Michael Leeman
Milliken,Colorado
Summary
Result-focused peer support professional prepared for impactful roles in mental health advocacy and support. Expertise in building trustful relationships and facilitating recovery journeys. Known for strong teamwork and adaptability in dynamic environments, with skills in crisis intervention and patient education.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Specialist
Veteran Affairs Northern Colorado
Loveland, CO
11.2023 - Current
- Organize film making workshops with the Patton Veterans Project
- Recruited veterans to participate in a weekend film workshop where we focus on the veterans stories and mental health.
- Created veteran socials for the veteran socials project which includes promotion, securing the locations, and recruiting the veterans and their supporters.
- Collected surveys and data for the Patton Veterans Project and the Veteran Socials Project to track participation and what the veterans are requesting that we need to provide in the future.
- Co-facilitate an anger management group Tuesday’s
- Facilitated peer support groups, fostering open communication and shared experiences.
- Provided crisis intervention support, enhancing client resilience and coping strategies.
- Mentored new peer support specialists, promoting best practices and professional growth.
- Educated clients on mental health resources, empowering informed decision-making.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions according to organizational guidelines, protecting confidentiality while ensuring thorough documentation for continuity of care purposes.
- Analyzed feedback from clients to improve program effectiveness and participant satisfaction.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and services, increasing their access to valuable support networks.
- Increased community awareness of mental health issues by conducting outreach presentations at local schools, businesses, and organizations.
- Master trainer for the VA on creating veteran outreach groups.
Peer Intern
Veteran Affairs Northern Colorado
10.2022 - 11.2023
- I shadowed multiple departments to learn what they do
- I worked with Dr Charles Drebing on the introduction of the Patton Veterans Project and the Veteran Social program
- I created veteran socials at Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado
- I co-facilitated an anger management group
Peer Coach/Peer Navigator
Aims Community College
06.2020 - 09.2023
- Provide help to students who are trying to register for classes
- Make sure that their paper work is in order for enrollment
- Provided time management skills, study skills, and class management skills
- Gave tours while having to know what each department were tasked to do
- I work one on one, either on zoom or in person, to mentor students and student workers on how to perform under pressure at their stress max.
Field Inspector
Ladder Now
07.2018 - 11.2019
- Used hand tools and gauges to take measurements.
- Completed thorough written descriptions and took photographs to document conditions.
- Drafted detailed reports on findings of inspections.
- Inspected Roofs, Exteriors, and Interiors of any facilities on the property.
- Mentored numerous entry-level trainees.
Commercial Project Manager/Quality Control
Gold Roofing
05.2013 - 07.2018
- My first 3 years I sold commercial roofs, inspected commercial roofs for wind, hail, and other damages, and I also did full installation of commercial roofing products such as: EPDM, TPO, PVC, SBS Modified and Fluid Applied Systems (roof coatings).
- I then moved into the Quality Control position where I completed reports on installation, defects, job site etiquette, final completion report.
- I would call in for city inspections for all roofs we tear off, pick up permits from the city/county building departments, perform random crew safety inspections, and I attended adjuster meetings.
Field Artillery Meteorologist
US Army
07.2006 - 04.2013
- I created weather reports for our counter fire missions.
- I deployed to Iraq from Sept 2008-Sept 2009 as part of the OEF-OIF campaigns.
- I then reenlisted to Schofield Barracks Hawaii where I was selected out of my unit to help train soldiers Counter IED tactics and procedure in 2011 as part of the CIED division at Fort Shafter Oahu Hawaii.
- I was Honorably discharged in Apr 2013.
Selector/Sorter
Pine State Trading
05.2003 - 07.2006
- Picked products for specific routes according to pick sheets.
- Picked up incoming stock and delivered materials to designated locations.
- Conducted annual inventories of materials on the work floor.
- Loaded out orders on to delivery trucks.
- Sorted orders as they came down the belt.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wiscasset High School
Wiscasset, Maine01-2000
Bachelors of Science - Human Services
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado01-2023
Associates of Arts - Sociology
Aims Community College
Greeley, Colorado01-2022
Skills
- Microsoft office fluent
- Public speaking
- Data collecting
- Time management
- Interpersonal communication
- Calmness in all situations
- Project coordinating
- Recruiting
- Mental health awareness
- Relapse prevention
- Social media engagement
- Multicultural competence
Certification
- NCPS - National Certified Peer Specialist
Timeline
Peer Specialist
Veteran Affairs Northern Colorado
11.2023 - Current
Peer Intern
Veteran Affairs Northern Colorado
10.2022 - 11.2023
Peer Coach/Peer Navigator
Aims Community College
06.2020 - 09.2023
Field Inspector
Ladder Now
07.2018 - 11.2019
Commercial Project Manager/Quality Control
Gold Roofing
05.2013 - 07.2018
Field Artillery Meteorologist
US Army
07.2006 - 04.2013
Selector/Sorter
Pine State Trading
05.2003 - 07.2006
Associates of Arts - Sociology
Aims Community College
Bachelors of Science - Human Services
University of Northern Colorado
High School Diploma -
Wiscasset High School
Peer of the Year fiscal year 2026
I was selected Peer of the year by the lead supervisor of the Cheyenne VA health care system.