Posted 5/31/2024
The Merakey IDD Clinical Leadership Grows
Through the combination of retirements and continued expansion of Merakey IDD Services, the Clinical team has adjusted to meet the behavioral health needs of the program. Rather than looking outward for hiring, the clinical department actively fulfills the Merakey strategic plan by unlocking leadership excellence and creating career paths for the hard-working Clinical Directors, BCBAs, and behavior professionals within the department. Last year Paola Ortiz was promoted to Executive Clinical Director of California with BCBAs, and Julia Miracle and Alex Compton were promoted to report to her as Clinical Directors of Southern and Northern California respectively. This year the retirement of Clinical Director, Dr. Marie Dube, (still providing supervision and services as a consultant) resulted in Clinical Director Cheryl Schoell being promoted to provide Clinical leadership over New Jersey and Delaware as she reports to Executive Clinical Director Robin VanEerden. The recent retirement of Clinical Director Judy Maradin resulted in the promotion of Behavior Specialist Danielle Britton as the Clinical Director of the Pittsburgh and the Patricia Hillman Campuses. Danielle continues to report to Karie Lyons who was promoted to Senior Clinical Director. Karie joins Robin and Paola as direct reports to Senior Executive Director of Clinical Services Dr. Tim Barksdale. Karie ensures that the programs in Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock, and Hummelstown continue to receive needed clinical supports.
Congratulations to Merakey’s newest batch of leaders.


Kregg, James, Jonathan, and Keith from Merakey Wildwood had a fun visit to The Andy Warhol Museum with staff members Christian, Jamie, and Wendy.
Several Residential Managers at Philadelphia Campus were spotted out shopping for the individuals in their apartment, just in time for the Memorial Day holiday. Each month, staff at the Campus will be celebrating a different Merakey Core Value. The Value of the month for May is Compassion.
A big THANK YOU to the staff at Philadelphia Campus!
On Memorial Day, the guys from Merakey AVS Branchton Home attended the Memorial Day Parade in Harrisville, PA. They saw a familiar face as he marched past with the American Legion-Former HSS Terry Mack. After the parade, he stopped by to say hello to the guys. Thank you for your service!