Back to Institute Archive" Institute Honors Three Community Leaders"
The University of South Florida's Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute has presented three individuals with awards for their contributions to the field of human services.
Judge Mark Speiser of Ft. Lauderdale received the Innovator Award for his efforts in creating the Mental Health Court of Broward County. The Innovator Award recognizes individuals for their creativity and vision in implementing exemplary practices for serving persons with mental, addictive, or developmental disorders.
Judge Speiser was elected to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Broward County in 1982 and has served in the Juvenile Division, Probate and Guardianship Division, and the Criminal Division where he served as Administrative Chief for 6 years. Judge Speiser has been a strong advocate for the creation of specialty courts, implementing the nation's second Drug Court, a Habitual Offender Court, and the nation's first Mental Health Court.
Gwen Iding-Brogden of Homosassa was given the annual Friend of the Institute Award for her years of service on the Institute's Board of Advisors, and her effective advocacy for quality mental health services for the citizens of Florida. The Friend of the Institute Award recognizes individuals who have supported the work of the Institute and who have helped to assure its continued impact on the well-being of the citizens of Florida and the nation.
Iding-Brogden served as Chair of the Florida Mental Health Institute's first Advisory Committee from 1977 to 1983. Later she served as Chair of its Board of Advisors from 1983-88. In 1988, she was appointed Chair Emeritus and continues to serve as a member of its executive committee. Gwen Iding-Brogden has been an outspoken advocate for quality mental health services in local, state, and national arenas for more than twenty-five years.
Finally, Shirley Coletti of Pinellas Park received the annual Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the field of substance abuse treatment, prevention and education. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others and who, through their work, have improved service systems in Florida and throughout the nation.
Coletti was a driving force behind the founding of Operation PAR (Parental Awareness and Responsibility) thirty years ago. The agency began as a grass-roots organization and now is a comprehensive substance abuse treatment, prevention and research agency serving more than 50,000 people each year.