Conference 2023

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Sara started as a volunteer on a crisis hotline in 2007, went on to train and supervise other volunteers, and has been a Peer Support Specialist since 2015. She believes that unconditional positive regard is the foundation for trust, safety, and healing, and she has trained more than 500 volunteers, Peer Support Specialists, and community members on empathy and active listening.

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Kellee is the program manager for the Iowa Peer Workforce Collaborative which provides training and continuing education to peers in Iowa and provides technical assistance and support to Iowa agencies and organizations to enhance the employment, hiring, and retention of Peer Support Specialists, Family Peer Support Specialists, and Peer Recovery Coaches. Kellee is passionate about teaching, innovative, forward-thinking and enthusiastic.

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Mirna’s work focuses on helping individuals on their recovery journey through peer support, while sharing her own recovery story as a source of hope and motivation. She is a consultant for the mid-America ATTC (Addiction Technology Transfer Center), providing training and support for individuals and agencies focusing on peer support and trauma informed care. She is a certified peer trainer for the Missouri credentialing board, and a trauma informed care facilitator.

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Frank’s personal experience with trauma as a child led him to dedicate his life to helping others. Frank has worked abroad in Gaza and the West Bank, Haiti, and other countries for agencies like the International Center for the Protection of Victims of Torture. He currently consults for mass shootings, trauma-informed care, and provides direct consultation to clinicians working with complexly traumatized children and families.