History

  • In 2012, The Mental Wellness Awareness Association, Inc. (MWAA) was founded in Pennsylvania by a group of individuals to promote prevention, early intervention, scientific research, and cures for mental health problems across the state. The four programs of the MWAA are Mental Wellness Presentations, Mental Health First Aid Trainings with National Certification, Mental Wellness Research Information, and Mental Health Advance Directives.
  • In 2016, the MWAA expanded its reach to a national level to unify individuals and organizations who support prevention, early intervention, scientific research, and cures for mental health problems by creating the American Mental Wellness Association (AMWA).

What We Do

  • Public Education: Through trainings and partnerships with local, state, and national organizations, we bring education to schools and universities; physician’s offices and hospitals; corrections, law enforcement, police, and public safety personnel; military members, veterans and their families; faith based organizations; senior citizens; and many more groups across America!
  • Prevention, Early Detection, and Intervention: Mental health problems can be classified in stages, similar to physical health problems. We educate to prevent illness and to encourage prompt, appropriate care at first episode and during other stages.
  • Scientific Research: Partnerships with researchers, clinicians, and analysts provides collaboration on treatments for mental health problems. We enable open communication of new research ideas.
  • Cures: We seek cures for mental health problems in our lifetime.

The Board

President
Susan Boyle, B.A.

Vice-President

Secretary/Treasurer
Diane Acri, J.D.

Directors
Dierich Kaiser, M.D. (Psychiatrist)
Sandy Grant
Elizabeth Kostelnik, B.A., M.S., M.B.A.
Hillary Marotta. M.Ed.
John Rubisch, Ph.D.
Leonides Marrero Rosado, MACE Pastoral Counselor (AMWA/MWAA Puerto Rico Representative)

Emeritus Member
Alyce Spector, B.S. Ed.

Founder
Sharon C. Engdahl, B.So.Sc.

Executive Director
Diane Geer

Digital Media Manager
Emily Grier

Advisor to the Board
Terry Engdahl, B.A., M.S.

Learn more about AMWA by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions page