August 2024 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“Community Networking Group” 

with Kaeden Watford

Thursday, August 29th, 2024 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitator:
  • Kaeden Watford

Kaeden Watford (He/Him) is a black trans man, son, dad, partner, and friend. Due to the harm that has been caused to him throughout his life by various systems he has developed a passion for harm reduction, community, and healing. It is important to him to use his seat at the table to advocate for equity and inclusive spaces for marginalized and historically oppressed communities. His journey began while still being a resident in the Wisconsin prison system and he has been determined to create safe spaces for collective healing in the communities that he belongs to ever since.

Description:

Join us in this gathering to learn and explore WIPSEI’S new zoom networking, “Community Networking Group”, for Certified Peer Specialists and Certified Parent Peer Specialists! We will discuss both the logistics and the purpose behind this networking group!

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 recording. The survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, September 12th. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on September 19th, 2024. 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 2024 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“A Fresh Start to a new Beginning”

with Ana Veloz & Jose Cruz

Thursday, July 18th, 2024 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitator:
  • Ana VelozI was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. Currently I am a licensed Psychotherapist and hold credentials as a CSAC (clinical substance abuse counselor). I have certifications in Trauma Informed care, Emotional Intelligence and Care Coordination.I have always worked in the community, and I love being in the helping field. Some of my best work was working with women. I created programs for women who suffered domestic abuse and sexual assault and taught education to them as well.

    You might be wondering why and where re-entry fits in my life. I am a mother of 5 children, 2 girls and 3 boys. Of my 5 children I have had 2 older boys in and out of the State of Wisconsin DOC system. I also worked for the DOC for a very short time and found that working in a prison was just like being in prison with them. I have struggled helping my 2 boys stay out of prison from the day they went in. I wanted to find ways to help them, so I began my long road to finding answers. I started by researching ways to help my loved one, and I found I thought I knew how to help but it was wrong.

    Between research, working in the prison system and asking questions to in house prisoners I found that each person is an individual and each person’s needs are different even though they might be the same.
    The topic will be re-entry from prison to home viewing this from both sides. During this conversation I will explain both sides, how can they connect and have better communication. We will explore areas of need for both sides of re-entry. Reminding the new releasee and the family by working together we can reduce recidivism.

  • Jose CruzJose Cruz is a Certified Peer and has a passion to provide peer support in the re-entry field. Jose identifies as a person in long term recovery from substance use and mental health. Also, as a returning citizen from incarceration. Jose’s pronouns are he/him. Jose’s interests include anything outdoors, sports and spending time with his family.
Description:

The process of starting over. There will be a discussion pertaining to both sides of re-entry with expectations of the new releasees and the expectations of the family members. Ana will bring up the topic of conditioned individuals and how to communicate these feelings, a discussion of the word S.O.U.P. and what it means. Available resources will also be shared and depending on the size of the session, Ana will do a mini-introduction of each of us.

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 recording. The survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, August 1st. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on August 8th, 2024. 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.

June 2024 CPS & CPPS Supervisor Community of Practice

“Mission Drift”

with April Luderus & Cai Saint Logan

Thursday, June 20th, 2024 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitator:
  • April Luderus
    April Luderus is a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and Parent Peer in Wisconsin and serves as Wraparound Advocacy and Engagement Program Director for Peer Specialists Limited (PSL), a peer-run, peer-led agency that provides Parent Peer Specialist services to the families under the Wraparound umbrella in Milwaukee.April established the non-profit, Alcami (pronounced alchemy) Project in March 2023, driven by a commitment to support women in Milwaukee overcoming challenges related to substance abuse. In June 2024, Alcami Project opened Grace House to house women from marginalized communities desiring recovery, targeting pregnant and postpartum women. April is passionate and committed to using her lived experience to walk alongside those who desire it.Before beginning work as a Certified Peer Specialist and Recovery Navigator with Wisconsin Community Services in April of 2022, April was a teacher of high/middle school students with special needs and Library Media Specialist for grades K-8 in Milwaukee Public Schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications specializing in Multi-Cultural Communication from UW-Milwaukee. She is a mother of 5, grandmother of 10 and a member of a cultivated support system in the community.
  • Cai Saint Logan
    Recovery is not just a profession for me—it’s a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of my work. I am an accomplished peer specialist and training facilitator with more than 15 years of experience driving initiatives in advocacy, program development, and social services. Throughout my career, I have partnered with individuals navigating complex challenges, including substance use, mental health concerns, housing instability, and major life transitions, supporting them while they build stability, resilience, and renewed purpose.

