Heather Paterson
Peer Support Specialist
Lexington,KY
Summary
Certified Peer Support Specialist and Behavioral Health Professional with over four years of experience in residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient recovery programs. Expertise in client engagement, group facilitation, and program management fosters a compassionate approach to recovery while ensuring operational compliance. Proven ability to navigate insurance verification and prior authorizations enhances service delivery and promotes collaboration among individuals on their recovery journeys. Committed to making a meaningful impact through active listening, crisis intervention, and empathetic communication, dedicated to empowering individuals facing mental health challenges.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Tracy's House
08.2025 - Current
- Facilitate peer-led groups focusing on recovery principles, mindfulness, and life skills development.
- Conduct one-on-one sessions to help residents create personalized recovery and wellness plans.
- Provide transportation and support for residents attending community meetings and recovery events.
- Encourage accountability, self-reflection, and confidence in early recovery.
- Collaborate with clinical and residential staff to maintain a structured, recovery-focused environment.
- Facilitated peer support groups to enhance emotional well-being and foster community connections.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized support plans for clients.
- Educated clients on coping skills and resources to promote personal growth and resilience.
- Monitored client progress, documenting outcomes and adjusting strategies as needed for effectiveness.
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Advocated for client needs, ensuring access to essential mental health services and resources.
Assistant Operations Manager
Optimal Living Services
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Supported operational oversight for PHP, IOP, OP, and recovery housing programs.
- Conducted house audits, van inspections, and chart audits to ensure compliance and quality.
- Provided BestNotes documentation training and compliance guidance for staff.
- Verified insurance coverage through KYMISS and completed prior authorizations to secure units for PHP and IOP services.
- Assisted with scheduling, policy implementation, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Promoted teamwork and consistent communication between clinical, operations, and administrative departments.
- Streamlined daily operations by coordinating team schedules and resource allocation.
- Enhanced process efficiency by implementing best practices and standard operating procedures.
- Facilitated staff training sessions to improve performance and ensure adherence to company policies.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends, driving informed decision-making for process improvements.
- Developed reports on operational performance metrics to support strategic planning initiatives.
- Managed daily operations effectively, ensuring timely completion of tasks and accurate reporting of results.
- Improved communication within the team through regular meetings, updates, and open channels of communication.
- Coordinated with General Manager in different operational issues and promotional activities.
- Taught employees how to collaborate on daily job tasks and achieve service targets.
Program Manager
Optimal Living Services
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Supervised staff and coordinated programming for PHP, IOP, and recovery housing clients.
- Managed client intakes, insurance eligibility checks, and prior authorization approvals through KYMISS.
- Communicated with billing and clinical departments to ensure proper utilization and documentation of service units.
- Led program audits, quality assurance checks, and compliance reviews.
- Facilitated treatment planning meetings, peer-led groups, and staff development sessions.
- Worked closely with clinical leadership to enhance program structure, efficiency, and client care.
- Developed and implemented program strategies to enhance service delivery and client engagement.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to streamline operations and improve project outcomes.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team collaboration skills.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
Peer Support Specialist
Optimal Living Services
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Facilitated groups focused on recovery principles, relapse prevention, and mindfulness practices.
- Supported clients in developing goals, life skills, and coping strategies.
- Used lived experience to promote hope and trust in the recovery process.
- Provided crisis intervention strategies to assist individuals in managing acute challenges.
- Conducted outreach initiatives to raise awareness of available services within the community.
- Advocated for client needs, ensuring access to essential mental health services and resources.
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and provided support during their journey towards achieving them.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Enhanced client recovery by providing emotional support and practical guidance.
- Developed trusting relationships with clients by maintaining confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes.
- Empowered clients by teaching effective problem-solving skills that they can apply in real-life situations.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach for clients through active listening and empathy.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage clients to engage in healthy behaviors.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Encouraged self-care among peers by facilitating wellness workshops focused on stress reduction techniques like mindfulness exercises or yoga classes.
- 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..
- Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations.
- Transported individuals to medical appointments and support meetings whenever needed.
- Increased community awareness about mental health issues by participating in outreach events such as mental health fairs or informational presentations.
