Lynnae Brown is sought after consultant and former Director of Howie The Harp Advocacy Center (HTH), an internationally acclaimed peer run program dedicated to employment preparation for people in mental health recovery. For over a decade, Lynnae supported the development of the Center and its peer training program by incorporating the experience and feedback from working peers, the people they support, and the supervisors of programs that employ peer support providers. “For more information about her work, please visit her website www.lynnaebrown.com.

Dr. Joanne Forbes is an author, educator, administrator, and peer supporter who consults nationally on system transformation and peer support service delivery, implementation, training, and supervision. Her published research on the supervision of peer specialists is a seminal work in the field and her first book, “Madness: Heroes Returning from the Front Lines,” is an in-depth account of the rise of Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, Inc., one of the largest peer-run agencies in the U.S. Widely recognized as a visionary and advocate for those facing mental health challenges, she shares her years of wisdom through the PeerTAC Supervision Guide, Academy of Peer Services Specialization Track on Supervision, and and co-editor of the book, “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists & Supervisors.”

Yumiko Ikuta is a mental health consumer and Director of the Office of Rehabilitation in the Bureau of Mental Health at the NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene. Her office oversees 80+ non-clinical treatment and rehabilitation programs, including supported employment, education support services, clubhouses, psychosocial clubs, peer support, respite, self-help, advocacy and outreach, as well as peer specialist training programs. She served as the former Deputy Director of Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy Center and former Program Manager of the Academy of Peer Services. While working with the NYS Office of Mental Health, she developed the Medicaid billable Home and Community Based Services and its delivery system. She worked for over 15 years in the corporate sector and for the US Agency for International Development at the Dept. of State as an economic development officer in several developing countries.

Sheri Seguin was diagnosed with learning issues at age seven and received her first mental health diagnosis at age ten. Initially she chose to become an educator to help people, like herself and members of her family, realize their strengths and potential. Her family, supporters, and employers allowed Sheri to see her unique characteristics, supporting her with the time and space for her personal growth and evolution. In 2021, a pivot was necessary and her focus shifted to education and advocacy in the behavioral health realm. She now serves as a CORE Peer Navigator and Outreach Lead Rest of State for the Alliance for Rights and Recovery. Also a founding member & chairperson of NAMI of St. Lawrence & Jefferson Counties NY, trainer/facilitator of many things including NAMI Programs, MHANYS Mental Health Community Partners & CarePath, and safeTALK.

Justice Walcott, the daughter of Jamaican immigrant parents, is a passionate and driven young scholar with an unwavering commitment to empowering underserved and marginalized communities. Her upbringing in such a community, combined with her personal experiences navigating mental health, healthcare, immigration, and education, sparked her deep passion for promoting diversity, inclusivity, and social equity. Justice is determined to ensure that all youth, no matter their background, have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Justice discovered a powerful calling in guiding youth leaders and building dynamic, high-performing teams that work in harmony to uplift their communities. Creating environments where individuals complement each other’s strengths has become one of her greatest passions. She believes the power of community lies in the people who lead and support it and she is dedicated to equipping those who advocate for change with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Rooted in the belief that “Each one, teach one,” Justice envisions a world where communities of advocates, supported by mutual courage and understanding, can drive lasting change for themselves and those around them fueled by the incredible strength in our differences, and that these stories have the power to shape a more inclusive, compassionate world.

Jeremy Reuling, LCSW, NYCPS, has more than 20 years of experience working to support and empower people facing societal and systemic injustice. He is the Senior Director of Special Projects at Hands Across Long Island (HALI). Jeremy serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, as a member of PeerTAC’s Advisory Committee, and on the Advisory Board for Utica University’s MSW program. Jeremy presents regularly at conferences and events regionally and nationally.

Melanie Hecker is the current Statewide Youth and Young Adult Advocacy Specialist at the New York State Office of Mental Health. She is an autistic young adult with mental health challenges and she began her career at the age of fifteen, speaking on what it is as a young person with developmental disability and mental health system experience. She eventually went on to work as the Systems Advocate of Youth Power before going on to get her combined BA/MPA degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University at Albany. During her time at UAlbany, she was the Student Representative on the Post-Secondary Advisory Council for Students with Disabilities to the Board of Regents and as Vice President of Delta Alpha Pi Disability Honor Society. Shortly after graduation, Melanie worked as a Research and Training Associate at the National Center for START Services. In her current role, she and her team work to ensure the voices and perspectives of young people are included in all policy and program areas of OMH.

