COLORADO RURAL PEER CONFERENCE
CEU’s are available!
2024 Sponsors
Thank you to the following agencies for their generous contributions to this year’s 2024 Colorado Rural Peer Conference. With the proceeds of these contributions, we created scholarships to the conference.
Wednesday July 31st
Registration Meet and Greet Reception
As you arrive and check in for the conference, join us for appetizers, mocktails and networking and get acclimated to the layout of the conference.
- Room: Colorado Room
- Time: 4pm-6pm
Additional Event Happening – July 31st
The Time is Now: Colorado’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative™
Wednesday July 31st, 11:30am-1pm
The workplace plays a significant role in helping employees in recovery. Join us to learn more about Colorado’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative™ and supporting employees affected by substance use disorder. This event is intended for executives, business owners, and human resource professionals. Learn how to become Certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace and be a part of the solution. Lunch included.
Location:
Morgridge Commons Meeting & Conference Center
815 Cooper Avenue, 2nd Floor
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Thursday, August 1st
7am – 8am
Group Fitness
Roosevelt Room
Join Thomas Lee from Phoenix for a Morning Movement Group Workout. Get the blood flowing with a fun morning functional workout alongside your peers at the conference. We will be hosting a group workout fit for every fitness level and experience.
*Registration Required. An invitation to register will be sent through EventBrite on 7/24.
Restorative Yoga
Hotel Courtyard (outside)
Join Cortnie Watson from HardBeauty for a restorative class with minimal props. In this yoga class we will do 5 or 6 restorative poses we hold for a long time and relax our mind, body, and spirit.
*Registration Required. An invitation to register will be sent through EventBrite on 7/24.
8am – 9am
Breakfast
Colorado Room
Recovery Friendly Workplace Leader Session
Taft Room
David Shapiro – Recovery Friendly Workplace Employer Workgroup Chair
Senior Manager, Programs and Partnerships Center for Health, Work & Environment Colorado School of Public Health
Join us for an exclusive workshop tailored for leaders of peer recovery organizations in Colorado, focused on understanding and enrolling in the state’s Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Certification program. Learn about the certification process, RFW training and education, and its benefits for your organization. We’ll discuss how to engage your board of directors and peer recovery specialists in the statewide initiative. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with fellow leaders, share best practices, enhance your workplace and support your team’s recovery journey!
8:45am
Opening Remarks
Devereaux Ballroom
9am
Opening Keynote Speaker
Devereaux Ballroom
Kateri Coyhis
Establishing Wellbriety Communities through The Healing Forest Model
Ms. Coyhis will introduce the concept of Wellbriety as balance and connection to the natural laws that create healing within Indigenous communities. The foundation of the Wellbriety Movement is the Four Laws of Change and the Healing Forest Model. A healing forest is an environment characterized by positive and shared values, nurturing relationships, interconnected lives, and the respect of one person from another. In essence, it is a healthy community, an ecological system that nurtures, nourishes and replenishes itself. Each of the trees in the forest represent the individuals in the community: the children, the men, the women, the Elders. It also represents the various systems within the community: families, clans, social practices, and community activities. If the root system of this forest is dysfunctional, then the forest cannot be healthy.
It is critical that we create an environment based upon positive values such as love, forgiveness, interconnectedness, hope and unity. Many wellness programs focus only upon the individual youth or adult. In relation to the Healing Forest, it is important to consider the individual in relationship to others in the community because the opposite of addiction is connection. If a community is to bring about sustainable, healthy change, it must come from within the community.
Ms. Coyhis will introduce strategies to initiate the process of community improvement and develop effective, culturally appropriate, and community-specific strategies for recovery and prevention of alcohol and substance use.
- Objective 1: Develop an understanding of the Wellbriety Movement’s guiding philosophies surrounding substance use and recovery, and trauma.
- Objective 2: Discover how the past connects to the present in order to understand the significance of connecting to the culture to bring sustainable healing to our communities.
- Objective 3: Learn the process and steps for systemic community development.
