Ali has a Master of Fine Art in Interdisciplinary Arts & Media from Columbia College Chicago where she currently teaches in the Television & Cinema Arts Department. Ali is also a WI Certified Peer Specialist who works at Cornucopia in Madison, WI running drop-in workshops as well as working 1-on-1 as a Peer Support Counselor. Additionally, Ali is currently a student in the MA: Art Therapy program at Edgewood College in Madison, WI and is working towards becoming a licensed Art Therapist in the state of Wisconsin and has been an art educator/ teaching artist for a number of years.
Cullen Bosworth
Prevention Navigator Certified Peer Support Specialist
Cullen is a Prevention Navigator, and Certified Peer Support Specialist, working with People Who Inject Drugs at Vivent Health in La Crosse, WI. In office, Cullen facilitates research projects developed by the University of Wisconsin offers syringe services and Prevention Navigation Services. In the broader community he participates in outreach to the unhoused and participates in local and statewide Harm Reduction focused coalitions.
Kelli Brown
MPH, DrPH(C)
Kelli Brown is a dedicated professional with five years of experience at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She plays a crucial role in supporting the Masters of Science Global Health Equity program, which equips students to become global health leaders by engaging with diverse local and global communities. Kelli is also pursuing her Doctorate of Public Health degree at MCW, with her dissertation focusing on identifying key elements of peer support programs facilitated by community organizations that support individuals in recovery and reentry. Her commitment extends beyond academia, as she has a passion for travel, service, and connecting with others to advance health equity initiatives. Kelli's work and research exemplify her dedication to making a positive impact on the world's health and well-being.
Beka Bussineau
Peer Recovery Coach
I am a MDHHS Certified Peer Recovery Coach and Community Health Worker. My own recovery from substance use was enhanced by the purpose I found in work and the support for my early recovery in the workplace. Several years later I got the chance to begin work, as a peer coach, on a Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative in Marinette, Wisconsin. We have accomplished a lot in the last year and I look forward to sharing more about that.
Patricia Clason
Founder, Program Coordinator
Founder Healing Warrior Hearts (veterans retreats) 1993
Founder Taking It Lightly (emotional intelligence programs) 1983
Leader of over 500 retreats, trained over 250 group facilitators and instructors
First to receive Registered Corporate Coach Designation from Worldwide Association of Business Coaches
Teacher Trauma Counseling Certificate Program and related courses at UWMilwaukee since 2015
Currently holding CPS certification (since 2021)
Jill Clopper
CPS, Lead Family Support for Children's Community Mental Health Services and Wraparound Milwaukee
Jill Clopper, Certified Parent Peer Specialist is the Lead Family Support for Children's Community Mental Health Services and Wraparound Milwaukee. As a parent of 6, 3 of whom are adopted, Jill uses her lived experience, as a parent of a young person with mental health challenges, to offer hope and encouragement to other parents and caregivers. She is a trainer, group facilitator, listening ear and a connection to resources, and enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family.
DeAnna Cobun
Parent Partner, Parents Supporting Parents
Ms. Cobun is a US Army Veteran and has three children. She has been in her current position for 2.5 years. She is also enrolled in the Human Services program at Blackhawk Technical College. Her hope is to move forward with the Parents Supporting Parents (PSP) program and to be able to inspire other counties to start their own PSP program. Ms. Cobun is also a Certified Peer Specialist.
Samantha Copus
I'm Samantha and I have been in recovery for 10+ years after involvement with Child Protection Services. Because of my experience I am passionate about connecting with others, and being a Parent Partner has been the most powerful opportunity to make a difference.
Leanne Delsart
MS, Integrated Services Manager of Strategic Initiatives for Wraparound Milwaukee
"Leanne Delsart, MS, is the Integrated Services Manager of Strategic Initiatives for Wraparound Milwaukee and Owner of LND Consulting, LLC. For the last 19 years, Leanne has worked with children and families affected by trauma, adversity, mental health and behavioral health challenges. She has collaborated with the Youth Justice, Child Welfare and Education systems as an advocate for children and families, and as a trainer in the fields of Trauma Informed Care, Systems of Care, Crisis Intervention, Suicide Intervention, ACEs, and Wraparound philosophy and process.