Jennifer Fuchs is the Interim Director of Children and Family Treatment and Support Services and High-Fidelity Wraparound programs at SCO Family of Services. Jennifer is a credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C) through Families Together in NYS, and holds the national certification, Certified Family Peer Specialist, through the National Federation of Families.

Jennifer has 30 years of lived expertise across the lifespan, beginning as a youth navigating her own challenges within the mental health system to becoming a dedicated family peer advocate to support her own children in navigating the very same systems.
Jennifer graduated with a degree in Forensic Psychology from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she found hope and a sense of community, while furthering her education to support her vast knowledge gained through lived experience. Since graduating, Jennifer has gained over 17 years of professional experience in mental health and advocacy. She has established herself as an integral team member within several SCO programs focused on youth and families over the last 12 years and continues to advocate for children and families on a broader scale through her role as Interim Director. Jennifer’s experience ranges from residential to community-based programs. Her most recent success is with Peer Support Services. In 2020, Jennifer was responsible for implementing the Family and Youth Peer Support Services in the CFTSS program at SCO, where she has grown the peer workforce from just 2 peer specialists in 2020 to a robust 30 people in 2024.

Jennifer utilizes her lived expertise to support and empower youth and families to use their strengths, voices, and take charge of their own journeys. Jennifer was the recipient of the 2024 What’s Great in our State award in the Family/Caregiver category, for the impact of her work with youth and families across New York State.

Meghann Simpson, YPA-C, Youth Training Coordinator, Families Together in New York State, Inc.

Meghann Simpson is an ambitious leader motivated to reform and develop support services for youth and adults. Meghann has an A.A. in Human Services and Social Science. She is graduating this spring with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Science and a minor in African American Studies. Meghann has experience working with various populations including but not limited to youth and adults experiencing serious mental illness, re-entry felons, LBTQIA+ individuals, and children coping with severe behavioral and emotional health challenges. Recently, Meghann co-founded Now She Speaks, a domestic and interpersonal violence non-profit organization, to provide a peer-support perspective to those experiencing IPV. Meghann hopes to inspire youth to know as fact that they can live a happy and successful life regardless of trauma and mental illness.

Yvette Kelly, LMHC, Director, Children Services and Healthcare Innovation, NYU McSilver Institute and Co-Director PeerTAC

Yvette works to bridge clinical and business practices by assisting behavioral health providers throughout New York State to develop competencies for enhancing organizational efficiencies. Her expertise includes strategies for effective supervision, documentation, revenue cycle management, and managed care. Kelly has over a decade of experience working with children and families. Passionate about ensuring that the world’s most vulnerable populations have access to high quality services, she has served in a variety of roles over the years, including Clinician, Supervisor, Quality Improvement Coordinator and more recently, Director of Children’s Mental Health. Kelly received a Master of Science in Education degree from The College of Saint Rose and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Maria Fuentes, FPA-C, Family Peer Support Training Specialist, NYU McSilver/PeerTAC

Maria has been a Credentialed Family Peer Advocate since 2019. At NYU McSilver, she works as a Family Peer Support Training Specialist in support of the PeerTAC project. In this role, Maria develops online and in-person training and technical assistance programming, with a particular focus on integrating family voices across project activities. Maria holds an Associate Degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing an Associate’s in Criminal Justice at Eastern Gateway Community College. Previously she has worked for the Jewish Board’s Prevention and Intervention Program as a Family Advocate/Case Manager for a school-based mental health program active in five New York City public schools, and she has volunteered for NAMI-NYC and NAMI Queens/Nassau since 2013. Maria is a native of Ecuador, a longtime resident of NYC, and a proud parent.

Gita Enders, LMSW, MA, NYCPS, Director of Peer Services, NYC Health + Hospitals

Gita shares with her peers the lived experience of a mental health challenge. She currently holds the position of Director in the NYC Health + Hospitals / Office of Behavioral Health, where she oversees numerous health care delivery system activities impacting individuals who use mental health, substance use, and co-occurring treatment services, and provides oversight to the peer-run NYC H+H Peer Academy. Prior to joining NYC H+H, Gita provided services ranging from board membership to directing training at peer-run agencies in Arizona. She presents locally and nationally on programming and supervision, and consults on the development of training curricula. Gita is a Licensed Master Social Worker; she has a Master’s degree in English, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and is a NYS Certified Peer Specialist. She is co-editor of the book, “What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists & Supervisors,” and sits on the Board of Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, Inc.

