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Mental Health

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“My time at Strawberry Fields has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Working alongside a passionate and talented team of staff and board members, we have expanded opportunities, empowered individuals and strengthened a mission that changes lives every day. I am incredibly proud to have played such a part in shaping the organization Strawberry Fields has become”

– Strawberry Fields Chief Executive Officer Cynthia “Cindy” Pasquinelli

Throughout her decades-long career at Strawberry Fields Inc., an affiliate of Devereux, Pasquinelli has led with passion, purpose and an unyielding commitment to providing the highest quality programs and services for individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges in Centre County, Pennsylvania.

Pasquinelli joined Strawberry Fields in 1985 as the director of mental health services. Two years later, she assumed the role of acting chief executive officer before being appointed to the position permanently.

On July 31, Pasquinelli will retire after 41 years of exceptional leadership and service to the organization.

“When I first joined Strawberry Fields, we offered just three programs. Today, we provide more than 20, including a variety of intellectual and developmental disability, mental health and early intervention services, along with two social enterprises that create employment opportunities for adults with disabilities,” said Pasquinelli. “We have always believed our role is to serve the community, and growing these programs, while witnessing the growth of the individuals in our care, has been extremely rewarding.”

Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II noted, “Cindy’s leadership has been truly transformative. Her vision, integrity and deep expertise have made a lasting impact on Strawberry Fields, and the individuals and families served by the organization. Through her steadfast focus on person-centered, community-driven care, she has positioned Strawberry Fields for long-term success. As a result of her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those in need, her legacy will be felt for years to come.”

Creating opportunities, transforming lives
During her tenure, Pasquinelli said one thing she is most proud of is opening Strawberry Fields’ social enterprises: Scraps and Skeins, a creative reuse store, in 2015, and Good Day Café, a coffee shop, in 2018.

“We employ approximately 20 adults with disabilities at Good Day Café and seven with mental health challenges at Scraps and Skeins,” explained Pasquinelli. “Working at these businesses provides our individuals an opportunity to showcase their unique skills and talents, build life and social skills, and engage in their community.”

Pasquinelli added that launching Scraps and Skeins and Good Day Café has also had a positive impact on the organization as a whole: “People can see, firsthand, the meaningful difference we are making. We have grown our base of supporters as a result, which has allowed us to start new endeavors.”

Ensuring long-term sustainability
In 2025, under Pasquinelli’s leadership, Strawberry Fields became an affiliate of Devereux. Pasquinelli said the partnership strengthens Strawberry Fields’ ability to serve its community while ensuring long-term sustainability.

“Through this partnership, we have exciting new opportunities to innovate and grow,” Pasquinelli shared. “With Devereux’s support, we are preparing to introduce a new family-based mental health service and expand our autism assessment services in rural areas outside of Centre County. These efforts will help us reach more people, address emerging needs and continue to build a stronger, more connected community.”

Future plans
After her retirement, Pasquinelli plans to continue supporting Devereux in its efforts to forge new partnerships with organizations like Strawberry Fields that share its dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need.

Most importantly, she will focus on continuing to develop the David Pasquinelli Memorial Fund for Strawberry Fields, which was established by the organization’s Board of Directors in 2022 in memory of Pasquinelli’s son.

“The funds raised will support Scraps and Skeins and Good Day Café, as well as any new projects that may need seed money,” Pasquinelli noted. “While I will be stepping away from my full-time role, I am excited to work with Strawberry Fields as it enters its next chapter and continues to grow and evolve.”

Learn more about Strawberry Fields Inc., and learn more about Devereux.

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Message from the PA Department of Human Services (DHS):

Under the current federal administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (U.S. DHS) has lifted restrictions that previously prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from carrying out immigration enforcement actions, including arrests, in protected areas such as medical and behavioral health care facilities and social services establishments. It is now possible that U.S. DHS may attempt to conduct immigration enforcement activities in these settings.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, along with the departments of Aging, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Health, has prepared a non-regulatory advisory to provide general information about federal law applicable to immigration enforcement activities at health care and social services facilities. We also advise facility leadership and counsel to develop a written policy and standard operating procedures for what to do if immigration enforcement agents arrive on facility property or seek information about individuals you serve for immigration enforcement reasons.

