معرفی
Dr. Gary Howell is an Associate Professor and Director of Practicum Training at the Florida School of Professional Psychology. He is a leading advocate for the LGBT community, specializing in mental health advocacy, HIV/AIDS prevention, and reducing healthcare disparities. His work spans over 20 years, including founding the non-profit Institute for LGBT Health and Wellbeing and providing free therapy to transgender youth. He has held leadership roles in organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 44 (LGBT Psychology) and the Florida Psychological Association (FPA), serving as FPA’s Diversity Committee Chair and current Secretary. Dr. Howell is also an inaugural member of the Hillsborough Diversity Advisory Council, where he served as Vice-Chair.
- Education: B.A. from Austin College (undergraduate focus unspecified).
His research and advocacy focus on bullying, suicide prevention, and combating homophobia. He co-founded the Center for Psychological Growth and leads initiatives like the annual SmartRide to Miami, raising $40,000+ for Florida HIV/AIDS organizations since 2012. He has been nationally recognized for his pro bono work with Pulse nightclub shooting survivors and his efforts to ban conversion therapy in Tampa.
Awards:
- 2016 Florida Diversity Council’s LGBT Leader Award
- 2016 Tampa Bay Business Journal’s LGBT Voices Inaugural Honoree
- FPA Early Career Psychologist Award
- “Guardian of Psychology” by APA AGS Advocacy Coordinating Team
Dr. Howell mentors students in national advocacy efforts and chairs key APA committees. He is slated to become APA Division 44’s President in August 2024.
