Peerstar of PA - Peer Support Services

06/02/2026

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The 2026 PaPSC Award Winners Have Been Announced!

This has been a record-breaking year for our awards process. From the number of nominees received to the total number of individuals who participated in voting, this year has surpassed all others. It's clear there are many deserving individuals, and we congratulate everyone who was nominated.

Please join us in honoring this year's winners:
PaPSC Lifetime Peer Partner — Tracey Carney
PaPSC Peer Advocate of the Year — Leanna Ballester
PaPSC Peer of the Year — Jamie Bush

Help us celebrate their accomplishments in person! Register and join us at PeerFest.
Location: Top Golf – King of Prussia
Date: June 20, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
https://ppsc.wildapricot.org/event-6579352

06/02/2026

✨️Lets meet Dee✨️

Dee has been working for Peerstar as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) since September 2025, and this work has quickly become one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of her life.

Lets see what Dee has to say:

Every day, I have the opportunity to support peers through some of their hardest moments and remind them that recovery is possible. Watching someone begin to find hope again after feeling lost or defeated is something I never take for granted. Seeing a person slowly start to believe in themselves again is a feeling that is hard to put into words.

What I love most about being a CPS is the ability to help others through challenges I understand on a personal level. My passion for peer support comes from my own lived experiences. I have faced many physical and mental health struggles, including addiction, Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, and other challenges that at times left me feeling overwhelmed and unsure if things would ever get better. Throughout my journey, I was fortunate to have people who consistently showed up for me, supported me, and helped guide me through some of the darkest moments of my life. Their compassion, encouragement, and belief in me played a huge role in my recovery. Because of that support, I found healing—and now I have the opportunity to offer that same hope to others.

One of the most powerful parts of being a CPS is connecting with peers through understanding and shared experience. Sometimes people do not need someone to fix them; they just need someone who truly listens, understands, and reminds them they are not alone. Recovery is not only about healing ourselves—it is also about giving back and supporting others as they find their own path forward.

Outside of work, I am the proud mother of three active boys who inspire me every day to become the best version of myself. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially outdoors. Some of my favorite activities include walking, hiking, bowling, arts and crafts, and finding adventure on roller coasters and water slides.

Faith has also been a constant source of strength throughout my recovery journey. Even during some of the hardest moments in my life, it gave me comfort, hope, and the strength to keep moving forward. I truly believe there is something greater than ourselves and that no one is without purpose. I was also blessed to find an incredible counselor who supported me through some of my darkest times and helped guide me toward the healing I experience today.

My journey has not been perfect, but it has been incredibly rewarding. There are still days when I feel tired, overwhelmed, or uncertain about whether I am making a difference. However, the peers I support remind me why I chose this path. Seeing the impact of compassion, support, and understanding motivates me to continue doing what I love most—helping others heal, find hope, and believe in themselves again.

Want to find support from someone like Dee or even explore our hiring options?
Www.peerstarllc.com

We are so thankful for you Dee!!

06/01/2026

Hey Northern Cambria!!! This one is for you!!

06/01/2026

✨️Meet Megan✨️

Megan is a CPS and worked in Community for the first few months, then transferred to the Senior Living Solutions program! She is now an IRP Specialist/CPS. She has been with Peerstar just over a year!

Let's see what Megan says:

Why I like my role and the impact it makes :
I really enjoy and appreciate my role as a IRPS for the SLS program because it allows me to directly improve the lives of seniors in facilities. Too often seniors in facilities are forgotten. Their lives aren’t the same. A simple conversation goes such a long way! An outing into the community is meaningful.l and Each engagement is progress to living the best life they can !

MY WHY:
I choose to work in peer support because in my own recovery journey, achieving sobriety and managing my mental health was profoundly impacted by a certified Peer specialist. It showed me the power of shared understanding , someone who had been there and struggled with that! I am passionate about providing that same vital support and empathy to others.

PERSONAL AND HIGHLIGHTS:
My personal life revolves around a few key things that mean everything to me. Watching my “ used to be “little humans grow into young adults has been an absolute joy. Spending time watching them enjoy life! Coming up on four years of sobriety has been so transformative . My sobriety journey along with my mental health recovery and my children, truly form the core of my life.

