PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Vanessa Williams
2026-05-07 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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:
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup….But Also, That Phrase Is Tired

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

Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 278 388 590 434
Passcode: [REDACTED]
________________________________
Dial in by phone
+1 617-297-7925,,925045323#<tel:+16172977925,,925045323#> United States, Boston
Find a local number
<https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1aeb6791-5d07-47f1-a0f3-e5d365e4d8c3?id=925045323>
Phone conference ID:
925 045 323#

PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Aroldo Ferreira, CPS
2026-06-04 18:30 - 19:30
BIO:
Aroldo Ferreira, CPS
Certified Peer Specialist Program Director

Aroldo Ferreira is the Director of the Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Program. He oversees statewide certification logistics and leads the team responsible for developing and delivering training materials that prepare individuals to become Certified Peer Specialists professionals.
Since 2008, Aroldo has been an active leader in the mental health and peer support movement through the Central Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community (RLC), where he served as Program Coordinator and Director of Multicultural Affairs. Using his own lived experiences to inspire hope, he helped introduce peer support practices into most inpatient units across Central Massachusetts and beyond, coordinated Kiva meetings, built peer facilitator teams, and expanded peer support to diverse communities, including Latino, Brazilian, Young Adult, LGBTQIA+, and others.
Aroldo is an experienced multilingual trainer, leading and developing workshops such as Trauma-Informed Peer Support Facilitation, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Parenting Journey, and Trauma and Healing Dialogues.
Aroldo’s approach is guided by clarity, honesty. He is passionate about culture and human connection and values, learning about people’s beliefs, traditions, and lived experiences. His work is grounded in inclusion, mutual support, and creating spaces where every voice is heard and respected.”
PRESENTATION:

Many people who have lived through emotional distress, trauma, or mental health lived experience want to use their experience to support others—but may not know how to take that step. The Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) training helps turn lived experience into professional peer support that makes a real impact. This gold standard CPS training is carefully curated and designed for review and curriculum analysis by our funders, board members and multiple stakeholders.

This is a rigorous, advanced training designed for individuals who already have a foundation in peer support. Through 24+ interactive modules, small group work, and guided assignments, participants learn how to use their own story to foster hope and healing in others—while honoring the principle that healing is a self-determined process.

The primary purpose of the CPS program is to help build a peer workforce in Massachusetts. The training is designed to enhance the tools used by people who already have experience in peer support and the mental health recovery movement. Students bring their lived experience to class and learn how to use their story and skills to assist people receiving services as well as service providers. CPSs are the evidence that recovery is real.

Kiva Centers is the only organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized to provide this training. Upon completion, participants are eligible to sit for the state-recognized certification exam to become a Certified Peer Specialist.

Graduates go on to serve in community and service system roles where lived experience is valued as expertise—bringing insight, connection, and inspiration to the people and systems they work with.

To get an email invite for the meeting please email: hdt@namiboston.org

Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 278 388 590 434
Passcode: [REDACTED]
________________________________
Dial in by phone
+1 617-297-7925,,925045323#<tel:+16172977925,,925045323#> United States, Boston
Find a local number
<https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/1aeb6791-5d07-47f1-a0f3-e5d365e4d8c3?id=925045323>
Phone conference ID:
925 045 323#
