During this information exchange, NASMHPD’s Peer Recovery team will share their personal stories and expertise and facilitate a discussion on the workforce issues facing local and state mental health treatment providers. Attendees can expect to hear from Recovery SME’s on the peer workforce barriers and solutions in the age of crisis services, service expansion, and the 988 rollout across all states and territories. A guided Q and A will maximize learning and interaction amongst attendees and expand State to State sharing.

Amy Brinkley served for (5) five years as the Director of Recovery Support Services in the state of Indiana working to expand peer/recovery support services across the state with the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction. She most recently served for 2 years as the Chairperson for NASMHPD’s Division of Recovery Support Services advocating for the professionalization of recovery supports across the country and currently Amy serves as NASMHPD’s (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors) Recovery Support Systems Coordinator. Amy has been author on several APA articles related to peer support through her work on the APA Policy Advisory Board and continues to serve in this capacity today.

Justin is an international consultant, advocate, and peer specialist based out of Miami, FL. He has presented and trained mental health facilities and other organizations on trauma informed practices and used his life experiences to discuss workforce issues and connecting community providers to better serve individuals in need. Previously before his role with NASMHPD, Justin worked as a Jail Diversion Peer Liaison for the 11th Judicial Criminal Mental Health Project for 14 years. He has worked as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist in Florida since 2008 and has local and national experience.