Welcome to Peer Corner, a space dedicated to celebrating the voices, experiences, and accomplishments of Georgia's peer support community. Here, you'll find inspiring stories, personal reflections, success stories, and professional highlights from Certified Peer Specialists–Parents, Youth, and other peer professionals across the state.
Peer Corner showcases the power of lived experience, promotes hope and recovery, and highlights the meaningful impact peers make every day. Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical insights, or opportunities to connect with the peer community, this is your place to learn, grow, and celebrate peer leadership.
Jordan Darden, CPS-Y
How Peer Support Changed My Life
"If you had told me a few years ago that I would be standing in front of audiences sharing my story and advocating for mental health, I probably wouldn't have believed you. Like many of the people we support, I have faced my own mental health challenges. There was a time when I felt lost, unsure of who I was, and questioned whether things would ever get better. Looking back now, I realize those experiences didn't just shape me—they prepared me for the work I do today.
Becoming a Certified Peer Specialist–Youth has given me something I didn't even know I was searching for: purpose. Peer support has shown me that healing isn't about having all the answers. It's about showing up authentically, listening without judgment, and reminding others that they are never alone. Every conversation I have and every young person I meet reminds me why this work matters.
This past year has been filled with incredible opportunities for growth. I recently completed my Associate of Applied Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Clayton State University and am continuing my education as a Sociology major. I was inducted into three organizations this year: the National Council of Negro Women, the Student Government Association, and the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society.
I've also had the honor of representing peer support through several speaking engagements. I shared my lived experience at the Georgia Parent Support Network Continuing Education Conference, participated in Children's Mental Health Day at the Georgia State Capitol, and have spoken with behavioral health professionals, community leaders, and peers across Georgia about the importance of mental health, recovery, and youth peer support.
One of the goals I'm most passionate about is bringing more mental health resources and peer support opportunities to college campuses. As a college student, I know firsthand how overwhelming life can become while balancing school, work, and personal challenges. I'm currently working with campus leaders and community organizations to expand access to peer support, suicide prevention resources, and wellness initiatives so students know they don't have to navigate those challenges alone.
Peer support has supported me just as much as I've supported others. It has helped me rediscover my confidence, embrace my story instead of hiding from it, and realize that my lived experience has value. It has connected me with an incredible community that believes in hope, resilience, and the power of walking alongside someone instead of trying to lead from in front.
To anyone who is just beginning their peer support journey, know that your story matters. You don't have to be "fully healed" to make a difference. Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer another person is simply the reminder that hope is possible because we've been there too. I am grateful for everything peer support has given me, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning, advocacy, and helping others discover that recovery is possible."
Sabrina Johnson, CPS-P
From Struggle to Strength: Sabrina Johnson's Story of Hope and Advocacy
Two years ago, Sabrina Johnson became a Certified Peer Specialist-Parent (CPS-P), but her journey toward becoming a leader and advocate began long before that. For the past 12 years, Sabrina has been rebuilding her life, transforming her pain into purpose, and proving that her past does not define her future.
Determined to create a better life for herself and her family, Sabrina made the decision to invest in her personal growth and education. She pushed beyond obstacles, dedicated countless hours to learning the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, understanding advocacy, and gaining the knowledge necessary to effectively support not only her own family but families throughout her community.
Through resilience, perseverance, and faith, Sabrina earned her CPS-P certification and transformed her lived experiences into a powerful tool for helping others. Her journey demonstrates how personal challenges can become opportunities to inspire change and empower those facing similar circumstances.
With the right support and resources, Sabrina also worked to address barriers from her past and discovered that true transformation is possible when determination meets opportunity. What once seemed like setbacks became the foundation for her strength, wisdom, and growth.
Today, Sabrina stands as a survivor, a dedicated advocate, and a living testimony to the power of perseverance. Through her advocacy work, the knowledge she has gained, and her willingness to openly share her experiences, she has made a lasting impact on families in her community. In recognition of her dedication and expertise, her local school district has invited her to serve on a Parent Advocacy Committee, where she helps support and empower families and children.
Sabrina's story is a reminder that resilience, determination, and self-growth can create meaningful change. Her journey continues to inspire others to believe in themselves, embrace their strengths, and recognize that their experiences can become a source of hope and empowerment for others.
"Your past does not determine your future. With support, education, and determination, you can create the life you envision and help others along the way."