• 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

Compassion in action: Devereux PA CARES staff shine during community outing

At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, our mission-minded team members are committed to helping the children, adolescents and adults in their care live their best possible lives.

Recently, Devereux Senior Vice President of People Operations, Mike Ernst, SHRM-SCP, witnessed our team members’ compassion in action.

While grabbing lunch at Jad’s Pizza in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Ernst saw staff from Devereux Pennsylvania’s Center for Autism Research and Education Services (PA CARES) go above and beyond while supporting students during a community outing. Devereux PA CARES Special Education Teacher Janine Lanni and Teacher Assistant Lydia Kao, and Amber Pupko, who is a contractor through CRESS, were helping students order lunch at the restaurant.

“Our employees did an amazing job with the students – they were attentive and kind. When each student approached the counter, staff prompted and assisted them as they worked through the process of ordering and paying for their lunch. I was so impressed with how they supported our individuals, redirecting challenging behaviors and empowering them to make their own decisions,” said Ernst. “I went up to one of the team members afterward and told them they were doing a fantastic job. The owner of Jad’s Pizza also was extremely supportive. He addressed each student directly and positively. I was inspired by the entire experience.”

Engaging in the community

Going out into the community and visiting an establishment, such as a restaurant, is just one way Devereux Pennsylvania CARES helps students build essential life, social and communication skills.

“When our students visit a restaurant, they have an opportunity to learn how to express their preferences when ordering and appropriately interact with restaurant staff,” explained Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services Executive Director Patricia Hillis-Clark, Psy.D. “The experience also teaches students about budgeting, table manners and how to effectively manage their emotions or behaviors if they become overwhelmed or anxious. Our dedicated staff are by their side the entire time, offering support and encouragement. I am incredibly proud of our team members who were observed at Jad’s Pizza doing what they do best – providing the highest quality and most compassionate care.”

Learn more about Devereux Pennsylvania CARES, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Teeing up for a good cause: ‘Devereux Golf Cup’ raises more than $35,000 for Devereux MA/RI The annual “Devereux Golf Cup” was a hole-in-one for Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island. More than 70 golfers hit the greens at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, Rhode Island, for the event, which raised more than $35,000 for the organization’s therapeutic foster care program in Rhode Island.
		Putting others first: Devereux celebrates direct care staff during appreciation week Devereux’s committed and compassionate direct care team members work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life of the children, adolescents and adults in their care. During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week – Sept. 8-14 – Devereux is honoring its more than 2,800 direct care staff.
		Devereux/TCV Community Services opens Day Academy in Homestead to serve Mon Valley region Devereux/TCV Community Services, one of Allegheny County's most respected nonprofit organizations, has opened the Devereux TCV Day Academy – Homestead, an Approved Private School, in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
		Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Helping those in crisis feel safe, supported 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.

More Stories