Cristal Cendejas
Appleton,USA
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Wisconsin Certified Peer Support Specialist with over five years of experience supporting individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness, developmental disabilities, and crisis situations. Skilled in crisis intervention, recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed practices, motivational interviewing, and connecting individuals with community resources. Fluent in English and Spanish with a passion for empowering others through lived experience, advocacy, and person-centered support.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Appleton, WI
12.2025 - Current
- Provide recovery-oriented peer support using lived experience to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
- Facilitate one-on-one peer support sessions focused on goal setting, wellness planning, and self-advocacy.
- Guided individuals in accessing housing, healthcare, employment, and community resources to enhance overall well-being.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to foster person-centered recovery approaches and improve individual outcomes.
- Address crises through effective communication techniques using trauma-informed communication and active listening.
- Maintained timely and accurate documentation in compliance with HIPAA to ensure privacy and support care continuity.
Crisis housing advocate
Pillars
Appleton, WI
12.2023 - 02.2026
- Conduct intake assessments and support individuals entering crisis housing services.
- Provided support to individuals experiencing homelessness and trauma., and trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing homelessness, trauma, or instability.
- Maintain safe and structured shelter environments by enforcing policies and promoting respect and safety.
- Connect clients to legal, medical, mental health, and social service resources.
- Distribute essential items including food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation following trauma-informed practices.
Med Tech/Caregiver
All One Staffing LLC
Wisconsin
10.2021 - 09.2024
- Administered medications accurately according to established protocols and facility guidelines.
- Monitored vital signs and reported significant changes or concerns to healthcare staff.
- Assisted individuals with ADLs including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and transfers.
- Documented patient conditions, medication administration, and care updates.
- Responded to emergency situations and initiated appropriate interventions.
- Supported end-of-life care, including comfort measures and repositioning.
Direct Support Coordinator
Nobility Reigns
Little Chute, WI
10.2020 - 07.2022
- Provided person-centered, trauma informed support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting safety, stability, and independence.
- Supervised and assisted clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, grooming, dressing, and meal preparation in a structured care environment.
- Administered and documented medications in accordance with care plans and facility protocols, ensuring accuracy and adherence to prescribed schedules.
- Supported development of independent living skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, and household management.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of client behaviors, progress notes, incidents, and medical updates in compliance with agency standards.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, families, and healthcare providers to implement individualized care plans and ensure continuity of care.
Youth Mentor
ABLE Residential & Community Options, LLC
Oshkosh, WI
07.2021 - 11.2021
- Provided trauma-informed mentorship, supervision, and emotional support to children with intellectual and physical disabilities in an after-school program setting.
- Assisted participants in building daily living, communication, and social skills through structured activities and individualized support strategies.
- Created and maintained consistent routines to promote stability, reduce anxiety, and encourage independence in a supportive environment.
Education
General Studies -
Fox Valley Technical College
High school diploma -
Menasha High School
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Motivational Interviewing
- Recovery Planning
- Person-Centered Care
- Suicide Prevention
- De-escalation
- Documentation
- Community Resource Navigation
- Care Coordination
- Client Advocacy
- Behavioral Health
- Medication Administration
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Certification
- Certified Medication Aide, 10/01/21, Present, Administer medications at CBRF facilities.
- Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), 05/01/26, 05/01/28
- CPR Certification, 07/01/24, 07/01/27
- Driver's License
Additional Information
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Spanish, Fluent
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
12.2025 - Current
Crisis housing advocate
Pillars
12.2023 - 02.2026
Med Tech/Caregiver
All One Staffing LLC
10.2021 - 09.2024
Youth Mentor
ABLE Residential & Community Options, LLC
07.2021 - 11.2021
Direct Support Coordinator
Nobility Reigns
10.2020 - 07.2022
General Studies -
Fox Valley Technical College
High school diploma -
Menasha High School