Demereal A. Owens strongly believes that providing quality services is the foundation of a company’s success and satisfied clients.  As Chief Quality Officer and Chief Privacy Officer for The Children’s Center in Detroit, Owens works to bring this philosophy to life.  For 21 years, Owens has been devoted to improving the quality of life for others through behavioral health agencies.

Owens began her career in 1983 as a residential social worker at Metro Youth Program, Inc. in Detroit, where she provided weekly individual, group and family therapy.  She developed diagnostic treatment plans, as well as assisted in supervising eight residential employees.

In 1984, Owens began working at New Center Community Mental Health Services as an Intake/Central Screening therapist.  New Center Community Mental Health Services recognized early the skills of Owens and she was soon promoted as the Intake/Central Screening Director.  In 1987, Owens became the Outpatient Director.  She supervised Master Level staff providing mental health services to adult clients.

In 1993, Owens became the Quality Improvement Manager and was also responsible for coordinating employee development trainings.  She assisted the Agency in numerous, successful Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations  (JCAHO) site visits.  During her fifteen years of employment at New Center Community Mental Health Services, Owens developed a Substance Abuse Program, worked as the Night Clinic Supervisor and Therapist and was instrumental in the selection, implementation and training of employees on the Agency’s electronic record.

Owens joined The Children’s Center in 1999 as the Chief Quality Officer.  Her responsibilities include evaluating and improving the quality of services provided to children and families.  Monitoring compliance with State, County and Federal guidelines, and coordinating annual client satisfaction surveys.  In addition, internal process and systems impacting the Agency’s operations are reviewed to assess for areas of improvement.

In 2003, Owens also became the Chief Privacy Officer to monitor activities related to client’s health information for compliance with Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and the law.

The Children’s Center has been accredited through the National Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. since 1986. Owens has spearheaded efforts to maintain this prestigious accreditation.

Owens volunteered with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization for three years and continues to attend charity activities arranged by her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta.  She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Association for Healthcare Quality.  She graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and attended the University of Pittsburg, where she received a Masters degree in social work in 1983.