October 2023 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“Youth Peer Support: Shaping Tomorrow Together”
with Dominique Christian & Tara Wilhelmi

October 12th, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitators:
  • Dominique Christian
    As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Dominique has experience supporting people with mental health concerns, psychological trauma and substance use. Dominique chose to enter this field because she believes that while there are many people passionate about this work, there aren’t enough people of color who share commonalities and similar experiences with the many of the clients being served. She believes her lived experience helps her be effective in supporting and advocating for others in their recovery process.
  • Tara Wilhelmi
    Tara leads a grassroots community recovery and wellness organization, EOTO Culturally Rooted. She is a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Certified Parent Peer Specialist (CPPS) and state trainer of Certified Peer Specialists and trainers. She provides support to individuals navigating mental health, substance use and trauma recovery.

    Driven by her passion for positive social change and thriving, healthy communities of color she enjoys acting as a connector and seed planter working on several impactful collaborations throughout Wisconsin.

    As a Certified Peer Specialist and lived experience public speaker Tara subscribes to a “each one teach one” knowledge and skill sharing ideology that she believes is key to challenging systemic injustice. She has presented and trained on topics such as valuing & integrating the voice of lived experience, implicit bias and understanding culture/power/privilege to audiences on a national, state, and local level. Her unique approach and compassionate delivery make conquering these difficult conversations an act of bravery and not an exercise in guilt, shame, or fear.

    We all have work to do to create a safer, more just society – Tara believes that together we can!

Description:

Join us for an interactive discussion where experienced service providers can share their thoughts and expertise on what youth peer support should be in the state of Wisconsin. This engaging discussion will explore the key elements of effective youth peer support programs, including curriculum development, best practices, and the most efficient approaches. Participants will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from professionals who serve youth and learn about their vision for creating impactful peer support services. By delving into their collective wisdom, attendees will gain valuable insights that can shape the future of youth peer support initiatives, ensuring they are tailored to meet the unique needs of young individuals in Wisconsin. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a conversation that can make a difference in the lives of youth across the state.

Feedback Survey/CEH Information:

We invite you to please fill out the evaluation survey link (click here) if you attended this community of practice gathering or if you watch the recordingThe survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, October 26th. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on November 2nd, 2023. No evaluation surveys will be accepted for CEH credit after the evaluation survey’s closing date/time.

This website is managed and maintained by staff at Access to Independence working on the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative. The words, views, and values presented herein are not necessarily representative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

September 2023 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“Find Healing Within Peer Support”
with Shawn Adrian

September 21st, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitators:
  • Shawn AdrianIn 1999, I lost my vision due to a traumatic head injury caused by a car accident. The trauma caused by this life-changing event has had a long-reaching influence on who I am today. Prior to the traumatic accident, I battled with mental illness, and narcissistic abuse that led to incarceration as a child and an adult. After the horrific accident, I battled with substance use due to physical pain. Not having any support to help me through these trying times provides me first-hand knowledge of the important role that an empathetic peer-support specialist provides in recovery.

    My life experiences have led me to see the need for outside support to help when one is enduring hard times. This is why I decided to use the strength I found in myself to help others going through similar situations. I completed necessary training and testing to become the first blind Certified Peer Support Specialist in the state of Wisconsin.

Description:

Shawn will be exploring how he got to where he is today. You will learn why peer support is so beneficial to Shawn and to others who are disabled – from having peer support to having hope after the trauma. We will also create a non-judgmental, safe environment in which we can discuss challenges you are facing and how to build coping techniques to lead to a successful recovery. Although you may feel that no-one can understand what you are facing, you do not have to face it alone as we are ALL in this together. We will work together to find a positive path to overcome your challenges to help you achieve your desired goal.

Feedback Survey/CEH Information:

We invite you to please fill out the evaluation survey link (click here) if you attended this community of practice gathering or if you watch the recordingThe survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, October 5th. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on October 12th, 2023. No evaluation surveys will be accepted for CEH credit after the evaluation survey’s closing date/time.

This website is managed and maintained by staff at Access to Independence working on the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative. The words, views, and values presented herein are not necessarily representative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

August 2023 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“Certified Peer Specialist Program in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections”
with Tracy Johnson & Allyson Eparvier

August 17th, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitators:
  • Dr. Tracy JohnsonDr. Tracy Johnson is a Certified Peer Specialist and a Licensed Psychologist who has 26 years of experience working for the Wisconsin DOC. She has held positions as Psychologist, Psychology Supervisor, and she is currently the Psychology Manager for the Division of Juvenile Corrections. She assisted in implementing the first pilot peer mentoring program in the Wisconsin DOC in 2016 and she became a Certified Peer Specialist State Trainer in 2017. Dr. Johnson has co-facilitated all of the Certified Peer Specialist trainings in the DOC, since the program began in 2017. She is currently a Co-Director for the Certified Peer Specialist Program in the Wisconsin DOC. Dr. Johnson is inspired by the commitment and dedication of the Certified Peer Specialists in the DOC, and she is grateful and honored to be a part of the CPS Program. 
  • Dr. Allyson Eparvier
    Dr. Allyson Eparvier has worked in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) for the past 11 years. Prior to that, she worked in corrections in both Colorado and California. She is currently a Psychological Associate at Dodge Correctional Institution (DCI) where she is the Psychological Services Liaison for the Restrictive Housing Unit. In addition, she is the Co-Chair of the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Program at DCI and also a Co-Director for the CPS Program for all adult institutions within the DOC. Dr. Eparvier has a wealth of knowledge about the utility of the CPS Program within a correctional setting and is passionate about supporting individuals through their rehabilitative journey.
Description:

Receive an overview of the CPS program in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

This will include:

  • Information regarding the history of CPS in the Wisconsin DOC, dating back to the first CPS training in 2017
  • Program implementation and expansion across the prisons and custody levels
  • An overview of partnerships with Access to Independence and DHS
  • Barriers, challenges, and strengths of the program
  • Positive contributions and impact on peers, the CPSs, the prison environment and culture
  • Future direction of CPS in the DOC

Learning Objectives:

  • General understanding of how CPS in the Wisconsin DOC began and has evolved
  • Challenges, strengths and benefits of CPS in the Wisconsin DOC
  • Future direction of CPS in the Wisconsin DOC

 

Feedback Survey/CEH Information:

We invite you to please fill out the evaluation survey link (click here) if you attended this community of practice gathering or if you watch the recordingThe survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, August 31st. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on September 7th, 2023. No evaluation surveys will be accepted for CEH credit after the evaluation survey’s closing date/time.

This website is managed and maintained by staff at Access to Independence working on the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative. The words, views, and values presented herein are not necessarily representative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

July 2023 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“Trauma Informed Peer Support ”
with Marcia Galvan

July 20th, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitators:
  • Marcia Galvan

Marcia Galvan is the Special Projects Supervisor with the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. She currently oversees the Support to Communities (STC) grant in SWWDB’s service area, serving those impacted by the substance use crisis and Wisconsin Pathway Home 2 (WPH2), serving justice involved individuals throughout the state of Wisconsin. WPH2 and STC provide financial assistance for employment and training, including support services such as uniforms, books, tuition, childcare, housing, transportation, etc., for eligible participants.

Marcia graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater in 2014 with a BS in Political Science. She has more than 10 years working with those impacted by the substance use crisis and those involved in the justice system. Marcia is a certified Peer Support Specialist and Peer Support Specialist Trainer for the State of Wisconsin. Marcia is an advocate of systems change and considers herself a system disrupter.

Marcia has been married to her husband, Joel, for 15 years. Together they have two children, Toretto (6) and Gabi (18). She enjoys spending time with her family and rescue animals (7 cats, 2 dogs, 6 ducks, and 12 chickens) on their small farm-ette, travel-hacking around the world, trying new foods, and writing about their experiences.

Description:

This Community of Practice gathering will take a look at providing trauma informed peer support as it relates to building stronger and more impactful relationships.

 

Feedback Survey/CEH Information:

We invite you to please fill out the evaluation survey link (click here) if you attended this community of practice gathering or if you watch the recordingThe survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, August 3rd. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on August 10th, 2023. No evaluation surveys will be accepted for CEH credit after the evaluation survey’s closing date/time.

This website is managed and maintained by staff at Access to Independence working on the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative. The words, views, and values presented herein are not necessarily representative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

May 2023 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“MeCPR-Self Care & Community Care”
with Lynn McLaughlin and Karen Iverson Riggers

May 18th, 2023 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

 

Facilitators:
  • Karen Iverson Riggers

Karen Iverson Riggers is a writer, entrepreneur, activist, advocate, trainer, and Mom. She is a trainer of Emotional CPR and Emotions Education 101 and co-creator of The Missing Piece: Emotional Health & Wellness curriculum. She is a founding worker/owner of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative, a Wisconsin based worker owned cooperative that provides training, consultation, and listening spaces related to emotional health and wellness. Along with Lynn McLaughlin, she launched the Real Vibes Only podcast which talks about real life and emotions. She utilizes her own lived experience in the mental health system to advocate for change and create community spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, just as they are. Karen lives in Appleton with her partner Eric and their three children Nick, Quinn, and Ari.

  • Lynn McLaughlin

Lynn McLaughlin is an entrepreneur, author, peer, trainer, and consultant. Her life experience, education, and training in emotional wellness, trauma, and peer support make her an exceptional leader, consultant and trainer. Lynn has a vibrant passion for life and deep empathy for the stories of others, which shows up in all facets of her work. She is a trainer of Emotional CPR and Emotions Education 101 and co-creator of The Missing Piece: Emotional Health & Wellness curriculum. Lynn is a founding worker/owner of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative, a Wisconsin based worker owned cooperative that provides training, consultation, and listening spaces related to emotional health and wellness. Along with Karen Iverson Riggers, she launched the Real Vibes Only podcast which talks about real life and emotions. Lynn is mom to her adult daughter Emma who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lynn lives in Neenah with her two pups—Lennon and Esther.

 

Description:

There is so much talk around self-care and taking responsibility for our well-being. This becomes detrimental when the burden of well-being is put on the individual exclusively. Learn about the revolution of meCPR, the importance of self-care and community care, and healing through connection.

 

 

Feedback Survey/CEH Information:

We invite you to please fill out the evaluation survey link (click here) if you attended this community of practice gathering or if you watch the recordingThe survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, June 1st. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on June 8th, 2023. No evaluation surveys will be accepted for CEH credit after the evaluation survey’s closing date/time.

This website is managed and maintained by staff at Access to Independence working on the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative. The words, views, and values presented herein are not necessarily representative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.