Lori Ashcraft, Ph.D., Founder, Resilience, Inc., Crestwood Recovery and Resilience Solutions

After a full career in California including Deputy Mental Health Director for Community Programs, Lori worked with Bill Anthony and colleagues at Boston University, and her commitment to recovery and peer services became a passion. In 2002 she created the Recovery Opportunity Center in Phoenix AZ, where she and her team trained and consulted with programs in many states and other countries. In 2015, Lori created Resilience, Inc. to provide consultation for innovative peer delivered services. She is the author of many books and published articles on recovery and peer support.

Shannon Higbee, BA, CEO, Recovery Options

Shannon has been working in the non-profit field for over 20 years, starting her career at a private school in Western New York, both teaching secondary English and working as the Director of Development. Shannon transitioned into the mental health field with Recovery Options Made Easy in 2016, beginning in their Housing Department growing with the organization in several roles. She is currently the CEO for Recovery Options and brings her passion for peer services, community building, and mental health advocacy to the role. Shannon continues to have a passion for teaching as well and has consulted, trained, presented, and serves as a panelist or keynote speaker across New York and nationally. Her areas of specialty include peer-run crisis services and peer integration in clinical models She serves as the incoming board president for The Alliance for Rights and Recovery and on the Wellness Collaborative of New York IPA board.

Rebecca Evansky, Executive Director, Wellness Collaborative of New York, Independent Practice Association (WCNY-IPA)

Rebecca supports the growth of peer support services through a unique Independent Practice Association comprising twelve peer-led provider organizations, spanning New York State. Advancing the collaborative foundation to ensure quality and authenticity of peer support services and shifting towards sustainable value-based contracting. Prior to this project, she was responsible for overseeing initiatives focused on treatment and prevention of substance use disorders, working to strengthen infrastructure across systems and cultivate strong partnerships across the region as part of the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Program at the Adirondack Health Institute. Known as a compassionate advocate for special victims, providing direct client services for over 15 years, including legal and medical advocacy and continues dedicated service as a volunteer to her local domestic violence hotline. Rebecca is a skilled presenter in trauma informed practices, health and wellness planning, collaborative partnerships and strategic planning.

Jeremy has more than 20 years of experience working to support and empower people facing societal and systemic injustice, including those diagnosed with mental health conditions.  An advocate of peer-informed services, Jeremy approaches his work from a peer-professional viewpoint.

Jeremy is currently the Program Coordinator for the Yonkers Mobile Crisis Response Team at People USA.  Additionally, he currently serves as the Co-President of the Board of Directors for the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) and as a member of the Advisory Board for the Master of Social Work program at Utica University. Jeremy presents regularly at conferences and training events regionally and nationally and earned his MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work; he holds a New York State license as a Clinical Social Worker and is a New York Certified Peer Specialist.

Rita is an instructional designer with lived experience of a major mental health diagnosis and over 20 years of offering mutual support and recovery education. Rita was the acting director of operations for the National Association of Peer Services (N.A.P.S.) for two years and continues to serve on a national workgroup on the supervision of peer specialists and other workforce issues. She is a frequent lecturer on peer support values, practice, and supervision.

Jessica Wolf, PhD, has been active for many years in mental health advocacy, program development and implementation, education and training, and workforce development and systems change in Connecticut and across the country. She founded, coordinated, taught and advised in the MERGE Mental Health Certificate Program at Housatonic Community College. As Principal of Decision Solutions Consulting since 1997, she has undertaken peer workforce development assignments in numerous states and settings.

As a Professionally Credentialed Family Peer Advocate, Amy has consistently demonstrated a dedication to improving the lives of families and individuals facing mental health challenges. At NYU McSilver, Amy is the Co-Director of Peer Support Training in support of the PeerTAC project.

With a deep-rooted commitment to empowering families and ensuring that their voices are heard, Amy is a dedicated professional who has spent years working at the intersection of mental health, child welfare, and family support. Previously Amy served as the Family Peer Engagement Specialist in support of NYS Office of Mental Health’s System of Care Project. In that role, Amy collaborated with state agencies and organizations to advance family-centered care, providing training and technical assistance.

