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We are sorry that you missed our live session of these events. Please enjoy the recordings.
Recording of live sessions with peer entrepreneurs.
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Carmen Joyce - Peer Entrepreneur November 2021 Link
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Administration
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1/9/2023
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Meet Carmen Joyce - Peer Entrepreneur from Tennessee and hear their inspiring story and road to entrepreneurship. Live session recorded on November 4, 2021.
Carmen is a peer entrepreneur who lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with 6 years’ experience with running her own business. She is described as adventurous, funny, and a bit rebellious. She is an INFP personality type and an Enneagram 5. She has a master’s degree in counseling from Webster University. As an artist, she owns and runs Carmen Cay Art selling original artwork, prints, handmade journals, flags and ornaments. She is also a beekeeper and recently established her Nooga Honey Pot business. She sells two types of lip balms and stickers and is currently working on creating lotion bars and soap. She is also the founder of I Still Matter. In her spare time, she loves reading, doing genealogical research, hiking, and loving on her 3 dogs.
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Craig Lewis- Peer Entrepreneur August 2023 Link
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8/7/2023
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Gregorio “Craig” Lewis is originally from Boston, Massachusetts, who lives in Mexico with over 10 years experience in running his business, Sanity is a Full-Time Job/Better Days Recovery, specializing in sharing what he learned about hardcore survival and healing. He is by many as a rebel, an innovator and a loving and kind man, but he is not for everyone. Gregorio’s philosophy in life is to -Do what is right, even if it is difficult. Gregorio chooses to walk a spiritual path; that this is in fact a conscious choice. He feels his greatest accomplishments in life are choosing to walk a spiritual and loving path when it would often be easier to do the opposite. In his spare time, Gregorio enjoys tending to his huge flower garden, hanging out with cats, sitting on the street corner with his friends, learning phrases in the indigenous Nahuatl language of his community, trying the endless flavors of the food of Mexico, being a loud and proud punk rocker in recovery.
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Darian Elmendorf- Peer Entrepreneur March 2023 Link
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Administration
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3/2/2023
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Darian Elmendorf, CPRS, CSPS
Co-Founder and CEO of Compass Peer Services, I am an entrepreneur by trade, a peer supporter by heart. We help peer support providers grow their teams and offer value based care population wide. As a professional staffing and SaaS solutions company, Compass Peer Services has created award-winning programs that have won the Jefferson Awards for Most Outstanding Service Organization and the University of Delaware 1743 Awards for Most Promising Venture. In addition to staffing and software, I help guide peer specialists and mental health advocates to find their dream job and help mission-driven leaders build safe, supportive, and resilient work environments. I have coached and supervised people with lived experience across the country to grow their careers in mental health care and health, wellness, and fitness.
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Diane Scott- Peer Entrepreneur June 2022 Link
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1/9/2023
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Diane Scott is a peer entrepreneur who lives in Jacksonville, Florida with over 4 experience in running her own peer organization- Shining Light Peer Services, serving individuals and families personally affected by the negative effects of substance use. Diane is described as ambitious, determined, and driven. Her philosophy in life is taken from a quote by Plato "the highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another's world". One thing that is important for you to know about her is that she is committed to fight for change, growth and recovery in our communities. Diane feels her greatest accomplishments in life would most definitely be becoming a person in long term recovery and starting a Recovery Community Organization from the ground up. In her spare time, Diane enjoys kayaking, dancing, and spending time with her amazing son and puppy Asa.
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Fran Reicherter- Peer Entrepreneur- August 2022 Link
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1/9/2023
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Francesca Reicherter is the Founder and President of Inspiring My Generation, a 501(c)3 in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She holds an MS in Information Systems and Operations Management from the University of Florida and is a current MA in Psychology student at Pepperdine University. Inspired by her mental health journey, Francesca works to make resources and information accessible. She has published, "You Are Not Alone: The Workbook," as a guide to help the reader build a coping toolbox and “I AM,” an interactive workbook to help the reader build the tools needed to advocate for their mental health. Dedicated to ending the stigma, Francesca hosts Normalize The Conversation, a podcast series amplifying the voices of mental health professionals, advocates, and any individual interested in sharing their story. In addition to developing resources, Fran is a speaker spreading hope, most known for her keynote speech at NAMI CA 2022 Annual Youth Conference.
