LOADING
Born and raised in Spokane an eventual product of his environment led to multiple arrests for drug distribution. After successfully graduating with an AA in Psychology a tragic event led to another turn down addictions path. After a near death incident he stumbled into peer support. With certifications in CCAR, group facilitation, and CPC he began working on the Peer field. Currently an inaugural member of the Washington State Syndemic Steering committee, the outreach service provider for the SURSAC committee, and the Drug user health caucus lead in a pilot program coordinated with HMA. James is able to build strong connections with peers and community partners alike with his genuality and gregariousness. In his personal life his family is compromised of his other half Jayme and their beautiful dog Dreamer. James is a collector and wrestling action figures and enjoys cartoonist art in his free time.
Calling all presenters!
Terrance Nelson came to Spokane from Alaska in 2010 beginning his journey of recovery. Over the last 13 years he has explored community building while utilizing person centered care and at the heart of this workshop he shares insight into a core value of his self-care: Exercising Your Yes and Protecting Your No. He brings laughter and stories to share that will help each one in attendance understand the value of self-care and leave refreshed as they go back in to serving others.
Amy has been on a journey of recovery since graduating from the Felony Mental Health Court in 2016. After this life-changing event, she realized she wanted to walk alongside those seeking support and recovery. Amy became a CPC in 2018 and in 2019, she became nationally certified as a peer specialist through the Association for Addiction Professionals. Amy began working as a care navigator, utilizing her peer support skills and became the first peer support specialist at Deaconess hospital, creating a hospital-based peer program. She began as the Recovery Café manager in Spokane in 2022 and has since accepted a position with WSU and HCA as the Peer Bridger/Peer Respite program manager. Amy aspires to transform systems from within and build further peer support programs, as she has seen the impact this has made on the lives of those that she serves.
John Bodkins is the current President of Peers Empower Peers and The Executive Director for Dads on Fire. He hold several certifications as a trainer in Mental Health. John is always seeking to break new ground and share his knowledge of education advocacy.
Allyssa Jomei is a passionate peer. She is motivated by her own powerful and transformative journey of healing, self-growth and self-discovery. She is described by friends as joyful, silly, empathic and thoughtful. When she is not working, Allyssa loves being outdoors, and spending time with her daughter and loved ones. She feels blessed to be a part of the peer movement that is changing our world for the better!