Tammy Bush, BA, NYCPS, CPMC, Deputy Director S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc./RPN Central Region Coordinator – CNY

Tammy Bush began her peer service role in her teenage years with a program that was focused on teen pregnancy and parenting, and discovered the mental health peer movement. She transitioned to a peer position and began her career as an employment specialist, moving up to managing and supervising roles, and is currently the Deputy Director of S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. Over the past twenty years Tammy has been able to use her lived experience to help other individuals that have been diagnosed, labeled, and stigmatized learn they can recover, have quality of life, and succeed at whatever they choose. Tammy has experience in individual and systems advocacy, service provision, program development, peer supervision, and creating and maintaining positive relationships with clinical providers and other community-based organizations and social services departments.

Jonathan P. Edwards, Ph.D., LCSW. ACSW, NYCPS, Program Consultant, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Dr. Edwards is a social scientist, public health advisor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Personal Medicine Coach, and serves on the faculty of Columbia School of Social Work. He led the largest peer support workforce within the NYC Hospital system and continues to make significant contributions to the peer workforce. Dr. Edwards contributed to National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors; presented nationally and internationally; and served as a technical expert to SAMHSA’s National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification and Recovery Research Agenda. He has received several awards, co-authored peer-reviewed articles, and co-edited “What It Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors”. Dr. Edwards received his M. Phil and Ph.D. in Social Welfare from CUNY Graduate Center; his MSW from Silberman School of Social Work; and his bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from City College of CUNY.

Amy’s experience includes over 20 years of curriculum design, staff training and consultation for the behavioral health sector. She also brings a decade-long commitment to training and educating the peer support provider workforce. Currently, in her role as the Program Director for the Academy of Peer Services for the New York Peer Specialist Certification she oversees the development and quality improvement process for over 90 online courses for the certification of peer specialists in New York. It is the only platform of its kind in the world. Amy has provided remote and in person supervision for nearly 10 years and trains organizations on the use of supervision strategies.

Lydia Franco, PhD, LMSW is the Education and Innovation Officer at the NYU McSilver Institute. She provides oversight to multiple statewide training and technical assistance centers supporting the youth, family and peer behavioral health workforce. Previously, Dr. Franco co-led the development of the 4 Rs and 2 Ss for Strengthening Families model and provides training and technical assistance expertise locally and nationally on engagement best practices, family strengthening approaches, workforce resilience, coaching and supervision, implementation science, and culturally responsive services. Dr. Franco received her MSSW from Columbia University and her PhD in Social Work from Rutgers University.

Tyrus (TJ) Curtis, FPA-C, Family Training Coordinator at Families Together in New York State

TJ leverages his years of experience in youth and family mental health advocacy and peer-to-peer support toward training others to be successful. TJ’s journey began as a youth advocate for CCSI, leading him to serve on the board of directors for Youth M.O.V.E. National Inc. TJ has also contributed their expertise to the boards of the Federation of Families and SAMHSA. In their current role, TJ focuses on developing workshops and training programs aimed at enhancing youth and family development services. His passion lies in supporting youth, families, men, and fathers to ensure healthy outcomes for all. Alongside professional commitments, TJ is pursuing a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at North Central University, furthering their expertise to better serve those in need. TJ’s tireless dedication to the well-being of families and their commitment to advocacy make them a valuable asset to the community.

Aviva Cohen, LMSW, NYCPS-P, Chief Strategy Officer, Hands Across Long Island (HALI)

Aviva holds personal experience as someone directly impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, and by the treatment system. Prior to joining HALI, Aviva worked with the New York City Office of Consumer Affairs, where she served first as the Research and Evaluation Coordinator, and later, as Coordinator of the NYC Peer and Community Health Worker Workforce Consortium. Aviva is a New York Certified Peer Specialist and New York State Licensed Social Worker with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CUNY Hunter College and a Master of Science from the Columbia School of Social Work.

Alexis Jinks is Access Supervisor at Family and Children’s Association’s Family Treatment and Recovery Center. She works directly with expanding and creating access to treatment for individuals and families living with Substance Use, Mental Health, and Gambling challenges. Alexis previously worked as Program Manager for FCA’s Sherpa Program. Alexis has fierce passion for diverse and marginalized populations experiencing inequities and has dedicated her work to promoting health and wellness for all.

