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 Justin Veilleux – Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School Senior Licensed Practical Nurse
At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. These individuals selflessly give of themselves on a daily basis to help improve the lives of children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Our “Healthcare Heroes” series shines a light on our team members who humbly dedicate themselves to serving – and inspiring – others.
 Title: Senior licensed practical nurse
Center/office location: Devereux Connecticut – The Glenholme School – Washington
Length of service: August 2018
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I assist with maintaining student records and providing continued education for our students, as well as our staff. I also help make sure we are compliant with the Department of Children and Families. Maintaining safety for our students and staff is a big part of nursing.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
We work with kids, helping them cope with various things they struggle to cope with on their own, with the ultimate goal of assisting them in achieving a bright future. Being part of a team with that same goal is very rewarding.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
One of my clinical instructors, Mrs. Brester, was a nurse for many years. She always told me the best nurses keep their cool. She said, “Just remain calm, think, and if you know what to do – you will do what you need to do.” I have taken that with me everywhere.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
When it comes to maintaining the safety of our students and staff, there is not any room for compromise. Maintaining safety at all times is one of the many roles of nurses. I hold myself accountable, if I make a mistake, I will do my best to learn from, and improve upon, my performance. Collaborating with other departments is paramount to the success of students in our program. Nursing is always looking ahead to properly care for our students, either managing their medications or coordinating healthcare appointments. We always try to find ways to streamline those processes.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
Whenever I take time off from work or go on vacation, I always make sure to travel somewhere that I can bring my two awesome dogs!
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I honestly do not view myself as a hero, I just see myself as another nurse doing what they should be doing. Helping out where they can, however they can. I do my job to the best of my ability, and then hope to improve upon that again tomorrow.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Tasheika Roberts – Devereux New Jersey Program Director
At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. These individuals selflessly give of themselves on a daily basis to help improve the lives of children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Our “Healthcare Heroes” series shines a light on our team members who humbly dedicate themselves to serving – and inspiring – others.
 Title: Program director
Center/office location: Devereux New Jersey – Upper Southern 2 Region, based in Cherry Hill
Length of service: December 2014
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I oversee the operations and delivery of services in a residential, community-based setting. My day-to-day responsibilities include managing staff; implementing policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards; monitoring program outcomes and effectiveness; and maintaining relationships with individuals and stakeholders.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to help others, either by directly providing services or contributing to our organization’s mission of “changing lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences.”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I have been given is to “treat others the way you want to be treated.” This encourages me to be kind, empathetic and respectful toward others, which can lead to positive interactions and relationships. By treating others with the same respect and kindness that I would like to receive, I am able to create a more positive and harmonious environment for myself and all those around me.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis by empowering my colleagues. I provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. I offer training, mentoring and coaching, and give them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work. With regard to our individuals and families, I demonstrate Servant Leadership by utilizing the “putting people first” principle. I strive to go above and beyond to help our individuals, and make myself available to listen and offer support when needed.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
I am a past pageant title holder. I held the title of Miss Caribbean New Jersey 2013.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I am a Healthcare Hero because of the difference I make on a daily basis. I provide compassionate care, advocate for the needs of the individuals we serve and support their families.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Chris Niro – Devereux California Direct Support Professional
At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. These individuals selflessly give of themselves on a daily basis to help improve the lives of children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Our “Healthcare Heroes” series shines a light on our team members who humbly dedicate themselves to serving – and inspiring – others.
 Title: Direct support professional
Center/office location: Devereux California – Santa Barbara
Length of service: March 1999
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
I lead Devereux California’s greenhouse vocational program. I ensure the adults we serve who participate in the program have the opportunity to learn new skills and achieve success in a therapeutic environment tailored to meet their unique needs. Our individuals are involved in every aspect of the greenhouse, including selling the plants they grow to local venues and restaurants, as well as at local farmers markets.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
We have a wonderful and productive team at the greenhouse, and I emphasize that we are a team. I am very grateful to offer our individuals the opportunity to learn new skills and help them integrate into the community.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have ever been given is to “be kind.”
