Arrastia-DeVries brings nearly three decades of mental health, education and social impact leadership to San Diego’s leading children’s behavioral health nonprofit
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — September 14, 2026 — The San Diego Center for Children today announced the appointment of Afira Arrastia-DeVries, a nationally recognized nonprofit leader with nearly three decades of experience advancing outcomes for children, youth, families and communities facing significant adversity, as its new President & Chief Executive Officer.
As the Center looks forward to its 140th year of service to the San Diego region, Arrastia-DeVries will lead an experienced leadership team into its next chapter of service and impact, including a first-year priority to launch the Center’s new Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility — the first of its kind in San Diego, specifically designed to meet the needs of children and adolescents requiring intensive behavioral health treatment.
“The San Diego Center for Children has an exceptional team in place, an extraordinary legacy, and an enormous opportunity to shape the future of children’s behavioral health in our region, and I’m excited to be a part of that,” said Arrastia-DeVries. “Several years ago, when my daughter was facing a serious mental health diagnosis, the Center provided guidance and referral that helped my family navigate an extraordinarily difficult period. That experience stayed with me. The opportunity to now lead the Center feels like coming full circle and brings together my professional experience with an organization I have long respected.”
Throughout her career, Arrastia-DeVries has led initiatives spanning education, behavioral health, healthcare access, family stabilization, housing navigation, workforce development, case management and community health. Her experience includes building cross-sector partnerships and advancing programs and resources serving children, families and communities. Most recently, Arrastia-DeVries served as President & CEO of Monarch School Project, a San Diego nonprofit organization serving students and families impacted by homelessness.
“Afira brings the leadership experience, community perspective and commitment to children and families that the Board believes are essential for the Center’s next chapter,” said Dori Wittman, Chair of the San Diego Center for Children Board of Trustees. “She has demonstrated an ability to build partnerships, strengthen organizations and bring people together around a shared purpose. We are excited to welcome her to the Center and look forward to the leadership she will bring to our mission.”
Arrastia-DeVries succeeds Dr. Cheryl Rode, who will retire following 16 years of service to
San Diego Center for Children.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve the Center and work alongside people who
are deeply committed to children and families,” said Rode. “I am incredibly proud of what
our team has accomplished together and excited to welcome Afira to the Center. She is
joining an organization filled with talented people who care deeply about our mission, and I
look forward to supporting a thoughtful transition as she begins her leadership.”
Arrastia-DeVries will work alongside Rode and the Center’s leadership team during the
transition. Her early priorities will include spending time with employees and programs
across the organization and meeting with families, community partners, donors and other
stakeholders to deepen her understanding of the Center and the needs of the community it
serves.
“My first priority is to listen,” said Arrastia-DeVries. “There is tremendous expertise within
this organization and among the families and communities it serves. I look forward to
learning from them and working together to build a shared vision for the Center’s future.”
As San Diego Center for Children approaches 140 years of service, the organization
remains focused on expanding access to comprehensive behavioral health care,
strengthening community partnerships and ensuring children and families can access the
right level of care and support when they need it.
About San Diego Center for Children
San Diego Center for Children is the leading children’s nonprofit mental healthcare provider
serving the region. Our compassionate team of providers is dedicated to improving the lives
of children and families through effective and comprehensive outpatient, residential and
educational mental health programs.
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