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 access our Healthcare Heroes and Servant Leadership Snapshot webpages and read features shining a light on our passionate and compassionate staff.
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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Servant Leadership Snapshot
Stacy Lewis, Foster Care Licensing Supervisor
 Center/office location: Devereux Florida/Central Florida (Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties)
Length of service: 2014
How do you embed an inclusive, Servant Leadership mindset into your daily processes?
Although Servant Leadership may come naturally to those in the field of caring for others, I strive to make it part of every choice, interaction and directive. I do this to empower others to reach their highest potential. Love truly is the most lasting when it’s used to uplift others.
How do you inspire others to embrace Servant Leadership practices?
When we lead with the Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership, it honors Devereux and those we serve. Intentionally setting an example of honor, integrity and service is key. Conducting myself on a daily basis with that in mind encourages those who work alongside me to do the same.
Share an example or story of how you demonstrated compassion or delivered quality customer service at your center.
I strive to operate with a servant’s heart, stopping at nothing to make a foster child happy or a foster family feel supported. I find solutions to meet the unique needs of our foster and adoptive families. When a solution does not come quickly, I reach out to my network and others. Every year, I work to ensure holiday wish lists are fulfilled for hundreds of foster youth and families. One time, I equipped a newly licensed foster family so they could bring home newborn triplets within just a few hours’ notice. I provided them with custom strollers, infant comfort and safety items, clothing, formula, diapers and more to help them feel wrapped with support.
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