In developing these policies and procedures, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services advises that you consider:

  • Designating legal and administrative point person(s) by name and phone number who will interact with immigration agents and review legal documents;
  • Planning for how your facility will respond to requests for information, requests to enter non-public spaces to conduct an arrest, and immigration enforcement activity in public spaces;
  • Engaging in advance with stakeholders and necessary resources; and
  • Minimizing disruption to individuals served.

This advisory does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney or accredited representative for legal questions about a specific situation.

Thank you for your service to Pennsylvania.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Allegheny Family Network Celebrates the Retirement of CEO Ruth Fox, Welcomes John Eliyas as Incoming Chief Executive Officer

Pittsburgh, PA — [February 9, 2026] — After more than four decades of dedicated service to children, families, and communities, Ruth Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Allegheny Family Network (AFN), has announced her retirement, closing a transformative chapter in the organization’s history. AFN also proudly announces the appointment of John J. Eliyas, MA, CPG, as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in the next era of leadership and growth.

Welcoming a Seasoned Behavioral Health Leader
As AFN looks to the future, the Board of Directors has appointed John J. Eliyas, MA, CPG, a respected behavioral health executive with more than 30 years of experience across mental health, substance use, forensic, and community-based systems.

John, of Penn Township, Pa., most recently served as Executive Director of Behavioral Health at Merakey, where he oversaw residential, outpatient, forensic, and community programming across Western Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has built multidisciplinary teams, expanded services, increased revenue, and strengthened system partnerships.

His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, frontline engagement, and empowering staff and families — values closely aligned with AFN’s family-run model.

“I am honored to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Ruth and the AFN team have created,” said Eliyas. “Family voice and peer support are critical to strong communities, and I look forward to partnering with families, staff, and stakeholders to expand AFN’s impact across Pennsylvania.”

John shares “lived experience” as a parent and caregiver, personally and professionally, across a variety of systems.

Honoring a Visionary Leader
Ruth Fox has devoted her career to uplifting families and strengthening mental health systems across Western Pa. Beginning her professional journey as a nurse and community volunteer, Ruth transitioned into behavioral health leadership, where she discovered her calling: ensuring families have a voice and a choice in their care.

Ruth, of Cheswick, Pa., began her position as Executive Director in 2008. Under her leadership:

  •       Budget growth from $250,000 to $6.1 million
  •       Staff expansion from 5 to 56 team members
  •       Service reach from 30 families per month to more than 467 families monthly
  •       Launch of the family-run statewide organization, the PA Parent and Family Alliance
  •       Innovative partnerships with family peer support and crisis response systems

Her leadership story is deeply personal as well as professional. Inspired by her own family’s lived experience navigating mental health challenges, Ruth built AFN around compassion, resilience, and the belief that every family deserves support, dignity, and hope. Ruth’s work has empowered thousands of caregivers and families over her tenure.

“Leading Allegheny Family Network has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Fox. “My wish is that the organization continues to grow, and continues to help families who are working hard so that their children can succeed.”

A Strong Future Ahead
AFN’s Board of Directors shared that this transition reflects continuity and growth.

“Ruth’s legacy is woven into the heart of our organization,” said Lisa Stefanko, Board Chair. “John brings the experience, integrity, and vision needed to carry that mission forward. Together, this moment represents both celebration and opportunity.”

Allegheny Family Network remains committed to strengthening families, elevating lived experience, and ensuring that families have access to meaningful support and advocacy.

About Allegheny Family Network
Allegheny Family Network is the largest family-run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families raising children and loved ones with mental health or emotional challenges in Pennsylvania. Through peer support, advocacy, education, and system partnership, AFN empowers families to build resilience, connection, and hope. AFN is based in Pittsburgh, with a satellite office in Natrona Heights, Allegheny County. It services almost 500 families monthly with Comprehensive Family Peer Support Services, Support Groups, Education Programs and Partnerships with child and family-serving systems. AFN has a staff comprised of parents with lived experience of raising children with mental health, behavioral health or trauma, from the Executive Team to the frontline staff.

Media Contact:
Misty Chybrzynski Woody
Chief Strategy & Development Officer
Allegheny Family Network
Office / Cell: 412-438-6130

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared this important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “FDA MedWatch – Medline Updates Instructions for Use for Homecare Beds.”

This recall involves updating instructions for using devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without following the updated instructions.

