Certified Peer Specialist Learning Community (CPS-LC)

The CPS-LC provides technical assistance and consulting to support the integration of Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) roles within new and emerging organizations across Wisconsin. Our community is made up of CPS and allies who are passionate about this work.

We collaborate with peer professionals, supervisors, and leadership teams in various organizational spaces. We also work with human services agencies, governmental agencies and tribes, mental health and substance use recovery programs, emergency services, and more.

By working with us, you will build sustainable peer recovery teams and improve program and staffing outcomes, such as:

  • Expand peer support programs that preserve the integrity of the CPS profession.
  • Learn about best practices in peer support, supervision, crisis intervention, and harm reduction.
  • Enhance knowledge, skills, and competency in the development and management of peer support programs, and supporting CPS professionals in your organization.
  • Increase staff representation through the recruitment, hiring, retention, and inclusion of CPS from historically marginalized communities.

Our Services

Our services are designed to help you increase awareness and better integrate peer support across your organization.

We offer an array of services, including:

  • Learning communities
  • Individual consultation
  • Technical assistance
  • Organizational training on special topics

We are committed to understanding your organization’s unique needs to collaborate on a service program that meets your needs and preferences.

Participant Quotes

Don’t just take our word for it! Here are some quotes from past participants:

“All WCS staff who participated in the CPS-LC very much benefited from it and appreciated being a part of the group.”

– Megan, Wisconsin Community Services

“This is a presentation that should be mandatory for all workers! I am just getting started and I learned a ton!!!”

– Debra, C.C. We Adapt

“Through active participation in the Certified Peer Specialist Learning Community, I have gained practical knowledge that has significantly enhanced my organization’s direct service providers’ approach to providing support and continuing to work towards building out a peer support program within my organization.”

– Dominique, AYA Consulting Firm

“This learning made me consider and think about the many other agencies offering peer support and make plans to collaborate.”

– Michelle, Wisconsin Community Services

About the CPS-LC

The CPS-LC was created through a collaboration between Alysha Clark and Dani Rischall of Chrysalis and Tara Wilhelmi of EOTO, LLC (Each One Teach One).

Through our shared vision of peer support expansion and advocacy, we have brought our unique community learning model to various spaces and have built lasting partnerships.

Since 2020, we have facilitated three learning cohorts and numerous training sessions for professionals throughout Wisconsin working in behavioral health and social work professions.

Our program is experiencing positive growth. In the 2023-2024 period, we added four staff members and a community collaborator to develop and support a six-month learning community cohort focused on expanding peer support in substance use treatment settings, particularly for individuals living with opioid use disorders.

Additionally, in late 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Human Services renewed our State Opioid Response funding, allowing us to continue our programming for another year. We are excited to launch our cohort application process in 2025!

Connect With Us

We would love to connect with you and learn more about how we can support your organization. To get started, fill out our contact form with your information and what your organization looks like.

You can also subscribe to our mailing list to stay updated on program updates, future learning communities, and more.

Certified Peer Specialist Guiding Documents

Helpful Resources