Latinx SAN - Grupo de Apoyo Familiar
2025-01-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-21 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-07-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates
Compañeros de vivencia pueden mandar un correo electrónico a latinx@namiboston.org o llamar 781-819-3282 para dejar un mensaje.

PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Chris Laureano
2025-03-06 18:30 - 19:30
Biography – Chris

Christopher Laureano is a Certified Peer Specialist and Director of the Recovery Education and Learning (REAL) Program at Bay Cove Human Services. Christopher is an autistic person who has also experienced anxiety and trauma through various life situations due to having trouble with reading social cues and learning differently from others. He is passionate about both making peer support trainings and the REAL Program equitable and accessible for all, and including neurodiversity in peer support. Chris will be speaking about the importance of ‘breaking the cycle’ when overcoming anxiety, trauma, and life challenges with living as an autistic person, along with the importance of ‘self-evolvement’ in recovery.

About the presentation
Christopher Laureano will be sharing his recovery story and discussing his work as the Director of the Recovery Education and Learning (REAL) Program at Bay Cove Human Services, which offers both in-person trainings at the fifth floor of Center Club, and online trainings through the Zoom app with the purpose of preparing people for the workforce in human services. Christopher will also be sharing information on expansion developments of the REAL Program.

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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Vesper Moore
2025-04-03 18:30 - 19:30
Biography – Vesper Moore

Vesper Moore serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Kiva Centers. As an Indigenous activist and leader, Vesper is deeply committed to promoting mental health and disability rights through activism, leadership, organizing, public speaking, and education. Their work focuses on cultivating social movements and raising public awareness to foster lasting social change.
Vesper has contributed to the establishment of mental health organizations worldwide and has been an advocate for civil rights in the United States. Through their advocacy, they have brought the perspectives of people with mental health challenges and disabilities to both national and international platforms.
Collaborating with the United States government and the United Nations, Vesper helps shape strategies around trauma, intersectionality, and disability rights. They have been featured on NBC News, PBS NewsHour, Politico, and at The White House. Vesper is at the forefront of legislative reform, striving to shift the societal paradigm surrounding mental health.
About the presentation
We Are the Evidence: Certified Peer Specialists and the Commitment to Community-Based Services
This session will explore the role of Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) in shaping and sustaining community-based behavioral health services in Massachusetts. As the commonwealth continues to advance its commitment to accessible and person-centered care, it is crucial to recognize the momentum behind these efforts and ensure the continued expansion of peer-led and peer-run initiatives. This presentation will highlight the significance of the Certified Peer Specialist profession as well as the state credential and training program that equip individuals with lived experience to support others, and the integration of CPS professionals into behavioral health teams, including Mobile Crisis services.
The discussion will also focus on the growth and development of peer-run centers and respites, essential spaces that foster recovery, autonomy, and community support. By centering the voices of those most impacted, peer-run services provide an effective approach to behavioral health care that prioritizes dignity and self-determination. Through this presentation, participants will gain insight into how Certified Peer Specialists contribute to a more equitable and person-driven system, reinforcing the commonwealth’s commitment to transforming behavioral health care through community-based solutions.
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital’s Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research (COE)
2025-05-01 18:30 - 19:30
The Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital’s Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research (COE) aims to enhance the lives of those with mental health challenges through community-based projects. The COE focuses on research, psychoeducation, and addressing healthcare disparities while implementing psychosocial interventions to improve individual and community well-being.
In 2018, the Peer Specialist Team at the COE conducted a psychosocial needs assessment with mental health service users sampled from across Massachusetts. Listening group participants spoke about the benefits of peer support and a central theme that emerged was the clear need for more programs to include Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) services and better access to CPSs across the state.
In response, the COE peer team organized four listening groups with Massachusetts CPSs to identify the challenges faced by peer specialists in various work environments, along with corresponding recommendations, with the goal of improving the working conditions, effectiveness, and satisfaction of CPSs across Massachusetts.
Findings highlighted several areas where CPSs expressed a desire for improvement, categorized into four key topics:

Organizational Culture: The values, beliefs, practices, and behaviors that contribute to the overall success of CPSs in their work settings.
Resource Availability: Whether CPSs felt they had the necessary physical resources to perform their jobs effectively.
Training and Education: Whether, after their initial certification, CPSs felt prepared to fulfill their responsibilities and if they had access to opportunities for further growth through additional training and certification.
Role Definition: Whether CPSs felt empowered to perform their duties as trained, in accordance with the CPS Code of Ethics, and if their non-peer colleagues acknowledged, respected, and understood the peer role.

