Peer Into Recovery: Recent Episodes
Danielle Donaldson
PodcastProblem Gambling Peer Support with Don McCourtneyAbout the EpisodeDate: January 19, 2024Episode 30: Problem Gambling Peer Support with Don McCourtneySummaryCheck out our latest podcast episode featuring Don McCourtney, Lead Problem Gambling Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Office of Recovery Services, as he shares his experience with supporting others on their journey in recovery from gambling addiction.Don McCourtney holds a PhD in psychology from the University of Nebraska and is a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist, a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist, and a Certified Problem Gambling Counselor. He is the Lead Problem Gambling Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Office of Recovery Services.
Podcast
Racial Identity as a Peer Recovery Specialistwith Sarah McFarland
About the Episode Date: August 30, 2023 Episode 28: Racial Identity as a Peer Recovery Specialist with Sarah McFarland
Summary Our new podcast episode features Sarah McFarland, R-PRS, discussing her racial identity and the trials and tribulations and everyday challenges she faces as a BIPOC in her role as a registered peer recovery specialist.
Sarah is a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Personal Medication Coach, Registered Peer Recovery Specialist and Resilience Practitioner. Her professional experience includes CASA volunteer, Advocate for Sexual Trauma Services and Domestic Violence Prevention. She devotes much of her time to advocate for survivors of childhood abuse and neglect. Sarah is an active member, advocate and facilitator and former board member for NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Podcast
Peer-Run Centerswith Heather Pate
About the Episode Date: August 16, 2023 Episode 27: Peer-Run Centers with Heather Pate
Summary In this brand new episode with Heather Pate, R-PRS, we discuss the intersection of being a peer who serves as a Director of Operations at a peer-run day center. We discuss the daily challenges of such a role that includes both a vision-casting perspective as well as an implementation, or operational, perspective.
Heather Pate is the Director of Operations at Robin’s Hope. She is a Certified Older Adult Peer Support Trainer. She is also certified to work as a trainer with the LGBTQIA+ community. She holds certifications as a WRAP trainer, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice-involved trainer, Trauma-informed Care trainer, Peer Activated Resilience trainer as well as a State trainer of the DBHDS 72-hour PRS training.
Podcast
Peer-Run Warm Lineswith Erica Bullock
About the Episode Date: August 2, 2023 Episode 26: Peer-Run Warm Lines with Erica Bullock
Summary Our brand new episode with Erica Bullock, R-PRS, is one that you will love! In this episode, we take a peek behind the curtain of her work as a Warm Line Manager to understand what it takes to do such an important job for peers in need of support. She discusses the intricacies of wearing multiple management hats while keeping the focus of the Warm Line as a welcoming and safe space for the peers who call in for support.
Erica Bullock is the Warm Line Manager for the MHAV Warm Line. She has held the R-PRS designation since 2016 and also has a National MHA Certification since 2017. In addition, Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from VCU as well as an MBA from University of Phoenix.
Podcast
Older Adult Peer Supportwith Bently Wood
About the Episode Date: July 12, 2023 Episode 25: Older Adult Peer Support with Bently Wood
Summary Our brand new episode with Bently Wood is one you don't want to miss! We discuss his work as a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist as well as a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist Faciliator for Certification. He illuminates the challenges and triumphs of working with Older Adult Peers and highlights the joy of his work with this important demographic of often over-looked peers inviting others to consider being apart of this unique type of peer support.ation.
Bently Wood is a Lead Regional Peer Recovery Specialist Coordinator with Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, supporting and developing the peer workforce in Virginia’s DBHDS Region 4. He has lectured on substance use and mental health challenges, stigma, recovery language, and peer support. He is a trainer for peer recovery specialists in Ethics, Leadership, Certified Personal Medicine, emotional CPR, Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR), Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, and the 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist training curriculum required to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in Virginia. Drawing on his personal journey from substance use and mental health challenges into recovery, he works as an advocate for social justice in behavioral health, the LGBT community, while serving as the President of Vocal Virginia.
Podcast
Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda with Billie Carroll
About the Episode Date: June 14, 2023 Episode 24: Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda with Billie Carroll
Summary Have a listen to our latest episode with Billie Carroll, discuss yoga, meditation and Ayurveda healing modalities. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Trauma/Mental Health/Addiction Ayurvedic Specialist and Certified Resiliency and Recovery Yoga Instructor.
Billie Carroll is the CEO of the HARRT Center located in Richmond, Virginia. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Trauma/Mental Health/Addiction Ayurvedic Specialist, Certified Resiliency and Recovery Yoga Instructor, Certified Yoga and Neuroscience Instructor, Certified Yoga for Eating Disorders Instructor, Body Positive Ambassador, and a Yoga and Body Image Coalition Partner.
Podcast
Surviving Suicide with Lauren Ball
About the Episode Date: May 31, 2023 Episode 23: Surviving Suicide with Lauren Ball
Summary
Have a listen to our latest episode with Lauren Ball, a Virginia Registered Peer Recovery Specialist, share her experience, strength and hope around the issue of suicide and how she bring help, hope and healing to peers who struggle with similar issues in her local community. Trigger Warning As May comes to a close and the official observance of Mental Health Month, we felt this is an important topic to discuss to bring support and help remove stigma. This podcast does not go into detail about suicidal thoughts etc. Rather, it is a discussion of how to overcome such struggles. Still, please use caution if this subject matter may be triggering for you. As always, do NOT hesitate to reach out for help. You can always call or text the number 988 for safe, non-judgmental, anonymous and confidential support 24/7/365.
Lauren Ball, Registered Peer Recovery Specialist, is the Outreach Substance Use Peer Recovery Specialist at the Rappahannock Area Community Service Board. In addition, she is a WRAP Facilitator as well as a Nami Connections Group Facilitator.
PodcastEquine Specialist with Elizabeth SluderAbout the EpisodeDate: May 17, 2023Episode 22: Equine Specialist with Elizabeth SluderSummaryHave a listen to our latest episode with Elizabeth Sluder, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Equine Specialist in mental health, shares her skills in this healing modality with other peers in her local community.Elizabeth Sluder holds a Bachelors of Applied Science from East Tennessee University in Speech and Leadership Communication as well as a Masters of Education from The George Washington University as an Education Transition Specialist. She works as the Peer Resource Coordinator at Warsaw Peer Recovery Center in Warsaw, Virginia that is connected to the Northern Neck Middle Peninsula Community Service Board.
PodcastYear of the Peer with Michael LaneAbout the EpisodeDate: May 3, 2023Episode 21: Year of the Peer with Michael LaneSummaryHave a listen to our latest episode with Michael Lane, M.A. Ed., NCPS, who works in Fairfax, Va. as the Division Director for Recovery Services. In this episode, we discuss Michael's journey as a peer from homelessness to becoming a strong and effective peer leader making a big impact through his work at the Fairfax Falls Church Community Service Board. We also discuss his work in the arts which led him to create the concept "Year of the Peer" which, in turn, inspired the 2023 state-wide celebratory movement of the same.Michael Lane, M.A., NCPS, is the Division Director of Recovery Services at the Fairfax Falls Church Community Service Board in Fairfax, Va. He holds a Bachelors in Drama from UC Irvine as well as a Masters in Organizational Learning and Effectiveness from University of the Pacific. In addition, Mr. Lane holds several certifications which include WRAP Facilitator and Certified Wellness Works Trainer .
PodcastDrug Court and the 5 Rules of Recovery with Carl MackAbout the EpisodeDate: April 12,, 2023Episode 20: Drug Court and the 5 Rules of Recovery with Carl MackSummaryHave a listen to our latest episode with Carl Mack, R-PRS, FPRS who works in Lynchburg, Virginia for the Virginia Health Department and Drug Court as well. In this episode, we discuss the nexus between his work at the Health Department and Drug Court through the lens of an evidence-based recovery philosophy called the 5 Rules of Recovery that he shares with the peers he is supporting in Region 4.Carl Mack is a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist. He is also a Forensic Peer Recovery Specialist. In addition, Carl is a veteran of the United States Army.
PodcastVirginia Harm Reduction Coalition with Chris AldermanAbout the EpisodeDate: March 29, 2023Episode 19: Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition with Chris AldermanSummaryHave a listen to our latest episode with Chris Alderman who works in Pulaski, Virginia as the Program Manager for Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition. We discuss the philosophy behind and services provided by the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition to peers who struggle with substance abuse and mental health challenges and the impact they are making on a daily basis in southwest Virginia.Chris Alderman is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. He is also a Certified A.C.E.S. Facilitator as well as Certified Rapid H.I.V. Testing Administrator. He loves people, tattoos and does not play basketball (he is 6'6).
