Here at Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center, we’re always striving to provide the very best care for the children we serve across Georgia. That’s why we are absolutely thrilled to announce that Dr. Edward Valentin has joined our family as the new Director of Clinical Services!

Dr. Valentin is a true leader in child behavioral health, bringing over two decades of experience to our team. He’s a seasoned expert in trauma-informed care, youth services, and clinical innovation, and his passion for empowering healing and building resilience aligns perfectly with our mission.

Most recently, Dr. Valentin was the Senior Director of Clinical Services at Families First, where he was instrumental in helping them achieve Tier 2 core provider status—a huge milestone! He’s also a behavioral health strategist and program architect who has designed statewide models for justice-involved youth, unaccompanied minors, crisis response teams, and family stabilization services. His experience spans all levels of care, from residential to community-based, and he’s known for developing innovative treatment frameworks that foster long-term recovery.

Beyond his impressive leadership, Dr. Valentin is the author of the Psychosocial Resiliency Index (PSRI-30), a nationally recognized tool that measures community resilience. The PSRI-30 has helped organizations nationwide secure millions in grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Valentin to the Murphy-Harpst team,” shared Scott Merritt, our president and CEO. “His deep expertise in youth behavioral health, coupled with his innovative approach to treatment, will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our clinical services and provide the highest level of care to the children at the heart of our mission.”

Dr. Valentin himself expressed, “I am honored to join the Murphy-Harpst team and help build upon the organization’s strong foundation of clinical excellence. My own personal background and experiences working with youth in similar situations have given me a deep passion for this work. I’m excited to leverage my expertise in youth services and trauma-informed care to support Murphy-Harpst’s mission and ensure we are providing the most resilient and impactful care possible for the young people we serve.”

With a background in neuroscience, Dr. Valentin has advised state and federal agencies, including Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). He’s also the proud recipient of the 2025 Flames of Hope Award, nationally recognized for his work on suicide prevention and resilience among veterans and foster youth. He holds a PhD in Social Science from Clark Atlanta University with a dual focus in Behavioral Health Leadership and Neurobehavioral Biology from The Laboratory for Darwinian Neuroscience at Emory University.

We believe that Dr. Valentin’s leadership will be a powerful addition to our holistic ecosystem of care, working hand-in-hand with our teachers, therapists, and staff to help our students not only catch up academically but also learn to trust, overcome challenges, and build a foundation for a successful future. His approach will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to address the needs of the whole child, ensuring that every aspect of a child’s life is working in harmony to support their healing and growth.