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I demonstrate Servant Leadership by working as a part of our team, rather than just a leader. I make sure I am working alongside our individuals so we can all learn and grow together.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
One thing my colleagues may not know about me is I was the first female member of an all-male management team at a discount chain of retail stores.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
“Be kind” is our motto at the Greenhouse. We help each other succeed and grow, just like our plants!
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Sherry McKenzie – Devereux Georgia Principal
At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. These individuals selflessly give of themselves on a daily basis to help improve the lives of children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Our “Healthcare Heroes” series shines a light on our team members who humbly dedicate themselves to serving – and inspiring – others.
 Title: Principal
Center/office location: Devereux Georgia – Kennesaw
Length of service: June 2003
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
In my role as principal, I am responsible for student growth and success (e.g., academic, emotional and social), staff development, school culture and operations. This includes ensuring students have access to current and relevant resources, technology, competent and qualified educators, career and work readiness opportunities and, most importantly, access to a Caring Adult in the Building (CAB).
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is two-fold: spending time with students, whether they are experiencing challenges or having a positive moment/day, and developing multiple opportunities for youth in care to have access to relevant and meaningful education programming. In my observation, so often the students we serve have never experienced learning as a “positive” encounter. When my team and I can flip the script, whereby attending and participating in school is something our students look forward to, it’s an incredible thing to witness.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was to “Look, Listen and Learn.”
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
I try to demonstrate Servant Leadership principles through my actions and beliefs. For example, I treat others with respect, dignity and fairness. I set high expectations for my students and education team, but in return, I walk the talk – leading by example. As a servant at heart, I enjoy supporting and giving to others with no expectation in return. Lastly, as a systems thinker, I try to utilize the strengths of others to impact the greater good of the school program.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
The one thing my colleagues don’t know about me is that I would love to travel to Italy.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
I believe everyone employed at Devereux is a Healthcare Hero. We want to share our time, talents and treasures to positively impact the lives of those we serve. I hope I make a difference by being open and receptive to understanding the needs of each youth in care and the people with whom I work. This begins by building genuine relationships and assuring each person feels valued and supported.
Celebrating Devereux’s Healthcare Heroes:
Spotlight on Margaret Wilson – Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services Food Service Specialist
At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do – and are key to our success. These individuals selflessly give of themselves on a daily basis to help improve the lives of children, adolescents and adults living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Our “Healthcare Heroes” series shines a light on our team members who humbly dedicate themselves to serving – and inspiring – others.
 Title: Food service specialist
Center/office location: Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services – West Chester
Length of service: September 2001
In your role, what are your main responsibilities?
My responsibilities are to provide a healthy and nutritious meal for the individuals we serve at Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services, and to follow any specific dietary guidelines according to the National School Lunch Program.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the camaraderie among my co-workers and the trust I’ve gained from both the staff and the individuals I serve on a daily basis.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My previous supervisor once told me that my integrity, as well as the love and effort I put forth will be shown through the meals I provide. His words encouraged me to always give 100% in the kitchen.
How do you demonstrate Servant Leadership principles on a daily basis?
As a 21-year employee, my experience has provided me with more than enough knowledge to run the kitchen like clockwork. I try to share that knowledge on the serving line and in the kitchen with new staff. I want our individuals and their families to know their food is made in good hands.
What is one thing your colleagues don’t know about you?
While I may come off as nonchalant about my work performance, and tell others “I’m just doing my job,” the truth is I care a lot more than people realize. I’m just not someone to brag or show off.
Why are you a Healthcare Hero?
What someone consumes for breakfast, lunch and dinner ultimately affects their health. I make it a point to provide the best service possible, especially when we have individuals with specific dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, non-dairy). We, in the kitchen, are essential. Ensuring a child’s health and well-being is just as much our responsibility as it is the responsibility of our medical staff or teachers. I take pride in knowing my role at Devereux is crucial.
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