Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. Presenter Introductions B. FREDLA Introduction Section 2: Peer Support Overview A. Peer Support Definition B. Why is Peer Support Important? C. Differences between Parent and Adult Peer Support Section 3: Parent Support Professionals A. The Role of a Parent Support Provider B. Services Provided by Parent Support Providers C. Levels of Intensity for Parent Support D. Models of Infrastructure for Parent Support E. Where to Start? F. Essential Qualities of Parent Support Providers G. Challenges Along the Way H. Training and Certification I. Core Competencies J. Certification Section 4: Financing and Medicaid A. Financing B. Medicaid Payment C. Medicaid Service and Rates D. Sustainability Section 5: Conclusion A. Summary B. Questions and Answers C. Congratulations

Paige Pierce has been the Executive Director for Families Together since 2000. Paige has been very successful in shaping policy and implementing systems change at the state level; and serves as a liaison between families and policy makers. Paige served as the Chair of Timothy’s Law Campaign and the New York State Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative (CCSI) Tier III. She is dedicated to several other committees, boards and coalitions. Paige earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Skidmore College in 1987. She is the mother of four children. Her son has special emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs, and receives special education services and support in the local public school system. Disclosure: Paige Pierce, BA has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Jane A. Walker is the founder and former Executive Director of the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health, the statewide family network in Maryland. She brings 30 years’ experience in the non-profit world and most importantly 30+ years caring for her daughter, Cathy, who experienced mental health challenges at a very young age. In 1999, the Mental Hygiene Administration in Maryland provided funding to establish a statewide family organization. Jane was hired as the first executive director and from one person grew the organization to a 45 family member staff who provide peer-to-peer support to other families in similar situations. Ms. Walker was a founder of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and served as the President of the Board from 1993-95. Jane has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a Master’s Degree in Social Work form the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Disclosure: Jane A. Walker, MSW has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.