Kateri Coyhis, Mohican Nation, is the Executive Director of White Bison in Colorado Springs, CO. White Bison, Inc., is an American Indian non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to creating and sustaining a grassroots Wellbriety Movement that provides culturally based healing to the next seven generations of Indigenous People. Kateri serves the Wellbriety Movement by providing community presentations to bring awareness to the programs White Bison offers for individual, family, and community healing. She has been providing training, delivering a variety of presentations, and offering technical assistance for over 22 years. She is also a Board Member for the National Association for Children of Addiction.
Kateri is co-author for a chapter in Radical Psychology: Multicultural and Social Justice Decolonization Initiatives (2018). Kateri received her Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She is also a mother of three beautiful children!
10:10am
Breakout Session #1
Devereaux Ballroom:
Rachel Fowler, Serenity Recovery Connection, Director of Training and Professional Development
Self-Advocacy and Resiliency as Peer Professionals
Session Description: Join Rachel Fowler in an empowering session titled “Self-Advocacy and Resiliency as Peer Professionals.” In the peer workforce, taking care of oneself is paramount to success and sustainability. This session will provide participants with essential tools and strategies to enhance their self-advocacy and resiliency skills, crucial for thriving in challenging environments.
Rachel will lead you through an exploration of self-advocacy, explaining what it is, why it matters, and offering practical tips to improve your self-advocacy skills. Additionally, you will delve into the concept of resiliency, understanding its significance in the workplace, and gaining actionable tips to bolster your resiliency. This session is designed to help you not only survive but thrive as a peer professional.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand what self-advocacy is and why it matters.
- Learn practical tips to improve self-advocacy skills.
- Define resiliency and understand its importance in the workplace.
- Gain strategies to enhance your resiliency.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Rachel’s extensive experience and deepen your self-advocacy and resiliency, ensuring a sustainable and successful career as a peer professional.
Speaker Bio: Rachel Fowler is a person in recovery from substance use disorder, trauma, and anxiety. Her recovery journey began in 1999 following her involvement with the criminal justice system. Since then, Rachel has explored diverse and divergent pathways to healing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a Master Positive Psychology Coach and Trainer. Rachel is also an advocate for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), an Inclusive Leadership Development Facilitator, and a Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator.
As the Director of Training and Professional Development at Serenity Recovery Connection in Colorado Springs, CO, Rachel has dedicated her career to empowering others. She also runs her nonprofit, Recover Simply, Inc., focusing on leadership and youth coaching. Residing at the base of Pike’s Peak in Manitou Springs, CO, Rachel continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience in the recovery community.
Colorado Room:
Jazmyn Gray, CrossPurpose, Manager of Recovery Programs
Developing an Outcomes-Oriented, Supportive, and Sustainable Recovery Program.
Join Jazmyn Gray for an insightful presentation on “Activate Your Vision.” This interactive session will guide participants through the stages of developing a recovery program using the LOGIC Model. Jazmyn will provide workbooks and LOGIC Model handouts.
Learning Objective:
Understand the LOGIC Model: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the LOGIC Model, including its purpose, structure, and application in developing a recovery program. Learn the what, why, how, and steps for effective implementation.
Speaker Bio: Jazmyn Gray is the Manager of Recovery Programs at CrossPurpose. With a background in long-term recovery, justice involvement, and addiction, Jazmyn brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her role. She is a Certified Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) and is advancing her career in organizational development and (BSHA) healthcare administration. Passionate about uplifting individuals who have faced hopelessness, Jazmyn actively engages in community-building and creates pathways for holistic growth, helping individuals lead purpose-filled lives.
Roosevelt Room:
Precious Collins (Ute, she/her) is the Certification Manager for the Colorado Providers Association
Navigating the Path to Becoming a Certified Peer and Family Specialist in Colorado
In this session, we will guide attendees through the process of obtaining the Certified Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) credential in Colorado. We will provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements, from education and experience to supervision and the IC&RC exam. Attendees will gain insight into the specific training needed, including examples of topics covered and approved training providers. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of the steps involved in pursuing this valuable credential and supporting individuals in their peer recovery journey.
Precious Collins (Ute, she/her) is the Certification Manager for the Colorado Providers Association and has experience in peer support services and a deep understanding of the certification process, Precious is dedicated to empowering individuals to navigate their path to becoming Certified Peer and Family Specialists and as a advocate for recovery and wellness, Precious brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help others achieve their professional goals in the field of behavioral health, especially because of her past experience working in rural SW Colorado which helps her bring a unique perspective to the presentation. With a passion for promoting inclusivity and equity in behavioral health services, Precious is committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds in their journey toward certification.
