Everyday Heros - Zephyrhills CI Intern Grabs Top Honor

The Department of Corrections named Brian Chichester, M.P.H., M.A., of Zephyrhills CI in Region III Intern of the Year at an awards function earlier this summer. Chichester is completing a yearlong training program at Zephyrhills CI as part of his doctorate degree in clinical psychology at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California.

Chichester was named Intern of the Year and given a handsome plaque by Clinical Training Director Dr. Sandra Hinko of Zephyrhills CI.

Dr. Hinko heads the four-year-old, statewide training program. She announced the Intern of the Year award on June 11 at a small awards ceremony held by Zephyrhills Warden Timothy E. Whitehead.

Dr. Hinko said Chichester was selected for showing commendable initiative, professionalism, and creativity in his work as a psychologist- in-training, as well as for his apt clinical skill and proficiency as a therapist.

During his time at Zephyrhills, Chichester designed and created several theory-based psychotherapy groups, spear-headed preparations for a district- wide ethics presentation, and designed, edited and wrote an Insider's Guide handbook for future interns.

His first training rotation, under the supervision of Dr. Bruce Brooks, was a six-month inpatient stint at the Correctional Mental Health Institution. His second rotation was in outpatient mental health. Chichester also completed a minor rotation under the supervision of Dr. James Hogan at Hernando CI.

Chichester's work with the Department of Corrections has included leading group and individual therapy as well as conducting psychological assessments and mental health evaluations.

"It was quite an unexpected honor to be named Intern of the Year." Chichester said. "My Internship at Zephyrhills has been an outstanding learning experience, and my supervisors have given me the support and latitude I need to do my best. The Department's Psychology Internship program has exceeded my expectations in terms of professional training. Having a topnotch Psychology Internship program is a boon to the Department and to the state," Chichester added. "I'm thankful and grateful for being recognized."

Department of Corrections Employees Serving as U.S. Army Soldiers in Kuwait as Part of the 351st Military Police Company Out of Ocala, Florida

Squatting (l-r): SSgt. Jackson Koon, Platoon Seargent (Hamilton CI); SPC Virgil Langford, Platoon Leader's Driver (Baker CI); SPC Joseph Carney, 3rd Squad (Sumter CI). Second Row (l-r): SPC Chad Padgett, 4th Platoon (NFRC); SSG Rafiell Wiliams, 1st Squad Leader (Hamilton CI); Sgt. Jackie Brewer, 1st Platoon (Ocala P&P); SPC Neil Greene, 2nd Platoon (Lowell CI); SPC Joseph Agner, 2nd Platoon (Hamilton CI); SPC Daniel Abbott, 2nd Platoon (Lowell CI). Back Row (l-r): SPC Arthur Zehner, 2nd Platoon (Gainesville CI); SSg. Keith Adkins, 2nd Squad Leader (RMC).