Panels
Panel #1: The Spectrum of Peer Support
Speakers:
- Jean Dukarski – DBSA Expert Peer Specialist Course Trainer
- Travis McClain – DBSA Louisville Chapter President
- Matt Rosenberg – DBSA Arlington Heights Veteran Support Group Facilitator and VHA Peer Specialist Course Trainer
- Monica Severson – DBSA Senior Strength Program Peer Specialist
Moderated by: Douglas Hulst, DBSA Peer Workforce Development Senior Manager
Join panel speakers for an informal chat as they unpack the different types of peer support, the roles each plays in shaping the mental health landscape, and how individuals from different peer support positions can work together and collaborate.
DBSA believes in the power of peer support and the various ways that peer support can be delivered. There is value in the local Peer Support Facilitators providing group support to community members, in the trained and credentialed Peer Specialists providing 1-1 peer support to other peers and working in community organizations, and in the peers using their lived experience to train others and lead peer programs. Our speakers today come from all ends of the spectrum of peer support delivery.
Join us as we learn about their experiences, the value they bring to the mental health landscape, why ALL peer support is valuable and necessary, and how individuals can collaborate to move the needle of peer support forward.
Panel #2: Suicidality and The Role of The Peer Supporter
Speakers:
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- Rhonda C. Greder, PSP – DBSA Colorado Springs, Vice President, DBSA National Support Group Facilitator Trainer
- Jean Duncan – DBSA Portland, President, DBSA National Support Group Facilitator Trainer
- Robert Dabney Jr., MDiv., CRSS – Executive Director, VetPark’s A.T.V.
- Nina J. Hotkowski, LCSW – DBSA Professional Advisor for Parent and Caregiver Support Group Facilitators
Moderated by: Phoebe Snydersmith, DBSA Peer Support Services Coordinator
One of DBSA’s core values is that peer support is valuable at all stages of a person’s wellness journey. This includes when an individual is having thoughts of suicide. Support group facilitators and peer specialists may find themselves unsure how to respond in situations when suicidal ideation comes up. Join our panelists as we discuss the role of the peer supporter in these situations and how to have productive and meaningful conversations about this subject.
Peer Leadership Awards
This year, DBSA honors outstanding individuals and chapters that exemplify the values of peer support, leadership, and community impact. The 2025 Peer Awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in advancing mental health advocacy and peer-led initiatives.
Award Categories:
🏅 Outstanding Peer Leader Award
Recognizes a DBSA leader—such as a chapter leader, support group facilitator, certified peer specialist, or national volunteer—who inspires others, promotes mental health awareness, and demonstrates a peer-centered, recovery-oriented approach. Nominees must have at least 12 months of active engagement and show a measurable impact in their community.
🏆 Outstanding Chapter Award
Celebrates a DBSA chapter that excels in compliance, outreach, peer support, and innovation. Awarded to chapters that demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to expanding access and improving lives through high-quality peer services.
👥 Peer Support Specialist of the Year
Honors a credentialed peer specialist who serves as a role model through integrity, empathy, and dedication. This awardee uses lived experience to foster connection, reduce stigma, and advocate for change, while maintaining a commitment to professional growth and ethical practice.
🎖️ Veteran Peer Specialist of the Year
Recognizes a Certified Peer Specialist and Veteran who exemplifies resilience, service, and leadership. Whether working within the VA or in the community, this individual transforms personal experience into hope and healing for fellow Veterans.
🎓 Peer Support Specialist Graduate of the Year
Awarded to a DBSA-trained graduate who has shown exceptional leadership and advocacy while completing the course in 2025. This peer stands out for their compassion, communication, and commitment to creating safe, recovery-oriented spaces for others.
We encourage you to self-nominate and/or nominate another peer leader to be considered! Nomination deadline: August 26
Submit Your Nomination
Registration
There is no ticket cost for peers to attend the event; however, attendees are required to book their own travel and lodging. Space is limited; therefore, each registration is pending until confirmed by DBSA staff.
To ensure you receive important registration emails, please add Smartsheet Automation (automation@app.smartsheet.com) to your contacts.
If you don’t see a confirmation email after registering, be sure to check your spam or junk folder.
If it’s not there, please email us at community@dbsalliance.org so we can confirm your registration.
Please note the following registration restrictions:
- Chapter Leaders, Support Group Facilitators, Professional Advisors, and Peer Specialist Course Graduates are invited to register.
- Update: We’re pleased to share that Chapters are no longer limited to registering just one peer leader—multiple peer leaders from each chapter are now welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
It’s crucial that the individual who registers is the one who will attend. Please don’t register unless you’re sure you can make it. If your plans change, please inform us immediately so we can release your spot to someone on the waitlist.
The deadline to register is September 12.
Register Here
Lodging
We have a limited number of hotel rooms blocked at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel at a discounted rate of $239 (before taxes and fees) per night. Once your registration has been confirmed, you will receive the hotel booking link; however, we cannot guarantee there will be space for every attendee. You must book by September 10, 2025, to be guaranteed the discounted rate.
The hotel is fully accessible, and there are elevators and ramps to access every part of the meeting spaces and hotel.
We have also reserved a separate room, the Mediterranean Boardroom, for people looking for a quiet space to recharge during the event.
Parking: Valet Parking is available with in-and-out privileges at $80 per day, and self-parking is available with no in-and-out privileges at $63 per day. The self-parking entrance is on the upper level of Columbus, and there are two entrances on each side of the hotel.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the DBSA Peer Support Services Team at community@dbsalliance.org.