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Heather Boll- Peer Entrepreneur Feb 2023 Link
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2/2/2023
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Heather Boll Author, Keynote Speaker, Transformational Coach, Peer Professional, Sound Healer, and Wellness Expert. She has decades of training and experience in the fields of mental health, holistic wellness, and mind, body, soul healing modalities. Including Peer Support, Soul Awakenings Meditation/Mindfulness, and Sound Healing. She brings a powerful yet compassionate presence, guidance, and healing. Heather’s lectures, workshops, and private sessions have transformed thousands of lives and counting. With her wealth of knowledge and experiences, she inspires, aligns, and brings clarity to all who seek her gifts and wisdom. Heather has dedicated her life to bring global change and accessibility for all to receive mental health and wellness services. She owns and operates three innovative mental health and wellness companies. Heather Boll Keynote Speaking and Coaching, The Hive, and Apiary Aerial Studio.
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Jennifer Randal-Thorpe- Peer Entre. April 2023 Link
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4/7/2023
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Jennifer Randal-Thorpe is from Lafayette, Louisiana is the Chief Executive Officer of Meaningful Minds United, Inc. She is a graduate of The University of Louisiana with a bachelor’s in applied science. She is certified as a Counselor in Training with The Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers. She is also a Recognized Peer Support Specialist with the State of Louisiana. Jennifer is an Emotional CPR Educator with the National Empowerment Center and is a former member of The National Suicide Action Alliance Panel. She has received national recognition with The International Bipolar Foundation, The Mental Health Innovation Network, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies among others. Jennifer is the proud mother of three girls and eight grandchildren. She is very active in local, state, and national initiatives.
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Jermaine Williams- Peer Entrepreneur March 2022 Link
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Administration
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1/9/2023
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Jermaine is a peer entrepreneur from Pensacola, Florida who now lives in Jacksonville. Jermaine has experience with producing documentaries, authorship, advocating for recovery/mental health and most recently writing a reality TV series called Rescue Addiction . He hopes to pursue his entrepreneurship further by preparing for a pitch meeting with NBC Universal to have his novel adapted to a blockbuster film. Jermaine is described as passionate, hardworking, and a forward thinker. His philosophy in life is "Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today" (Malcolm X). One thing that is important for you to know about him is that he believes his battle with substance abuse has been one of his biggest blessings. Jermaine feels his greatest accomplishment in life is turning his pain into purpose. In his spare time, Jermaine enjoys spending time with family, researching "leaks” to Marvel Studios’ movies and following FSU football.
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Jerry Higginson- Peer Entrepreneur April 2022 Link
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Administration
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1/9/2023
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Jerry Higginson is a peer entrepreneur who lives in Leesburg, Virginia with over 12 years’ experience in running his own business- Jester Jerry, offering juggling entertainment for parties and recovery workshops. Jerry is described as fun, resilient, and friendly. His philosophy in life is: “80% of life is just showing up; the rest is just details.” One thing that is important for you to know about him is that he built success through recovery from debilitating mental health struggles. Jerry feels his greatest accomplishments in life are: building a successful business from scratch that brings joy to others and raising a family. In his spare time, Jerry enjoys playing board games, pick-up basketball, and juggling, of course.
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Karen Webber- Peer Entrepreneur Jan 2023 Link
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1/9/2023
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Karen Webber is a teaching and performing artist from Baltimore, MD. Karen's music and theatre pieces are performed in college classrooms, senior centers and on Zoom. Certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist in the state of Maryland in 2021, Karen designs creating programs and peer trainings with a special focus on older/aging adults at the Mental Health Association of Maryland. From 2020-2021, Karen was a peer supporter in a study of Older Adults with depression at Johns Hopkins. Karen co-created 'Mona's Hairbrush,' an innovative program anchored by an abstract short film on dementia. The program was a recent recipient of a creativity grant from the Maryland Arts Council. Karen has been a teaching artist in some fashion for 20 years and has worked with older adults in Arts for the Aging and Art with a Heart. Karen's poems and rituals are found online in Poetica, Voice of Eve, The Jewish Writing Project and in other print mediums.
