PEER SUPPORT CLASS
GRADUATES FOURTEEN
By Melodee Dinnell

Friendships were formed and information on peer counseling was imparted.  The number of persons working within the mental health system  to support clients with the special insight of peers was increased by fourteen: clients who began the peer support counseling program on July 14^th  graduated on August 11^th, 2003.

Members of the class received their diplomas and congratulations from Bonnie Schell, Director of the Mental Health Clients Action Network, and Jill Wolfson, MSW, who also gave instruction for the first five two-hour sessions of class.

Graduates may now work in various capacities giving peer support at MHCAN, Community Connection, CSS,  and similar programs.
   
Peer support counselors offer  an  opportunity for mental health clients to discuss challenges in Recovery. They receive support in that Recovery from someone else who knows the system from "the inside out."

All graduates demonstrated proficiency in the skills of communications, group facilitation, crisis support, observing boundaries and safety, problem solving, ethics and client rights and responsibilities.
     
The graduates were, in alphabetical order: Carolyn Borba, Carolyn Carlquist, Mael Anne Dinnell, Joshua Harris, Michele Hollingshead, Mark Klahn, Patricia Mendoza, Oliver Nicholas, Sam Oastler (taking a refresher course), Erik Pieper, Malina Pieper, Nadine Prevedelli, Freddie Tanala, Nadine Tatarow, and Dawn Whitaker.  Others who attended classes were Laura Werry, Madonna Lopez, Gary Galloway, Jonathon Thornton, and Toni Maier.

The Peer Principle is that when you help others, you help yourself.
Next summer Peer Support Training will be offered again. During the year, students from the past three summer sessions will be invited to meetings for further training and skill building.

"Without deviation, progress is not possible."          -- F. Zappa