11:10am
Breakout Session #2
Devereaux Ballroom:
Part one: Amanda Clausen LSW: Wraparound Housing Policy Advisor, HCPF & Amy Austin MPP: Recovery Support Policy Administrator
Medicaid Reimbursement for Peer Services: FAQs on RSSO Provider Enrollment and More!
Session Description: Join Amanda Clausen and Amy Austin for an informative session on “Medicaid Reimbursement for Peer Services: FAQs on RSSO Provider Enrollment and More!” Enrolling with Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) as a Recovery Support Service Organization (RSSO) is a crucial step for Peer Support Professionals to access funding for their services. This session will introduce you to the process of becoming an RSSO and provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding Medicaid reimbursement.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the process of enrolling as a Recovery Support Service Organization (RSSO) with Health First Colorado.
- Learn about the requirements and steps involved in RSSO provider enrollment.
- Gain insights into Medicaid reimbursement for peer support services.
- Address common questions and challenges related to Medicaid reimbursement for peer services.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts in the field and gain the knowledge needed to navigate the Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement process effectively.
Speaker Bios:
Amy Austin, MPP: Amy Austin is the Recovery Support Policy Administrator for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) in the Behavioral Health Initiatives and Coverage Office (BHIC). Amy manages the Health First Colorado substance use disorder (SUD) benefit, as well as reimbursement for Peer Support and Supportive Housing services. With a strong background in community-based supportive services, Amy has designed and implemented programs for diverse populations over the past six years. Her expertise lies in developing policies and programs that enhance recovery support services and improve access to essential resources.
Amanda Clausen, LSW: Amanda Clausen is the Wraparound Housing Policy Advisor for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) in the Behavioral Health Initiatives and Coverage Office (BHIC). As a macro social worker, Amanda brings a wealth of experience working inside prisons and within community behavioral health and substance use organizations. Her role focuses on developing policies that support comprehensive housing solutions and wraparound services for individuals with behavioral health needs. Amanda’s dedication to improving behavioral health policies ensures that vulnerable populations receive the support and resources necessary for successful recovery and reintegration.
Join Amanda and Amy to gain a comprehensive understanding of Medicaid reimbursement for peer services and enhance your ability to support recovery initiatives within your organization.
Colorado Room:
Carrie Bauer, HeartLight Center, Program Assistance & Western Slope Communication Liaison
Grief & Substance Use Disorder
Session Description: Join Carrie Bauer for an insightful session on “Grief & Substance Use Disorder.” Whether you are grieving or supporting others who are, understanding the fundamentals of grief is crucial. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect after a loss and the unique impacts of substance use disorders on the grieving process.
Carrie will discuss how substance use can affect grief, both in terms of how individuals process their emotions and how substance use disorders can cause grief in people’s lives. Attendees will learn about effective interventions and practical suggestions for moving through grief. By the end of this presentation, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to support themselves and others during the grieving process.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of grief and what to expect after a loss.
- Learn how substance use disorders uniquely impact the grieving process.
- Discover effective interventions and suggestions for navigating grief.
- Gain insights into supporting oneself and others through grief.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and tools to better support grievers in your personal and professional life.
Speaker Bio: Carrie Bauer has dedicated nearly twenty years to working in the end-of-life and grief field, with a passion for supporting grievers of all ages. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master’s degree in Thanatology from Marian University. Carrie’s extensive experience includes roles as a bereavement coordinator and volunteer coordinator at hospices in Colorado and Iowa, as well as the director of a bereavement program within a funeral home in Des Moines, Iowa.
In addition to her direct work with grievers, Carrie is passionate about educating professionals and community members on various grief topics. She has presented at both local and national conferences, sharing her expertise and insights. Currently, Carrie serves as Program Assistance & Western Slope Communication Liaison at the HeartLight Center, where she continues to make a significant impact in the field of grief support.