What to Do:
Customers have reported incidents of hand control pendants burning, overheating, melting, sparking, causing electrical shock, and catching on fire only for the Medline Basic Beds identified in the alert. Such incidents pose significant risks, including serious injury and death. The FDA is recommending affected beds be left unplugged from wall power unless adjustments that require electricity need to be made.

For Medline Basic Beds and Medlite Homecare Beds identified, only use accessories intended for use with Medline Homecare Beds.

On November 26, Medline sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions:

  • To mitigate risk during use, strictly adhere to usage guidelines and safety instructions provided with the product as well as the following instructions:
    • Do not operate bed above the specified weight limit.
    • Ensure none of the bed components are jammed.
    • Ensure that there is no obstruction to the movement of the bed.
    • Hang the pendant on headboard or footboard when not in use.
    • Do not store the pendant on mattress at any time, including while asleep.
    • Unplug the bed and call for service if any of the following occur:
      • Bed motors appear to be jammed, stalled, or malfunctioning;
      • The bed pendant controls aren’t working;
      • Pendant wiring is damaged;
      • Pendant becomes hot to the touch; and/or
      • Smoke, sparking, or other unsafe electrical conditions occur.
    • Only use Medline side rails and Medline accessories that are intended for use with Medline Homecare Beds. When using Medline side rails and Medline accessories, follow all applicable instructions for use.
    • Do not use non-Medline side rails or non-Medline accessories, including extension cords, with Medline Homecare Beds. The following Medline Side Rail SKUs are compatible with both the Basic Homecare Beds and the Medlite Homecare Beds:
      • MDS89697 (Clamp-On Half Rail)
      • MDS89698N (Spring Loaded Half Rail)
      • MDS89694N (Spring Loaded Full Rail)
      • MDS89695N (Economy Full Rail)

Reason for Correction:
Medline has identified electrical safety risks with its Medline Basic Homecare Beds that may lead to fire.

The electrical safety risk is a potential hazard involving the hand control pendant and associated wires for Medline Basic Homecare Beds, SKUs MDR107002E, MDR107002E-4, MDR107003E, MDR107003E-4, and MDR107003ELO. In certain scenarios — such as operating the bed above its specified weight limit, encountering an obstruction to bed movement, or experiencing jammed components/motor, among other potential conditions — the hand pendant and pendant cords may overheat and, in some instances, pose a risk of fire. Medline Industries has received reports of pendants sparking, burning, melting, smoking, and catching on fire.

As of December 18, Medline has reported 12 injuries and one death associated with this issue.

Additionally, Medline has identified patient entrapment as a potential issue when using non-Medline accessories on Medline beds. Non-Medline accessories or a user error when handling the pendant can unintentionally cause the bed to adjust position, entrapping the user’s body between the bed and the accessory. Entrapment could lead to asphyxiation, serious injury, and death. Patients with reduced monitoring, such as those at home, are at increased risk due to delays in detecting and responding to entrapment incidents.

As of December 18, Medline has reported two injuries and one death associated with the use of non-Medline approved accessories.

Device Use:
An AC-powered adjustable hospital bed is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a bed with a built-in electric motor and remote controls that can be operated by the patient to adjust the height and surface contour of the bed. Hospital beds include side rails that can be latched on or off and moved around.

Contact Information:
Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Medline Industries at 866-359-1704 or via email.

For additional information and specific models affected, visit the FDA’s website.

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The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro included an additional $13.2 million in state funding for Early Intervention (EI) services, with $10 million of this funding specifically targeting provider rates.

Last Friday, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released the 2025/26 Fee Schedule, which included a 7% increase for Early Intervention services, with some exceptions.

Infant Toddler Early Intervention Programs and providers should now use the updated Fiscal Year 2025/26 fee schedule rates to bill for all services delivered on or after July 1, 2025. OCDEL will coordinate with County programs to communicate a Mass Adjustment coordination with all Early Intervention providers for services already billed that are eligible for a rate adjustment.

This news comes after months of joint advocacy from RCPA, EIPA, PennAEYC, and other EI provider groups. RCPA is grateful for these strong partnerships, and we recognize this commitment to investment in the Early Intervention Part C Program by Governor Shapiro, OCDEL, and the PA General Assembly.

Read the full announcement here.

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