STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Richmond County Psychological Association honored Elissa Montanti with the Dr. Irene Deitch Humanitarian and Service Award during its annual brunch April 26 in the Staaten, West Brighton.

Ms. Montanti founded the Global Medical Relief Fund for Children in 1997, an organization whose mission is to aid children who are missing limbs or have sustained serious injuries resulting from war. Since then, the GMRF has brought more than 180 children to the United States from various places around the world for medical and surgical treatments. 

Richmond County Psychological Association president Dr. Erin Ryan hosted the brunch, which included several speakers.

Dr. Ann Winton, who has extensive experience in forensic psychology and has a private practice, discussed unconscious biases and how they shape the way people think about events. 

Meanwhile, Thomas Coté, executive director of the New York State Psychological Association, spoke about the benefits of NYSPA as well as the recent developments and accomplishments of the organization. 

Awards were also distributed to local college students who have distinguished themselves in the field of psychology. The recipients included Ashley Bauman of St. John's University, and Matthew Kane and Alexandra Roca, both of Wagner College.