Roosevelt Room:
Heather Lister, Illuminate Community Recovery Services, CEO
Professional Standards in Peer Support
Session Description: Explore the evolving landscape of peer support coaching with Heather Lister in her session, “Professional Standards in Peer Support.” Over the past five years, the role of the peer supporter has expanded rapidly, bringing both opportunities and challenges in defining and standardizing this vital profession. This session will delve into the intricacies of peer support credentials and qualifications, addressing the often-elusive nature of the role.
Heather will guide you through understanding the differences between key certifications such as CCAR (Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery), CPFS (Certified Peer Facilitator Specialist), and NPRSS (National Peer Recovery Support Specialist). Each certification offers unique training, competencies, and recognition, making it essential to choose the right one for your needs. By obtaining additional certifications, peer supporters can enhance their credibility, adhere to professional standards, and develop a broader skill set.
Attendees will learn how properly credentialed peer supporters can effectively guide individuals in recovery, recognize situations that require referral to licensed professionals, and understand the boundaries of their role. This session aims to foster a clearer understanding of these elements, promoting greater professionalism, efficacy, and sustainability within the field of peer support.
Session Goals:
- Gain insights into the evolving role of peer supporters and the importance of proper credentials.
- Understand the distinctions between major peer support certifications and their respective training and competencies.
- Learn how additional certifications can enhance credibility and professional standards in peer support.
- Explore strategies for effectively guiding individuals in recovery while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of peer support standards and elevate your practice to new heights.
Speaker Bio: Heather Lister has been dedicated to the peer support role since 2010. She completed the CCAR training in 2015 and received her Colorado Peer and Family Specialist certification in 2017. In 2019, she trained in CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training). Heather currently serves on the committee for COPA (Colorado Providers Association). In 2021, she launched her own coaching business and has since supervised numerous peers, using her extensive experience to guide and mentor others in the field.
Heather’s deep commitment to peer support and her vast expertise make her an invaluable resource for those looking to enhance their professional practice.
12pm – 1pm
Lunch
Colorado Room
1pm – 2pm
Peer Recovery Support Professional Speed Networking
Devereaux Ballroom
Take this time out of your day to join us for some structured speed networking with other peer recovery support professionals from across the state of Colorado!
2pm
Breakout Session #2
Devereaux Ballroom:
Part two: Emily Schrader, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
A Provider’s Perspective: Medicaid and BHA Peer Support Services in Colorado
Session Description: In “A Provider’s Perspective: Medicaid and BHA Peer Support Services in Colorado,” Emily Schrader will address peer support specialist work from the provider’s perspective, focusing on rendering services through Colorado Medicaid RAEs (Regional Accountable Entities). This session will cover critical topics such as the differences and discrepancies in licensing, credentialing, and provider types per Medicaid and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
Key topics include:
- Understanding allowable and utilized service codes.
- State requirements for peer experience and credentialing.
- Supervision requirements for peer support specialists.
- What qualifies as peer support work and what counts as a billable service through Medicaid.
- Strategies for elevating the peer specialist profession and advocating for a cohesive, educated, qualified, and experienced peer workforce.
This presentation aims to recognize peer specialists as valued and legitimate providers within behavioral healthcare treatment and recovery, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the differences in licensing and credentialing requirements between Medicaid and the BHA.
- Learn about the allowable service codes and state requirements for peer support services.
- Understand what qualifies as billable peer support work through Medicaid.
- Gain insights into supervision requirements and the importance of supporting a qualified peer workforce.
- Explore strategies to elevate the peer specialist profession within the behavioral healthcare system.
Speaker Bio: Emily Schrader is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) in Colorado, with 18 years of experience in behavioral health treatment. Her extensive background includes direct clinical services, supervision, quality assurance, training, and consultation. Emily has held positions in Medicaid managed care and has provided training and consultation on topics such as Medicaid coding and documentation, policy and procedure, and clinician supervision. Currently, she offers clinical supervision for peer support agencies in the Denver metro area as an independent contractor. Emily’s dedication to the field of behavioral health and her expertise in Medicaid services make her a valuable resource for understanding and navigating peer support services within Colorado’s Medicaid system.
Join Emily to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of Medicaid and BHA peer support services and to advocate for a recognized and valued peer support workforce.
