PSAN Recovery Speaker Series – Vanessa Williams
BIO:
Vanessa Williams is a Certified Peer and Recovery Support Specialist, mental health advocate, and leader in the peer support movement with over 13 years of experience in warm line services. As the NC Warm Line Program Manager at Promise Resource Network, she oversees a statewide 24/7 peer support line, bringing a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and person-centered approach to emotional support. Vanessa has extensive experience in training, supervision, and program development, and has played a key role in expanding access to peer-led services across modalities, including phone, text, and chat.
In addition to her program leadership, Vanessa is the founder of Elevate Recovery, where she provides continuing education, consulting, and empowerment-based resources rooted in accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) principles. She is a former Board President of the National Association of Peer Supporters and currently serves on the board of the Warmline Advisory Group. Vanessa is currently working toward becoming an Emotional CPR (eCPR) Facilitator, deepening her commitment to fostering authentic human connection and emotional support in communities.
PRESENTATION:
In this engaging and honest talk, “You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup… But Also, That Phrase Is Tired,” Vanessa explores the realities of burnout in peer support roles beyond common self-care clichés. Drawing from her experience in warm line leadership and peer practice, she unpacks how emotional labor, blurred boundaries, and system pressures impact peer supporters. Vanessa offers practical, trauma-informed strategies—including micro-restorations, consent-based boundaries, and eCPR-informed connection—to help peers stay grounded, present, and aligned with their values while doing this deeply human work.
To get an email invite for the meeting please email: hdt@namiboston.org
Meeting ID: 278 388 590 434
Passcode: Z2NY6bm2
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