Bio summary: Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), former 988 Crisis Specialist and Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), 38 years of navigating C-PTSD, holds a Certificate in Behavior Health Sciences and an MBA.

I founded Peer Homeward out of a very simple, lived necessity: the need for an unhurried sanctuary where you don't have to perform competency, translate your exhaustion, or defend your right to exist.

As Someone Living with C-PTSD - Experiencing multiple traumas during childhood as a highly sensitive person set the stage for a turbulent adulthood backed by a dysregulated stress response system. My recovery journey has spanned over decades as I relied on survivalist coping strategies often leading to more trauma. Navigating repetitive hypo- and hyper-arousal states without adequate tools and supports in place, however, has provided wisdom and empathy, forged through survival, and a deep, personal understanding of life experiences shared by many: depression, anxiety, dissociation, toxic relationships, codependency, substance use… the list goes on. But it was all experienced in an attempt to obtain a sense of safety. My goal is to provide that sense of safety to as many people as I can because I firmly believe it is the true foundation of all healing.

As a Member of the LGBTQ+ Community - Growing up as a chubby gay kid in 80’s and 90’s suburbia in a semi-religious household, meant developing a deep sense of shame and worthlessness. I had to navigate bullying, religious stigma, and societal oppression while developing an identity. This resulted in two distinct narratives: one public, one isolated internally. In order to exist as my genuine self, I had to merge the two together to create and claim my space. I know there are many others out there that have yet had the opportunity to do the same. Therefore, I am offering a refuge where you can safely be your genuine self.

As a Behavioral Health Worker - Working in the behavioral health industry has given meaningful purpose to my series of complicated life experiences: to alleviate collective human suffering. Over the last decade, I have worked as a Peer Facilitator, a Life Coach for people navigating psychological distress, both residential and inpatient Behavioral Health Tech, a Case Manager, a Client Relations Specialist at a home health clinic, and a 988 Crisis Specialist.

Those of us in the behavioral health industry are a rare breed, with immense empathy and compassion on nearly supernatural levels. But we’re constantly battling vicarious trauma, broken systems, disconnected leadership, and compassion fatigue. And while our colleagues may be undergoing the same struggles, most organizational cultures often deter the ability to safely share our struggles. Therefore, I created a space where we can safely be heard, seen, and understood.

Always here to help!
Please don't hesitate to reach me directly if you have any questions, concerns, or barriers to our services.