I am 1 of 11 children raised in a combined family. I have over 20 nieces and nephews and I am the best auntie-mommy! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and am currently in my Master’s program for Mental Health Counseling with Capella University. I am the owner of Anchored Consulting & Coaching, LLC, and have worked as a Peer Specialist for almost a year.I have successfully managed and consulted for businesses for the past 20 years. I love to hire, train, and build solid teams. I believe and live by the quote from John C. Maxwell that says, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” I live by the values of courage, connection, authenticity, resilience, and self-compassion. Together, we can heal, make an impact, and create a better world.
Ashley Albert is from Seattle, Wa. A certified peer counselor in Wa state. She is a formerly incarcerated woman, a youth who aged out of foster care at eighteen years old, a parent affected by the family regulation system who shares her experiences to help others achieve freedom. Manifesting as an activist and advocate surrounding policy and systemic change at the local, state, and national level through her lived experience. She is experienced in Trauma and Crisis Prevention, has coauthored two abstracts for the Colombia Journal of Race and Law; Shattered Bonds Symposium "Dorothy Roberts." She recently completed a 8 month Leadership Academy cohort for survivors- Heal 2 Action with collective Justice, under the restorative justice framework. She spends her time educating and advocating on behalf of birth parents whom are former foster youth and now parents navigating the Family Regulation System.
Kim Pham is the Program Manager for the WA State Department of Veterans Affairs’ (WDVA) Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC). She studied nuclear engineering at U.C. Berkeley and served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear surface warfare officer. After her service, she found her new mission while participating in an internship with the VCC in 2016 and accepted a position with the WDVA to develop and grow the VCC program after her internship. Her mission is to serve those who served by providing veterans with self-directed connections to the lands, waters, and communities in WA State through meaningful work in conserving and restoring natural ecosystems with the VCC’s environmental conservation and agricultural community partners. When she’s not working and being distracted by her curiosity of too many things to learn in a lifetime, she is most likely to be found outside trail running, hiking, biking, or camping.
Eric is the Program Manager for the Veteran Peer Services Program with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. He has worked within Peer-based models of support since 2019, serving as the Vet Corps Member at Pacific Lutheran University from 2019-2021, then serving as the Lead Suicide Prevention Peer Specialist with the WDVA from 2020-2021. Eric comes from a military background, having served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic from 2006-2014 with one tour to Afghanistan. Since retiring from the military he has worked to bridge the gap between civilian and military cultures, working closely with other organizations to develop best practices in creating a Veteran-ready & inclusive environment.
Shaun is a full custody father, entrepreneur, author, and thought leader. The CEO/Owner of IAMWORTHY & Associates LLC is a purpose-pushing youth development professional.
Jason Clark is a Father, mentor and the Director of Northwest Credible Messenger (NWCM), a Capacity Building organization developed to empower the next generation of Black and Brown leadership. From being a resident of WA DOC to being a project manager for the largest trial court system in the state, Jason utilizes his personal and professional experience to develop relationships that produce results and empower others through NWCM's statewide consortium to maximizing collective personal and community impact, building visibility of NWCM's statewide efforts.
Cliff Hansen is a certified youth peer support specialist at Frontier Behavioral Health where he uses his experience with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and substance abuse to help empower others. He has a master’s in Publishing from Portland State University and has spent much of his life living and working in developing countries around the world.
Tommie Kessler is a nature gal through and through. She loves backpacking and being by the water. Her obsession is collecting nature pieces and making art out of it. Tommie also enjoys meditation and yoga. She has been working as a Peer Supporter for almost 3 years and she is healthier because of it.
Jim Wikel is a Citizen of The Seneca-Cayuga Nation of Oklahoma, mixed blood, German/Scotch-Irish on my Father's Side In long term recovery from addiction and mental health challenges I've been a peer supporter since 2015 Currently live in Salem OR Currently working for The Confederated Tribes of The Grand Ronde Great Circle Recovery Opioid Treatment Center.
SPARK is a group of students/youth/young adults who have participated in and graduated from The SPARK Program (Students Providing And Receiving Knowledge). SPARK supports a career pathway to becoming a Certified Peer Counselor in Washington State. The program includes a course to learn who you are and what you want to do with your life.
My name is Siproena Johnson and I found origami to be a natural resource for my mental and physical health after being diagnosed with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis in my early childhood.
James Tillett was born and raised in Spokane, WA. He is a Recovery Coach,Certified Peer Counselor, Group Facilitator, and he has an Associate’s Degree inPsychology through the University of Phoenix.
John is the Co-Director of the nonprofit, Dads Move and holds several certifications as a trainer in Mental Health. He is always seeking to break new ground and share his knowledge of education advocacy.
Evelyn Clark is a Mexican-Native American woman whois passionate about Racial Equity, Leadershipdevelopment and peer support. She has nearly 15years of experience serving young people and theirfamilies who were system involved.
A native to the Pacific North West, Amanda is the Supportive Housing Program Manager and Trainer with the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery since 2018. Serving Eastern Washington as a certified peer in 2011.
Calling all presenters!