Colorado Mental Wellness Network’s next Peer Specialist Training begins on March 27, 2017 and runs for three weeks, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Click here for more information and an application. 

Not sure what a Peer Specialist is, or what they do?      Peer Specialists (Peer Providers, Peer Coaches) are individuals who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use.  They use this lived experience plus skills learned in formal training to assist others with mind-body recovery and resiliency.

Peer Specialists assist people in many ways including mentoring, coaching, advocacy, linking to resources, and providing hope.  They may facilitate groups, teach about recovery skills, and educate the public about recovery and wellness.

The CMWN Peer Specialist Training meets all the core competencies and indicators established by the Colorado Behavioral Heath Council and the International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium.  Our training exceeds the standards set by these organizations.  Training topics include: trauma informed support, self care, ethics, communication skills, stages of change, recovery, and resilience.

Why train with CMWN?    As an independent peer-run organization, we have lived experience with recovery and wellness and understand the vital role that peers play in assisting others. We are passionate about the possibility of recovery and wellness for everyone . Our program is heavily  focused on learning and putting skills into practice.

Our next Peer Specialist Training begins on March 27, 2017 and runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until April 14th.   Click here for more information and an application. 

Peer Specialist Training begins March 27, 2017

Amanda Kearney-Smith

I founded the Network as the Executive Director in 2011 and, before that, I was a program director at Mental Health Colorado. My educational background is in Developmental Psychology, but living with bipolar disorder has drawn me to this work. I'm most passionate about protecting the civil rights and dignity of others. In my free time, I love reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with my family here and in Illinois.

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