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Melissa DeVillier
Huntsville,TX
Summary
Clinical executive with progressive experience leading high-performing behavioral health teams and scaling care delivery through data-driven strategy, strong clinical governance, and evidence-based practice. Known for translating outcomes data and regulatory standards into operational systems that drive consistency, compliance, and improved patient outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Clinical Operations
Promises Brazos Valley
College Station, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Provide senior clinical leadership for a dual-diagnosis treatment program, overseeing development and execution of evidence-based clinical standards aligned with enterprise quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Analyze clinical data and performance trends to identify gaps, inform decision-making, and improve team effectiveness.
- Partner with medical, psychiatric, operations, and admissions leadership to drive implementation of clinical programs and reduce unwarranted variation in care.
- Design and implement systems and workflows to increase operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of clinical care.
- Monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous quality improvement across clinical services.
- Conducted regular chart audits to ensure clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and adherence to state and payer requirements.
- Led insurance reviews and clinical appeals for clients denied coverage, supporting medical necessity determinations.
- Trained, supervised, and overseen multidisciplinary clinical staff to ensure competency, consistency, and ethical practice.
- Provided clinical supervision to intern students and counselor associates in alignment with licensure and training requirements.
- Integrated current research and evidence-based practices into clinical operations to improve outcomes and performance metrics.
- Operate with a high degree of autonomy in clinical decision-making while escalating organizational risk, safety, or compliance issues appropriately.
Executive Director
Piney Woods Counseling & Behavioral Center
Huntsville / Conroe, TX
11.2021 - 12.2023
- Served as executive leader for a multi-service behavioral health organization, overseeing clinical strategy, operations, workforce development, and community partnerships.
- Established enterprise clinical standards, supervision models, and governance processes to ensure quality, compliance, and sustainability.
- Built and led interdisciplinary clinical teams through recruitment, training, supervision, and professional development initiatives.
- Negotiated and managed contracts with school districts, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to expand access to care and support organizational growth.
- Partnered with nonprofit organizations to design and deliver trauma-informed services for veterans and underserved populations.
- Oversaw outsourced services and external partnerships, ensuring alignment with clinical standards and performance expectations.
Lead Therapist / Program Lead
Operation Red Wings Foundation
Huntsville, TX
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided clinical leadership for trauma-focused programming serving veterans and their families.
- Led therapeutic planning and execution for veteran family retreat programs, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and group-based psychoeducation.
- Delivered specialized trauma treatment and contributed to development of program resources supporting long-term recovery and family stability.
Clinical Director
Rise Counseling & Wellness Center
Trinity / Huntsville, TX
05.2018 - 11.2021
- Directed clinical operations for a community behavioral health organization, overseeing service delivery, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
- Established referral networks and interagency partnerships to improve access to trauma-informed care.
- Developed and presented budget proposals aligned with clinical priorities and organizational sustainability.
- Collaborated in multidisciplinary teams with child advocacy centers, CPS, law enforcement, and district attorneys to support coordinated response to child abuse cases.
- Served as expert witness in criminal and civil proceedings, translating clinical findings into organizational and legal contexts.
Rural Counties Counselor
Saafe House
Huntsville, TX
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Delivered individual and family therapy to adult and child survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Provided school-based counseling services to children and adolescents across three rural counties.
- Supported clients in completing protective orders and other legal documentation related to safety planning.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, attorneys, Child Protective Services, and child advocacy centers to promote client safety and continuity of care.
Counselor – Student Intern
Gibbs Elementary School
Huntsville, TX
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided child-centered play therapy to pre-kindergarten students.
- Incorporated the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics into play-based interventions for children with histories of trauma.
- Facilitated Child–Parent Relationship Training (CPRT) groups to strengthen caregiver-child relationships.
Counselor – Student Intern
Jack Staggs Clinic
Huntsville, TX
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Provided individual counseling, group counseling, and play therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in a community clinic setting.
- Led group counseling for at-risk adolescents enrolled in an alternative high school program.
- Conducted research on childhood trauma with a focus on mental health needs in rural communities.
- Utilized evidence-based interventions, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), to treat children and adults impacted by trauma.
Education
Ph.D - Counselor Education & Supervision, Leadership
University of the Cumberlands
08-2024
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Sam Houston State University
05-2015
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sam Houston State University
05-2011
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Protocol development
- Treatment service implementation
- Quality improvement
- Operational efficiency
- Improving clinical quality outcomes
- Verbal and written communication
- Interpersonal skills
Affiliations
- ACES- Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
- SACES- Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor (#77316), 2017
- Specialty: Approved Supervisor, 2025
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (Advanced/Enhanced training), 2022
- EMDR Training, 2019
- ASK Suicide Intervention Trainer, 2016
Timeline
Director of Clinical Operations
Promises Brazos Valley
08.2024 - Current
Lead Therapist / Program Lead
Operation Red Wings Foundation
01.2022 - 05.2023
Executive Director
Piney Woods Counseling & Behavioral Center
11.2021 - 12.2023
Clinical Director
Rise Counseling & Wellness Center
05.2018 - 11.2021
Rural Counties Counselor
Saafe House
01.2015 - 01.2016
Counselor – Student Intern
Gibbs Elementary School
01.2013 - 01.2014
Counselor – Student Intern
Jack Staggs Clinic
01.2012 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sam Houston State University
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Sam Houston State University
Ph.D - Counselor Education & Supervision, Leadership
University of the Cumberlands
Supervision Experience
Counselor Supervisor (Practicum/Internship Students):
- Piney Woods Counseling & Behavioral Center, Huntsville/Conroe, TX
- 01/2022 – 06/2023
- Rise Counseling & Wellness Center, Trinity, TX
- 05/2018-11/2021