Meet the Team

Autumn DeShieldsChief Executive Officer

Autumn DeShields is the Executive Director of Malvern Behavioral Health. She was instrumental in the design of the unit, recruitment of our experienced team and overall logistics. In her role, Autumn is responsible for managing the daily operations of the facility while ensuring patient safety and providing patients with the highest quality clinical care.

Autumn joined Malvern Institute in May 2019. She is an experienced behavioral health administrator with a record of progressive leadership experience in the Philadelphia Market.

Autumn is a registered nurse who has worked in behavioral health for over 10 years. She has worked with multiple patient populations including acute, geriatric, adolescent, dual diagnosis, and eating disorder.

Autumn’s clinical knowledge has led her to hold multiple leadership roles including Nurse Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Chief Nursing Officer at local Philadelphia Hospitals.

Dr. Frances AledoMedical Director, Lotus and Wisteria Programs

Dr. Frances Aledo joined the Malvern Health team in March 2022.

Dr. Aledo graduated from the School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico. She did her psychiatric training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA, where she also served as Chief Resident. She completed her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Institute for Juvenile Research of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Aledo is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

She brings experience working in inpatient, outpatient, emergency psychiatry, partial hospital programs, and community psychiatry. Dr. Aledo will be responsible for the psychiatric oversight of our inpatient psychiatric young adult and LGBTQ programs.

Jeffrey Simon, MDMedical Director, Sage Program

Dr. Simon is a triple trained physician who completed his general and adult psychiatry residency at the LSU/Ochsner Medical Center during Post Katrina New Orleans, where he was one of few psychiatrists who remained in New Orleans at a time when psychiatric care was among the most needed specialties of medicine during the crisis that spanned several years.

Dr. Simon then completed his Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, NY, and Rutgers University/UMDNJ. Rounding out his training and education, Dr. Simon went on to complete his Fellowship in Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry at the Dartmouth-Geisel School of Medicine.

This unique and comprehensive training has prepared him to meet the current complex needs of treating children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing acute and chronic issues such as depression and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress issues, complex mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

Anne Marie Esposito, LPCChief Operating Officer

Annemarie Esposito joined our team in September 2019. She has been instrumental in the development of Malvern’s Clinical Program. Specialties include evidence-based practices, failure to launch, vaping, and addictions related to substance, gaming, and screen time.

Annemarie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has extensive clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families as a family and individual therapist, supervisor, and team leader. She has held various clinical roles in family-based case management and outpatient programs, as well as providing intensive treatment in multiple residential settings to adolescents with sexual behavior problems.

Annemarie has expertise in working with survivors of sexual trauma, violence prevention, and juvenile probation, and has extensive experience providing services to individuals struggling with PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and substance abuse/dependence. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from West Chester University and received her certification in elementary education in 1998.

Annemarie completed her graduate studies at West Chester University and received a Master of Education degree with specialization in higher education and elementary education counseling in 2003. She obtained her license in Professional Counseling in 2009.

Benjamin Kessler, LCSWClinical Director

Benjamin Kessler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, as well as behavioral health issues. Benjamin received a Master of Social Service degree from Bryn Mawr College in 2019 and has an undergraduate degree in Social Work from LaSalle University, which he received in 2017. 

Benjamin obtained his Clinical Social Work License in March of 2022. Benjamin is dedicated to staying informed of the latest research and advancements in the field of addiction and behavioral health and has witnessed the transformative power of effective treatment and the impact it can have on the lives of those in need.

Benjamin has played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring a team of dedicated professionals with a focus on implementing evidence-based therapies and innovative interventions to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients. Benjamin is passionate about fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where all team members can thrive.

Benjamin firmly believes that effective communication and teamwork are key to providing comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. By promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development, Benjamin aims to empower his team to deliver the highest standard of care.

Together, we can create a supportive and compassionate environment where individuals can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives.

Merinda Joseph, BS, BSN, RNNurse Manager

Merinda Joseph began her career as a nurse seven years ago. She initially obtained a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from Lehman College in New York in 2015.

Merinda then went on to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Holy Family University in 2017. She worked as the Charge Nurse of the Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Friends Hospital for 3 years.

Merinda then joined Malvern in January 2020 as the Charge Nurse of the Young Adult Unit and was recently promoted to Nurse Manager for our Lotus and Wisteria Programs. She specializes in milieu management, crisis intervention and management.

Leticia Caraballo, RNNurse Manager

Leticia Caraballo has been a registered nurse for 11 years. She earned her RN license in 2012 after graduating from Bucks County Community College. Soon after, she began her career working in inpatient psychiatric facilities and has extensive experience working in acute, young adult and dual diagnosis populations.

Leticia was the first floor nurse to work for Malvern Behavioral Health when we opened in 2019 and was promoted to her current position as Nurse Manager in 2022. She is a firm believer in treating patients with compassion.  She prides herself in taking the initiative in crisis intervention.