    Recognized for my ability to lead with clarity and compassion, I have successfully directed large-scale community initiatives, including a multi-year recovery and addiction awareness event that saw exponential growth in participation and visibility under my leadership. My professional credentials include a bachelor’s degree, certification as a peer specialist, peer specialist training facilitator, and opiate impacted family support specialist. I have held key roles across diverse service settings—from shelters and crisis services to targeted case management—consistently building systems and strategies that enhance service quality and reach.

    I believe that every person holds the potential to build a life of meaning, and that our greatest work is to create pathways where that potential can flourish. For me, leadership is not about titles—it’s about building systems that empower, relationships that uplift, and opportunities that transform challenges into victories. My commitment is to ensure that the work I do continues to open doors, inspire hope, and strengthen the belief that no future is beyond reach.

     

Description:

Our “Mission Drift” workshop explores how to balance idealism with the challenging realities of working in systemic environments. As peer specialists, we act as catalysts for change, bringing essential and fresh perspectives to places that may not fully recognize or value our unique approach, which emphasizes individual-focused care and uplifting marginalized voices. We’ll discuss how initial enthusiasm can sometimes fade when faced with the complexities of the workplace. This workshop will delve into self-care, maintaining our integrity, and developing strategies for peer specialists to effectively navigate these dynamics. Our goal is for each participant to leave equipped with the tools to succeed without compromising their core values.

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 recording. The survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, July 11th. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on July 18th, 2024. 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.

June 2024 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“Breaking down Stigma Barriers”

with Angela Clements and Amy Polsin

Thursday, June 20th, 2024 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitator:
  • Angela Clements
    Angela Clements, a parent peer specialist, has worked with various agencies since 2018, including Family Strong, Wisconsin Community Services, Peer Specialist Limited, and Fresh Start Learning Inc. In her role, she not only supports families involved with Reach/Wraparound Services and the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), Professional Foster Parents, Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, and Trauma information Care but also serves as a trainer, group co-facilitator, advocate, and a connection to resources in the community. Angela’s commitment to healing and healthy choices, stemming from her own experiences as a parent of a loving son with mental health challenges and as a former foster parent, offers hope and encouragement to other parents and caregivers. Angela has become the caregiver to her beautiful granddaughter, who experiences trauma, and is now able to be the role model on the journey of healing and healthy choices. She loves traveling and spending time with her Princess.
  • Amy Polsin
    Amy Polsin has been a parent peer specialist with Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT) since 2008. In her role, she supports families involved with Coordinated Service Teams (CST) and the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) and the Children Long Term Support waiver (CLTS). Amy has used her lived experience to provide support and hope to parents. Amy is a parent of two children, she shares her experience raising children with mental health needs with the parents she supports to promote and advocate for better outcomes for families.
Description:

In “Breaking Down Stigma Barriers”, you will learn how to: address and recognize stigma barriers, recognize what stigma looks like, how to use compassion, support, and understanding to address stigma and change outcomes.

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 recording. The survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, July 4th. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on July 11th, 2024. 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 2024 CPS & CPPS Community of Practice

“Meet Me Where I’m At”
with Michelle Uetz and Amy Polsin

Thursday, May 16th, 2024 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm CT

Facilitator:
  • Michelle Uetz
    Michelle Uetz is a Certified Parent Peer Specialist (CPPS). Michelle is the Owner/Director of Rocky Hill Parent Peer Specialists LLC and contracts with counties to support parents and families receiving mental health and substance use support. Michelle currently has eight team members who work with her to support parents and families in 20 counties. Prior to supporting families Michelle used her Master of Education degree to teach high school Special Education, Biology, and Health for 17 years. She was in the first group of CPPS Trainers and continues to be a CPPS trainer. Michelle served as Co-Chair of the WI Certified Peer Specialist Advisory Committee for two years and served on the committee for five years. Michelle lost her sister to suicide. She and her husband had guardianship of her cousin’s girls who had experienced significant trauma and mental health challenges for three years. Additionally, she manages her own depression and anxiety. Michelle and her husband live in River Falls, WI. They have three boys who are young adults.
  • Amy Polsin
    Amy Polsin has been a parent peer specialist with Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT) since 2008. In her role, she supports families involved with Coordinated Service Teams (CST) and the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) and the Children Long Term Support waiver (CLTS). Amy has used her lived experience to provide support and hope to parents. Amy is a parent of two children, she shares her experience raising children with mental health needs with the parents she supports to promote and advocate for better outcomes for families.
Description:

Meeting parents where they are includes spatially, emotionally, socially, financially, physically, culturally, and more. We will walk through our experiences as parents and as certified parent peer specialists to provide insight, strategies and perspectives when supporting parent and families by meeting them where they are at during all phases of recovery.

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 recording. The survey will close at 4:30pm on Thursday, May 30th. Certificates of Participation will be sent to those completing the evaluation form by 4:30pm on June 6th, 2024. 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.