Paula Tusiani-Eng is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Emotions Matter Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, supporting, and advocating for those impacted by borderline personality disorder (BPD). At Emotions Matter, she has developed innovative programs promoting hope, healing, resilience and recovery for people with BPD. Paula co-authored a memoir called “Remnants of a Life on Paper: A Mother and Daughter’s Struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)”, which chronicles her family’s journey with BPD.

Krista Whitman has over 20 years of experience in addiction treatment and management. As Chief Operating Officer, she oversees the daily operations of all of Outreach’s programs and staff. Prior to being named COO, Ms. Whitman was VP of Outpatient Services where she managed operations, program development and clinical culture for Outreach’s OASAS and OMH outpatient clinics. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and holds an MBA in Healthcare Service Administration.

Ellen Healion, MA.Ed, NYCPS, Director of Peer Bridger Services & National Technical Assistance Provider, Alliance for Rights and Recovery

Ellen began her career in the field of special education until her own experience with the mental health service system. She has been a well-respected peer services consultant within mental health systems, agencies, and programs for over 30 years. That experience has given her extraordinary expertise in the many nuances of Mental Health Systems and the infusion of recovery, peer services, creating system change within local, state, and federal policy. Through the Alliance and other consulting engagements, Ms. Healion has provided technical assistance in peer programs and services to State Departments of Mental Health in Arizona, Mississippi, and Washington State, in addition to peer-run agencies in New York. Ellen presents at conferences and trains on a variety of topics affecting individuals in recovery. Ms. Healion participates with boards and committees of related organizations locally and nationally, bringing the voice of recovery to the landscape of Mental Health Services, Medicaid and Managed Care.

Sara I. Taylor BSW, MS, FPA-P, CEO, Positive Steps

Sara I. Taylor is the Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Positive Steps (www.positivestepsny.com). Sara is also employed full time as a Training Specialist and Community Liaison in western New York where she focuses on social justice and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Sara’s 20+ year career, across multiple industries, ranges from direct-care front-line social worker to senior-level administrator. Sara became frustrated while navigating the complex mental health system trying to access services for her child, and connected with other parents in psychiatric emergency rooms who began to share their lived experiences. She convened a group of parents and caregivers of color who decided to elevate their voices to address inequities across the mental health system and develop peer support and resource groups for black and brown parents with similar experiences. Together they birthed the vision for the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) PEEEEEEK Parent Mental Health Project (www.bipoarentvoice.org) in upstate NY.

Sondra Siegel-Rakitovan, BA, FPA-C has her own lived experience as an adult, child, and parent. She has worked as a Family Engagement Specialist, Family Peer Advocate and Family Peer Advocate Supervisor for 2 different agencies on Long Island Most recently, Sondra has gained additional experience as a High Fidelity Wraparound Care Manager at SCO Family of Services, where she now serves as the Program Supervisor for High Fidelity Wraparound and Family Peer Support. Sondra currently serves on the Family Peer Credentialing Advisory Committee of NY State Families Together and is a Board Member of Long Island Families Together.

Simcha Weinstein is an author, syndicated columnist, and the DEI and Community Engagement Coordinator at Families Together in New York State. He also serves as a state lead for NYADD (New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities) and founded the Jewish Autism Network, a grassroots advocacy initiative. Drawing on his lived experiences, Simcha is recognized for his engaging blend of advocacy, insight, and dedication to empowering families in his role as a Family Peer Advocate—or “dadvocate.” Known for his approachable and authentic style, he connects with audiences across diverse communities. Simcha resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Jay Culkin has a BA in Sociology and an MA in Social & Public Policy and is currently the Youth Training Coordinator for Families Together in New York State. He is a person with lived experience as an autistic person in the mental health system in youth and adulthood. He was the first of a pilot project at SCO Family of Services to have seasoned YPAs mentoring newer YPAs. Jay has spent most of his time as a YPA advocating for transgender youth. Jay is passionate about literacy, writes poetry, and previously tutored migrants. He lives on Long Island with his wife and pet bunny, Onion.