PodcastVirginia Recovery Advocacy Project and 2023 General Assembly Recap with Tom JacksonAbout the EpisodeDate: March 15, 2023Episode 18: Virginia Recovery Advocacy Project and 2023 General Assembly Recap with Tom JacksonSummaryIn this episode of Peer into Recovery, we discuss the 2023 General Assembly session as it pertains to the profession of peer support across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Several bills were up-for-debate between the two houses and the results, on the whole, were positive and progressive. From increased funding for services helping veterans reenter civilian life to health insurance now being required to cover mobile response and crisis stabilization services, there was significant progress moving the needle forward for peers in Virginia!Tom Jackson is the R-PRS, CPRS-T at Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia. He is also the Organizer of the Virginia Recovery Advocacy Project (VRAP).Tom Jackson's "day job" is as a Registered Peer Specialist at Western State Hospital and his 'night job" is as an Organizer with the Virginia Recovery Advocacy Project. He is also an Authorized Peer Trainer, training the next generation of Hope Brokers for people in recovery from Substance Use and/or Mental Health challenges.His upbringing through the Civil Rights movement of the 50s and 60s, the Anti-War movement of the 60s and 70s, the HIV/AIDS/LGBTQIA+ movements of the 70s, 80s and 90s, and his personal recovery since 1991 have all come together in his grassroots leadership to support and train new advocates to use tools such as Organizational Leadership based on the work of Marshall Ganz at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a related tool called Personal Narrative to engage and call others to action to fix our broken mental health and substance use treatment systems that allow hundreds of thousands of people to die from preventable overdose or suicide every year, many of them in Virginia.He finds hope in the dedication and recovery of the clients he works with at Western, in the recovery programs he attends, and in watching others challenge the status quo that has to change to end the War on Drugs and start a War for Recovery.
PodcastSeeking Safety with Sharika Lampkin-BriscoeAbout the EpisodeDate: February 22, 2023Episode 17: Seeking Safety with Sharika Lampkin-BriscoeSummaryIn this episode of Peer into Recovery, we discuss Seeking Safety as a means to assist and support peers in their journey to maximum health and wellness. In addition, we discuss the job similarities and differences between a Managed Care Company (MCO) vs. non-profit peer work.Sharika Lampkin-Briscoe holds a Bachelors in Human Services with a minor in Psychology as well as a Masters in Human Services from Florida Memorial University. She is the R-PRS Recovery Resiliency Manager at Optum Health and leads and facilitates Seeking Safety groups.
Podcast
Youth Peer Supportwith Ashley Fitzkee
About the Episode Date: November 30, 2022 Episode 14: Youth Peer Support with Ashley Fitzkee
Summary Young people, and the young at heart, all over the world are embracing recovery. Peer Recovery Specialists support new paths to recovery by modeling self-care, healthy relationships, and a humble and teachable attitude in order to grow in recovery. Part of peer recovery work is helping the peer in question to find their best practices and solutions to create and sustain help, hope and healing in their lives. A key theme in recovery for young people is the concept of personal authenticity. Being who you really are without excuse or apology is a watershed moment in recovery!
Ashley Fitzkee is a part of the first round of interns with the Region 4 Peer Intern Academy, as well as the first round of interns with Family Support Partners of VA. Through FSP of VA, she is a Youth Support Partner. She created her own support group called the Self-Love Club with the purpose of raising awareness of the healing power of genuinely loving oneself into recovery and staying there. Currently, Ashley works at the SAARA Center as their YPR Coordinator. Ashley Fitzkee YPR Coordinator ashleyf@saara.org
Community Inclusion with Jim Kochany
About the Episode Date: March 4, 2022 Episode 14: Community Inclusion with Jim Kochany
Summary Community inclusion means that people, regardless of their disabilities, have the right to participate fully in public life. The goal of community inclusion is to create inclusive, diverse communities which are welcoming without labeling. Community inclusion promotes active engagement in the everyday world and participation in mainstream community life, like everyone else. It takes place outside of institutions and agencies, which segregate participants. Peer Recovery Specialists can advocate for change by initiating conversations to address the need for unbiased community inclusion and overcome the obstacles of stigma, discrimination, and marginalization.
Jim Kochany is a Registered-Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Family Support Partner, and Certified Community Health Worker. He is currently in a new position as a Community Inclusion Specialist for Henrico County but has worked with the CSB since 2016 on their Assertive Community Treatment Team and Psychosocial/Rehab Treatment programs. Jim is also DBHDS-certified as a trainer for the Peer Recovery Specialist certificate training program and a recovery ally trainer.
Jim Kochany, CPRSkoc003@henrico.us
Resources
Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion
Spirit Works Foundation
The Peer Facilitated Community Inclusion Toolkit
ARCO Faces and Voices of Recovery
NAMI Pledge to be Stigma-Free
Virginia Commonwealth University Rams in Recovery