Colorado Room:
Jennifer Brooks, SOR CPFS, San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group
Reaching Hard to Reach Communities in a Rural Area
Jennifer Brooks from San Luis Valley will present how peer services work for hard-to-reach rural areas. Jennifer will cover what services are provided from a MAT mobile with her agency San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group.
Learning Objectives:
Our learning objectives are the road to recovery and sustainability in recovery
Roosevelt Room:
Jay Voigt, Human Capital LLC, Principal Consultant MBA, LPC, CAS, SHRP-CP
From the Bushes to the Board Room: My Professional Journey and Lessons Learned
Session Description: Join Jay, a seasoned consultant and national speaker, in a transformative session titled “From Business to the Boardroom.” This session is designed to help you intentionally develop your career path by leveraging your recovery journey, strengths, and passions. Drawing from his personal experience of rising from stocking shelves to the C-suite in large healthcare systems, Jay will share invaluable insights and strategies to enhance your professional growth.
With a blend of humor, storytelling, and research, Jay will guide you through methods to improve workplace communication, manage challenging relationships with customers and coworkers, and develop critical skills for career advancement. Whether you are in recovery or simply seeking to expand your career trajectory, this session will provide practical tools and inspiration to become a better employee and leader.
Session Goals:
- Learn effective conflict resolution methods for professional settings.
- Identify tools for managing difficult working relationships.
- Understand and employ specific skill sets necessary for success in various work environments.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Jay’s unique blend of personal triumph and professional expertise, and take concrete steps toward a fulfilling and successful career.
Speaker Bio: Jay Voigt is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare settings, specializing in substance use disorder treatment delivery. In long-term recovery from substance use disorder, Jay’s unique perspective, relatability, and passionate delivery set him apart as a trainer, speaker, and executive coach. With dual master’s degrees in counseling and business administration, Jay prioritizes continuous learning and transformational leadership, focusing on investing in people, teams, and organizational culture.
Recognized for his exceptional communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, Jay has held senior roles in academic and traditional healthcare systems across Colorado and Pennsylvania. As the driving force behind Human Capital LLC, he empowers organizational leaders to enhance their leadership capacity while nurturing personal and professional growth within their organizations.
Connect with Jay on LinkedIn and learn more about his work at Human Capital LLC.
3pm – 4pm
Keynote Speaker
Devereaux Ballroom
Tonya Wheeler, CPFS
The History of the Recovery Movement
This presentation walks the audience through the history of the recovery movement. Significant events in the History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America can be traced back to the early 1800s and while many projects have been tried the last 25 years of advocacy have made significant progress in reducing stigma and discrimination while increasing services and opportunities for individuals to engage in support to maintain long-term recovery.
Tonya Wheeler is a woman living in active and sustained recovery since 1990 and her passion for helping others has remained evident in her work in recovery and advocacy. She works diligently in her community and around the nation; to share the message that recovery is a positive, attainable goal and she is an example that recovery does happen! Tonya is the Executive Director of Advocates for Recovery Colorado. AFRC was the first authentic Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in Colorado and has been working to support people in recovery for over 20 years. Tonya started her work with Advocates for Recovery Colorado as a founding board member in 2001 and served in that capacity until she was named AFRC’s first Executive Director in 2009. Tonya is a sought-after trainer and speaker across Colorado and the United States. She has shared her personal recovery story with many audiences and media across Colorado and the nation.
Rafting
- Meet Thomas Lee in the Hotel Hobby at 5pm at the Phoenix table to sign waivers. The bus leaves at 5:30pm!
- Rafting with Adventure Outdoors, hosted by Thomas Lee from Phoenix on the Roaring Fork River!
*Registration Required. An invitation to register will be sent through EventBrite on 7/24.
Friday, August 2nd
7am – 8am
Yoga Flow
Roosevelt Room
Amy Bishop will lead us in a slow flow and/or breath to movement class. This will go through several flows with some breath to movement, for beginner, intermediate, or advanced yoga students.
*Registration Required. An invitation to register will be sent through EventBrite on 7/24.
