Two South University professors, Denise Cecil-Van Den Heuvel and Darlene Silvernail, have been named recipients of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) annual awards for 2012.
Both professors, who are two of eight professionals nationwide to receive this year’s awards, teach at South University’s West Palm Beach campus, located at 9801 Belvedere Road.
“Having two honorees from one university certainly speaks to the quality of the psychology faculty at South University,” said David McGuire, president of South University. “Both Dr. Cecil-Van Den Heuvel and Dr. Silvernail bring the kind of current, real-world experience and expertise that our students value.”
Cecil-Van Den Heuvel was recognized for “professional service and leadership to a state chapter.”
The AMHCA citation explains that she “united the chapter toward a common goal and led FMHCA [Florida Mental Health Counselors Association] to substantial growth. The chapter kept a strong presence in the state capitol and among new local chapters, held teleconferences and enhanced its web site.”
Silvernail was lauded with the Public and Community Service Award.
The AMHCA citation states that her “book series on empowerment, with her conferences and workshops, have motivated people to move forward to achieve personal and professional success.”
The AMHCA recognized the award winners at an awards luncheon on July 20 during its annual conference in Orlando.
South University’s West Palm Beach campus offers a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in professional counseling. For more information, visit www.southuniversity.edu.
The AMHCA is a growing community of more than 6,000 clinical mental health counselors. The AMHCA gives a voice to the clinical mental health profession nationwide. For more information, visit www.amhca.org.
Established in 1899, South University is a private, accredited academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population.
South University offers over 50 degree programs across its 12 campuses located in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information about South University, visit the school’s web site at www.southuniversity.edu.
(Above) Darlene Silvernail and Denise Cecil-Van Den Heuvel
