My Journey to Become a Re-Certified Peer Specialist (Again)
- Miss Afrinubi - Yah Lady Steph
- Nov 2
- 3 min read
Nine years ago, I proudly earned my Georgia Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification. It felt like a monumental achievement—a formal recognition of my journey through recovery and my desire to use that lived experience to help others. Fast forward to today, and I'm navigating the recertification process, a journey that has reminded me of the value of this work and the importance of staying current in a field that is always evolving.
The Path in 2015: A Focus on Lived Experience
Back in 2015, the application process through the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network (GMHCN), in collaboration with the DBHDD, was rigorous but incredibly rewarding. The core requirements centered on having a genuine "lived experience" with a mental health or co-occurring condition and being well-grounded in recovery for at least a year.
The training itself was an intensive, in-person experience, typically spanning nine days over two weeks. We covered everything from WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) to the basics of Medicaid billing and documentation. The focus was on transforming our personal stories into powerful tools for education and inspiration, aligning with the principles of recovery and self-determination. We shared, we learned, and we built a strong sense of community. The final step was passing the certification exam, a formal acknowledgment of our readiness to enter the field.
The Lapse: Life Gets in the Way
After I passed my exam, I hit the ground running. I was passionate about my work, but as often happens, the demands of being a business owner and personal life took priority. I missed a crucial detail: the annual Continuing Education Units (CEUs) requirement. At the time, I understood that I needed to attend continuing education events, but I wasn't diligent about tracking and submitting my 12 required CEUs each calendar year.
My certification eventually became "inactive". Initially, I thought I could just catch up, but Georgia's policy is specific: a CPS-MH who remains inactive for more than two years is required to re-take the entire certification training. Life moved on, my employment shifted, and I found myself outside the direct peer support system, and my certification lapsed entirely.
The Motivation for Recertification
Now, years later, I'm drawn back to this vital work. The current need for compassionate, trained peer support specialists feels more pressing than ever. My experience, combined with the new insights I've gained since my certification expired, has solidified my commitment.
The recertification process is a restart for me, including having to pay the training fee that was previously covered by DBHDD sponsorship. But it's also a chance to update my knowledge with new best practices and contemporary recovery models. The field has advanced significantly since 2015.
I'm pursuing recertification to:
Recommit to the mission: The core mission of the Georgia CPS project—promoting self-determination and empowerment through lived experience—still resonates deeply with me.
Meet current standards: I want to be current with today's best practices, ensuring I provide the highest quality support possible.
Fulfill a community need: I see the ongoing demand for qualified peer specialists and am eager to contribute my skills once more.
Personal growth: Re-engaging with the training is a chance to reflect on my own recovery journey with fresh eyes and renewed purpose.
My path hasn't been linear, but the lapse in my certification has only strengthened my resolve. I'm looking forward to rejoining the community of Certified Peer Specialists in Georgia and continuing to carry the message of hope and recovery.
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