Allyson Eparvier
Ph.D.
"Dr. Allyson Eparvier has worked in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) for the past 12 years. Prior to that, she worked in corrections in both Colorado and California. She is currently a Psychological Associate at Dodge Correctional Institution (DCI) where she is the Psychological Services Liaison for the Restrictive Housing Unit. In addition, she is the Co-Chair of the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Program at DCI and also a Co-Director for the CPS Program for all adult institutions within the DOC. Dr. Eparvier has a wealth of knowledge about the utility of the CPS Program within a correctional setting and is passionate about supporting individuals through their rehabilitative journey. "
Allilsa Fernandez
Mental Health and Disability Consultant
Allilsa Fernandez is a mental health and disability advocate, activist and consultant. They have worked with companies such as Facebook, Lionsgate, Verizon, and ReelAbilities Los Angeles. In addition, they have volunteered with Sylvia Rivera Law Project on shelter organizing, with Met Council on housing justice, and NYC mutual aid providing aid to people across NYC. Allilsa has also worked with diverse organizations, companies, and politicians such as Janos Marton, to create intersectional mental health policies. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stony Brook University with a bachelors in Psychology, and completed her fellowships with The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy and Innovation, and Latino Justice Law Bound. Their work has been featured in Forbes Magazine and the Laura Flanders show.
Michael Fitzpatrick
Homeless Outreach Specialist
Michael Fitzpatrick has worked as a Homeless Outreach Specialist with Independent Living Resources since October of 2020. In this time, he has had the opportunity to work with other agencies and community partners to establish what is now known as "H.O.T. (Homeless Outreach Team)" which is a local collaborative effort to provide direct services to individuals experiencing homelessness on the street. These services include harm reduction services, peer support, recovery support, housing navigation support, medical care and much more.
Joseph Galey
Certified Peer Support Specialist/ trained Doula/ harm reductionist
Joe Galey, a Certified Peer Specialist, trained Doula, and dedicated harm reductionist hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the field. Currently serving as a panel member on the prestigious University of Wisconsin Health's ECHO ACCEPT and holding a position as a board member for Wisconsin’s Rural Health and Substance Use Support Program (RHeSUS), Joe stands at the forefront of progressive initiatives in peer support.
In his role as a direct care worker for individuals navigating the complex intersection of drug use and mental health, Joe draws on shared experiences to guide and empower. His commitment extends beyond the professional realm, reflecting a deep-seated advocacy for the safety, health, happiness, and rights of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). Joe is driven by the belief in implementing tools that guarantee the well-being of individuals in this community.
A fervent advocate, Joe channels his energy into challenging policies and dismantling stigma that perpetuates harm and shame. His passion is not just a profession but a mission to foster positive change at both individual and systemic levels.
Outside of his impactful work, Joe finds joy in diverse pursuits. From exploring the wonders of Mycology to immersing himself in nature and supporting animals, he embodies a holistic approach to well-being. Unwinding at Phish concerts, playing music, engaging in artistic endeavors, and pursuing bodybuilding further showcase the multifaceted nature of Joe's personality.
In considering me as a speaker for the upcoming peer support conference, you're inviting a dynamic individual with a wealth of experience, a fervent commitment to advocacy, and a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those he serves.
Marguerit Galindo
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), CPS Trainer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Carmella Glenn
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), CPS trainer and is currently the Violence Intervention Coordinator for Public Health Madison and Dane County.
Carmella Glenn is from Madison Wisconsin and has worked in social justice for more than 20 years. She has a degree in Criminal Justice and Culinary Arts. She used both of those degrees to Direct, grow and supervise Just Bakery for 10 years. Just Bakery is an employment training initiative for those with barriers to employment. She is a Certified Peer Specialist, a Certified Peer Specialist trainer and is currently the violence intervention Coordinator for Public Health Madison and Dane County. She is also a proud system disruptor.
