Spiritual Life Staff
Rev. Derrick Stevenson, PhD
Overseeing the spiritual well-being of residents at The Oaks of Louisiana and serving as chaplain is the Rev. Derrick Stevenson, director of Spiritual Life Services.
Stevenson earned a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1990. He went on to earn a master's in social work (MSW) and a PhD in counseling psychology. Throughout his 30 years as a clinician and leader at Willis Knighton Behavioral Health, Stevenson has played an active role on the pastoral care team and was a past staff member at Shreveport’s Summer Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to his leadership role at The Oaks of Louisiana, Stevenson leads the Willis Knighton Health spiritual life services program.
"The Oaks of Louisiana is a place where we can look in every direction and see all the goodness with which God has surrounded us," Stevenson says. "Especially from the Chapel at The Oaks, we can view the beauty of God’s creation and never forget how blessed we are."
Rev. Stephanie Cosme
Stephanie Cosme, pastoral assistant for The Oaks of Louisiana, has been in caregiving for more than 25 years.
She began her career in the healthcare field as a certified nursing assistant in 1994. She has worked in many areas of direct patient care including post-operative, geriatric psychiatry, hospice, emergency department and cardiac step down.
She has an associate degree in general science from Bossier Parish Community College and an associate degree in general studies from Northwestern State University. Cosme acquired her ministry credentials from the General Council of the Assemblies of God in 2023 and is still furthering her studies at Global University. "I still take care of people, just in a different way," she says.
As pastoral assistant, Cosme has an integral role in spiritual life programs and practices at The Oaks including Communion, bedside prayer, bible studies, and end-of-life celebration for residents, among others. She also directs the Oaks of Louisiana Chorus.
Cosme, a native of Smackover, Ark., has lived in Shreveport since 1974. She is a lifelong member of the Assembly of God church and attends Gateway Church where she is involved in food pantry, compassion ministries, and music.
Cosme considers it an honor and a privilege to serve residents of The Oaks of Louisiana. The surroundings are an added bonus, always conveying a sense of beauty and peace.
In addition to her role at The Oaks of Louisiana, Cosme is also pastoral assistant for Willis Knighton Health.