Devereux Florida in the News

Devereux Florida team members did not just weather recent storms in the Sunshine State, they emerged even stronger. During an active hurricane season, staff banded together to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in their care.

As 2024 comes to a close, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico encourages us to make a commitment to staying curious in 2025. Learn the positive benefits of curiosity, including how it can make you healthier and happier.

National Adoption Month celebrates the families who have flourished through adoption and shines a light on the thousands of children across the U.S. who are still waiting to find a family of their own. Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences find stable and nurturing homes where they can heal and grow.

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.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Devereux is joining other organizations in raising awareness about this national public health issue and spreading the word about actions we can all take to be part of the solution and support youth and adults at risk of suicide.

For many families, the transition from summer vacation to school can be challenging, especially if you are a parent of a child with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences. Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips to help families of children with disabilities get back into the swing of things and make the summer-to-school switch a success.

As we spend time with our family and friends this summer, the Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers resilience-building tips to keep our pitchers full – and to fill our children's cups with all they need to flourish.

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is highlighting the importance of talking openly about mental health to combat stigma, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and encourage those in need to seek support.

Devereux Florida recently partnered with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to place a trained clinician within the sheriff’s office communications center. The full-time clinician handles 911 calls related to mental health or substance use crises to ensure each call is assessed with care and professionalism.

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, Devereux is celebrating the differences of children, adolescents and adults with autism, and promoting inclusion for these individuals in all aspects of community life.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is celebrating the many remarkable achievements of youth and adults with developmental disabilities, highlighting the importance of helping these individuals lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida recently teamed up with AMOpportunities (AMO) to offer clinical training for medical and physician assistant students at the organization’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Specialty Hospital on its Viera campus.

During Recreational Therapy Month in February, Devereux is highlighting the positive impact recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, games and sports, can have on those with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Devereux is highlighting the importance of empowering survivors to break the cycle of abuse, regain their independence and take control of their lives.

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Before you dive head-first into the decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping and entertaining, Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico, M.A., suggests you take time to focus on your social and emotional health and well-being.

Devereux Florida provides compassionate care and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental and behavioral health challenges. Learn about our comprehensive array of therapeutic programs and services.

Katrina and Melvin Jones became therapeutic foster parents with Devereux New Jersey in 2008. Since that time, they have fostered 25 children, including three currently. In 2012, they adopted their first foster child, Dennis, and then, in 2019, they adopted three other children, all brothers, Lavion, Demetrius and Dayshawn.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Devereux is celebrating the significant contributions of employees with disabilities, and highlighting the importance of creating a workplace culture that is positive, supportive and equitable for all.

At Devereux, our direct care team members continuously put others before themselves, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

If you are looking to create a summer routine for your child, Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers enriching – and fun – activities for families of children with disabilities.

Read this National Public Radio (NPR) WMFE-FM report spotlighting the expansion of Devereux Florida’s mobile crisis unit. Orange County Commissioners recently approved a more than $900,000 grant, allowing Devereux to expand its mobile crisis unit, which provides on-the-spot mental health services to individuals (up to age 24) in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

Everyone deals with stressful situations at some point in their lives. Being able to adapt to those situations requires resilience. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers a five-week Resiliency Challenge to help adults learn how to “bounce back” from misfortune or change.

At Devereux, we strive to help the children, adolescents and adults in our care live their best possible lives. Recently, a youth who completed specialized behavioral health treatment at Devereux Florida wrote a letter to team members, thanking them for their support, and for helping him grow – and thrive.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn common warning signs of mental illness in youth and adults, as well as coping techniques to help you strengthen your well-being and resilience.

Patricia Armellini, who receives services through Devereux Pennsylvania, wears many hats in her day-to-day life. She is a dog owner, artist and retail employee. Patricia says Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program has taught her essential job, life and social skills, and helped her secure and maintain meaningful employment.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is raising awareness about the importance of inclusion for children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, and celebrating the unique strengths and vital contributions of these individuals.

February is Recreational Therapy Month. Learn how Devereux is using recreational activities and programs to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences acquire new skills, boost their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has reported nearly 74,000 cases of human trafficking in the U.S. Learn how Devereux is empowering survivors to regain control of their lives and supporting them on their path to recovery.

Read this Orlando Family Magazine article featuring Devereux Florida Foster Care Licensing Supervisor Stacy Lewis as she discusses the benefits and rewards of fostering a child or permanently welcoming them into your home through adoption.

The holiday season is here. For many, this time of year may generate feelings of excitement, joy and happiness while, for others, it might elicit feelings of anxiety, anger, regret or disappointment. Learn how to recognize and label your feelings so you can better enjoy the holiday season.

Devereux recently released its 2021 annual report, which includes information about our commitment to quality and safety, and the Devereux Family Standard.

November is National Adoption Month. Learn how Devereux is helping youth in need find safe, stable and supportive homes where they can grow and thrive.

