New Vitae Wellness and Recovery Promotes Samara Speakes to Assistant Administrator
LIMEPORT, Pa., (October 2021) — New Vitae Wellness and Recovery has promoted staff member Samara Speakes, MEd to Assistant Administrator for the behavioral health organization.
Born, raised, and educated in Philadelphia, Speakes taps into her lifelong love for the city and its residents as part of her expanded role for New Vitae. As Assistant Administrator, Speakes is responsible for developing and implementing services and overseeing operations at the organization’s three Philadelphia locations.
“I have been focused on improving opportunities for residents of Center City Philadelphia for most of my life,” said Speakes. “I’m excited to continue that commitment by helping them access effective mental health care that addresses their own unique needs.”
Developed in conjunction with Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health, Community Behavioral Health, and the Beck Institute of the University of Pennsylvania, New Vitae’s Philadelphia residential treatment facilities are dedicated to serving individuals referred from forensic populations, offering gradual step-down and progression to community living. The organization has three residential treatment centers in Philadelphia, two on Walnut Street and one on South 6th Street.
In her expanded role, Speakes’ duties include ensuring that operations of the residential program is in compliance with appropriate licensing standards, supervising all staff members and consultants, and identifying staffing and facility needs to ensure the organization fulfills its mission to provide high-quality outpatient and residential services. She also leads the Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service, which offers community-based supports through the development of skills that support individuals in reaching their full potential. Speakes also directly supports the Peer Support Services Program, in which Certified Peer Specialists use the lens of their own experiences with addiction, mental health, or brain injury challenges to serve men and women facing similar challenges.
Speakes holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Jefferson University and obtained a master’s degree in education from Saint Joseph’s University. She lives in Philadelphia.
About New Vitae Wellness and Recovery: New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health care services and supportive residential opportunities for adults. Our array of services promotes holistic wellness through varying levels of residential supports that are combined with clinical services for individuals who experience mental health, addiction, and brain injury challenges. With sites in Bucks, Lehigh, and Philadelphia counties, New Vitae works with individuals and families to utilize personal strengths, develop personal independence, and provide opportunities for community connections. To learn more about our services, please visit www.newvitaewellness.com.