Developing an Older Adult Peer Support Workforce - Knowledge Speaks but Wisdom Listens

You're invited to a discussion with an expert about an interesting topic related to "Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery" or S.I.L.V.E.R. This free event is not a presentation, but rather an opportunity for you to have an interactive question & answer session. “Developing an Older Adult Peer Support Workforce - Knowledge Speaks but Wisdom Listens” An overview of older adult peer support, highlighting the vital role of lived experience in promoting recovery throughout the lifespan. Guest Speakers: Robert Walker and Cassie Cramer Robert Walker, MS, CPS, COAPS serves with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s Office of Recovery and Empowerment, where he advances peer support for older adults, the Deaf community, and the statewide peer workforce. He helped develop the Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) initiative in Massachusetts and nationally and has led programs such as Buried in Treasures and WRAP for Older Adults. Rob co-chairs the Older Adult Behavioral Health Collaborative and serves on national advisory boards focused on aging, behavioral health, and families. Cassie Cramer, MSW, CPS oversees the Older Adult Behavioral Health Network and the MA Hoarding Resource Network at the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health. With nearly 20 years of experience supporting at-risk older adults, she also serves as a clinician on one of the State’s first Behavioral Health for Aging Populations teams. A Certified Peer Specialist, Cassie is an advocate for statewide behavioral health, peer, and wellness supports that help older adults live in the community of their choice.