Devereux Florida Regional Administrator Tia Glover, MPH, M.Ed., BCBA, was recently appointed to serve on the executive committee of the Black Applied Behavior Analysts board as president-elect.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the vital role people with disabilities play in the workforce. Learn how Devereux is helping adults build self-confidence, utilize their skills, achieve their goals and thrive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020, with an average of one person taking their own life every 11 minutes. Learn how you can help someone who is struggling.

Planning on taking to the skies or hitting the open road this summer? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips for families of children with disabilities to ensure a safe and successful trip.

Practicing empathy can help you build stronger relationships, manage your emotions and foster greater compassion. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers free video series on the power of empathy and how to avoid toxic positivity.

Read this Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine article spotlighting Devereux Florida’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children program, which provides comprehensive treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced emotional, physical or sexual trauma.

Devereux Florida Executive Director Lisa Kroger was recently selected as one of Orlando Family Magazine’s 2022 “Super Women” as a result of her extensive experience as a child and family advocate. Each year, the magazine honors women who are committed to making a positive impact in the community.

There has never been a more important time to make your mental health a priority. Learn coping strategies for managing stress and building resiliency.

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Learn how Devereux is helping children, adolescents and adults with autism lead fulfilling, productive and socially-connected lives.

During halftime of a recent Orlando Magic basketball game, two Devereux Florida adolescents were recognized in front of a crowd of thousands for their creative talents and artistic expression. Mariah and Marcella were named among the four winners of the Orlando Magic’s Black History Month art contest.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults with developmental disabilities increase their independent living skills, integrate into the community and achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare nonprofit organizations in the country, just published our most recent Safety and Quality Report.

Learn how Devereux is using recreational therapy to help those living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences learn new skills, achieve greater independence and enhance their quality of life.

An article written by Devereux Florida Director of External Affairs Lindsey Phillips was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article - “Devereux Florida student volunteers donate time and talents to support youth in need” - discusses the integral role student volunteers play in helping Devereux change lives.

Read this Orlando Family Magazine article featuring Devereux Florida Clinician Christin Edwards-Salinas, LCSW, as she offers tips for managing mental health during the holidays - and year-round. Edwards-Salinas encourages parents and caregivers to prioritize commitments, stick to a regular schedule, stay active and practice self-care.

Human trafficking is a global issue that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual trauma and exploitation lead safe, healthy and happy lives.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers tips for having a happy - and less stressful - holiday season.

In celebration of National Adoption Month, learn how Devereux helped a young man heal from past trauma and find his forever family.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn how Devereux is helping adults secure and maintain meaningful and competitive employment in the community.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, and the fourth leading cause of death for people ages 35 to 54. Learn how you can support those in crisis - and possibly save a life.

Is your child excited - and nervous - about heading back to school this fall? Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, offers tips to help children with special needs ensure a smooth transition.

Devereux Florida Medical Director Manal Durgin, M.D., was recently selected as one of Orlando Family Magazine’s 2021 “Super Women.” Each year, the magazine honors women who are helping to make central Florida a better place by “standing up for what they believe in; assisting people in need; and trying to lift up others.”

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children offers tools and resources to help adults strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

Read this WKMG-TV report spotlighting Devereux Florida’s partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to launch a Behavioral Response Unit. Since January, two clinician-deputy teams have responded to nearly 400 mental health-related calls across Orange County.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of many individuals. Learn how to cope with uncertainty and build your resiliency.

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Devereux Senior Vice President of Organizational Development Rayni Brindley, M.Ed., BCBA, shares her perspective on raising a child with autism.

Devereux Florida recently teamed up with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to form a new six-person Behavioral Response Unit to better support youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis.

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, learn how Devereux is helping youth and adults of all abilities achieve success in their homes, schools and communities.

At Devereux, providing fun, safe and effective recreational activities is a critical component of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Listen as Devereux Florida Clinician Christin Edwards-Salinas discusses the organization’s partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to launch a new Behavioral Response Unit on the Behind the Star podcast. Edwards-Salinas and Sgt. Bruce Vail explain how the unit responds to calls and what teams have encountered so far in the field.

Read this Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine article spotlighting Devereux Florida supporters who helped brighten the holiday season for youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. Learn how Devereux is helping youth who have experienced emotional, physical and sexual trauma thrive and succeed in life.

Read this Orange County Sentinel article highlighting Devereux Florida’s partnership with the Orange County Sherriff’s Office to form a new six-person Behavioral Response Unit to better support youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis.

Read this Viera Vision Magazine article featuring former Devereux Florida Donor Relations and Community Relations Manager Patty Hurst, who retired this fall after 30-plus years of dedicated service to the organization. Hurst joined Devereux in 1988, just one year after Devereux Florida established its Viera campus. She will continue to support the nonprofit by serving as a member of the Devereux Florida Brevard Advisory Council. (Note: The article can be found on pages 15-19 of the November 2020 issue.)

The holidays may look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean the festivities have to stop. Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico offers creative ways to make the season special, while staying safe and healthy.

November is National Adoption Month, and Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children find a loving family and a permanent place to call home.

