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Authors Posts by Sharon Militello

Sharon Militello

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As communications director, Sharon Militello is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of the association website and social media pages; editing and preparation of communications; preparing and running webcasts; cultivating media relations; and maintaining relationships with technology support vendors.

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There’s been a lot of talk — and a lot of concern — about the federal budget and what it could mean for Medicaid. We’re all hearing it from you, too: “What’s actually happening?” “What does this mean for our funding?” “Are these changes final?”

This guide will help answer those questions. It lays out what’s in the current House bill, what’s at stake for providers, and what we’re watching next as the Senate and CMS weigh in.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • What changes are being proposed, like new work requirements and copays
  • What it could mean for your clients and funding
  • What we know, what we don’t, and what comes next

These updates aren’t always easy to follow, so we’re breaking them down in plain language, and we’ll keep doing so as things evolve. Stay up to date with our Medicaid Intel here.

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For the WGAL In Focus: Traumatic Brain Injuries episode, Susan Shapiro interviewed PA State Senator Tim Kearney, RCPA President & CEO Richard Edley, Jack Poplar from Success Rehabilitation, Inc. and Ellie Lacasse, mother of a child with a TBI. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services office of Long Term Living released its 2025 Home and Community Based Services rate and wage study, saying that residential rehabilitation, which traumatic brain injury care falls under, is underfunded by 44%. Guests described in detail the challenges faced by these individuals and their family members.

Advocates are calling for an increase, fearing that the system will collapse, leaving tens of thousands without critical care.

View the interview here.

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Aurora Kripa, COO and CEO-elect of KenCrest, has been named a 2025 Corporate Leadership Honoree by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This award recognizes top business leaders outside of the CEO role for their leadership and commitment to the business community. The Philadelphia Business Journal will honor her at the Corporate Leadership Awards celebration on July 10 and feature her in a special edition of the journal on July 11.

Aurora started with KenCrest in 2018 as a consultant and quickly stepped up as the Chief Human Resources Officer in 2019, and later as Chief Operating Officer.  She brought over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and operational oversight in the human services industry to the role. Before joining KenCrest, Aurora served as the first Chief Executive Officer of JEVS at Home. She established this JEVS subsidiary with remarkable growth; it served 900 individuals with $32 million in revenue, employing 1,200 staff in only six months. As the Chief Operating Officer at KenCrest, Aurora leads operational performance, growth and innovation in all services.  A dynamic, person-centered and results-oriented leader, she inspires teamwork and moves with determination, tackling the most complex challenges.

She holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Italian from Temple University, a Master of Business Administration from LaSalle University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She is fluent in three languages—English, Albanian, and Italian. Aurora has been recognized for her contributions to public service and leadership. She was honored with Billy Penn’s “Who’s Next” in Public Service Award in 2018, SmartCEO’s Future 50 Award in 2017, and the 2016 Cornerstone Award.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leah S. Yaw
(610) 542-3041
lyaw@devereux.org

Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D., named executive director
of Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services center

Villanova, Pa. – June 5, 2025 – Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of behavioral healthcare, today announced that President and CEO Carl E. Clark II has named Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D., executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services, effective immediately.

Dunlap most recently served as Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services’ assistant executive director, a position he has held since March 2024.

As executive director, Dunlap will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chester County-based center, which serves children, adolescents and young adults with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. His responsibilities include oversight of clinical, medical, quality improvement, physical plant and staffing, among other areas.

“Rick is a deeply respected and highly accomplished leader with a proven track record of empowering individuals and organizations to reach their highest potential,” said Clark. “His leadership is distinguished by a strong emphasis on collaboration, strategic vision and clear, effective communication. Throughout his career, he has inspired and guided teams to achieve extraordinary objectives and has fostered a work environment that supports growth and progress. His dedication to service will be invaluable as he leads Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services into the future.”

About Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D.
As executive director of Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services, Richard F. Dunlap Jr., Ed.D., brings more than 40 years of education, administration and organizational development experience to this position.

Prior to joining Devereux in 2024, Dunlap spent eight years at Chester County Regional Education Services (CCRES), most recently in the role of executive director. He also served as interim superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District (2019-2020 and 2022-2023). Before his time at CCRES, Dunlap held the following positions: superintendent of the Upper Darby School District; principal of East High School in the West Chester Area School District; principal of Garnet Valley Middle School; assistant principal of East High School; assistant principal of Fugett Middle School in West Chester; and teacher at East High School. He also served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Dunlap earned his Bachelor of Science in special education from West Chester State College; a Master of Arts in bilingual/bicultural studies from Marywood College; and a Doctorate of Education from Immaculata College. He also holds a secondary principal’s certification from Immaculata College. He is a recipient of the “Superintendents to Watch” award (2015-2016) from the National School Public Relations Association.

About Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services
Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services supports children, adolescents and young adults, from birth to age 21, with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and offers intensive services for at-risk youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Each year, more than 2,500 individuals receive specialized care, in the environment best suited to the unique challenges they face, all with the goal of providing them with the academic, social, emotional and life skills needed to flourish in the homes, schools and communities. www.devereuxpa.org

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
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. Founded in 1912, Devereux operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational and employment programs that positively impact the lives of thousands of children, adults – and their families – every year. The organization’s unique approach combines evidence-based interventions with compassionate family engagement. With more than 6,000 employees working in programs across the country, Devereux is a trusted partner for families, schools and communities, serving many of our country’s populations in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, education and foster care. For more than a century, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health has been guided by a simple and enduring mission: To change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Learn more: www.devereux.org.

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Home studio podcast interior. Microphone, laptop and on air lamp on the table, close-up

In a recent interview with The Spark on WITF, RCPA President/CEO Richard Edley, Jack Poplar from Success Rehabilitation, Inc. and Ellie Lacasse, a parent of an adult with brain injury in long-term services are urging lawmakers to include a $13 million funding increase in the upcoming state budget to support residential rehabilitation services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. An independent study recently commissioned by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services confirmed what providers have long warned: brain injury services are underfunded by 44%.
https://www.witf.org/2025/06/05/providers-push-lawmakers-for-13m-to-save-brain-injury-services/

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