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Kwadeidra Zhane' Wilson- Peer Entrepreneur Dec 22 Link
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1/9/2023
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Kwadeidra is a peer entrepreneur and Mississippi native with over 10 years’ experience in running Experience KZW, specializing in creativity through consulting, media, and peer-support. She is described as having a creative eye and an old soul. She is an artist, a creator, and an advocate.
Zhane’s philosophy in life is to just keep on livin’. One thing that is important for you to know about her is that her life experiences led her to trust the process and the work created from those moments. She discovered her love for art and technology as a child and has embodied those dreams as a young adult. From sitting on the porch of her parent’s home capturing Mississippi sunsets to discovering essence in college to corporate trainings in metropolitan cities, she continues to aspire to higher heights in her entrepreneurship journey. In her spare time, Zhane’ enjoys going to the spa and spending time in nature.
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Lamarr Lewis - Peer Entrepreneur January 2022 Link
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1/9/2023
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Meet Lamarr Lewis - Peer Entrepreneur from Georgia and hear their inspiring story and road to entrepreneurship. Live session recorded on January 6, 2022.
January's Peer Entrepreneur Presenter is: Lamarr Lewis
Lamarr is a peer entrepreneur who lives in Atlanta, GA with over 7 years’ experience in running his own business, Lewis Family Consulting, specializing in consulting and coaching community-based non-profits, public health clinics, and behavioral health programs. He is described as a change agent, servant leader, and holistic health and wellness advocate. Lamarr’s philosophy in life is “No losses, only wins and lessons.” One thing that is important for you to know about him is he believes in the divinity everyone has within themselves. He feels his greatest accomplishments in life are being a father and husband. In his spare time, Lamarr enjoys working out, writing scripts, and analyzing movies with family and their dog, Zulu.
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Latoya Holden- Peer Entrepreneur July 2022 Link
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1/9/2023
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Latoya Holden is a peer entrepreneur who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has over 8 years’ experience as an author and advocate under the name of Split Voycez. She is described as open, quirky, fair-minded, and passionate. Latoya’s philosophy in life is ‘One foot forward, and get out your own way today’. One thing that is important for you to know about her is that she grew up with a learning disability- she is not only a product of her work, but she is the result of what can happen when you learn about yourself. She feels her greatest accomplishments in life are being a mother to her sons and living and surviving suicide ideation. In her spare time, Latoya enjoys family time, talking to people in need, baking, and painting with acrylic paints
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Lisa Taliaferro- Peer Entrepreneur June 2023 Link
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Administration
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6/2/2023
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Lisa has dedicated her life to ensuring that those living with mental illness are not criminalized and instead receive the care they need. She founded Patients Not Prisoners (www.patientsnotprisoners.org) in Florida in order to continue advocating, educating and supporting this cause while helping families and first responders who seek to support the mentally ill.. Her sons have been involved in the judicial system while experiencing mental illness, which further inspired her work. Lisa retired from a 30 year career in Investment Banking Management. She graduated from Bethel College with a degree in Business Organizational Management, allowing her to develop a strong foundation of skills necessary to create her nonprofit organizations.
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Maj. John Donovan- Peer Entrepreneur Oct. 2022 Link
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1/9/2023
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Maj. John G. Donovan is a person in long-term recovery with over 40 years of sobriety. He is passionate about recovery and speaks and lectures frequently to audiences on substance use disorder and recovery therefrom. He frequently blogs on recovery; he is a certified peer recovery specialist; and he serves as an advisor to St. Cloud State University’s Recovery Community. Additionally, John co-founded and directs the Recovery Community Network (RCN) in St. Cloud, MN. The RCN is a Recovery Community Organization devoted to advocacy, education and providing peer to peer recovery services in Central Minnesota.
