WHO WE ARE
Meet the Team
Our team is driven by the mission of Philadelphia System of Care: for every youth and family in the city of Philadelphia to be able to easily access a collaborative network of behavioral health services and supports that partner with youth and families to meet their needs.
Below are some of the people that make this happen on an everyday basis.
System of Care Administrator /
County Autism Administrator
About Valarie
Valarie K. Oulds, J.D. is the County System of Care Administrator for the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services.
In that capacity she oversees the implementation of a system of care framework within DBHIDS and across child-serving systems.
Valarie is a member of the Pennsylvania State Leadership and Management Team which has oversight responsibility for the PA System of Care initiative and is also a member of the PA Youth and Family Training Institute’s Advisory Board.
Valarie has close to 20 years of experience in policy and program development in the field of children’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities at both the state and local level. Valarie’s academic background includes a B.S.W and J.D., both from Temple University.
Valarie is also a proud parent with lived experience which both informs and inspires her work in system of care transformation.
Project Manager
About Dr. Bracaliello-Hagey
Dr. Bracaliello-Hagey (“Dr. B”) jointly co-leads and coordinates the planning and implementation of all aspects of Philadelphia’s System of Care grant with family and youth leaders, county agencies, and community partners.
She previously worked as a Project Director for a statewide System of Care Expansion grant and has provided technical assistance as a visiting consultant for SAMHSA’s TA Network.
In addition to her clinical training in pediatric psychology, Dr. B has acquired extensive experience in systems and service development, including building infrastructure and capacity for High-Fidelity Wraparound, family peer support, and family-run organizations.
Her interests include evidence-based practices for children and youth with behavioral health challenges, mental health promotion, and early childhood development.
Assistant Manager Operations
About Shine
With more than 20 years of experience in the health service organizations, communication and technology industries, Shine Thomas has a strong track record in administrative management functions, fiscal operations, project management and training, research and analysis.
He has a proven ability to streamline processes, maximize efficiency, and foster professional relationships within organizations. Shine’s philosophy centers around what role he can play in helping others find solutions. He is committed to excellence in service. He is dedicated, approachable, reliable, personable and motivated.
Shine finds enjoyment in helping people and organizations become successful.
Shine’s academic background includes a Master’s in Business Administration degree in Health Systems Management from Grand Canyon University, Arizona.
Youth Specialist
About Shaiheed
Shaiheed Days entered into foster care in Philadelphia Pa, and is a nationally recognized Fellow for the Yale University Lived Experience Transformational Leadership Institute: Let(s)Lead.
Shaiheed serves as a manager of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services flagship young adult leadership program, Youth MOVE Philadelphia: local chapter of a national movement to develop, influence, and raise awareness for youth and young adult mental health.
He is formerly a consultant for the Philadelphia Department of Human Services where he has trained over 150 child welfare practitioners, resource and adoptive parents, and youth.
Shaiheed believes that families and community have huge contributions to the healthy development and progression of our City’s youth and budding young adults. He credits his 18 years of experience in foster care and 16 years as an advocate for youth as the “…experiences that give meaning to our greatest pain in life: being loved.”
Social Marketing Coordinator
About Devon
With over 5 years of Communications experience and expertise through curricula and work experience, Devon Downes has a passion for creativity and using his skills to make a change.
He earned his Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Mass Communications at Bloomsburg University in 2016 and is now the Social Marketing Coordinator of the Philadelphia System of Care and the Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS).
Before this line of work, Devon has been volunteering and working with youth in the Delaware County area as well as Columbia County during his tenure at Bloomsburg University.
Devon believes that mental health is very important in wellness and is dedicated to continue the dialogue about mental health, especially with youth.
High-Fidelity WRAP Team
Amy Swett
Team Supervisor
Katherine Garcia
Facilitator
Ashlyn Saunders
Family Support Partner
Francia Layne
DHS Liason