Peer Support Specialist with lived experience in long-term mental health recovery and sustained substance use recovery, combined with professional experience supporting individuals in achieving greater independence and community integration. Skilled in building authentic, trust-based relationships through empathy, active listening, person-centered planning, advocacy, and collaboration. Passionate about walking alongside others as they discover their own strengths and define recovery on their own terms.
Overview
31
31
years of post-secondary education
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI)
Glen Burnie, MD
01.2023 - 01.2026
Applied peer support principles through active listening and shared lived experience, utilizing strength-based encouragement to promote hope and resilience.
Built trusting, person-centered relationships that empowered individuals to identify meaningful goals, overcome barriers, and increase independence within their communities
Supported individuals transitioning from institutional settings to independent community living by navigating complex systems to secure government-issued identification, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and other essential resources, fostering stability and self-determination.
Collaborated with families, healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure individuals' voices, preferences, and goals remained central to the support process.
Completed accurate documentation, progress notes, and service coordination activities to support continuity of care, accountability, and participant success
Healthcare & Behavioral Health Experience
Development Coordinator
Holy Trinity Episcopal School
Bowie, MD
01.2022 - 01.2023
Coordinated fundraising and donor engagement efforts, driving successful events and enhancing communications and development operations
Maintained regular communication with donors to foster strong relationships. and contributed to community engagement initiatives
Coordinated school events and activities for community engagement.
Managed communication between parents, faculty, and administration effectively.
Assisted in developing marketing materials for fundraising initiatives.
Patient Service Representative
Motion Physical Therapy Group
Severna Park, MD
01.2021 - 01.2022
Acted as the primary point of contact for patients, coordinating scheduling, intake, and communication to support a smooth care experience.
Handled multiple conversations and phone calls with professionalism and focus.
Facilitated patient access to services by managing administrative processes, supporting clinic operations, and guiding decision in care towards our clinics services as appropriate
Major Gift Officer
Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation
Annapolis, MD
01.2016 - 01.2018
Secured major gifts for development of J. Kent McKnew Family Medical Center, enhancing access to community-based mental health services
Raised over $500K annually to support patient care initiatives, clinical programs, and priority equipment needs as identified by healthcare leadership
Raised $500K+ annually to support patient care initiatives, clinical programs, and priority equipment needs identified by healthcare leadership
Partnered with physicians, clinical leaders, and executive stakeholders to identify funding priorities and create compelling donor opportunities
Registered Nurse – Orthopedic, Cardiac, and Medical/Surgical Units
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Ypsilanti, MI
01.2013 - 01.2014
Delivered direct patient care in fast-paced orthopedic, cardiac, and medical/surgical settings, facilitating recovery through evidence-based interventions and complementary therapies
Established strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and enhancing the care experience
Coordinated care with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless service continuity and patient support
Built strong rapport with patients and families, improving trust, cooperation, and the overall care experience
Mental Health Assistant Clinical Coordinator
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Ann Arbor, MI
01.2012 - 01.2013
Coordinated care and services for veterans with mental health needs within interdisciplinary healthcare system, enhancing patient access and support
Collaborated with clinical teams on treatment planning and continuity of care, promoting patient stability and recovery
Facilitated communication among providers, patients, and families, improving understanding and engagement in treatment processes
Maintained clinical documentation while supporting patient-centered care
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geology
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
09.1997 - 07.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MI
02.2011 - 05.2013
Skills
Peer support Principles
Recovery-oriented Practice
Recovery-Oriented Practices
Person-centered Planning
Group Facilitation
Motivational Support
Trauma-informed Communication
Community Advocacy
Resource Navigation
Insurance Navigation
Documentation & Progress Notes
Conflict Resolution
Strength-Based Coaching
Collaborative Care
Active Listening
LIVED EXPERIENCE
More than 15 years active mental health recovery
Es. More than 10 years of sustained recovery from substance use
Committed to lifelong wellness through community, accountability, and mutual support
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI)
01.2023 - 01.2026
Development Coordinator
Holy Trinity Episcopal School
01.2022 - 01.2023
Patient Service Representative
Motion Physical Therapy Group
01.2021 - 01.2022
Major Gift Officer
Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation
01.2016 - 01.2018
Registered Nurse – Orthopedic, Cardiac, and Medical/Surgical Units