Savannah Szwarc
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Compassionate Certified Peer Support Specialist with three years of direct experience and 13 years of lived mental health and addiction experiences. Highly adept at empowering individuals through innovative strategies, and fostering transformative community environments. Demonstrated success in harm reduction, motivational interviewing, crisis management, and implementing effective peer support models to enhance program effectiveness and guest satisfaction. Committed to inspiring hope and driving personal growth, leveraging advanced empathy development, active listening, and conflict resolution skills. Relevant experience in providing emotional, psychological, and practical assistance to individuals facing various challenges. Strengths include strong empathetic communication skills, ability to inspire trust and motivate others towards positive change. Demonstrated impact in previous roles through the successful implementation of peer-led initiatives and programs that fostered strong community engagement and individual empowerment.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
9
9
Certifications
Work History
Harm Reduction Peer Support Specialist
Raleigh Oaks Recovery Cafe (PRN)
Raleigh, NC
05.2025 - 09.2025
- Spearheaded daily operations by opening the downtown cafe six days a week, ensuring a welcoming and resource-rich environment.
- Provided high-quality, one-on-one peer support to guests, utilizing harm reduction principles to meet individuals where they are.
- Facilitated multiple recovery-based classes and led SMART Recovery meetings, promoting diverse pathways to healing and well-being, surrounding the eight dimensions of wellness.
- Managed guest check-in processes and actively served coffee while helping guests get acquainted with a vibrant, communal, and supportive atmosphere.
- Engaged in community outreach efforts to promote recovery resources and events.
Peer Support Specialist (Respite at Fernwood)
Promise Resource Network
Raleigh, NC
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Provided trauma-informed, one-on-one peer support to guests experiencing acute behavioral health crises during typical 9–10 day respite stays.
- Consistently maintained a composed and level-headed demeanor while navigating and resolving high-stress situations and crisis scenarios.
- Effectively utilized conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to ensure guest safety and stabilize the therapeutic environment.
- Contributed to the operational efficiency of the 24-hour peer-led program, including maintaining the respite space and coordinating guest meal orders.
- Assisted in outreach for the program and conducted interviews during the hiring process while onboarding/training new employees.
Community Peer Leader
Recovery Unplugged
Austin, TX
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Guided and empowered individuals in early recovery, successfully fostering a supportive and engaging community environment.
- Assisted in leading therapeutic group sessions and provided impactful one-on-one mentorship to new program arrivals.
- Implemented innovative peer support strategies that led to improved recovery outcomes.
- Welcomed new and prospective guests, providing orientation-like tours of the facility.
Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)
Abi's Place
Coral Springs, FL
01.2013 - 05.2014
- Supported clients' daily activities, focusing on enhancing essential engagement and communication skills.
- Collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalized care plans.
- Encouraged client participation in therapeutic activities to enhance engagement.
- Documented behavioral incidents to keep accurate records.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FLSkills
- Leadership Skills
- Community Outreach
- Team collaboration
- Harm Reduction Principles
- Motivational Interviewing
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Group Facilitation (SMART)
- Community Engagement
- Conflict Resolution
- Peer Mentorship
- Behavioral Health Knowledge
- Wellness Recovery Action Plan
- Substance Abuse Awareness
- Relapse Prevention
Certification
SMART Recovery Facilitator Training, 2025
Timeline
Harm Reduction Peer Support Specialist
Raleigh Oaks Recovery Cafe (PRN)
05.2025 - 09.2025
Peer Support Specialist (Respite at Fernwood)
Promise Resource Network
09.2024 - 05.2025
Community Peer Leader
Recovery Unplugged
09.2021 - 01.2022
Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)
Abi's Place
01.2013 - 05.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Broward College