"Peer Support is getting help from someone who has been there. People with similar experiences may be able to listen, give hope and guidance toward recovery in a way that is different, and may be just as valuable, as professional services."

-NAMI 

 

Ohlaina Steed, Peer Support Specialist 

Before becoming a Peer Support Specialist I waited tables at various restaurants. I started out as a client of RHS suffering from Bipolar Disorder. About six years ago, I felt I had reached my mental health goals and decided to end services. In 2013, I got a call from DeVere Hunt, Co-Owner of RHS, he asked if I would be interested in becoming a Peer Support Specialist. He was searching for someone that could be a good example of recovery. DeVere knew I was doing well with my mental illness and felt I could help other's reach their goals. I've struggled with mental illness for a large portion of my life, and I continue to work on it daily. I still make the conscious effort to get out of the house and go to work every day. My mental illness is still present, but I work hard at keeping myself in check. Being a Peer Support makes me grateful for where I am and where I've come from. Seeing my client's progress makes being a Peer Specialist worth it. I have clients that have reduced their hospital stays and jail time to little or none. It is a blessing to help others achieve thier independence and learn to cope with their daily battles of mental illness. 

 

Kris Cruz, Peer Support Specialist

Ella Johnson, Peer Support Specialist 

Markus Ellwood, Peer Support Specialist

Justin Rees, Peer Support Specialist

 

 

 

 

Special thank to  Bruce Lines LSW, CPRP, Peer Support Specialist Supervisor for his time and dedication to his clients and RHS. Good luck in retirement.