In honor of Black History Month and the enduring legacy of resilience and collective care, let us carry forward the lessons of history into our work today. Peer support has been an essential practice within Black communities for over 400 years, rooted in collective care, resilience, and mutual empowerment. This transformative training explores the deep historical connections between Black history and peer support work, highlighting the practice of “othermothering” during the Civil Rights Movement and its lasting impact on community care. Participants will uncover the ways peer support has helped individuals navigate crises, dismantle systemic barriers, and build intergenerational resilience.
Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, this training honors the legacy of peer support as a tool for resistance and healing, empowering attendees to integrate these principles into their professional practice. Join us to deepen your understanding of culturally responsive care and celebrate the enduring power of collective support in Black communities.
Dominique Christian
Dominique Q. Christian is a passionate wellness advocate, peer support professional, and educator dedicated to empowering historically marginalized communities. With over a decade of experience in mental health, substance use recovery, and peer support, Dominique has cultivated a career centered on uplifting others through culturally responsive care and a deep understanding of systemic challenges.
As the founder of Sondercove Wellness, Dominique blends lived experience with professional expertise to create transformative training programs, guide providers in their practice, and offer strength-based support to individuals and families navigating complex systems. A proud member of the National Association of Black Social Workers and an advocate for intersectional equity, Dominique brings a unique perspective to every initiative, weaving together historical context, personal growth, and community resilience.
Through their work, Dominique honors the legacy of care exemplified by Black leaders and communities throughout history, particularly the principles of othermothering and collective care. Their training sessions emphasize cultural humility, empowerment, and the critical role of peer support in fostering healing and autonomy.
Whether speaking at professional development workshops or facilitating conversations around racial equity and wellness, Dominique’s goal is clear: to inspire and equip others to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and just world.
———————————————————————————————————————————————–
Diverse perspectives exist on leadership among generations. This Community of Practice will present information on each generational cohort and discuss the differences. We will learn skills and strategies that can enable more effective communication and practical strategies to utilize the differences and strengths to build your team.
Shirley Drake
Shirley Drake is Director of Peer Specialists Limited (PSL).
PSL provides Family Engagement and Advocacy services, long-term Parent Peer Support services for families enrolled in Children’s Mental Health Services and Wraparound systems of care. In addition, PSL offers a Teen Outreach Program to middle school and those that are juvenile justice system involved.
As a Certified Peer Specialist and State Trainer, she is Secretary of the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board representing the peer voice on County mental health budget and policy decisions.
———————————————————————————————————————————————–
Click Here to View Past Communities of Practice!
Privacy note: Community of Practice gatherings may be recorded for later on-demand viewing.
CEHs: Attendance at the CPS & CPPS Community of Practice and some Supervisors of CPS & CPPS Community of Practice gatherings and completion of post-gathering evaluations will earn you 1.5 hours of continuing education credit good for recertification purposes in Wisconsin. The evaluation will be sent to the email with which you register to attend a Community of Practice gathering.
Like the community of practice gatherings in Wisconsin? Want to expand your learning in a national context?
Please check out the communities of practice hosted by the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence (click here), which are structured very similarly to the ones in Wisconsin.
