Another group of active police officers are better equipped to navigate mental health issues.
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
-Provided by St. Petersburg College