Second Mountain’s First CPS: Johnny Williamson

Second Mountain is pleased to present our first Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPS)! In October 2024, John Williamson completed the Missouri Certified Peer Specialist training from the Missouri Credentialing Board. Certified Peer Specialists are “qualified to provide peer support in all programs where peer support is included in the service contract with the Department of Mental Health” (Missouri Department of Mental Health).

In order to achieve this accomplishment, Johnny received a refurbished laptop through the generosity of Willow Creek Community Church. After viewing a series of required videos beforehand, Johnny attended a weeklong virtual training program. His program completed with an exam which he passed immediately.

As a Certified Peer Specialist, Johnny is now a certified mental health professional that can use his real, lived experience of addiction and incarceration to provide support, mentorship and guidance to other people facing similar challenges.

By acting as a role model, Johnny can help the people he works with set goals, practice coping mechanisms, and participate in recovery programs as he shares his own recovery journey. It is essential that Certified Peer Specialists use their shared understanding of addiction, and incarceration with humility, empathy, and gratitude. 

As a resident at Algoa Correctional Center, Johnny participated in the Global Leadership Academy where he learned the process and practice of leadership principles including failure, kindness, empathy, inclusion, conflict resolution, faith, emotional intelligence, inspiration, and gratitude, among others. These skills will help Johnny in his work as a Certified Peer Specialist and it opens doors for the influence of guys like Johnny and Second Mountain as an organization that helps citizens re-entering our communities. Johnny’s experience as a leader, a member of the recovery community, and now, a certified peer specialist, will allow him to throw the rope to more incarcerated people re-entering society as important, thriving community members.

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