently, I combine program management with clinical case management for a residential program. I am responsible for staff supervision and training, daily program operations, and ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment that is compliant with applicable laws. I lead the development, implementation and monitoring of treatment plans, and conduct relevant clinical assessments and interventions. I also lead Devereux Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (D-PBIS) implementation, advocate for each of the individuals I serve and collaborate with team members, families, agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing a smile on the faces of the individuals I serve puts a smile on my face. I find it rewarding every time I notice happiness, progress, growth and positive change in the individuals in our care. It is also satisfying to be part of a team of highly motivated professionals who demonstrate similar levels of commitment and purpose with a common goal.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I try to be innovative, courageous and decisive in my quest to see positive change in the lives of our individuals. I value each person as an individual, respect their aspirations and seek to understand their potential and priorities. I endeavor to put my residents first by showing care and concern for their needs, and meeting each need the best I can. I also like to do the right thing and lead with moral authority. I am fortunate to work with team members who bring similar Servant Leadership qualities to our workplace.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
I take an hour walk each day, rain or shine, in darkness or in daylight. Walking is the best medicine.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
Heroism comes naturally when people find themselves in professions that are more of a calling than a job. I have been lucky to work in healthcare (mainly mental health) for more than a decade in a few roles, settings and countries. Regardless of the role, setting or country, the passion has been the same. Together, with my fellow Healthcare Heroes at Devereux California, we are making a difference by striving to put smiles on the faces of the individuals we serve, and by making their lives progressively better and safer than before to the best of our abilities.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Dawn Holmes – Devereux Texas Special Education Teacher
 Title: Special education teacher
Center/office location: Devereux Texas – League City
Length of service: June 2020
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I am directly responsible for teaching the students assigned to my caseload. I work with a co-teacher, and together, we deliver Devereux Texas’ education service plan for approximately 20 individuals. I provide math and Language Arts instruction according to the goals set forth by a committee comprised of professionals knowledgeable about the needs of each individual. In addition to teaching, I also coach students in using emotion regulation skills as taught by our therapists. I also sit on Individualized Education Plan (IEP) committees, and write IEP goals and objectives for our individuals.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the successes of the individuals in my classes. It is amazing to work with the diversity of levels, interests and abilities of the individuals entrusted to our care. Every day is a new day, and every day we see growth and success.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My very first teaching assignment was when I was 17 years old, teaching 18-month-olds in a private preschool. The director told me to keep my expectations high and my actualizations real. She also told me that the key to effective teaching was patience, organization and a love of what you do.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I believe that leaders should be directly involved when working with their colleagues, and our individuals and families. On a daily basis, I rotate into four different classrooms, leading lessons and assisting the support staff who are also leading lessons. Staff see me consistently working alongside them to promote a healthy and enriching learning environment for all students based on their individual needs.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
I have been in school for 55 years. I started kindergarten when I was 5 years old, and have never stopped learning. Right after high school, I attended Blinn College, and then, Texas A&M University. Upon graduation in 1985, I started teaching kindergarten. Over the years, I have taught kindergarten through eighth grade general education, and sixth through 12th grade special education, and have enjoyed every minute of my career.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I have the privilege of making a difference in the academic, social and behavioral education of the individuals who have been entrusted to me by caring parents and agencies. It is my honor to be able to find the gifts in these individuals, and help them in achieving their full potential. I fully intend to continue to support and encourage the individuals I work with, every day.
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