Deveron McCummings

Empowering youth to navigate life's challenges with confidence and skill is the cornerstone of Deveron McCummings' approach as a Therapeutic Mentor. For over three years, McCummings has been a dedicated member of the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) services at the Center for Human Development (CHD), where he specializes in working with children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 16.

McCummings' role is uniquely tailored to meet the individual needs of each young person he serves. He works within a collaborative team model, partnering closely with clinicians and case managers to provide comprehensive support to families. His focus, however, remains on the specific requirements of the youth, allowing him to craft fully customized sessions that not only address their challenges but also tap into their interests and strengths.

At the heart of McCummings' practice is the belief in building trusting relationships with his mentees. He utilizes a variety of creative and engaging approaches to connect with young people, often taking them into public settings or planning activities that resonate with their personal interests. Whether it's a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame for a sports enthusiast or introducing a mentee to successful high school students as potential role models, McCummings goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences that foster growth and learning.

The scope of McCummings' work encompasses critical life skills such as interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. He employs a hands-on approach, using real-life situations and role-playing exercises to help youth practice and internalize these essential skills. His ability to adapt his methods to each individual's needs ensures that the skills learned are both relevant and applicable in the mentee's daily life.

For McCummings, the most rewarding aspect of his work comes from the moments of success his mentees share with him. He finds immense satisfaction in receiving unexpected calls from clients eager to report their achievements, viewing these interactions as powerful indicators of the positive impact of his mentoring. This dedication to his clients' progress and his innovative approach to therapeutic mentoring make Deveron McCummings a valuable asset to the CHD team and a trusted guide for the youth he serves.