SPC Celebrates Second Cohort of Officers Completing Mental Health Certificate

St. Petersburg College will celebrate the graduation of its second class of active police officers from the Applied Mental Health Advanced Technical Certificate program on July 28, at 3 p.m. at SPC’s Allstate Center, 3200 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.

Dr. Brandy Benson, CEO & Chief Psychologist of Tampa Bay Psychology Associated (TBPA), will give the keynote address. A licensed clinical psychologist, Benson specializes in the behavioral health and wellness of first responders. Since 2010, she has worked with law enforcement and fire agencies across Florida to advance mental health advocacy and positive social change. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on public safety psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Her training includes work with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the VA, and local police and fire departments. Benson is also a published author in FBI and law enforcement journals and has practiced across Florida since 2012, with expertise in trauma, crisis intervention, and psychological evaluations.

Mental health challenges among law enforcement officers remain a serious concern. A 2024 Lancet Psychiatry study found that 25% of officers show PTSD symptoms — twice the rate of the general population — and nearly 1 in 5 experience traumatic brain injuries. Around 140 officers die by suicide annually in the U.S., more than double the number killed in the line of duty, with a suicide rate of 18–20 per 100,000 compared to 14 in the public. These figures reflect a growing crisis driven by repeated trauma and stigma around seeking help.

“We’re proud to recognize this exceptional group of officers completing the Applied Mental Health Certificate,” said Dr. Joseph Smiley, Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Human Services at SPC. “This training strengthens officer wellness, enhances community outcomes, and serves as a vital peer resource. Also, we eagerly anticipate welcoming a new cohort of officers in the upcoming fall. Additionally, we are excited to announce that we are in the process of developing a program tailored for fire and rescue first responders.”

Thanks to the generous support of the Pepin Family Foundation, all tuition costs for participating officers in this mental health training program are fully covered. This critical funding removes financial barriers, allowing first responders to access essential resources at no cost to themselves or their departments.

“Supporting the mental health of first responders is personal to our foundation,” said Tina Pepin, Director of the Pepin Family Foundation. “By providing education, proactive resiliency training and resources, we’re helping individuals process trauma in healthier ways — protecting their well-being and strengthening the communities they serve. We are proud to partner with Suncoast PBA, Chief of Police Association Foundation, SPC and law enforcement agencies to step into a more fortified future for our first responders and front-line professionals.”

SPC faculty also praised the dedication of the most recent group of participating officers. The 2025 graduating class comprises 13 police officers, detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants from St. Petersburg, Largo, Bradenton, Tampa, and Tampa Airport police departments.

The officers are:

St. Petersburg Police Department

• Officer Alyson Conley
• Officer Michelle Fotovat
• Detective Rachel Hunter
• Officer Dominque King
• Officer Melissa Kobonin
• Detective Jill Rayn

Largo Police Department

• Detective Stephanie Blitz-Trnka
• Officer Alex Rocha

Tampa Airport Police Department

• Mr. David DiSano (Retired Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office)

Bradenton Police Department

• Officer Jordon Poulos

Tampa Police Department

• Lieutenant Roni Hill
• Sergeant Sarah Michelson
• Officer Angelica Torres

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, 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.

When: Monday, July 28

• 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
• Dr. Joseph Smiley, Dean of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Human Services, SPC
• Dr. Latresha Moore, Director, Human Services Program, SPC
• Dr. Brandy Benson, keynote speaker

Agencies interested in having offices attend the program, please reach out to Dr. Latresha Moore at bighemmoore.latresh@spcollege.edu or Dr. Meredith Moran at moran.meredith@spcollege.edu