Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center is presenting a speaker series for students and prospective students interested in “helping careers.” The topics for the Social Services Speaker Series have broad appeal to those interested in social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, and human services. The free, online series includes:

Saint Leo University to Host Social Services Speaker Series

Tuesday, April 13

Peer Programs for Criminal Justice, noon (ET)

Tina Kinney, executive director of NAMI Hernando (National Alliance on Mental Illness-Hernando County) will discuss how these programs work, the benefits of peer programs, and the harnessing of positive peer pressure to address negative behaviors

Social Work Careers and Practices, 12:25 p.m. (ET)

Eddie Williams, program director for Social & Human Services at Pasco-Hernando State College, will discuss social work specialty areas, licensure, and the importance of social change.

Questions and Answers, 12:50 p.m. (ET)

Register for this program at https://saintleo.secure.force.com/events/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a1S1M000009Y6LQUA0.

Tuesday, April 27

Substance Abuse/Mental Health from the Perspective of Children’s Protective Services, noon (ET)

Rhiannon Venturella, child protective investigator (CPI) with the Florida Department of Children and Families, will discuss substance misuse and relevant services for those battling with substance misuse and mental health conditions. The session will look at how these affect children and families.

Working with Youths from the Perspective of Public Schools, 12:25 p.m. (ET)

Sativa Fisher, social worker with Hernando County School will make a presentation about her work, the prevalence of youth mental health issues and function of social workers in the public school setting.

Questions and Answers, 12:50 p.m. (ET)

Register for this program at https://saintleo.secure.force.com/events/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a1S1M000009Y6M8UAK.

Tuesday, May 11

Suicide Prevention and Awareness, noon (ET)

Sarah Shirina, licensed supervisor of behavioral health with BayCare Behavioral Health, will discuss local services as well as those offered through BayCare.

Benefits of Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Mental Health Professionals, 12:25 p.m. (ET)

Dawn Wever, practicing licensed mental health counselor, will focus on the traditional relationship and the emerging one between professionals in these fields as they respond to mental health crises and issues.

Questions and Answers, 12:50 p.m. (ET)

Register for this program at https://saintleo.secure.force.com/events/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a1S1M000009Y6MDUA0.

For information about the East Pasco Education Center Social Service Speaker Series, email Yvonne Montell, senior associate director of admissions, at yvonne.montell@saintleo.edu.

Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center serves adult learners at University Campus in St. Leo, FL; and at Pasco-Hernando State College offices in New Port Richey, Brooksville, and Spring Hill, FL. For more information, email Derek Saunier, center director, at derek.saunier@saintleo.edu or call (352) 588-7451.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering 57 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to more than 18,200 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 98,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.

Media Contact: Mary McCoy, University Writer & Media Relations, mary.mccoy02@saintleo.edu, (352) 588-7118 or cell (813) 610-8416