Dan Grupe
Research Assistant Professor
Dr. Dan Grupe is a Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research at the intersection of mental health and the criminal legal system uses a community-based approach to study the impact of mindfulness, restorative justice, and related practices on the well-being of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals as well as law enforcement officers.
Daniela Guerrero
Bilingual Psychotherapist
Daniela is a BIPOC, Spanish-speaking psychotherapist specializing in trauma, attachment, depression, and anxiety. She lives with Bipolar I Disorder and has experienced a series of challenges including finding appropriate treatment, imposter syndrome, managing symptoms as a mental health provider, and eventually receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the summer of 2021. She grew up in a Latine household with immigrant parents resulting in avoidance of discussion of mental health. Daniela shares her own experience with mental health and how it has affected her work as a therapist. She has experience ranging from social work and case management, to Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Her background in clinical psychology has helped her incorporate psychology and neuroscience into treatment and helped treat dozens of clients. This is her story.
Paul Haasl
CPS "Certified Peer Specialist for Bridges to Recovery in Marinette, Wi.
Have been a full-time practicing Certified Peer Specialist for 9 years."
Alyssa Hake
Ms. Hake is the mother of two children, who has been in recovery for 5-years. She is a Parent Partner in Jefferson, WI, as well as a Certified Peer Specialist in the State of WI. Ms. Hake has been a Parent Partner for 3-years and hopes that she can use her lived experience in the CPS world, as well as in the addiction/recovery world, to help others
Elyse Harvey
My name is Elyse. I am a Parent Partner in Eau Claire County, and I am also a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I have multiple lived experiences. I have now turned that around celebrating sobriety, a healthy marriage, and reunification with my children.
Karen Iverson-Riggers
Owner/Member of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative
Karen Iverson Riggers is a writer, entrepreneur, activist, advocate, trainer, and Mom. She is a trainer of Emotional CPR and Emotions Education 101 and co-creator of The Missing Piece: Emotional Health & Wellness curriculum. She is a founding worker/owner of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative, a Wisconsin based worker owned cooperative that provides training, consultation, and listening spaces related to emotional health and wellness. Along with Lynn McLaughlin, she launched the Real Vibes Only podcast which talks about real life and emotions. She utilizes her own lived experience in the mental health system to advocate for change and create community spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, just as they are. Karen lives in Appleton with her partner Eric and their three children Nick, Quinn, and Ari.
Rylee Jenich
CPS
Rylee Jenich is a peer supervisor at Solstice House Peer Run Respite. As a radical queer abolitionist, they seek to subvert systems of oppression by building alternative pathways towards healing, connection and love. Their work lives in the spaces between substance use, sex work and the carceral system, a place where the birds sing and flowers bloom.
Tracy Johnson
Dept. of Corrections CPS Co-Director and Licensed Psychologist
"Dr. Tracy Johnson is a Licensed Psychologist who has 26 years of experience working for the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections (DOC). She has held positions as Psychologist, PsychologySupervisor, and she is currently the Psychology Manager for the Division of Juvenile Corrections as well as a Co-Director for the DOC CPS Program. She assisted in implementing the first pilot peer mentoring program in the Wisconsin DOC in 2016 and she became a Certified Peer Specialist State Trainer in 2017. Dr. Johnson has co-facilitated all of the Certified Peer Specialist trainings in the DOC, since the program began in 2017. Dr. Johnson is inspired by the commitment, work and dedication of the Certified Peer Specialists in the DOC, and she is grateful and honored to be a part of the CPS Program."
