LGBTQ to the Power of e! Empathy and Equity Training for Peer Professionals

 

This productive and interactive 16-hour training program is designed to prepare Certified Peer Specialists for supporting LGBTQ+ persons. Throughout this course, learners should expect to learn what sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are and be able to determine the differences between each. Learners will also gain knowledge and understanding of the unique experiences faced by LGBTQ+ population, including the dynamics present when people hold multiple marginalized identities and how compounding minority stress can impact their health outcomes. Finally, learners will be presented with a number of strategies on how to be affirming towards LGBTQ+ people and support them through challenging discussions and scenarios. This course can be applied to CPS continuing education requirements

Learning Objectives Include

  • Understand and appreciate the unique health disparities faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community

  • Define anti- LGBTQ+ bias and understand its impacts

  • Understand the risks and rewards that LGBTQ+ people face during the coming out process

  • Prepare strategies for supporting a LGBTQ+ peer during disclosure

  • Appreciate the complications LGBTQ+ people face navigating family social situations

Instructors

Instructor and Project Manager

Andrea Boffice, B.A., M.A.

Andrea Boffice is a facilitator and content developer with a particular passion for youth and young adult peer support. Prior to joining the Institute in 2019, she worked in youth advocacy in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and still engages in systems advocacy and community education within Philadelphia. Andrea earned a B.A and M.A at the school of International Development, Community, and Environment within Clark University. Her goal at the Institute is to educate about the unique experiences of youth, foster cross-generational partnerships, expand the availability of peer support services for young adults, and to aid young people in their recovery.

Bilingual Learning and Development Specialist

Mon Ocampo

Mon Ocampo (They/Them/Theirs/Elle) is a Bilingual Learning and Development Specialist for the Institute@MHP. They were born in Honduras and migrated to the US at a young age. Based on their lived experiences, Mon has dedicated themselves to serving and advocating the mental health needs of the Latine community and for the improvement of service-providing systems. Prior to joining the Institute, Mon worked as a peer mentor serving the acclimation period of the young migrant Latine community by providing resources and making connections within the community. They have also been part of one of Stoneleigh Foundation's research projects that highlights and strategizes youth-voiced opinions on the systematic gaps and their experiences with community-based resources. Combining their past experiences, Mon hopes to bring awareness to the systemic gaps that exist in mental health systems and educate different communities by uplifting the voices of those working within the recovery community.