Rhiannon Niester
Alpena
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist with the ability to foster trusting relationships with clients, peers, and staff. Expertise in providing empathetic support, demonstrating genuine concern for peer well-being, and facilitating personal growth. Committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that empowers individuals to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Eager to leverage skills and experience in a role prioritizing mental health advocacy and emotional resilience.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Northeast Michigan CMH Authority
Alpena, MI
04.2024 - 04.2026
- Provide person centered support using lived experience to build trust and empower individuals in their recovery; assist consumers in developing coping skills, self advocacy, and wellness strategies; offer emotional support during crises using trauma informed and deescalation techniques; help consumers navigate community resources, treatment options, and support services; model recovery principles such as hope, resilience, and self determination; facilitate peer groups and one on one support sessions; maintain accurate documentation while respecting confidentiality; and collaborate with clinical teams to ensure coordinated, recovery focused care. I use my lived experience with the hospital setting and admission to advocate for individuals while they are going through a mental health crisis and assist them to make the most informed decisions. My high emotional intelligence provides me with a better understanding of others and what they are going through which is essential in high risk mental health situations.
Supportive Independence Worker
Northeast Michigan CMH Authority
Alpena, MI
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Provided individualized support to help consumers with intellectual disabilities build daily living skills such as budgeting, meal planning, hygiene, and household organization. Assisted consumers in accessing community resources including healthcare, transportation, and benefits. Monitor well being, document progress, and report concerns to supervisors. Encourage social participation and community inclusion, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistent, person centered support, and promote safety through proactive supervision, crisis prevention strategies, and respectful, supportive guidance.
Animal Care Technician
Huron Humane Society
Alpena, MI
02.2021 - 06.2022
- My daily responsibilities included daily hands on care for animals, maintaining clean and safe housing, monitoring health and behavior, assisting with minor medical procedures, and supported intake, enrichment, and adoption processes. I have fostered kittens that needed bottle fed and or additional care due to illness or injury. I have also worked with rehabilitating outdoor feral cats into adoptable and healthy cats.
Education
Peer Support Specialist -
MI Peers
Lansing, MI09-2024
High School Diploma -
Onaway High School
Onaway, MI05-2020
Skills
- Mental health and crisis support
- Suicide and crisis intervention,
- Deescalation
- Emotional and trauma intelligence
- Boundary setting
- Substance abuse awareness
- Mental health advocacy
- Effective collaboration and interaction
- Conflict resolution
- Resource navigation
- Peer support ethics
- Recovery guidance and trauma-informed communication
Certification
Peer Support Specialist, MIPeers, MI
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Northeast Michigan CMH Authority
04.2024 - 04.2026
Supportive Independence Worker
Northeast Michigan CMH Authority
06.2022 - 04.2024
Animal Care Technician
Huron Humane Society
02.2021 - 06.2022
Peer Support Specialist -
MI Peers
High School Diploma -
Onaway High School
HONORS, AWARDS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
I am a volunteer board member with a local animal rescue and Trap, Neuter, and Return program.