Meet the DE BEST Program Manager

Hello! My name is Celeste Peart, and I serve as the Program Manager for the Delaware Behavioral and Emotional Support Team (DE BEST) at the University of Delaware.

DE BEST is part of Delaware's RespondDE Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), which is managed by the Public Health Emergency Medical Services Preparedness Section (EMSPS). While many MRC volunteers support medical response efforts, DE BEST volunteers focus specifically on behavioral and emotional support during community crises and disasters.

Education and Professional Background

My educational journey began at Delaware Technical Community College, where I earned degrees in Human Services and Drug and Alcohol Counseling. I later completed my Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science at Wilmington University, along with a Certificate in Trauma-Informed Approaches. I earned my Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, where I concentrated my studies on organizational systems, resilience, crisis response, and trauma-informed leadership.

Throughout my academic work, I centered my research and coursework on cultural competency, trauma-informed principles, crisis intervention, and disaster response. It was this passion for trauma and disaster mental health that ultimately led me to the University of Delaware.

How DE BEST Was Strengthened

After volunteering with Delaware's Medical Reserve Corps (DMRC, now known as RespondDE MRC) in 2016, I was hired by the University of Delaware as an Administrative Assistant supporting both the DMRC and Delaware's Self-Management Program. DMRC played an essential role in Delaware's emergency response system, and I quickly recognized the need to formalize and strengthen a behavioral health response team within the state's disaster structure.

In 2017, during a Department of Corrections critical incident, behavioral health support was deployed as part of the response. I worked alongside a team of professionals to coordinate and provide Psychological First Aid over a five-week response period. That experience proved pivotal. It reinforced the importance of structured mental health disaster response and contributed to DSAMH's commitment to the continued development and strengthening of DE BEST.

Since that time, DE BEST has grown into a coordinated statewide effort focused on training, preparedness, and response.

Why This Work Matters

I genuinely enjoy connecting with partners, volunteers, responders, and community members. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn how we can better support Delaware communities before, during, and after crisis events.

My door is always open. If you have questions, suggestions, ideas, or concerns, please reach out. I welcome collaboration and value the dedication of every volunteer who serves.

Thank you for the work you do. I look forward to continuing to build readiness and resilience together.

Contact Information
Phone: (302) 383-3130
Email: cpeart@udel.edu

~ Celeste