Abbe Duke (she, her, hers) is a long time NYS Peer Specialist and the Recovery Specialist & Trainer supervisor at the OnTrackNY initiative at the Center for Practice Innovations. OnTrackNY is an innovative model of coordinated specialty care, which has thoughtfully integrated the role of Peer Specialist throughout its development. Abbe brings her decade of experience working as a Peer Specialist in a variety of settings throughout NYS, as well as her training and technical assistance work for the NYS Office of Mental Health and for OnTrackNY. Abbe is particularly proud of the development of the recent OnTrackNY Peer Specialist manual and the introductory training modules for OnTrackNY Peer Specialists- all of which can be found at OnTrackNY.org.

Elise Diamond, NYCPS, LGBTQIA+ Cultural Responsiveness Trainer and Consultant, Recovery Specialist and Trainer with OnTrackNY

Elise is an experienced peer specialist and trainer. They also serve on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Rights and Recovery (formerly NYAPRS). Elise is from Kingston, NY, where they are lucky enough to be part of a beautiful, thriving queer and trans community.

Liz Breier, MA, NYCPS-P is the Deputy Director of the New York State Office of Mental Health Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services. She holds an MA in Health Advocacy from Sarah Lawrence College, is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, a NYCPS-P, and a Certified Health Coach. Since 2000 Liz has been actively involved in supporting individuals in creating and sustaining their personal vision of healing and wellness. Liz uses her personal lived experience as part of her support for others.

Regina Shoen, NYCPS, FPA-C is the Director of the Upstate Regional Office of Advocacy & Peer Support Services with the New York State Office of Mental Health, in Syracuse, New York. Regina has worked for NYS OMH since 2006 both as a contractor and in state service. Regina has worked in Peer Services since 2006 and is passionate about workforce issues and assisting individuals to navigate a return to work or entering the workforce in their chosen field. Regina has trained individuals, providers, programs, and state agencies on a variety of workforce and related topics and uses her own lived experience to inform her work.

Bruce Huffman(he/they), a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist since 2019, directs Medicaid Services and oversees TMHCA’s Memphis Peer Support Center. Active in the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Bruce blends his Memphis theater background into recovery education groups, fostering creative empowerment. Dedicated to guiding peers with compassion and respect, he believes in uplifting each other through every challenge, empowering individuals to follow their own paths.

Jordan Young’s advocacy is rooted in his personal recovery from mental illness and substance use disorder. Since starting as an Employment Specialist and Peer Recovery Specialist in 2019, Jordan has prioritized providing quality training opportunities statewide. He is passionate about helping individuals achieve their employment and educational goals and currently leads TMHCA’s Individual Placement and Support Employment Initiative.

Kevin Smith, Director of Mental Health Peer Connection at Western New York Independent Living, is a passionate mental health advocate with over 15 years of experience. With a bachelor’s in psychology and certification as a Peer Support Specialist, Kevin combines personal experience and professional expertise to empower individuals through shared experiences. He leads the agency in providing supportive services and fostering connections within the community.

Cathie Campbell has seen it all: the good, the bad, and the extraordinary. Having overcome agoraphobia, Cathie is living proof that even the most unlikely heroes can make a difference. Cathie’s expertise in recovery coaching, institutional, vocational, and community-based services help her to support others on their own unique journeys. With 19 years as a peer, Cathie became a leader to guide the next generation and improve the quality of life for those we serve

Robert Brandon has provided support, collaboration, and advocacy to people for six years by helping them understand and navigate the complex health care system. Robert is the Healthy Living Coordinator at Western New York Independent Living Inc. His role includes the supervision of peer support programs like Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (i.e., CORE) services. Robert’s goal is to help people navigate the healthcare system to enhance their quality of life in the community.

Nicole K. Collins-Rivera is a dedicated Recovery Coach, since 2019, with seven years of personal sobriety. Currently pursuing full Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) and Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) certifications, she serves the community providing recovery support, peer advocacy, trauma workshops and life coaching. Nicole designs workshops that are both informative and empowering for all in recovery. With a BA in English and Sociology from The City College of New York, she combines academic knowledge with lived experience to help others thrive.

Laura Rhymer is a peer with mental health lived experience. She has been employed in the field for 18 years and has held direct service roles and supervisory roles, both inside and outside of the peer field. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in counseling, a master’s degree in social work, and an LMSW. Presently, Laura works as the Program Director of Howie the Harp, a program that trains individuals with mental health concerns to become peer support workers.