.jpg?csf=1&web=1&e=cphiNe)
Karole Kimble
BA, MBA, Member of National Association of Black Journalists, Certified Re-evaluation Counselor, Certified Senior CBST Facilitator, Certified CBW Facilitator 1
For over 30 years, noted communications expert, Karole L. S. Kimble has dedicated her time and energy to building bridges and raising awareness for underserved and marginalized populations. From being a former newscaster and reporter to becoming a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion expert and personal life & relationship coach, Karole is a true Servant Leader. Her passion lies with empowering women, immigrants and people coming out of prison to live their best lives. She is a certified facilitator and offers programs that focus on creating meaningful dialog around these and many other topics. Karole is committed to creating an inclusive society through the power of aiding people to unlearn “racism”, poignant storytelling, creative yet open communication, and building TRUE community. Karole is a Senior Facilitator & Level I Trainer with both Community Building Milwaukee & Community Building International.
Mike Koenings
Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Tanya Kraege
MSW, APSW, CSAC, RC trainer, WI CPS
Tanya Kraege is the Drug Poisoning Prevention Team Manager at Safe Communities MDC. She specializes in working with people with substance use challenges, women using substances during pregnancy, trauma, relationships, and mental health challenges. Tanya has worked in the field of mental health and substance use for 14 years and currently oversees Recovery Coaches and Certified Peer Specialists who work in a variety of environments in Dane County, Wisconsin to support people with substance use challenges and affected families. Over the past few years in this role, Tanya has secured grant funding to design and implement a Salesforce-based, recovery practice management solution, that has increased productivity by 40% in peer provider management and has given the flexibility to serve over 1600 people in her community. Tanya also works as a crisis worker at Dane County Crisis and consults around the Country regarding anti-stigma work and peer provider programs. Tanya played a role in the Health Care Task Force on Safe Opioid Prescribing by participating in the academic detailing program for working with clinicians on co-prescribing Naloxone with opioid prescription medications. In addition to being a Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, and a community advocate. Tanya is also a Recovery Coach, Recovery Coach Trainer and Certified Peer Specialist Trainer, using her story of addiction and recovery to help others gain hope and insight into new ways of living.
Jessica Manogue
My name is Jessica. I am IV Heroin addict in recovery for 7 years now, a survivor of severe domestic abuse/violence, a person with mental health conditions and someone with lived experience in Child Welfare. I've been a Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist for over a year. I work at Jefferson County Human Services as a Parent Partner for 3ys.
Molly McCormick
Community Risk Educator
Molly's been La Crosse Fire Department for a little over a year now, coming from a background in education. Before being the Community Risk Educator, Molly was the Disaster Program Specialist for the Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross, a return Peace Corps Volunteer, and a middle school teacher. Her eclectic professional opportunities give her a broad lens and an overabundance of human interactions. She believes in the power of connection.
Lynn McLaughlin
Owner/Member of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative
Lynn McLaughlin is an entrepreneur, author, peer, trainer, and consultant. She has a vibrant passion for life and deep empathy for the stories of others, which shows up in all facets of her work. She is a trainer of Emotional CPR and Emotions Education 101 and co-creator of The Missing Piece curriculum. Lynn is a founding worker/owner of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative, a Wisconsin based worker owned cooperative that provides training, consultation, and listening spaces related to emotional health and wellness. She is a cohost of the Real Vibes Only podcast.
Deb Mejchar
CPS
Deborah Mejchar is a formerly incarcerated (20 year sentence, pardoned 2011) Certified Peer Specialist and CPS TOT who has years of experience working in correctional institution settings and is also a skilled Chaplain with advanced practices around grief, vicarious trauma and wellness planning .To aid in supporting the wellness of WI incarcerated CPS's //Ms Mejchar developed a book club that provides an opportunity for CPS's to address issues that come up in this work , and that offer space to brainstorm andn strategize positive plans and solutions.