8am – 9am
Breakfast
Colorado Room
9am
Breakout Session #4
Devereaux Ballroom:
Becca Aspray-Collazo, Social Worker and Certified Peer & Rosita Camargo-Gilliam, CPFS & Recovery Doula
How to Ensure Sustainability of Recovery Processes & Family Integrity for Peer Support Clients with Child Welfare Involvement
Session Description: In the session “How to Ensure Sustainability of Recovery Processes & Family Integrity for Peer Support Clients with Child Welfare Involvement,” Becca Aspray-Collazo and Rosita Camargo-Gilliam will share their unique perspectives and strategies as peer recovery coaches. Drawing from their lived experiences, they will discuss how to shape interventions to best meet the complex needs of mothers and families struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and child welfare involvement.
Peers play a crucial role in clients’ lives, contributing significantly to maintaining family unit integrity and sustaining personal recovery for caretakers and birthing parents. This session will explore the specific challenges faced by these families and how peer recovery coaches can effectively support them.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the unique role of peer recovery coaches in supporting clients with SUD and child welfare involvement.
- Learn strategies to sustain recovery processes and family integrity.
- Explore how lived experience informs professional goals and intervention strategies.
- Gain insights into developing and implementing effective support plans for vulnerable families.
Join Becca and Rosita to learn how peer support can create sustainable, positive outcomes for families navigating the intersection of substance use and child welfare.
Speaker Bios:
Becca Aspray-Collazo: Becca Aspray-Collazo is a social worker and certified peer with extensive experience in healthcare provision. Since completing her undergraduate degree in 2006, Becca has been dedicated to serving clients through therapeutic endeavors. Despite losing her clinical license due to criminal charges, Becca found hope in the growing peer support profession, which allowed her to help others without the restrictions on self-disclosure she had encountered during graduate school. Now in long-term recovery, Becca works in a macro role, supporting peer organizations and providers across the state, advocating loudly for the amazing work they do.
Rosita Camargo-Gilliam: Rosita Camargo-Gilliam is a Certified Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) and Recovery Doula with 16 years of professional experience. She works in Southeast Colorado, advocating for the most vulnerable sub-sections of the population. Rosita collaborates with healthcare professionals and justice systems, such as Baby Well courts, to develop and implement “Baby Well Plans” for pregnant or birthing individuals who test positive for illicit substances. Her work focuses on mitigating the deleterious effects of substance use on infant and caregiver health, ensuring the well-being of families in need.
Join Becca and Rosita for an engaging and informative session on supporting families through recovery and child welfare challenges.
Colorado Room:
Jim Kuemmerle, MSW, BCD, LCSW and Julie Elliott, LPC
Harvesting Health: Sustainable Self-Care in Rural Environments
In the demanding field of peer support, especially within rural communities, maintaining personal health and wellness is crucial for providing effective and sustainable care. This presentation, “Harvesting Health: Sustainable Self-Care in Rural Environments,” will explore practical and evidence-based self-care techniques tailored to the unique challenges faced by rural health workers. Participants will learn how to integrate holistic health practices into their daily routines, manage stress effectively, and build resilience in the face of professional and personal challenges. The session will cover a range of topics including mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, and mental health strategies that are accessible and relevant to rural settings. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-life case studies, attendees will gain valuable insights and tools to enhance their well-being, ensuring they can continue to support others with energy and compassion. Join us to cultivate a healthier, more balanced approach to your professional and personal life in the heart of rural communities.
Learning objectives:
- Develop Practical Self-Care Plans: Participants will learn to create personalized self-care plans that incorporate effective stress management techniques, physical activity, and mental health practices tailored to the unique demands of rural peer support roles.
- Implement Holistic Health Strategies: Attendees will gain knowledge on holistic health approaches, including mindfulness, nutrition, and work-life balance, that can be seamlessly integrated into their daily routines to enhance overall well-being.
- Enhance Resilience and Prevent Burnout: Participants will understand the importance of resilience in their profession and will acquire tools and strategies to prevent burnout, ensuring they can sustain their support roles with energy, compassion, and effectiveness.
Jim Kuemmerle, MSW, BCD, LCSW is a regional behavioral health specialist, Eastern Region for CSU Office of Engagement and Extension. He has spent most of the last 30 year in clinical social work, prominently in rural and frontier communities of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wyoming and Colorado.
Kirsten Wulfsberg, LPC is a regional behavioral health specialist, Mountain Region for CSU Office of Engagement and Extension. She has spent 20 years working in psychiatric crisis management within a hospital/emergency department setting.