Amber Rivers’ trajectory that connected her to work in the mental health area was formed at an early age, due to traumatic abuse. She deals with past trauma with support from peers, mental health professionals, and self-determination. Working as a Peer supervisor has been a highlight of her career. She started with Community Access as a Peer Bridger and was later promoted to Howie the Harp Assistant Program Director and then Director. The best part of her job is leading a team of fellow peers.

Natalie Lleras, LCSW, CPRP, SIFI, brings over fifteen years of experience in the mental health field, working directly with populations of individuals managing significant mental health conditions and most intensely with providers who collaborate with them. She has extensive expertise in training and curriculum development, clinical practice, and leadership across various sectors, including special education, the PROS Model, and Person-Centered documentation, Trauma Informed Practice, and management of nonprofit organizations.  Previously, Natalie served as the Clinical Director of Rockaway PROS at Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. She has a strong appreciation for recovery and the peer movement. She is a graduate of NYU School of Social Work and a proud CPRP.

Cathy S. Kent has over 14 years of experience as a dedicated cross systems advocate in local and national efforts, representing the peer advocacy workforce in mental health. As the Regional Youth Advocacy Specialist II at the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS), Cathy shapes mental health initiatives, promotes resilience and empowerment, and plays a vital role within the Youth and Family Peer Advocacy Network. She integrates youth, young adult, and family perspectives to shape policies and programs and champions the importance of inclusion through a trauma-informed lens. Previously, Cathy served as the Senior Advisor for The New York Foundling, promoting professional development and personal growth as a liaison between staff, administration, and partner agencies. She supervised staff to foster natural supports and individual growth, helping youth and family advocates throughout New York City. Having experienced domestic violence, Cathy asserts the need for mental health support focused on intervention and coping skills.

Ina Concepcion, FDC, FPAC, PEP, is the Alliance Coordinator for Family & Youth Peer Support Queens Alliance at Vibrant Emotional Health. Her work centers on advocacy and educating families and youth about the different child serving systems within their communities. 

Ina has worked within the Social Services field for over 15 years and specializes in helping parents and caregivers of children who have or are at risk of developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She also presently serves on the Department of Education Executive Board of Parent / Teachers Association of NYC as Secretary and is on the School Leadership Team.

Jennifer Fuchs is the Interim Director of Children and Family Treatment and Support Services and High-Fidelity Wraparound programs at SCO Family of Services. Jennifer is a credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA-C) through Families Together in NYS, and holds the national certification, Certified Family Peer Specialist, through the National Federation of Families.

Jennifer has 30 years of lived expertise across the lifespan, beginning as a youth navigating her own challenges within the mental health system to becoming a dedicated family peer advocate to support her own children in navigating the very same systems.
Jennifer graduated with a degree in Forensic Psychology from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she found hope and a sense of community, while furthering her education to support her vast knowledge gained through lived experience. Since graduating, Jennifer has gained over 17 years of professional experience in mental health and advocacy. She has established herself as an integral team member within several SCO programs focused on youth and families over the last 12 years and continues to advocate for children and families on a broader scale through her role as Interim Director. Jennifer’s experience ranges from residential to community-based programs. Her most recent success is with Peer Support Services. In 2020, Jennifer was responsible for implementing the Family and Youth Peer Support Services in the CFTSS program at SCO, where she has grown the peer workforce from just 2 peer specialists in 2020 to a robust 30 people in 2024.

Jennifer utilizes her lived expertise to support and empower youth and families to use their strengths, voices, and take charge of their own journeys. Jennifer was the recipient of the 2024 What’s Great in our State award in the Family/Caregiver category, for the impact of her work with youth and families across New York State.

Anne Kuppinger has focused her professional energies on fostering partnerships that improve access to effective and responsive services for children and families. This includes partnerships between researchers, providers, funders, policymakers, families, youth and communities – working together to achieve positive outcomes. Anne’s current focus at CTAC is on scaling up the training and credentialing of Family and Youth Peer Advocates, promoting family-driven and youth-guided practice, and supporting children’s services providers as they adapt to changes in the healthcare environment. Anne earned her BA in History from Boston College and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Maryland at College Park.

Ann Kasper, MA, CPSS, is a co-creator two mental health hospitals and a mental health court, a contributor to the official peer profession creation at the state level in Oregon in 2004, a producer of numerous local television shows on mental health and an editor of a film on peer support. Her current concentration is on mental health technology and health information IT rules. She has worked with refugee resettlement in the US and abroad for 30 years and delivers mental health education globally in a few languages.