This career alone is its own highlight. I have been given a second chance. A chance to truly change lives and help put an end to the stigma that surrounds mental health. It honestly feels like I am finally living out my purpose.

MY MESSAGE OF HOPE:
Navigating challenges in life, especially with mental health can feel so incredibly isolating and overwhelming. I know I have been there. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in the struggle and there is so much strength in acknowledging what you are going through. Recovery is a journey, not a destination and every step no matter how small is a testament to your resilience. Hope lives in the brighter days ahead.

CHALLENGES :
While my job is rewarding in so many ways, one of the challenges I found, is the constant need to Actively maintain my own personal mental health wellness. Engaging so deeply with peers can be emotionally taxing And I find myself digging into a lot of self-care activities, And often calling my SPONSOR. It takes a lot of inner strength in order to continue to offer such a vital support. That is not only a challenge, It’s also reminder to myself of what I once was and how far I’ve come.

If you want to know more, visit our website:
Www.peerstarllc.com

Thank you Megan for all you do!

05/31/2026

✨️A little Sunday reminder✨️

Progress NOT perfection.

It's okay to rest, it doesnt mean your lazy. It's okay to take a break, it doesnt mean you're not doing enough. It's okay to sleep in, it doesnt mean your worthless. It's okay to take a day off, it doesnt mean your falling behind.

Take it easy today!

Check out this design by Shanika!

05/30/2026

We've been nominated again!!!

Now through June 3!

05/30/2026

✨️Dawn✨️

Sharing her recovery story.

When we recover outloud, we change lives.

We breakdown barriers. End stigma. Open doors.

05/30/2026

✨️Head out see Peerstar today at Kick the Stigma! Flood City Park, Dubois pa up until 5:00 ✨️

Say hey to Regional Director Jennylee!

05/30/2026

✨️Lets meet Ashley Egan, CPS✨️

Ashley shares openly about her purpose and journey in Peer Support. Our Co-Occuring program offers individuals with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder a unique support. We tailor our servcies to meet the needs of individual peer needs.

Lets see what Ashley say:

"I have been with Peerstar since January 2025 and currently serve as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and Certified Co-Occurring Peer Support.

What I love most about this role is the opportunity to use my lived experience to support others on their recovery journeys. As someone in recovery from substance use, who has also faced significant mental health challenges and a cancer diagnosis, I understand how overwhelming life can feel at times. There were moments when I felt alone, misunderstood, and uncertain about what the future would hold. Through support, connection, and perseverance, I continued moving forward in my own recovery, and today I have the privilege of walking alongside others as they navigate their own paths.

Why Peer Support?

I chose peer support because I know firsthand how important it is to have someone who understands. During some of the most difficult times in my life, I struggled to find people who could relate to what I was experiencing. I remember how isolating that felt. Once I found stability in my own recovery, I knew I wanted to be that person for others—a reminder that recovery is possible and that no one has to face life's challenges alone.

The Impact This Work Has Had on Me

Being a peer specialist has helped me continue growing in my own recovery while supporting others in theirs. Every peer I meet teaches me something new about resilience, hope, and perseverance. I am constantly inspired by the strength people show as they work toward their goals and create meaningful change in their lives.

This role has also helped me recognize my own potential. As I continue working toward my goals, I have the opportunity to support others in identifying their strengths, pursuing their dreams, and believing in what is possible for themselves.

A Message of Hope

Recovery is not always a straight path, and there may be times when the weight of life feels overwhelming. During those moments, remember that your experiences, thoughts, and feelings matter. You are worthy of support, connection, and hope. Reaching out is a sign of courage, and healing does not have to happen alone. No matter where you are on your journey, recovery is possible.

Challenges and Growth

One of the most challenging parts of being a Certified Peer Specialist is recognizing that there is no roadmap for recovery. Every person's journey is unique, and there are times when I don't have all the answers.

What I've learned is that people don't need me to fix their challenges. What matters most is showing up authentically, listening without judgment, and creating a space where people feel heard and understood. Being present, honest, and genuine allows peers to know they are not alone. Even when there isn't an immediate solution, connection can create hope—and hope can be a powerful part of recovery."

Great work Ashley! We are so proud of you!

Need support?

Www.peerstarllc.com