Born and raised in Washington, Kelsi is passionate about the outdoors, connecting with nature, and sharing meals. Her upbringing in a family that gardened, canned, and cooked together sparked her interest in the culinary arts. After studying pastry and sustainable food practices at the Seattle Culinary Academy, Kelsi worked in restaurants before returning to school to become a Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Now working as a Regulatory Specialist in the dietary supplement industry, Kelsi is also dedicated to empowering others through her personal journey with anxiety and chronic stress. She found strength in peer support groups and has since incorporated alternative therapies like EMDR and Somatic Healing into her own path toward well-being. As a board member of PEP, Kelsi is excited to connect with others facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, sharing hope and fostering a supportive community. In her free time, Kelsi enjoys cooking, kayaking, hiking, and practicing yoga.

Born and raised in sunny Florida, Day is a Certified Peer Counselor with a heart dedicated to supporting others. She has overcome her own struggles with addiction, spending time in hospitals and rehabs, and now uses her lived experience to guide and support others. Day works primarily with individuals who face barriers to accessing mainstream health services, including those dealing with trauma, substance use disorders, mental health issues, and systemic challenges. As a mother, Day brings compassion and understanding to her peer support work. She is honored to be a part of the PEP community, where she helps others on their journey to recovery and well-being.

Allyssa is the Executive Director of PEP and a passionate advocate for peer support and mental health. Certified as a Mental Health Peer Counselor in 2014, she has been an integral part of PEP since its inception, hosting workshops and serving on the board. Allyssa’s personal journey through misdiagnosis, stigma, and the complexities of modern life as a neurodiverse woman drives her commitment to empowering others. She is also a Reiki Master Teacher and an Interfaith Spiritual Director, blending her spiritual practice with her advocacy work to support individuals in their own transformative journeys. Outside of her professional life, Allyssa enjoys spending time with her daughter, making jewelry, beachcombing, and leading retreats.

Cinnamon is a Certified Peer Counselor and Recovery Coach with a deep commitment to trauma-informed care. She has been supporting peers since 2005 and is also a Reiki Master, Interfaith Minister, and Certified Mindfulness Coach. Cinnamon's approach to peer support is rooted in compassion, self-development, and holistic healing. She lives in the Tri Cities with her beloved Toy Australian Shepherds and finds joy in supporting others on their journey toward emotional and physical well-being. Cinnamon is passionate about empowering those she works with, offering guidance and care through every stage of recovery

Lauren is a Certified Peer Counselor who brings authenticity, passion, and hope to her work with those navigating recovery. Having experienced the challenges of substance use firsthand, Lauren is deeply committed to helping others find their own path to healing. She joined the PEP board in 2023 after volunteering for the organization’s annual conference. Lauren is currently pursuing a degree in Addiction Studies and aspires to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her niece and nephews, crafting, thrift shopping, and relaxing with a good book and her cat, Oliver. Her personal journey of recovery fuels her desire to inspire others to heal and grow.

Crystal is a Certified Peer Specialist with an Agency Affiliated Counselor license for her work at an inpatient behavioral health facility. She's also a Licensed Massage Therapist, Meditation Coach and Reiki Teacher, who has a passion for helping underserved communities. Her experience working in public health for 10 years, along with harm reduction volunteering, has reinforced her commitment to ensuring accessible resources for those in need. As a survivor of domestic violence, child abuse and traumatic events, Crystal understands the barriers to care and is dedicated to mental health advocacy. As a member of PEP since late 2023, she is focused on contributing to positive societal shifts so that others facing socioeconomic difficulties are able to receive the care that everyone deserves. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys yoga, reading, travel, spending time with her partner and exploring the great outdoors.

John is the current President of the PEP Board and a seasoned behavioral health professional with over 14 years of experience. He is trained in a variety of approaches, including Peer-to-Peer Counseling, Mental Health First Aid, Crisis Intervention, and Recovery Coaching. John’s career has focused on supporting children and families impacted by behavioral health challenges, including his work with Child Family Services and Child Protective Services. With a passion for education and advocacy, John is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at WSU. He is dedicated to helping others in their recovery journeys and creating spaces where individuals can heal and thrive.