Meet Our Board Members: Damiann Bilotta

Damiann Bilotta, Board Member

Tell us about your background.

I started my career as a commercial/business real estate broker outside of Washington, DC. After moving to Florida in 2003, I became very active at my son Asher's school, ultimately chairing twelve fundraising committees. I was also very active in the 'Coutoure Club,' hospitality arm for the Honda Classic Golf Tournament/ Children's Health Care Charity for several years. I am president and founder of Forever Frosty Foundation www.foreverfrosty.org which is dedicated to ending the stigma of mental illness and raising funds to financially help teens afford mental health counseling. RYT Yoga Alliance teacher, Ayurveda Certification , Vibrational Sound Association (VSA) Certification, Transcendental Meditation(TM) Practitioner, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Practitioner. Grief Educator Certification by David Kessler I offer complimentary sound baths, yoga and meditation as a way to help people practice mindfulness, reduce stress and anxiety, while enhancing focus and relaxation.

What city do you call home?

Juno Beach

Where did you grow up?

Suburbs of Philadelphia, PA

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Playing pickleball as often as I can, learning to play the ukulele, playing crystal singing bowls, walking on the beach with my dog Remi, and making delicious and healthy soup.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I was obsessed with working out: jumping rope, kick boxing and tennis until the point I needed a four level cervical disc fusion. Fortunately, I rehabilitated my body and mind with various healing modalities through yoga, meditation, vibrational sound instruments, and walking on the beach.

Why did you become involved with AFSP?

After my son Asher died by suicide I started Forever Frosty Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit, to end the stigma about mental illness and financially support teens with therapy fees. By joining the board of AFSP SE Florida Chapter, I can make a bigger impact through public advocacy , programs like Talk Saves Lives and Healing Conversations.

What was your first introduction to AFSP?

After my son Asher died in 2014 by suicide I started team Forever Frosty for the local Out of the Darkness walk. It was both overwhelming and comforting to be with so many people who had experienced suicide loss. I have organized a team every year to raise funds and awareness.

What is one of the most important things you would like to share with the community about AFSP?

AFSP is the number one resource for mental health, suicide prevention and postvention, research and advocacy with volunteers at the national and local levels. Even though it's a large organization, there is an increased impact from local chapters that helps build strong personal relationships and participation with the community.