Lisa Merlo, PhD was awarded the “Moms Who Make a Difference” Award at the Alachua County Perinatal Mental Health Coalition‘s first Mom Prom fundraiser to help fight postpartum depression and other perinatal mental health concerns.
Dr. Merlo was one of five mothers to be awarded the “Moms Who Make a Difference” Award.
Below is a transcript of Dr. Merlo’s introduction at the awards ceremony.
“Lisa is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UF. She has specialized in pediatric psychology, acted as the Assistant Residency Program Director for Psychotherapy, and is active in the education of medical students, residents, and other health profession students. Lisa is also the mother of 2 little boys and step-mother to 2 wonderful girls. She has also somehow managed to find time to create and lead a local organization called “Be the Kind”, dedicated to engaging in positive, visible LOCAL activities to spread the positive messages of the women’s movement and spread a message of kindness and inclusiveness throughout our local community.
Lisa has rallied those around her to give to those in need, whether it be donating books for the UGC Mommy Reads Program, knitting hats for the Women’s March, or donating clothes to Syrian refugees. Lisa is the glue of that organization, giving her time and energy even though she has 4 kids at home, is a professor, and is active in her Church. As a friend, a mother, and a woman, she is a role model and absolutely deserves to be recognized.”
To learn more about the Alachua County Perinatal Mental Health Coalition please visit their website: www.acpmhc.com