Lived experience refers to someone who has personally struggled with substance use and learned to navigate the recovery process. This presentation will focus on how to effectively serve as a recovery advocate and appropriately incorporate your lived experience when working with others.
Participants will learn how to help individuals identify their needs and barriers through person-centered care, and how to teach self-sufficiency skills that support access to vital community resources. The session will also cover best practices for coordinating care with community partners across key sectors, including housing, mental health, social services, and health care.
Laura Greenwood has been at First Call since January of 2025 as a Recovery Advocate. Laura has earned her Certified Peer Specialist credentials in MO and is in the process of becoming a CPS in Kansas. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas. Laura works alongside Kansas residents during their recovery journey. Laura’s sobriety date is 4/14/2016 and she is excited to work at First Call helping others. She likes to share what has worked for her recovery and help others determine what is going to work best for them to achieve their goals.
Pamela DuPriest is a recovery advocate for First Call as well as a Certified Peer Specialist. She also holds the credential of Medication Assisted Recovery Specialist. Pamela started in this field in 2021 working for Comprehensive Mental Health and Rediscover. Pamela has now been at First Call since August of 2024. Pamela states that she wanted to work in this field as she has experienced SUD and wants to learn everything she can to help increase awareness of addiction, so it is not a stigma. Pamela wants to encourage, challenge, engage, connect, acknowledge, and educate others to make a difference in their communities as well.