Natalie Morescki
Founder and Executive Director of Next Steps for Change, Recovery Coach and Recovery Coach Trainer
Natalie Morescki is the founder and Executive Director of Next Steps for Change, Inc. She has a Master’s degree in Community Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She has worked with children of substance abusers in numerous capacities before becoming the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club in Sparta, Wisconsin for six years. With a passion for being an educator, Natalie spent two years teaching part time as an adjunct professor at Western Technical College in the Psychology Department and at the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse teaching Effective Behavior and Addictive Behavior in their Psychology Department. Natalie had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom for two years. She then worked for the next ten years as the Drug Free Communities Coordinator for Couleecap, working with the Monroe County Safe Community Coalition on AODA prevention in Monroe County, Wisconsin. Since 2020, she has been developing the organization Next Steps for Change, where in addition she has become a trainer for Recovery Coaches and a certified Narcan trainer. Natalie’s passion for working with people with substance use disorders began when she wrote her Master’s thesis about women in a substance abuse unit of a Connecticut women’s prison. This passion has grown as she has raised her two adopted boys, both born to parents with substance use disorders. They are one of the main reasons for Natalie starting Next Steps for Change, Inc.
Kendelle Nelson
Peer Recovery Coach, Biehl Bridges to Recovery
Kendelle Nelson was peer coaching before she knew what it was. After she found her way out of active addiction she naturally became someone who friends reached out to when they or loved ones needed some help. Kendelle had some experiences in the beginning of her recovery with less than enthusiastic employers who allowed her criminal record to exclude her from employment. This was a mistake, as Kendelle is an incredibly capable and determined person who simply happens to have had a substance use disorder that featured symptoms that manifested as illegal behaviors. She is an asset to our Recovery Friendly Workplace team in both her lived experience and her passion for helping others obtain and maintain a life they love.
Joanne Nelson
Social Worker/Community Educator
Joanne Nelson is a writer and retreat/workshop leader certified by the McLean Meditation Institute as a meditation and mindfulness teacher. Her Wake Up! Mindful Writing programs and Just This Day Meditation offerings allow participants to engage and awaken their creative and intuitive best selves while learning to restore and re-story.
Over thirty years of experience as a psychotherapist allows Nelson to combine clinical expertise with her love of teaching to create programs that are research based, practical, and enjoyable.
Nelson is the author of the essay collection, My Neglected Gods, and the memoir, This is How We Leave both available from Vine Leaves Press.
Jonisha Neita
My name is Jonisha. I am a
blessed mother of 7; 6 are living. I am a recovering heroin addict 9 years
clean. My kids were placed in out of home care in 2014 and I got them back in
2016. I graduated FDTC Family drug treatment court and Meta house. I was also
one of the first family to pilot Healthy infant court when Honorable Judge
Triggiano was preceding. I have obtained my certified Peer specialist
certificate.
Jake Niesen
Public Health Program coordinator
Nze Okoronta
Certified Peer Specialist
Nze is a facilitator, advocate, peer trainer, and consultant. Nze is known for work surrounding culturally responsive crisis support, peer-run crisis alternatives, peer support supervision & harm reduction. They have past experience in housing, DEI, clinical substance use counseling, and population-specific SUD program development for BIPOC communities. Nze is currently the Peer Services Program Director at SOAR Case Management Services Inc. in Madison, WI; overseeing Solstice House Peer Run Respite & Peer Run Warmline and Recovery Dane, a community-based peer support program.
Jordyn Otto
My name is Jonisha. I am a
blessed mother of 7; 6 are living. I am a recovering heroin addict 9 years
clean. My kids were placed in out of home care in 2014 and I got them back in
2016. I graduated FDTC Family drug treatment court and Meta house. I was also
one of the first family to pilot Healthy infant court when Honorable Judge
Triggiano was preceding. I have obtained my certified Peer specialist
certificate.
Natasha Rettsschlag
Kenneth Ryback
BA, Certified T4C facilitator, Certified Senior CBW Facilitator, Master Level Reiki Ken is a Community Building Senior Facilitator, mentor, and coach facilitating Community Building since 2014.
He graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Criminal Justice leading him to work as a Wisconsin Probation/Parole Agent. Upon retiring, he began working at Wisconsin Community Services as a Recovery Support Coordinator providing crisis case management to those struggling with substance use and/or mental health issues. Ken is now working as Project Coordinator for Community Building Milwaukee, a program based on the work of M. Scott Peck, MD. Ken is also the father of 2 adult children, a T4C Facilitator, and Master Level Reiki practitioner.
