Lauren Davidson is a kind-hearted and passionate Certified Peer Counselor. She champions for others on their own recovery journey's as she knows first hand the joys and sorrows that can come with navigating substance use recovery. Her own healing has deeply impacted and changed her at her core. Lauren empowers others through her authenticity, inspiration and honesty. After volunteering for an annual PEP conference, Lauren was recruited by other board members to help with additional organization needs; and in 2023 she steped into a board position. She loves being able to share her gift of inspiration and hope as a part of a collaborative organization. Lauren is currently going to College pursuing an Addiction Studies degree, and aspires to become a Substance Abuse Disorder Professional. You will often see Lauren wearing something inspirational. In her free time, Lauren can be found spending time with her niece and nephews, crafting, thrift shopping, or snuggling in bed with a good book and her cat Oliver.

Crystal De La Cruz is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Meditation Coach that has a passion to help others, especially folks who face socio-economic hardships. Crystal spent six years working for two of UW Medicine's hospitals, Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center. Working in public health has inspired her to begin volunteering for many causes ranging from community event support to making food for homeless shelters. Crystal has dedicated several years as a peer volunteer with Conscious Crew (now "CARE Crew") and Insomniac Events to assist distressed concert goers at large music venues such as the Tacoma Dome, the Gorge Amphitheater, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It is apparent in her work that there's a critical need for more accessible resources. Crystal has survived trauma and DV and has experienced barriers to care firsthand. Because of this, she has dedicated herself to mental health advocacy. Joining PEP is a natural progression to her desire of being a part of crucial positive shifts in today's society. In her spare time, Crystal teaches Reiki and practices massage therapy, but can also be found exploring the outdoors, traveling, doing yoga, or spending time with her partner.

Allyssa Jomei became certified as a Mental Health Peer Counselor in 2014. Shortly after, she found her tribe and embarked on a journey of advocacy and support. Joining the Peer Community was life-altering as she was tenderly aware of how imperative Peer work is as she experienced a long personal journey through various misdiagnoses, severe difficulties related to navigating systems of support, oppressive stigma, and the innate challenges of modern life as a neurodiverse woman. Over the years, Allyssa has worked with several non-profits and has served on several different boards in her time as a Peer. Allyssa has been a part of Peers Empower Peers (PEP) since its inception, where at the Inaugural conferences she hosted a workshop, and emceed several conferences after that. In 2022, Allyssa joined the PEP Board, and since 2023 she has stepped into the role as PEP’s Executive Director. In this role, Allyssa passionately champions and advocates for the transformative work of PEP; she believes in reshaping systems, creating deeper connections, and embracing the full spectrum of our shared humanity. Allyssa’s own path of recovery has opened her more deeply to spiritual life. This led to a pivotal shift, and she completed an apprenticeship to become a Reiki Master Teacher. Her journey then called her to becoming lay ordained in a Zen Buddhist lineage, and later she attained certification as an Interfaith Spiritual Director. Allyssa is passionate about both areas of work and feels grateful for the different avenues available to support and empower others on the unfolding of their own unique life journey. When she has time to spare, Allyssa is also immersed in the joys, trails, and wilds of parenthood. She loves sitting by a campfire, being snuggled up at home with her daughter, her pets, beachcombing, jewelry making, and leading retreats and workshops. Allyssa's diverse passions weave a tapestry of purpose, foster holistic well-being, and transformative change.

Day Leader was born and raised in sunny Florida state. Day is a tenacious woman who has navigated life's challenges. Early on, in middle school, anxiety became a constant companion and shaped her experiences long before she confronted and overcame addiction. Seeking support, she found herself in rehab multiple times, with each visit marking a step towards overcoming the challenges that addiction presented. Emerging from this journey, she became a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) and Recovery Coach. Driven by her experiences, her life's path has been marked by profound trauma and grief, including the heartbreaking losses of a brother to murder, another to overdose, and a companion to alcohol addiction. These are battles she now knows intimately and has left an indelible mark on her soul. Now, her purpose is to support and inspire those grappling with similar struggles and to guide others through their tribulations. With a determined heart, she brings a unique perspective to her role as a Peer Counselor, understanding the intricate layers of healing. The opposite of addiction is connection, and being part of Peers Empowers Peers embodies the importance of connection for her. In her downtime, she loves connecting with others out in nature, on the water, or over a cup of coffee. Or you'll find her enjoying downtime with her Pup Penny and her plants

James Tillett came to PEP in 2022 after being recognized by former PEP President, Amy Griesel, as a shining light of hope and positivity. Since then, James has presented at various workshops, assisted with conference planning, and helped build the PEP organization through the very definition of the organization’s name. As a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) and Recovery Coach, James has left his mark on countless peers’ journeys. Whether it was during his days as a Volunteer Coordinator and FCS Employment Specialist while at Peer Spokane, or as a Peer Support and Integrated Case Manager for Catholic Charities. James has strived to support others with one goal in mind each day of service, “make a difference in someone’s life.” As an individual in recovery from co-occurring conditions, James has grown through countless traumas. With an associate degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix, James was on a path to become an SUD counselor but after losing his mother in traumatic fashion, he fell back into addiction. After years of lived homelessness and addiction, James battled back from near-death after being diagnosed with endocarditis along with many other illnesses including hepatitis C. Through his own recovery, James wound up back on course for his career goals by encountering peer support. Professionally, James has built up a strong network by his participation as a steering committee member for the Washington State Syndemic Planning Group (WSPG) in partnership with the DOH and the SURSAC committee as an Outreach Service Provider representative in partnership with HCA. James is a proud of his Native American heritage and to be able to give back to the Spokane community in which he grew up. Always engaging with a smile and laughter, James is the shining light that came out of darkness. In his free time James can be found in the toy aisle adding to his collection of wrestling action figures or taking his dog, Dreamer, to play frisbee at a local park. James is proud to be finally building a family now that he has multiple years in recovery with his fiancé Jayme.

Cinnamon Girodengo is a CPC and Recovery Coach. She has been providing trauma informed care since 2005. She is committed to self-development and loves to support her Peers. She is an Interfaith Minister, Reiki Master, and Certified Mindfulness Coach. Cinnamon strives to bring compassion to all that she experiences. She lives in the Tri Cities with the loves of her life, a mother and daughter duo of Toy Australian Shepherds.

John Bodkins serves as the current President of the PEP Board. He has presented various behavioral health workshops all over the United States and has helped with organizing events for the past 14 years. John is trained in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Parenting Skills, Anti-Bullying, Right Response De-escalation, Collaborative Problem Solving (Based on "The Explosive Child"), Ending Isolation and Stigma, Parents Empowering Parents, Mental Health First Aid, Wraparound and High-Fidelity Wraparound, WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), Crisis Intervention for Law Enforcement and First Responders, and Peer-to-Peer counseling. In addition, John is also certified in Group Facilitation, Leadership Academy, SUD Family navigator training, Facilitation for the 24/7 Dad program and as a Recovery Coach. John started working with Child Family Services as a Visit Supervisor and used his experience to support children and families impacted by mental and behavioral health challenges, and has worked closely with Children Family Services, Children Protective Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardian Enlightens. He is a compassionate advocate for getting children back into their homes. John has a deep passion for helping others on their recovery journeys. He loves learning new things and making new connections. John is currently enrolled in WSU working toward his bachelor’s degree in psychology.