Devereux Florida has received funding from the Florida State Legislature to expand the organization’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children program, which provides comprehensive treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced emotional, physical or sexual trauma.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents and thrive in their communities.

Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, shares activities to help your child or adult with special needs learn new skills - and have fun - while staying safe and healthy.

Read this Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine article spotlighting Devereux Florida’s Mobile Crisis Services program, in which licensed therapists are available 24/7 to provide immediate mental health support to individuals (up to age 24) in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

Devereux is launching an adult resilience initiative to help team members learn new skills to strengthen their social and emotional health and well-being.

There has never been a more important time to make mental health a priority. Learn how to manage stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.

Learn how to talk to children and adults with autism about COVID-19 to ensure they have the information and resources they need without causing unnecessary worry and anxiety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth and adults with developmental disabilities often face barriers that can make it challenging to function on a daily basis. Learn how Devereux is helping to break down these barriers.

At Devereux, providing fun and healthy recreational activities is a critical part of the successful treatment of youth and adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical/Medical Officer Yolanda Graham, M.D., recently discussed the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children during the National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health Emerging Best Practices Conference in St. Pete Beach, Fla.

Devereux Florida and Central Florida Lifestyle Publications recently teamed up to help make holiday wishes come true for Devereux Florida foster families at the organizations’ second annual “Camp Holiday Cheer.”

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country and every state in the U.S. Learn how Devereux Florida is granting hope and healing to individuals in need.

The holidays are a time of celebration, filled with family gatherings, gift giving and good cheer, but for many people, they also are a time of stress and seemingly never-ending to-do lists. Devereux Center for Resilient Children’s Nefertiti B. Poyner offers tips for families to slow down this holiday season and focus on being present, not perfect.

Since 1995, National Adoption Month has been recognized in communities across the country. Devereux is proud to work with foster and adoptive families to help children in need find a permanent, loving family.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida foster parent Mary Pangle retired this summer after providing a loving and nurturing home to more than 200 children over 50 years.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the significant contributions of workers with disabilities. At Devereux, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and achieve their fullest potential.

After learning about the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, youth and staff at Devereux Florida were spurred to action.

Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Devereux joins other individuals and organizations to promote awareness and combat the stigma associated with this tragic loss of life.

Devereux Florida Medical Director and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Manal Durgin, M.D., was recently named the “2019 Youth Behavioral Healthcare Professional of the Year” by the Florida Behavioral Health Association.

Devereux’s Amy Kelly shares back-to-school tips for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program, a strength-based assessment and planning system designed to promote resilience in children, ages 4 weeks to 6 years old.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is proud to serve as a nationally recognized leader in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare, providing innovative specialty mental health programs/services for youth and adults with emotional and behavioral disorders.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month in April, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health a leading provider of autism services for children, adolescents and adults - wants to highlight the need for greater understanding, compassion and support to help individuals diagnosed with autism lead more independent, fulfilling and socially connected lives.

Youth from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida experienced all of the glitz and glamour of a traditional prom during “Night to Shine,” a worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

Recreational therapy uses activities such as music and dance classes and arts and crafts to help stimulate and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit providers of behavioral healthcare in the nation, today announced that President and CEO Carl E. Clark II named Lisa Kroger, LMSW, and Michelle Llorens, M.A., BCBA, as executive directors of Devereux Florida, effective Jan. 7, 2019.

Human trafficking is an issue that affects every country around the globe. In the United States, one of the biggest challenges to combating this form of modern-day slavery is a lack of awareness and understanding.

More than 300 Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida foster parents and children experienced the magic of the season during an evening of holiday festivities and campfire fun.

The winner of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s 2018 Weaver E. Falberg Leadership Promise Fellowship award is Amy White, payroll and finance specialist at Devereux Georgia.

Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., offers tips for families to focus on togetherness during the holiday season.

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Month and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health wants to shine a light on the urgent need to connect the thousands of children and youth in the U.S. foster care system with permanent, loving families.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we believe all individuals should be given the opportunity to be included and make a positive impact in their communities.

The American Association of Suicidology reports that, in the U.S., nearly 45,000 individuals died by suicide in 2016. In addition, the organization said suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, with an average of one person taking his or her own life every 11.7 minutes.

During the Florida Coalition for Children’s (FCC) annual convention in July, the organization selected Devereux foster parents Bobby Sharp and Everett Kamuchey as its “Foster Parents of the Year.”

This month, the Devereux Center of Resilient Children invites everyone to embrace our shared role in promoting healthy early childhood development by taking its online pledge to promote the resilience of all children, and to learn more about the negative impacts of childhood trauma, as well as the need for trauma-informed practices.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida recently announced the certification of two foster families as “official safe homes” - providing special assistance and support for sexually exploited youth in Central Florida.

At an end-of-year event sponsored by the Medical Executive Committee of the Florida Hospital System, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida was awarded a donation of $15,000.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida was recently awarded a $95,000 grant through the state’s child welfare system to enhance foster family recruitment efforts and the provision of therapeutic support for foster youth.