Welcome to The Suicide Prevention Training Institute
We are a group of people on a mission to use education to save lives, and we need your involvement to make a difference.
We are more than just bosses, co-workers, brothers, sisters, children, mom, dads, husbands, and wives. We are real people who have been impacted by the effects of suicide in our community.
We offer the LivingWorks ASIST™ Training Program so we can train people to prevent suicide from impacting even more members of our community.
Our Vision
To become the premier Community prevention education training resource focusing on reducing the incidence of suicide.
Our Mission
To provide evidence-based educational opportunities to the Community designed to develop advocates for suicide prevention. Educate to identify the risk factors for suicide and equip them with effective intervention skills.
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Our Team & Supporters
The Suicide Prevention Training Institute extends its gratitude to its volunteer Board of Directors who have tirelessly devoted time and energy to bring this organization, once a dream, to a viable solution to reduce the number of suicides.
To all the individuals and organizations who have contributed time and financial support, we thank you. Without each and every one of you, our mission would not be possible.
Dr. Derrick "TC" Copper - Executive Director
Dr. Copper is a counseling psychologist, Executive Director of the Suicide Prevention Training Institute, and Navy Veteran. He provided behavioral health services to the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, Army Substance Abuse Program for 35 years. In each of his assignments, Dr. Copper was deeply involved in suicide prevention education efforts and during his tenure with the U.S. Army, he became a certified LivingWorks ASIST Trainer. Dr. Copper’s expertise includes individual counseling, group counseling, prevention education, and crisis intervention and debriefings, in support of deployed and redeployed soldiers and their family members. Following retirement, Dr. Copper’s commitment to suicide prevention education remained of paramount importance resulting in the establishment of the Suicide Prevention Training Institute.
Mary Ann Yaney - President
As a lifelong resident of Tampa Bay, Mary Ann Yaney has been in Business Development for many years and understands the need for Business to Business Marketing. She has worked in the Real Estate Title industry for over 5 years and is the Business Development Officer for Keystone Title Agency. Her involvement in the community includes but isn't limited to the St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, North Tampa Bay Chamber, The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, American Cancer Society and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She is a connector of businesses and people and believes that together, we accomplish great things. It's all about the Community in which we live and work and giving back is a must. As President of the SPTI Board of Directors, Mary Ann demonstrates her commitment to our Community. When we give of ourselves, everyone wins!
David Galgani - Treasurer
David Galgani worked for the U.S. Army for 35 years and is now retired. While employed, he had the opportunity to reside in numerous locations around the world to include two tours as a senior instructor at the Defense Ammunition Center and School. Currently he resides in Florida where he and his wife enjoy assisting others as well as extensive international travel. It is an honor and a privilege to serve on the Board of Directors of the Suicide Prevention Training Institute and supporting the efforts to reduce suicide in our Community.
Chaplain Scott Ehler - Director of Communications
Scott Ehler was born in Bayshore NY and moved to Pennsylvania in the first grade. After graduating high school he went to Bloomsburg University where he discovered that he was better suited for the military. He entered the Air Force in 1989 and served until 2000. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and his Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He spent 6 years as a youth minister in Texas and then entered the Army as a Chaplain. He has deployed six times in his career to war zones in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Bosnia, and Iraq. He retired from the military after 26 years in 2020. He is a consultant trainer as well as silver level trainer with LivingWorks in the ASIST curriculum. He has a passion for helping and teaching how to keep a person safe. He is married to Amy and has a daughter and son-in-law with two grandbabies and a son and future daughter-in-law. He resides in Naples, FL.
Jennifer Jordan - Legal
Jennifer Jordan was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She currently lives in Hillsborough County and has been in the legal profession for over 20 years and graduation from Thomas Cooley Law School in May 2019. She is a member of the Florida Bar and member of the Young Lawyers Division. After passing the FL Bar, she opened up her practice in the Tampa Bay area helping people who have been injured. Moreover, Jennifer is honored to also help friends and family members who have experienced the pain associated with suicide and hopes to help those who struggle with depression and anxiety become aware they are not alone; we are all here to provide support and guidance to those in our community.
Darlene Carter-Brown - Secretary
Darlene Carter Brown has had a career as a technology professional in the financial industry which spans over the course of 30 years. Now, retired, I’m very happy to be a part of an organization such as SPTI which I foresee will be instrumental in making a difference in the community.
Jake Lavenhar - Digital Media Marketing Specialist
Jake Lavenhar is a marketing professional with a background in digital transformation, operations, and digital marketing. Prior to consulting, Jake spent time working in university-based executive programs. Jake grew up in New Jersey and has lived in Massachusetts for over ten years. He currently resides in the Boston area where he and his fiancé spend their time enjoying New England’s outdoors. As our newest member of the Board of Directors, Jake is eager to help the Suicide Prevention Training Institute support those working to reduce suicide in their communities.