SPC Hosts Completion Ceremony for Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate
SPC Hosts Completion Ceremony for Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate
The College celebrates the first cohort of active police officers who are now better equipped to navigate mental health issues
SPC is hosting a completion ceremony for the first cohort for the Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate. The College is celebrating the achievements of the first cohort of active police officers who are completing the Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate on Monday, July 22 at 3 p.m. at SPC’s Allstate Center, 3200 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman will give the Keynote Address and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will also deliver remarks.
Lt. Col. Grossman is a former U.S. Army Ranger, paratrooper, and West Point psychology professor. For the last 25-plus years, Dave Grossman has been a leading voice to military and law enforcement men and women across the country and has shared his Bulletproof Mind presentation that provides tools to enable mental resiliency.
Attorney General Moody, a fifth-generation Floridian, was born and raised in Plant City. She attended the University of Florida where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and law degree. She later attended Stetson University College of Law earning a Masters of Law in International Law. Since taking, she has been recognized as a leader having served as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, as Chair of Florida’s Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse and continues to serve as Chair of Florida’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.
Mental health, especially in first responders, is an often overlooked, yet prevalent, issue. A 2022 study found that one in three law enforcement officers experience symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder during their careers. The same study also reveals a higher suicide rate for police officers than deaths in the line of duty.
"We are dedicated to offering comprehensive academic mental health training for our law enforcement officers, aiming to enhance community outcomes and support the mental well-being of officers,” said Dr. Joseph Smiley, Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Human Services at SPC. “We are proud of the inaugural group of outstanding officers who have completed the Applied Mental Health Certificate Program, and we look forward to providing this opportunity to a new group of officers in the upcoming fall."
Nearly four years after the initial Ruderman report in 2018, the numbers haven’t changed much, but the stresses of our society have only increased. There is an urgent need for change in our law enforcement culture to create more robust mental health support systems for our officers in need. This certification equips officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of mental health and provides their fellow officers with an additional resource to turn to during times of need.
"As a former law enforcement officer and mental health therapist who works with first responders, it has been amazing to work with this inaugural cohort in the Mental Health Certificate program,” said Dr. Meredith Moran, Program Coordinator at SPC. “As faculty and staff, we have learned so much from these officers about what they need to make positive mental health changes in their agencies and help their peers. I hope that SPC can serve as a templet for the nation on how real change can be made in the state of mental health for our first responders".
The inaugural 2024 graduating class comprises 14 police officers, detectives, sergeants, commanders, and corporals from St. Petersburg, Gulfport, Tampa, and Clearwater Police departments. The officers are:
St. Petersburg Police Department
- Officer Mariela Bakieva
- Officer Jeffery Cornelisse
- Sergeant Leonard Hasson
- Officer Dianeka Jones
- Officer Kaitlyn Larson
- Officer Stefani L'Esperance
- Detective Sidney VanTuy
- Officer Jonathan Schweiger
Gulfport Police Department
- Commander Mary Farrand
- Officer Arion Nieves
Tampa Airport Police Department
- Officer Angeliesse Nesterwitz
- Officer Stephanie Pascalli
Clearwater Police Department
- Detective Jonathan Vangeli
Tampa Police Department
- Corporal Randi Whitney
"It's truly heartening to be a part of an initiative like the law enforcement mental health cohort. Mental health support for those in law enforcement is crucial given the unique challenges and stressors we face,” said Commander May Farrand of the Gulfport Police Department. “Having culturally competent and empathetic instructors like Dr. Moran, Dr. Moore, and Professor Molinaro can make all the difference in creating a safe space for officers to seek help, support, and ask questions. Their open-door policy and willingness to incorporate feedback from participants demonstrates a commitment to continually improving the program and ensuring it meets the needs of those it serves."
The year-long program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage job-related stressors effectively, as well as to assist fellow officers and community members facing mental health challenges. Throughout their training, officers develop a variety of skills, including:
- Emotional intelligence, counseling skills and interview techniques to effectively support individuals experiencing mental health crises.
- The ability to identify mental health issues in need of appropriate assessment in professional practice
- Access to resources to successfully navigate peers to a higher level of care, when needed.
Upon completion of the first cohort’s training, participants are now qualified to act as mental health liaisons within their respective agencies. This role offers an additional layer of support for fellow officers in need. The graduating officers have committed to serving in this capacity for a minimum of three years, ensuring sustained impact and continuous support within the law enforcement community.
"Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being for law enforcement officers. It is essential to acknowledge and address the mental health needs of law enforcement officers to ensure they can perform their duties effectively and safely,” said Office Stephanie Pascalli of the Tampa Airport Police Department. “By providing robust mental health resources and support, we can help law enforcement officers maintain their well-being, improve their performance, and ensure they are equipped to serve and protect their communities effectively. This SPC program has promoted a culture that values mental health, providing access to comprehensive mental health resources, and encouraged open discussions about mental wellness that aimed to support officers in leading balanced, healthy lives."
When: Monday, July 22
- Meet and Greet: 2:30 p.m.
- Program: 3 p.m.
Where: SPC’s Allstate Center, 3200 34th St. S., St. Petersburg
Interview and photo opportunities (during the event or separately):
- Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, Vice President of Academic Affairs, SPC
- The Honorable Ashley Moody, Florida Attorney General
- Dr. Joseph Smiley, Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Human Services, SPC
- Dr. Latresha Moore, Director, Human Services Program, SPC
- Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, keynote speaker
This is a press release from St. Petersburg College. For more information, contact Samantha Stanich, Communications/PR Coordinator, at 727-341-4195 or Lise Fisher, interim AVP, Marketing and Strategic Communications, at 727-341-3076.