COON VALLEY, Wis. — A transformative initiative aimed at addressing substance use, mental health, and recovery support in rural Wisconsin is now underway in Vernon County. Knutson Memorial Library, in partnership with Vernon County through Opioid Abatement Grant Funds, recently hosted a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training for area residents. This no-cost opportunity was not only equipping individuals with lived experience to support others—but also building a community-based response to the region’s mental health and opioid challenges.
The training was made possible by a grant written by Chelsey Myhre Foster, a Certified Peer Specialist since 2017 and Certified Parent Peer Specialist since 2020.
“It was really powerful to see folks who I met back when I first started working at The Other Door, Vernon County’s peer drop-in center—getting trained to support others in their recovery journey through this project,” said Myhre Foster.
The funds came through Vernon County’s opioid settlement allocations and will continue to benefit the public through the purchase of recovery and wellness materials to be housed at the library for community access.
What Is Peer Support?
Certified Peer Specialists are individuals with personal lived experience navigating mental health or substance use challenges who are trained to support others on their own recovery paths. Unlike traditional clinical roles, peer specialists offer hope, mutual respect, and shared understanding—helping others feel seen and heard, while empowering them to take charge of their own recovery journeys.
Peer support is particularly effective in rural areas, where access to services may be limited, and stigma still prevents many from seeking help. It is based on the belief that recovery is possible for everyone—and that those who have “been there” are uniquely positioned to walk alongside others.
About the Training Program
Led by respected statewide trainers Tanya Kraege and Heleema Berg, the training served residents of Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, and Vernon counties, with priority given to applicants from Vernon and Crawford Counties and those affiliated with local mental health or substance use programs.
Participation in the training was free of charge, and 20 individuals were selected through a careful application and interview process.
To be eligible, applicants had to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Be a resident of one of the five eligible counties
- Self-identify as having lived experience navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges
Selection Considerations
Not all who applied were guaranteed a spot. Trainers reviewed applications based on several factors, including:
- Whether the applicant intends to work or is currently working in a peer support or supervisory role
- Whether they are active community members offering peer support
- Their understanding of recovery principles such as self-determination and mutual respect
- Their demonstrated support for multiple pathways to recovery
Next Steps for Graduates: September 2025 CPS Exam
The 20 individuals who successfully completed the training will now be eligible to sit for the statewide Certified Peer Specialist exam on September 24, 2025.
To further support the graduates, trainers Tanya Kraege and Heleema Berg will host a study session in advance of the exam. This session will help candidates prepare for the written exam and review key concepts related to ethics, boundaries, recovery principles, and the role of a Certified Peer Specialist.
A Community Investment in Recovery
The value of this program goes far beyond training. The remaining grant funds will now be used to purchase books, toolkits, and recovery-oriented resources that will be made available to the public through Knutson Memorial Library.
“We believe conversations and support for recovery belong in every space,” said Myhre Foster. “This training will create a ripple effect, not only by growing our peer workforce but by reinforcing the message that recovery is possible and supported in our communities. The CPS training is very competitive statewide, so by offering a privately funded option for our area we can make a much larger impact regionally.”
With the increasing mental health and opioid-related needs across Wisconsin, programs like this represent a smart and compassionate investment in people—and a hopeful path forward.
For more information about the opioid abatement funds is available here.
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