Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Bonita Barnes

Capitol Heights,MD

Summary

Understanding Peer Support Specialists knowledgeable in care system navigation and willing to share life experiences related to mental illness. Energetic professional with more than twenty one years of expertise providing mental support as well as advice and assistance to those wanting to change lives positively. Empathetic Peer Support Specialist with proven experience to build trusting relationships with clients. Caring with genuine concern for the wellbeing of peers. Focused professional ready to provide assistance in the form of scheduling appointments, accompanying individuals to meetings and supporting the recovery process. A multitasking Peer Support Specialist offering compassion and respect while communicating effectively.

Overview

1
1
Certificate
14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Peer Support Specialist

Hillcrest Family & Children
NW Washington DC
09.2025 - Current
  • Facilitated peer support sessions, fostering a safe environment for individuals to share experiences.
  • Developed and implemented individualized recovery plans in collaboration with clients and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Educated clients on available resources, enhancing access to mental health and community services.
  • Conducted outreach activities to promote program awareness and engage potential participants effectively.
  • Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage clients to engage in healthy behaviors.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, utilizing de-escalation techniques to maintain safety for all involved parties.
  • Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
  • Facilitated peer support groups, creating a safe space for open discussion and shared experiences.
  • Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
  • Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.

Peer Support Specialist

Catholic Charities / ChAMPS
Washington, DC
09.2024 - 01.2026
  • Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
  • Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
  • Maintained computers, printers and technical resources to avoid disruption in operations.
  • Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
  • Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system.
  • Communicated with individuals' family members, offering information, and insight into support services available at community level.
  • Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations. Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Starter Baptist Nursing Home
08.2015 - 10.2017

Certified Medication Technician

Bridgepoint Assistant Living
08.2015 - 08.2016

Administered medication to the clients, patients as well utilized hand washing and sanitizing skill to perform care work with my clients.(MAR) medication administration records, inter act with the physician the director of nursing.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Brain Center Nursing Facility
Durham, NC
06.2012 - 09.2014
  • Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities and promoting comfort.
  • Monitored vital signs, documenting changes to ensure timely medical intervention.
  • Collaborated with nursing staff to develop and implement individualized care plans.
  • Advocated for patient needs, ensuring high standards of care and safety compliance.
  • Implemented infection control protocols, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
  • Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.

Education

Associate's Degree - psychology

Catholic University
NE Washington DC
10-2027

No Degree - Certified Peer Specialist

Department of Behavioral Health
Washington Dc
06-2026

Skills

  • MS Word MS Outlook
  • MS Excel MS Power Point
  • Interpersonal abilities Motivational Interviewing Positive environment facilitation
  • Mental Health Services Recovery assistance and support Providing direction
  • Rapport Building Relationship-building skills Appointment Scheduling Resource Navigation
  • Communication abilities Effective collaboration and interaction Relationship cultivation Family Assistance
  • Exemplary communication
  • Recovery guidance
  • Self-care management
  • Stress reduction techniques
  • Wellness recovery action plan
  • Relapse prevention
  • Multicultural sensitivity
  • Emotional support
  • Mental health support
  • Group facilitation

Certification

  • Certified Peer Support - Peer Recovery Specialist - 04-15-2024
  • Pharmacology certification
  • HIV/AIDS Certification
  • CPR Certified

Timeline

Peer Support Specialist

Hillcrest Family & Children
09.2025 - Current

Peer Support Specialist

Catholic Charities / ChAMPS
09.2024 - 01.2026

Certified Nursing Assistant

Starter Baptist Nursing Home
08.2015 - 10.2017

Certified Medication Technician

Bridgepoint Assistant Living
08.2015 - 08.2016

Certified Nursing Assistant

Brain Center Nursing Facility
06.2012 - 09.2014

Associate's Degree - psychology

Catholic University

No Degree - Certified Peer Specialist

Department of Behavioral Health
Bonita Barnes