May 22nd 2024

EPIC HONOREES

Melida Akiti

Chief Community Officer and Vice President of the Ambulatory Program, Memorial Healthcare System

Melida Akiti is the Chief Community Officer and Vice President of the Ambulatory Program at Memorial Healthcare System, and Health Equity Diversity and Inclusion System Leader. Melida is known to be an innovative healthcare professional that has held healthcare executive roles for the last 30 years, formerly as the Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer at Jackson Health System Mental Health Hospital, Ambulatory Services and Primary Health Centers, and Correction Health Services. Melida is a mental health advocate, developing the first integrated mental health and Primary Care practice at Memorial Healthcare System. 

Melinda Blostein, Esq

Chief Assistant Public Defender, Law Office of the Public Defender

She serves as the Chief Assistant Public Defender for the Specialty Courts Division, including the Mental Health Divisions, Drug Courts and Veterans Treatment Intervention Court. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center cum laude, earning her Juris Doctorate in 1996. Ms. Blostein began her legal career with the Broward County Public Defender’s Office in 1996 and has previously served as a supervisor in both the Juvenile Division and in Mental Health Court.

Monica Figueroa King

Chief Executive Officer, Broward Healthy Start Coalition, Inc.

Monica has a twenty five year career in Human Services. She has extensive experience and knowledge of the systems of care that serve children and families such as child welfare, behavioral health, early learning, and maternal and child health. She began her career in Human Services in child welfare and moved into the coordination of investments in Prevention Services. In 2016, Monica became the Chief Executive Officer for the Broward Healthy Start Coalition, the county’s lead agency in provision of maternal child health services.

Lee Ann Greenstein, MSW

Compliance Officer/Director Of Quality

Henderson Behavioral Health 

Lee Greenstein has dedicated her career to advocacy for those impacted by their mental health. Ms. Greenstein earned her BSW at the University of South Florida and her MSW at Barry University. She started her career in Miami and has worked for Henderson Behavioral Health since 1999. Ms. Greenstein’s passion for quality also includes her leadership at Henderson in Zero Suicide and Trauma Informed Care. “In the end it’s all about saving lives.”

Barbara Harmon

Chief Executive Officer

Footprint to Success Clubhouse

For 14 years Barbara Harmon has been the CEO of Footprint to Success Clubhouse - a Clubhouse that she founded which aids adults with severe and persistent mental illness to reintegrate through finding community. lt also helps with jobs, education, and socíalization. Barbara is an invaluable member of the community. Without her, there would be fewer resources, less support, and a much more limited understanding of mental health in Broward County.

William King, BA

Director of Housing and SOAR Entitlements,

Broward Behavioral Health Coalition

William King has a Bachelor of Psychology degree from USF and began working at Henderson Behavioral Health as a Social Specialist, an Intensive Case Manager and ultimately becoming the Housing Services Coordinator working for HBH for over 23 years. William’s career naturally progressed to working for Broward Behavioral Health Coalition in December 2018, where he was hired as their Director of Housing and SOAR Entitlements. William has been a lifelong advocate for those in need. 

Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC

Director of Training Initiatives, United Way of Broward County

Aisha T. McDonald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert who has worked in the social services field for over 15 years. She currently serves as the Director of Training Initiatives for United Way of Broward County. McDonald is also a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging expert who aims to address the systemic barriers to equity in our community. She regularly facilitates professional development workshops focused on behavioral health and equity.

Exceptional People Impacting the Community (EPIC) 2024 marks Mental Health America's 28th annual celebration of EPIC. This year's "EPIC Awards Luncheon" will take place on Wednesday, May 22th at the Embassy Suites located in Fort Lauderdale. 

Since 1996 MHA has honored over two-hundred community leaders who have made a positive contribution to the mental wellness of others in our community.  

Proceeds will benefit the programs and advocacy of MHA including Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention and our LOSS Team program; Adult Services including the 9MusesArtCenter, our SethLine warmline and wellness initiatives; Parent & Family Services including our new HEAL with Hope program; the Thumbody Programs; Listen to Children; Parenting Education/Parent Support.

For more information, feel free to call our offices at 954-746-2055.

EPIC Luncheon Tickets are now available for purchase on our website homepage via PayPal.

Congratulations are in order!

If you would like to be an EPIC Sponsor or place an advertisement in the EPIC Journal, please click below.

MAKE AN IMPACT

THE BELL KEEPERS PLEDGE

The Bell Keepers Circle is a group of highly dedicated and generous partners providing a cornerstone of support for MHASEFL and its mission. Bell Keeper’s receive numerous opportunities to engage with other supporters and display their impact on local mental health. Each level of the Bell Keepers Circle has EPIC Award Benefits. In honor of your gift, we would like to recognize you with the following:

MHASEFL/FISP Programs