Dr. Joseph T. Birli, LPC, NCC - The People-First Leadership at Bethany Children’s Home

Since stepping into the role of CEO at Bethany Children’s Home in 2019, Dr. Joseph T. Birli  has led the organization with a strong, people-first philosophy. Under his leadership, Bethany has overcome challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and also deepened its commitment to providing healing-centered, trauma-informed care to children and youth affected by abuse, neglect, trafficking, and abandonment.

“I believe in being a lifelong learner,” he says, and that mindset is evident in his approach to professional development and staff empowerment. He fosters an environment where everyone is encouraged to grow.

One of the moments that shaped his journey as a leader came from an interaction with a young girl who had survived both national and international trafficking. Initially, she struggled to open up, but through art therapy, she began to heal. When she left Bethany, she gifted a painting symbolizing her freedom from trauma. “She wrote that she would no longer be captive to her past,” he recalls. That same girl went on to graduate, study abroad, and start her own graphic design business. Today, she’s an advocate for other survivors, using her voice to promote healing.”

Stories like hers speak to Bethany’s core mission. Founded in 1863, the organization has served children for over 160 years. But under Dr. Birli’s  direction, Bethany has become a place of care and a space of transformation for many. Dr. Birli says the organization’s core mission is to support the healing of children from challenging circumstances. He mentions that maintaining health and safety, upholding integrity, and ensuring fiscal responsibility are key to guaranteeing continuous access to essential therapeutic resources.

For Dr. Birli, leadership is about integrity, empathy, innovation, and inclusion. He empowers his team to lead with these values as well. A major focus of his leadership has been creating a sustainable and future-ready organization. This includes investing in team development, cross-training, and building a workplace culture rooted in humility, passion, and relational intelligence. Team Member wellbeing is not an afterthought; it’s built into the structure. Bethany offers competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and ongoing training. He says that when the team is well-supported, they can better support the youth they serve. 

What truly sets Bethany apart is the way it engages youth. From the very first day, each child is asked a powerful question: “How can we help you succeed?” According to him, many children are taken aback as they’ve never been asked that before. “Our goal is to help them practice what I call ‘healthy selfishness,’” he explains. “When someone takes care of themselves, they become more capable of caring for others.”

One of Bethany’s approaches to healing is grounded in the Sanctuary Model, a trauma-informed care framework that’s been fully integrated into the organization’s culture. “Sanctuary isn’t a program; it’s a way of life here,” he explains. Every meeting begins with a community emotional check-in for each Team Member present. These simple but powerful rituals help build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and trust.

Spiritual care is another important component of Bethany’s work. While affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Bethany honors all faith backgrounds and takes special care to support those who have experienced spiritual trauma. “We have implemented a spiritual trauma assessment to guide how we approach each child’s spiritual needs,”  he says.

Despite best efforts, there remain misconceptions about residential care. Trust is the key component of healing, and for many youth, that trust is built over time; not just in therapy sessions, but during everyday interactions. Dr. Birli says that they never tell a child to trust them. They show them through consistency, patience, and presence. Whether it’s shooting hoops, baking cookies, or jamming in the music studio, team members  meet youth where they are.

Bethany’s facilities reflect this hands-on, youth-driven approach. From the HIIIT Room, where children can release frustration through physical activity, to the music and art studios where they express what words cannot, every space is designed to promote healing in different ways. “Some of our best therapy happens outside the therapist’s office,” he says.

Transition planning is a vital part of Bethany’s long-term impact. The organization provides Transitional Living Programs (TLP) and Supported Independent Living (SIL) for youth aged 18–21. These programs simulate adult life in safe environments with structured support.  Recognizing that many young adults still need support even after age 21, Dr. Birli and his team is designing an aftercare program that offers continued assistance and resources with housing, employment, and therapy.

Through all of this, Dr. Joseph T. Birli remains grounded in his leadership philosophy: people first, and everyone deserve their healing journey. He believes that when youth feel safe, seen, and supported, they begin to heal, and when Team Members feel valued, they can do the hard work of supporting others. His message to every new Team Member is simple but powerful: “You may never fully know the impact you have on these youth. But rest assured, you are helping to contribute to their healing and rewrite their story.”