Derrick Stephens

Derrick Stephens, MBA, LCSW, QS, is a dedicated advocate for vulnerable children and families in the child welfare system, drawing from his personal experiences of growing up in the foster care system in Georgia and Florida due to his parents' challenges with substance use disorder and mental illness.

He is a 2019 graduate of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar Fellowship, leading initiatives to enhance the quality of life outcomes for foster youth and families in Florida.

As the founder of Underdog Dream, a nonprofit organization, Derrick works to empower foster youth by inspiring them to envision a purposeful future and live intentionally.

Currently, Derrick serves as the President and CEO of Phoenix Healthcare Consultants and Research Faculty at Florida State University College of Medicine, focusing on improving services for children and families in the welfare system through innovative programs.

His educational background includes a Master of Social Work and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, complemented by a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and an Associate of Arts in General Studies.

Having held various roles in academia, healthcare, and research institutions, Derrick has accumulated a wealth of experience in curriculum development, training, executive coaching, and consultation in the field of child welfare and behavioral health integration.