Julie Elliott, LPC is a regional behavioral health specialist, Western Region for CSU Office of Engagement and Extension. She has spent 15+ years providing behavioral health services, vocational services, and education in diverse settings with special focus areas in trauma, suicide prevention, mood disorders, disability, families, and substance abuse
Roosevelt Room:
Panel Discussion
Sustainability in Rural Recovery: Integrating Peer Support, Harm Reduction, and MAT Services to Complete the Puzzle
In this presentation, attendees will hear how peer support, harm reduction and MAT services save lives and create a sustainable solution for those seeking recovery support in rural areas and beyond.
Nele Cashmore, Recovery Program Coordinator, The Health Partnership: As the Recovery Program Coordinator for The Health Partnership, Nele is a Certified Peer and Family Specialist in the state of Colorado and provide peer support and plan and host our RISE (Recovery, Insight, Support and Empowerment) Events in Craig. Through our recovery program we have served hundreds of individuals across Routt and Moffat Counties with peer support, events and access to harm reduction kits. My most treasured accomplishments are my 5 years of sobriety and spirituality, becoming a mother to my two beautiful sons, marrying my husband, and now getting to do this amazing work as a peer recovery support professional. Nele’s focus in her work is to advocate for, connect with, support and empower individuals facing substance use disorder on a local level and also advocates on a state-wide level.
Maggie Seldeen, Founder, Director and Peer, High Rockies Harm Reduction – Maggie was raised in Carbondale, Colorado, lost her mother to an overdose as a teenager and is a person in active and sustained, harm reduction-based recovery. She has trained hundreds of people all over the country on Narcan and the current overdose/fentanyl epidemic, provided technical assistance to many rural community programs, and distributed thousands of Naloxone kits, fentanyl test strips and more across Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, singing, writing, and painting.
Ryan Morgan, Manager of Recovery Services (SOCO), SafeSide Recovery – Ryan was raised on the western slope and lived a quite sheltered life until moving to the city of Denver as a young teen. Drugs and alcohol were introduced early on and used to cope with insecurities and lack of support as a child and teen. Ryan lost his father to a methamphetamine overdose while incarcerated for distribution of illicit drugs, shaping his recovery path upon release in 2016. Ryan would become a single parent to a newborn baby girl and also complete his first year of recovery the following year. Entering recovery Ryan would weigh in at 505lbs and be diagnosed with two chronic illnesses (COPD and congestive heart failure). As a man in long term recovery, harm reduction has been a major piece in his journey. Ryan is living proof that Narcan can save lives and medicated assisted treatment can provide support for those dealing with difficult scenarios in their recovery path. Ryan is now able to work with individuals giving non-judgmental support in Southern Colorado, while educating city, county, and state representatives as well as the public on the stigma surrounding harm reduction. As a certified CPFS since 2020, Ryan was led to complete his clinical license, offering a multi-faceted approach to the education of addiction. Ryan continues sharing hope through the peer movement offering virtual/in-person services to southern Colorado’s rural communities, the Springs Rescue Mission, and operating a thriving recovery program at the Pueblo Rescue Mission. Ryan enjoys raising a blended family beside the love of his life Kaylee, exploring nature, yoga, fitness/wellness, and music fuels his soul.
10am
Breakout Session #5
Devereaux Ballroom:
Panel Discussion
Judicial Panel Discussion: Bridging the Gap – How Peer Support, Recovery, & Connection are Key in Reducing Recidivism
Kevin Kohlbrenner, Judicial Program Coordinator at The Health Partnership
Gabe Cohen, Discovery Cafe
Jeremy Pavlik, HardBeauty
Lester Vaskin, SOR/ Peer180, is a man in active sustained recovery and is the SOR Grant Criminal Justice Recovery Coach at Peer 180 in Grand Junction , serving Delta, Montrose and Mesa County. He works with parole, probation and is inside ComCor. For the past 9 months he has been doing prison inreach as well.
Charmayne Garcia, The Empowerment Program
Colorado Room:
Atis Spuris, Mindsprings Health/PACT (Pitkin Area Co-Responder Teams), CPFS
The Power of Perspective Workshop
Session Description: Discover the transformative potential of positive psychology in “The Power of Perspective Workshop” led by Atis Spuris. This session explores how our inner thoughts shape our worldview and presents practical tools to harness this idea for personal empowerment.