- Supported clients in maintaining employment by providing job coaching and assistance with workplace accommodations.
- Recommended upgrades and equipment replacement to reduce technical issues.
- Advocated for clients' needs within mental health system, ensuring access to necessary services.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure holistic approach to client care.
- Assisted clients in navigating mental health services, simplifying process of obtaining care.
- Increased awareness of mental health resources in community through outreach efforts.
Peer Support Specialist
There Is Always Hope
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Led early recovery groups focused on Steps 1–3, daily reflection, and mindfulness.
- Guided clients in setting personal recovery goals and maintaining accountability.
Peer Support Specialist
Serenity Keepers
07.2021 - 01.2022
- Facilitated group discussions on meditation, goal setting, and self-improvement.
- Provided individual peer support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
Packer
OWL
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Prepared and packaged products for shipment, ensuring quality and accuracy.
Cashier / Customer Service Associate
Clark's Pump-N-Shop
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Delivered excellent customer service and supported daily store operations.
- Managed lottery sales, cash handling, and food preparation responsibilities.
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained clean and organized checkout area to enhance customer experience.
Education
GED -
Campbellsville Tech Training Center
Campbellsville, KY09.2013
Associate in Arts - undefined
Bluegrass Community & Technical College
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Communication, Mentoring & Team Building
- Group Facilitation & One-on-One Peer Support
- Operations & Program Management
- Prior Authorizations & Insurance Verification (KYMISS)
- Crisis Intervention & Motivational Interviewing
- Staff Training & Leadership
- Compliance, Quality Assurance & Documentation
- Data Tracking, Chart Audits & BestNotes Proficiency
- Process Improvement & Service Coordination
Certification
- Certified Peer Support Specialist – Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities (2022-01)
- Temporary Registered Alcohol & Drug Peer Support Specialist – Valid 2025-04 to 2027-04
- Certified Facilitator, Trait-Based Model of Recovery (2024-08)
- Diversity, Inclusion, Harassment & Safety Training – SHRM & HRCI (2022-06)
- Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals (2022-07)
- Suicide Assessment, Management, and Treatment Training (2023-07)
- Self-Care for Mental Health Professionals: Preventing Burnout (2024-08)
- Anger Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Clients (2024-08)
- HIV Considerations Training (2024-08)
- Neuroscience, Neurobiology, and Psychology (2024-10)
- Cultural Competence, Diversity, and Privilege (2024-11)
- Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Techniques (2024-11)
- The Neurobiology of Addiction: Understanding Brain Changes and Recovery (2024-11)
- Trauma-Informed Care (2024-11)
- Motivational Interviewing (2024-11)
- Gender and Sexual Identity Affirmative Approaches to Therapy (2024-11)
- Domestic Violence: Spousal or Partner Abuse (2024-11)
- HIPAA Training (2024-11)
- Addressing Stigma and Shame in Addiction Treatment (2024-11)
- Working with Families in Addiction Recovery (2024-11)
Portfolio
FEATURED
TACDC Certification
Trait Based certified facilitator
First Aid and CPR certification
Suicide Assessment
Motivational Interviewing
Accomplishments
- Supervised a team of 30 peer support specialist and a total of 21 houses and 100 clients.
- Resolved issues in DAP notes on BestNotes through chart audits and collaborating with the Clinical Director.
- Collaborated with a team of professionals to effectively help the client with recovery plans.
Quote
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
Thomas Edison
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Tracy's House
08.2025 - Current
Assistant Operations Manager
Optimal Living Services
05.2025 - 07.2025
Program Manager
Optimal Living Services
01.2023 - 05.2025
Peer Support Specialist
Optimal Living Services
06.2022 - 01.2023
Peer Support Specialist
There Is Always Hope
01.2022 - 05.2022
Peer Support Specialist
Serenity Keepers
07.2021 - 01.2022
Packer
OWL
05.2021 - 07.2021
Cashier / Customer Service Associate
Clark's Pump-N-Shop
10.2020 - 05.2021
Associate in Arts - undefined
Bluegrass Community & Technical College
GED -
Campbellsville Tech Training Center