Arianna Saykally-McAdams
LPC, SAC, CCTP
Arianna Saykally-McAdams has been working with survivors of interpersonal trauma for over 20 years, first as an advocate in a domestic violence shelter and outreach center, then as a psychotherapist at the same program, and for the last 8 years as a psychotherapist for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault. She is a licensed professional counselor, substance abuse counselor, and certified clinical trauma professional. She also identifies as a person in long term recovery.
Michael Sersch
LPC,CSAC, CS-IT Gundersen Health System
Michael (he/him) identifies as a person in long-term recovery from both mental health and substance use issues. He is a psychotherapist at Gundersen Health System. He has written “Demons on the Couch†(2019), which explores the intersections of faith and mental health practice and a chapter in a forthcoming book covering similar themes published by Oxford University Press (in press, 2024) as well as the peer reviewed Journal of Exceptional Experiences in Psychology and Canadian Journal of Theology, Mental Health and Disability. He has also appeared in the “Mad and Crip†podcast on YouTube.
Charlie Sheehan
Peer Support Specialist, Jail Transition Coordinator Waukesha County Health and Human Services
Born and raised in southeast Wisconsin, Charlie grew up in the average middle-class society. Barely graduating high school because social circles, and poor decisions took president, Charlie began to rely on substances to get her through a difficult start to adulthood. While in the throws of active addiction for the next decade of her life, she relied on the broken systems that promised a way out. By the grace of God, and sheer resilience to not be a statistic she found a better way to live. In like fashion, she wasn't going to keep her journey out of the trenches a secret and has gone back countless times to help others lost find their way out as well. Charlie brings her experience, hope and strength to every interaction she has with others. Her contagious smile and fearless outlook has attributed to many finding their own path to recovery as well.
Shane Sherburn
Outreach Coordinator/Peer with Next Steps for Change, Recovery Coach
Shane Sherburn is the Outreach Coordinator and a Full Time Peer with Next Steps for Change. Shane has a total of over 20 years’ experience battling addiction with the majority of that being from heroin and methamphetamines. Shane has suffered a gamut of hardships from his addiction. Losing 4 children through adoption, becoming unsheltered for years, and dealing with numerous legal problems resulting in frequent time in jail. Having since begun to mend those broken relationships with his children and moved past those hardships. Shane currently lives with his fiancé (April) and their 5 year old son. Shane currently has over 5 years in successful recovery, using his life experience to be a support for those fighting their internal war on drugs.
Jennifer Sobkowiak
Recovery Navigator
My name is Jennifer and I have been clean and sober for 2.5 years. I have been a Recovery Coach and Peer Support Specialist for over a year at Coulee Recovery Center. My passion is to help people who are unsheltered move forward through resources and harm reduction. I am a single mom of two little boys and my favorite thing to do is be on the Mississipi River with my family.
Abigail Spanjers
Executive Director
Abigail Spanjers is the Executive Director at The La Crosse Lighthouse Peer Run Respite and Warmline. The La Crosse Lighthouse is a small nonprofit organization in La Crosse, WI serving individuals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use challenges. As a strong advocate for equity and social change, Abigail has reorganized the structure of The La Crosse Lighthouse to reflect greater pay equity and shared responsibility. Abigail received her Wisconsin Peer Specialist Certification in 2021. Her experience includes long term substance use and mental health challenges, incarceration, surviving domestic violence and PTSD. Abigail believes that alternatives to clinical and medical model interventions for those navigating a self-determined wellness path are a necessary option. In her personal time, Abigail gardens, plays video games and most importantly, loves her animal cohabitants.