Atis will delve into the power of language and its profound impact on our daily reality and personal perspective. By choosing words deliberately and consciously, participants can shift from being victims of circumstance to active creators of their lives. Atis will share how mindful use of everyday language and simple shifts in perspective can alter how we remember past experiences and shape new ones.
Participants will engage in a writing exercise where they describe a chosen event from three distinct perspectives: pessimistic, neutral, and optimistic. This exercise is designed to be inclusive of all writing levels, styles, and abilities, ensuring everyone can participate fully.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how inner thoughts influence worldview.
- Learn practical tools to foster an empowered mindset.
- Discover the impact of mindful language use on personal perspective.
- Practice shifting perspectives through guided writing exercises.
Join this workshop to learn how small changes in language and perspective can lead to sustainable, positive transformations in your life.
Speaker Bio: Atis Spuris was diagnosed with various clinical mental illnesses from a young age. After years of mixed results with western psychiatric treatment, he pursued a holistic path emphasizing nutrition, nature immersion, meditation, exercise, energy work, and mindfulness practices, including the power of language. This journey led him to facilitate support groups, work in the behavioral health field, become involved in systems reform, and speak publicly about his experiences.
Atis developed the Power of Perspective Workshop from the tools that aided his personal transformation. He continues to work in the behavioral health field with PACT (Pitkin Area Co-responder Teams) and Mindsprings Health, speak at CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training events, facilitate self-empowerment workshops, and write about his lived experiences. In his free time, Atis follows his bliss in the Colorado Rockies, engaging in activities like surfing, snowboarding, biking, camping, making music, creating art, and, of course, writing.
Roosevelt Room:
Panel Discussion
The Power of Partnership: Integrating Peer Support into a Hospital Setting
Jamie Davis, PRC with HardBeauty
Meghan White, Operation Care Program Coordinator with HardBeauty
Laura Allem, Advocates for Recovery
11am
Closing Keynote Speaker
Devereaux Ballroom
Tiffany Kuhwede
Unbroken by HardBeauty
I invite you to join me on a journey of healing, growth, and sustainable recovery. I am Tiffany Kuhwede and I am Unbroken. I used to believe I was broken, unlovable, and unworthy of the things I wanted. Early on, my life was shattered by abuse, trauma, and fear; this led to unstable mental health and eventually substance use and abuse. The journey I wish to take you on is the journey of education, healing, growth, and sustained life. I learned about power and control, how to set boundaries, and how to start listening to myself. I searched for the green flags and started pursuing the things I wanted in my life. I changed my self-talk and the way I showed myself love. I began to care for myself and create a safe space in my body and my home. I knew the years of abuse and addiction had created great conflict in my life. I practiced gratitude, yoga, and mindfulness to aid in my recovery. I am also a Super Fan of the show Supernatural, and this is important because the stars of the show played a huge part in my recovery journey. I did not think I was able to set goals and achieve them, however I fought through hell just like the characters on that show. I vowed to Always Keep Going like Jared did when he was struggling with Mental Health concerns and stepped away to go to treatment. I overcame my demons and was able to meet all of the stars from the show Supernatural in December 2023. If I had not sustained my recovery, there is no way I would have had that opportunity. I share this to impress upon my fellow Peers what they can achieve by setting goals, working to achieve those goals, and putting their recovery first to sustain and maintain a healthy and fun life in recovery.
Tiffany Kuhwede is a distinguished individual with a wealth of experience in long-term recovery, serving as both a supportive figure and an inspiration for those seeking positive change. Within HardBeauty, she has grown from the role of Peer Recovery Coach to assume leadership positions, including Director of Coaching and Creator of the transformative Unbroken Program. As a Certified Peer and Family Support Specialist (CPFS) endorsed by COPA, where she is the Chair of the certification committee, and a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) accredited by NAADAC, she offers invaluable guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of recovery, particularly at the nexus of intimate partner and family violence, mental health challenges, and Substance Use Disorder.
12pm
Closing Remarks
Devereaux Ballroom
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