Recordings from the Spring 2026 Peer Education Meeting Series
Session 1: Grief, Hope, and Healing
Grief, Hope, and Healing is a compassionate presentation exploring grief related to death, dying, and significant life loss. Moving beyond the outdated five stages of grief, this session recognizes that grief is not linear and looks different for everyone. Participants will gain insight into how grief affects the mind and body, along with gentle strategies for healing, self-care, and supporting others. Workplace and community resources are also highlighted to encourage connection, hope, and ongoing support.
Speaker: John L. Ebron
John L. Ebron is a Greenville, North Carolina native and a retired military professional with over 20 years of global leadership experience as a Senior Enlisted Advisor, Religious Affairs Specialist, and Master Resilience Trainer. He has led extensive training in resilience, suicide prevention, and life-coping skills, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership along with multiple certifications in mindfulness, leadership development, and behavioral coaching. Now based in San Antonio, Texas, he works as a Master Mindset Life Coach, Behavioral Analyst, and Corporate Trainer, focused on helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
Session 2: Participant Panel
This panel is designed to create a supportive space where participants can feel less alone in their experience within the program. Through a moderated virtual conversation, professionals who have recently completed the program will share honest reflections on their journeys, including early experiences, challenges, turning points, and what made the biggest difference along the way. Attendees will gain insight into practical strategies, personal growth, and perspectives from those who have been in similar positions. Panelists are invited to share openly while maintaining full control over what they choose to disclose, fostering an environment of respect, authenticity, and support.
Speakers:
Panelists are an interdisciplinary group of healthcare professionals who have previously completed a Rehabilitation and Monitoring Contract with Peer Assistance Services.
Session 3: Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT); Reducing Cravings and Supporting Your Recovery
Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an evidence‑based approach that combines FDA‑approved medications with counseling and supportive services to help individuals recover from substance use disorders. This session provides a clear and compassionate overview of MAT, addressing common myths while explaining how medications can reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and support brain and body healing. Participants will learn how MAT fits into a whole‑person recovery model that emphasizes individualized care and long‑term wellness. Considerations for workplace reintegration and sustainable recovery planning will also be discussed.
Speaker: Aimee Techau, PMHNP‑BC, CARN-AP, PhDc
Aimee is a dual board‑certified psychiatric and addiction nurse practitioner with extensive clinical and research experience in the treatment of substance use disorders and co‑occurring conditions. Her long‑term research interests focus on transdiagnostic approaches to better understand shared risk factors and causal mechanisms underlying substance use and trauma‑related disorders, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment strategies.
Recordings from 2025 Peer Education Meetings
Fall 2025: Building Boundaries -4 Steps to Set, Secure and Succeed
Hard to set and even more difficult to enforce, boundaries are not just necessary, but critical to enjoy a full and fulfilling life. From navigating personal relationships to accomplishing goals, they are a key component to success. This training outlines my 4 steps-define, design, defend and delight. Participants will have the opportunity in session to craft a unique approach, and when put into practice will delight as they experience how boundaries help them flourish.
Speaker: Michelle Zellner, MS, Health and Happiness Strategist
Fall 2025: Unconscious Bias
Description: In this seminar, participants will explore the concept of unconscious bias and gain a deeper understanding of how it affects all of us, often without our awareness. Through an interactive format, we will discuss how biases form, how they are measured, and the internal conflict between our natural tendency to categorize and our conscious efforts to embrace diversity. Participants will leave equipped with the tools for self-reflection, practical strategies to acknowledge their own biases, and actionable steps to overcome them.
Speaker: James Francis
Spring 2025: Financial Wellness and Moving Forward
Description: Small financial decisions can have a significant effect on both your immediate and future financial well-being. In this seminar, participants will learn how to effectively manage unexpected financial challenges and address ongoing cash flow and debt issues that contribute to daily stress and impulsive decisions. We’ll explore the personal and family consequences of financial inaction while providing practical strategies and resources to promote fiscal responsibility and financial wellness in your everyday life. Join us to take control of your financial future with confidence.
Speaker: Brendan Vigorito, Corporate Trainer and Life Educator
Spring 2025: Building Bridges - The Power of Community in Recovery
Description: Advocates for Recovery Colorado (AFRC) was the first peer-led/peer-run, authentic Recovery Community Organization in Colorado and is licensed by the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration as a Recovery Support Services Organization. This session will explore how AFRC promotes and supports the statewide recovery community by providing peer and family recovery support services at no cost to the individual or family member, including peer recovery coaching, recovery social support activities and ALL inclusive recovery support meetings. AFRC believes that recovery is not a solitary journey, it is a collective effort that thrives in a supportive environment. Together, we can empower those affected by substance use, promote education, and strengthen our communities.
Speaker: Vanessa James, Director of Community Connections, Advocates for Recovery Colorado
Spring 2025: Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment & Motivational Interviewing
Description: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is more than just a technique—it’s a powerful way to foster meaningful conversations and inspire change. Whether you're a medical or mental health professional, the ability to navigate difficult discussions with patients is essential. In this interactive training, you'll explore the core components of MI, including the Spirit of MI, O.A.R.S., and the Four Processes. Through a mix of teaching and hands-on practice, you'll gain practical skills to enhance patient engagement, reduce resistance, and support behavior change—valuable tools not just for your professional role, but for everyday interactions as well.
Speaker: Vanessa Langston, SBIRT Training and Engagement Lead at Peer Assistance Services