The COE Peer Specialists will present on this Peer Integration Project, followed by a discussion about the challenges Peer Specialists face, and what subsequent recommendations can aid in the integration of Peer Support Specialists into larger healthcare systems and improve access to their services.
Presenters for this talk from the COE include Valeria Chambers, Ryan Markley, Jacquie Martinez, Anne Whitman, Sandi Whitney Sarles
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Opening Doors to the Arts
2025-06-05 18:30 - 19:30
The next National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Boston Peer Support and Advocacy Network (PSAN) monthly speaker series will feature several members of opening doors to the arts telling their recovery story and how opening doors works. We get free and reduced price tix to concerts, theatre and more! see www.openingdoorstothearts.org

Speakers: Hilary, Michael, Howard
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Lawrence Harris
2025-07-03 18:30 - 19:30
Bio
Lawrence Harris is a 19-year-old Youth Empowerment Speaker who helps teens and young adults break through limiting beliefs and build lives rooted in confidence, resilience, and mental wellness. As someone who is autistic and a survivor of childhood abuse and C-PTSD, Lawrence brings a raw, relatable, and powerful presence to every stage he steps on. His story is proof that no matter where you start, healing and growth are possible—and worth the work.
With four years of speaking experience, Lawrence has inspired thousands through school assemblies, youth events, and mental health panels. His message connects deeply with students, educators, and youth advocates alike, offering practical tools and real hope for anyone fighting internal battles they rarely speak about.
Description of Talk: Think Different, Feel Different, Live Different
A practical, emotionally grounded experience that helps teens and young adults transform their mindset from survival mode to self-leadership. Through the lens of lived experience—navigating trauma, autism, and the internal battle of limiting beliefs—I break down how thought patterns affect emotional regulation and long-term decision-making. The talk equips youth with tools to reframe their thinking, shift their emotional responses, and take active steps toward personal growth and clarity.
Structure of the Talk:

THINK DIFFERENT – The first segment addresses internal dialogue, mental habits, and the roots of negative self-perception. I introduce common limiting beliefs and provide practical reframing techniques that help young people to disrupt these thought cycles.

FEEL DIFFERENT – This section dives into the emotional weight teens carry, how it connects to mindset, and how to build emotional intelligence as well as offering tangible tools to navigate shame, anxiety, and disconnection.

LIVE DIFFERENT – The final segment focuses on identity ownership and long-term behavior change. Audiences learn how consistent mindset shifts lead to new actions, greater self-trust, and the ability to make empowered life decisions—even when circumstances are hard.

Two References from organizations I’d previously worked with, attached below:
Recording of the speech given at New Leash of Life: https://youtu.be/851dkXDIYPM?si=LW1IUa1vJ8_OADcj
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Ashley Sproul
2025-08-07 18:30 - 19:30
Bio
Ashley Sproul is the Director of Recovery and Empowerment with the Department of Mental Health and a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). She began her career as a CPS within The Living Room model, where she was able to provide peer support to individuals experiencing significant emotional distress in a trauma-sensitive setting. Throughout her career, she has benefited from working in various settings, including a peer-run Recovery Learning Community and an interdisciplinary treatment team within a Community Behavioral Health Clinic. Her background includes both direct support and supervisory roles, where she has been passionate about collaborating across roles to support individuals seeking wellness and highlighting the importance and implementation of person-centered care. Ashley has training experience as a former member of the Massachusetts Certified Peer Specialist training team, where she was responsible for providing education around racism and oppression in the Systemic Racism Module. Outside of her role, you will find her spending time painting, playing music, and finding ways to incorporate artistic creativity into Peer Support spaces.

Title of Talk: Follow Recovery Road
Description of talk: Ashley Sproul will share her recovery story of how she has navigated her own wellness both within and outside of the traditional mental health system, with an emphasis on what tools, supports, and organizations that were helpful on her journey. Ashley will then share more about the Office of Recovery and Empowerment with the Department of Mental Health as well as her personal and systemic vision for DMH. Questions and comments will be welcome!
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Elizabeth Moore
2025-09-04 18:30 - 19:30
Bio
Elizabeth Moore is currently employed as one of four Certified Peer Specialists at Waverley Place, the community support program associated with McLean Hospital. She has been employed there for 8 years and loves helping members strive to meet their individual recovery goals. Some of her other responsibilities at Waverley Place include leading groups, coordinating referrals, and managing inventory. In late August she will start co-facilitating groups 4 hours per week at the McLean Hospital Behavioral Health Program.
Description of talk: Her talk will focus on the vital importance of charting your own path and learning how to build a rewarding life while in recovery from mental illness
Key Points:
*Focus on finding and maintaining communities of non-judgemental people who will walk with you on the journey. Whatever you are dealing with you can’t do it alone.
*The judgement of clinicians and other professionals is not the final verdict on your future and they don’t know how to fix you
*Just because you are not initially successful doesn’t mean it will not happen. Some of us just take longer.
*Avoidance is not a viable long term coping strategy for dealing with symptoms. Eventually you have to learn how to face them so you can build the life you want.
*Building a meaningful productive life is VERY possible despite having ongoing severe mental health issues.
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - No Event
2025-10-02 18:30 - 19:30
There will be no event on October 2nd because of Yom Kippur.

PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Heidi Lee
2025-11-06 18:30 - 19:30
Bio
Heidi HyunJin Lee (she/they), BFA, MEd, CPS/certified peer specialist is an artist, visual arts educator, mental health activist, somatic healing fanatic, and mother to a beautifully spirited child who keeps her heart young and mind curious.
She is currently working on her MSW degree, inspired by her former clients at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and Common Art (an art program for those experiencing homelessness), leaving her former life as a Boston high school art teacher, community organizer, and community advocate for those experiencing homelessness.
For self care, Heidi practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Forrest Yoga as a form of exposure therapy to combat cPTSD, bipolar disorder, and cooks massive amounts of Korean food economically for fellow hungry souls.
Title of Talk: Somatic Modalities: Releasing Trauma From The Body

Description of talk:
When we experience trauma, especially early in life, it can erode our trust in our own bodies. Healing is not just about repairing what’s been hurt, but about building new pathways for safety, self-trust, and balance.
In this talk, we’ll explore how the concept of Yin-Yang or Fire and Water activation and restoration can guide us in reconnecting with our bodies as allies in healing.
Using polyvagal theory as a foundation, we’ll look at how the nervous system shifts between states of overactivation, regulation, and shutdown.
Practices such as yoga, diaphragmatic breathing, walking, martial arts, or other mindful movement can help regulate the nervous system — moving us toward a calm, alert, and grounded state.
Some of these practices also provide safe, intentional activation — through pressure, resistance, and release, which strengthens nervous system flexibility and expands the window of tolerance, making it easier to stay present without becoming overwhelmed.
By combining activation (fire) with restoration (water), we can support both body and mind in developing resilience and adaptability. Somatic practices not only help us release tension and regulate in the moment — they also lay the groundwork for long-term nervous system health, body trust, and the possibility of post traumatic growth towards one’s homeostasis.
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Lenny Mulcahy
2025-12-04 18:30 - 19:30
Bio:

Lenny Mulcahy is a CPS/Certified Peer Specialist who has been working at Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation for the last 25 years. The Center’s mode of Recovery and Rehabilitation is based on education and celebrating people’s personhood and individual choices.
Lenny teaches adult education topics on wellness, including physical, spiritual and emotional wellness. People with lived experience are called students which dissipates the stigma of being called a patient. Lenny believes that students thrive in the role of a student and are not afraid to express their knowledge and learn new skills.
He also works closely with students individually, giving peer support to those who need to talk as they navigate their recovery. He believes empathy is critical to the healing process of anyone living with a mental health condition. He likes to say, “People heal People”.

Title of Talk: Recovery is non-negotiable
Description of talk:
Lenny will focus on his experience of living with a mental health condition for the last 35 years. He is an amateur photographer and will show his images at different times in his life focusing on hope, healing through spirituality, overcoming isolation, resiliency and inspiring others. He will also use his images as metaphors in his life.
Communication is extremely important to the recovery process and talking about our experiences may be difficult. Viewing Photo images is one way Lenny will discuss his.
Pointing out that people, including himself, don’t need to be fixed but loved. This can be an eye-opening concept for some people. By loving others people begin to heal, and loneliness dissipates.
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Kim Bisset
2026-02-05 18:30 - 19:30
Bio:

Kim Bisset, Ed.D has completed hundreds of training sessions for organizations throughout Massachusetts for both organizations and individuals. Kim has worked with a variety of individuals throughout her career including staff and persons served from the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Vinfen, Justice Resource Institute (JRI), Eliot Community Human Services, The NAN mental health awareness and suicide prevention Project, The Edinburg Center, Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) and many other agencies. Kim has developed several innovative and engaging trainings that resonate with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, people who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (or Questioning) Intersex and Asexual (or allies, aromantic, or agender) individuals, and/or those who have experienced trauma.
Kim has conducted over 92 G.I.F.T., Gathering Inspiring Future Talent training for young adults who want to move forward in their lives and careers. sessions. She has helped many young adults identify their career paths and develop into leaders in their communities. Kim’s education includes Masters and Doctorate degrees in Educational Psychology from Boston College and University of Massachusetts, Amherst, respectively.
Kim has the honor of being a member and trainer for the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), and is proud to be one of the small number of MINT-Certified Trainers in the world. Kim conducts Motivational Interviewing training throughout the state. Kim is the Founder and Director of Radiate Consulting and advises and trains businesses and nonprofits who are interested in creating or improving their staff development, employment and training programs. Her website is www.radiatecc.com
Title of Talk: My Comeback Story
Description of talk:
My name is Kim Bisset. I am going to share my Connection Story. One of the trainings that I developed and I also teach is called the G.I.F.T, Gathering Inspiring Future Talent for young adults who want to move forward in their lives and careers. At first we called the story that we asked training participants to create a recovery story, which is an intentional story that shares pieces of their lived experience to inspire hope. Then we adapted the name to a Comeback Story, who doesn’t love a good comeback. Overcoming adversity, making mistakes, learning and getting closer to what you want and need. Now I describe what I ask of my students and what l am going to share with you as a Connection story because I am going to share pieces of what l have been through, some of the mistakes l’ve made, (spoiler alert, there are many) and what I have learned and continue to learn through this messy, challenging, unbelievable hard and beautiful process that we call life. My mission is to help people not just survive but thrive!
Through sharing my story, my hope is to foster a shared connection between us, to either promote a greater understanding of yourself or enhance your understanding of anxiety or someone else who you are connected to who might have mental health struggles. My story is one of perseverance and resilience. I am both nervous and excited to share it with you. I am excited because I love to talk with people. I am nervous because I experience anxiety. I will share with you both how I learned that I have anxiety and the ways I have learned to cope with it and not let it stop me for reaching for my dreams and supporting others in a compassionate and authentic way. Looking forward to seeing you soon:)
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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Amy Manion
2026-03-05 18:30 - 19:30
BIO:
Born in Boston, raised on its border, Amy Manion is a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) through the Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community. She likes to make songs, poems, take photos, make collages, dance, take videos of her cat, go to improv drop-in classes, and open mics, among many other creative pursuits. Sometimes joy feels far away; creating helps her connect to herself and beyond herself to others. In these connections, she feels more like herself: joyful, care-free, playful, a member of a community, belonging, and able to offer and receive care.
PRESENTATION:
In this talk, Amy will interweave her healing journey along life’s way through song, poetry, video, and visual art sharing. Things that have helped along the way, such as resources, communities, and programs, will be shared in her talk. She hopes to share from her heart and show how the arts have been vital to her healing journey, as well as community, supports, and connecting to a greater purpose. There will be a time for questions and comments at the end and maybe a creative practice to anyone who is interested in participating in, to conclude the presentation portion. It may be an improv acting exercise, a group poem, sharing ones own art at the end, or something else interactive and arts-based, depending on time and interest.

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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Vanessa Williams
2026-05-07 18:30 - 19:30
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

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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

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PSAN Recovery Speaker Series - Ruth Case
2026-07-02 18:30 - 19:30
BIO:
Ruth Case

Ruth Case is the president of Case Consulting Corporation. As a Certified Peer Support Professional, Ruth has been an active participant in the peer movement in Indiana from its inception, collaborating on the state recognized peer certification training development, through its various renditions since 2013. From 2013 through 2024, Ruth facilitated the state endorsed peer certification curriculum, training over 500 certified peers during this period. Additionally, Ruth has led trainings and conference presentations over a variety of peer topics including Peer Supervision, Ethics, Compassion Fatigue, Clinical Documentation, Co-Occurring Disorders, Crisis Intervention, and Train-the-Trainer programs for Indiana Certified Recovery Specialists, Community Health Workers, and the current Certified Peer Support Professional curriculum.
Ruth has an excellent reputation for superb communication skills and completing high quality work within allotted timeframes. She has extensive experience in training, group facilitation, qualitative interviewing, project design, and measurement.
PRESENTATION:

Preventing Burnout
Participants will have opportunities to interact and learn from each other and will leave with some new skills as well as a burnout prevention toolbox.
Learning Objectives:

Define and understand the stages of burnout
Identify the signs and symptoms of burnout, including peer drift.
Take action to prevent burnout through boundaries and self care
Develop a personal Burnout Prevention Toolkit

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