Rhea Fernandes knew she wanted to pursue psychology, specifically serving the most vulnerable and underserved, at the age of 12. She pursued this in her studies growing up in Mumbai, India, despite the fact that the field of psychology was not developed and there was little direction and opportunity.
Fernandes started her career as a marriage and family therapist working with inner-city children and families and it was in this position she learned, firsthand, about the significant trauma many urban, poor families endured. After working at a systems-organizational level to operate strong programs and build continuums of care, she joined Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and within two years, was appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer.
“A systems thinker and change agent at her core, she has led the organization in this role for the last eight years and, during that time, initiated and supported cultural and operational enhancements that have had life-saving and transformational impacts on thousands of individuals and families,” said her staff. “Her position is both critical and challenging, and Rhea handles each day with grace.”
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations, providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare. The organization’s unique model integrates the latest scientific and medical advancements, with time-tested philosophies and compassionate family engagement, to provide practical, effective, and efficient care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of children, adults and their families every year.
According to Fernandes, she has always had a strong belief that she was in the right field and fulfilling her purpose. “There are inevitable challenges to be faced, especially for women and minorities in leadership roles,” she said. “When faced with these issues, I fall back to the role models I grew up with who faced even more significant adversities – and I reflect on how my position is one of privilege and strength in comparison.”
Adopting a servant leadership style, Fernandes never stops working to create a more caring world within, and outside of, the organization’s campuses, said her staff. “She ensures everyone feels welcome and she supports employees in developing, personally and professionally, to become their best selves,” they said. “She does this by being present, listening attentively and letting employees’ voices be heard.”
If Fernandes could give her younger self advice, it would be to “embrace the attributes and qualities that make you who you are, unique and different from others.”