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Natalie Conrad- Peer Entrepreneur May 2023 Link
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Administration
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5/4/2023
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After publicly revealing her diagnosis, Natalie Conrad left her self-employment career as a professional organizer behind. No longer held back by stigma, she became a passionate mental health advocate. Natalie Conrad is a program manager with the California Association of Mental Health Peer-Run Organizations (CAMHPRO). Natalie works to help peers across the state elevate their leadership skills and learn entrepreneurship. She is also the founder of Erase the Stigma Now, a nonprofit project. Natalie uses her speaker skills to give presentations throughout California and offers resources on her website by the same name.
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Natasha Garcia- Peer Entrepreneur Sept 2022 Link
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1/9/2023
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Natasha Garcia is a peer entrepreneur who lives in Albuquerque, NM. She has over 2 years’ experience in running her own business, called, The NM Women’s Reentry Center a nonprofit focused on serving justice involved women as they transition from Department of Corrections. She also recently established Chances Employment Solutions an employment agency for felons. She is described as motivated, resilient and dedicated. Natasha’s philosophy in life is "stay consistent in whatever you do and doors will open up, you have never imagined." One thing that is important for you to know about her is that she is an advocate for peer support, eradicating the stigma around addiction/mental health issues and stigma around felons. She feels her greatest accomplishment in life is surviving what was meant to destroy her. In her spare time, Nastsha enjoys family, get aways, and good company.
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ONE YEAR CELEBRATION Peer Entrepreneur Speaker Ser Link
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1/9/2023
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Take a listen to some highlights of the speakers we've had the privilege of listening to and learning from over the past year. Updates from our past speakers, and announcements about the journey of the series, as well as information and activities surrounding entrepreneurship for peers!
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Sabrina & Andy Instruments of Healing Feb 2022 Link
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Administration
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1/9/2023
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Sabrina Schram & Andy Goldenson are founders of Instruments of Healing a Maryland nonprofit specializing in programs that create interactive musical experiences that inspire peers in their recovery from mental health
and substance use challenges.
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Samuel Martinez - Peer Entrepreneur December 2021 Link
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1/9/2023
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Meet Samuel Martinez - Peer Entrepreneur from Texas and hear their inspiring story and road to entrepreneurship. Live session recorded on December 2, 2021.
December's Peer Entrepreneur Presenter is: SAMUEL MARTINEZ
Samuel is a peer entrepreneur who lives in Cleburne, Texas with over 5 years’ experience in running his own business, Martinez Remodeling, specializing in home restoration, remodeling, and repairs. He is described as loving, caring, and passionate. As if that isn’t enough, Sam has 16, yes you heard me right, SIXTEEN children and 3 grandchildren!!! Sam is living proof that you don’t need to have a college degree to own, run, or be successful in business. He feels his greatest accomplishments in life are being able to become his own boss and to help others while doing so. In his spare time, Sam enjoys drawing, reading, and outdoor activities.
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Scott Jennings- Peer Entrepreneur May 2022 Link
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1/9/2023
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Scott Jennings is a native of North Carolina and is an entrepreneur to the core. Scott was the guy selling you candy in school. He is the owner of Service RX, an installation, service and maintenance company for commercial fitness equipment and HydroMassage that operates from Pennsylvania to Hilton Head to Atlanta. Scott has been a long time member of Inmates to Entrepreneurs where he is a Board Member, Teacher and Mentor. He has been a guest of the White House and worked with members of Congress and the media due to his work with Inmates to Entrepreneurs. Scott is an advisor for the forthcoming Worbnb software company providing short term rental housing for the
traveling workforce. Scott truly believes anything is possible with a great mindset, good work ethic, and a creative, thoughtful approach. It is a pleasure for him to share his experiences with those around him. Scott sees himself as a student as well as a teacher.
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