Kristina Vaccaro
BS, CCAR Coach, CCAR Trainer, CPS
Kristina Vaccaro is the Drug Poisoning Prevention Peer Provider Team Supervisor at Safe Communities of Madison and Dane County, WI. Kristina has worked with the substance use and recovery community for nearly six years, using her experience inrecovery to inspire and support those currently struggling with substances or mental health challenges. She started providing peer support to those struggling with substance use in 2017 and eventually moved into a leadership position with Safe Communities. Shehas worked alongside the program manager to implement programs and supervise a team of 18-20 Recovery Coaches/Certified Peer Specialists providing direct services. Kristina works closely with the program manager, funders, and developers to bring to life a recovery practice management solution to ease the daily burden of programmanagement and supervision. Kristina is a recovery coach, recovery coach trainer, and a WI Certified Peer Specialist. She serves on the board of directors for her family foundation, working with Wisconsin-based nonprofits to enhance their work. Kristina would tell you she loves her job and the people she is honored to work with. Kristina’s children and husband mean the world to her outside of work, and she enjoys spending time with family and friends in her free time.
Gaochi Vang
Peer Specialist Program Manager for the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative (WIPSEI)
Gaochi Vang (she/her/hers) is serving as the Peer Specialist Program Manager for the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative (WIPSEI). She is a Hmong American daughter, sister, writer, and organizer. Understanding that she not only carries her story but her ancestors too, she became a Certified Peer Specialist in May of 2021 and a Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist Trainer in August of 2021. Through this journey, she found grounding in the identities of her history and healing in her own story. This certification has also expanded her opportunities to share empowering spaces with those who, too, believe in collective healing and courageous love in community.
Before her path intersected with Access to Independence, Gaochi’s professional peer support journey began as a substitute peer companion at Iris Place – a peer-run mental health respite located in Appleton, WI. Shortly after, she took on Iris Place’s Assistant Director role and continues to take every part of her story into the next chapter of her life.
Gaochi is a strong believer of compassionate intentionality where listening to understand and meeting people where they are is at the foundation to which her deep values of integrity, mutuality, collective determination, and community care rests on. In all that she does, she strives to walk in truth and curiosity.
Gaochi completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and she attained her Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Social Psychology from Walden University.
Maddison Wagner
Program Supervisor PRISM & Uplift WI
Kristin Waite-Labott
Founder and President
Kristin has been an RN since 1991. After losing much to alcohol and opioid use disorders, she found recovery in 2005. She now works as Senior Admissions Coordinator and Nurse Coach with Freedom Institute, offering treatment programs for people struggling with substance use disorders and underlying mental health issues; founded and serves as president of WisPAN (Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses), a non-profit organization providing peer support for nurses with substance use issues; and is an emergency department nurse. She has published a book called, “An Unlikely Addictâ€, about her story of recovery and a textbook called “Substance Use Disorder in Healthcare Professionals, When Caregivers Need Care and Treatmentâ€. She is a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse, CARN, and a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, CPRC.
Virginia Wilcox
Mental Health Peer Support Specialist
Virginia is the oldest of 4 kids and struggles with feeling overly responsible for other people's wellbeing. She has developed into a self-motivated, creative person, while struggling with perfectionism, delusions of grandiosity, intense bouts of anxiety/depression, amidst the challenges of experiencing medical trauma and the daily humiliations of solo-parenting one very strong-willed daughter. Virginia is in emotional recovery from the complex trauma of growing up in a family ecosystem centering around her alcoholic father and her narcissistic-workaholic mother, resulting in complex trauma and difficulty setting appropriate boundaries. Other roles she's played in life include: actress, musical theatre performer, executive assistant, creativity coach and co-creator of the online support group for women "IlluminateWork: Finding your own way forward in work and life." Her favorite peer support ninja-move to truly transform the moment is: "Being with what is." Namaste.
Raymond Young
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Ray Young (he/him), CPSS, BA, has 15 years of experience training diverse groups of community members, mental health practitioners, and various human services providers including police officers, first responders, transportation professionals, and librarians. Ray joined People Incorporated as a Certified Peer Support Specialist and is inspired by working directly with individuals as well as sharing best practices and experiences with groups of human services workers in his role as a Trainer. Ray has a passion for leadership development as well as destigmatizing mental health care across communities.
Skip to main content
