Peer Respite Webinar & Discussion

Join us for the second in our Peer Respite webinar series! This webinar dives deeper into what the day-to-day operation of a peer respite looks like, based on examples of successful peer respites across the country. We will discuss challenges that might be encountered in running a peer respite, and important considerations of cultural context for creating sanctuaries of respite across different communities.  This webinar is for peers and persons with lived experience, clinicians, administrators, policy makers, and advocates in Colorado to deepen our understanding of the models and approaches of peer-run respite, understand what non-clinical peer-run respite could provide for Coloradans, and discuss your own questions about peer respite with national experts. 

Featured panelists

Victoria (Vic) Welle is a psychiatric survivor, activist, and trainer based in Miskonsing (Wisconsin). Vic is a vocal advocate for crisis alternatives and non-coercive, community-based supports for individuals experiencing emotional distress. Vic is co-founder of the survivor/peer-run organization Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance (WIMA), which operates Monarch House Peer Run Respite. After serving as program director of Monarch House, Vic now provides training and program support for this and other peer support programs. Vic is a trainer for Intentional Peer Support and the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative, and a frequent workshop presenter on topics such as peer support best practices, the role of spirituality in healing and recovery, and the need for trauma informed, culturally relevant support.

Nze Okoronta (they/them) is a queer, Black, Nigerian writer & peer supporter located in Madison, WI.  Nze is currently the program director of Solstice House Peer Run Respite & Peer Run Warmline.  Nze facilitates dialogue and advocates alongside others navigating crisis and emotional distress.

As an outspoken voice promoting culturally responsive peer-led crisis alternatives, Nze provides support around experiences of harm related to the intersections of psychiatric medications, generational grief and trauma, systemic violence and institutional racism.  They believe our stories hold power, community is our home, and pride is our path to liberation.

LaDonna Little Elk-Parpart(she/her) is a Two-Spirit Indigenous woman from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe (Sicangu Lakota Oyate). She is a program coordinator for Honu House and has been with The Mental Health Association of Nebraska for 6 years. LaDonna also works with currently & formerly incarcerated individuals that deal with mental health and substance use problems (and she loves every minute of it). She is currently in school finishing up my bachelor's degree in History, with minors in Native Studies, Ethnic Studies and Political Science. When she’s not at work or school, she is spending time with her wonderful wife and their two dogs (Husky and Rottweiler), running, reading or traveling.

Tokyo Baldwin (she/her) has been with the Wildflower Alliance for 3 years. Has has worn many hats while in the Wildflower Alliance, but found her niche as their Career Initiative Coordinator and member of the peer support training team. Tokyo additionally works with Afiya, a Wildflower Alliance peer respite in Northampton, MA. She prides herself in being able to apply her lived experience to her position as an advocate, as well as to every position that she holds in life. What we can learn from one another when we are curious has been invaluable.

Ashley Wilksen (she/her) has been involved in Peer Support and advocacy work for 12 years. She currently has the privilege of bringing Intentional Peer Support into the local prison facilities and walking alongside returning citizens as they transition out of incarceration. She and her wife have two children and a rescue dog named Grady!

This webinar is hosted by The Yarrow Collective, an independent peer-run organization in Larimer County. This is a no-cost, educational event, supported by grant dollars through the Larimer County Behavioral Health Impact Fund.