Meet the Team

David B. Roat, DOMedical Director

David B. Roat, DO, is a clinical psychiatrist with 20 years of clinical/administrative experience. He earned an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Scranton. Dr. Roat earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in psychiatry at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, where he served as Chief Psychiatric Resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry and has a certificate in Psychiatric Administration.

Most recently, Dr. Roat was the Chief Medical Officer at Friends Hospital. There he ran the Intensive Inpatient Unit, was the Director of the Residency Program and Medical Student Education. In 2019, he won the prestigious Golden Apple award from Drexel University for excellence in medical student teaching. Prior to Friends, Dr. Roat worked as the Medical Director at Ancora Psychiatric State Hospital, a 450-bed facility for the acute and chronic mentally ill for 13 years.

Dr. Roat joined our team in December 2019. He believes in the vision of a small, evidence-based unit dedicated to compassionately caring for individuals who may be having their first psychiatric crisis. Dr. Roat feels strongly that early intervention, education, and tailored after care can have the greatest impact and change the lifetime trajectory of many mental illnesses. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Roat believes the best patient care comes from a strong collaborative relationship with nursing and the other clinical disciplines.

Autumn DeShieldsExecutive Director

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.

Anne Marie EspositoClinical Director

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.

Gladys PaaswweNurse Manager

Gladys Paasewe is Malvern Behavioral Health's Nurse Manager. She is a bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurse with 12 years of psychiatric experience. Prior to Malvern Behavioral Health, Gladys worked as a Charge Nurse at Temple Episcopal Hospital and as a Nurse Manager and Nursing Supervisor at Friends Hospital in Philadelphia. In her previous roles, she was tasked with the daily operations of multiple inpatient units, along with a Crisis Center, which included crisis prevention and management as well as staff and patient education. During that time, she was recognized as a dedicated, ambitious, and reliable healthcare provider which she continues to be. Gladys has a passion for providing quality care to patients, and the leadership skills to inspire other staff to strive to provide optimal service to our patients.

Tinisha ScottLead Therapist

Tinisha Scott is Malvern Behavioral Health’s Therapist. She is a New York native, by way of Virginia. Tinisha has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Virginia Union University and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from La Salle University. She enjoys playing basketball, writing, and working with youth and young adults.