Youth Peer Support Specialist Certification

This 40-hour virtual training is required for certification as a Youth Peer Support Specialist and covers important topics such as professionalism, ethics, diversity, personal wellness, adolescent development, and mental health. Youth who participate will gain experience in how to use their own lived experience as a guide for others while maintaining personal boundaries and encouraging self-sufficiency and independence.

This training is intended for YPSS candidates who have applied to the Youth Peer Support Program and have been approved to attend the certification training.

Trainers:
Maricella Frias-Guerra & Shelby McDaniel, Center of Innovation for Behavioral Health and Wellbeing

Trainer Bios:

Maricella Frias-Guerra works at the Center of Innovation as a Youth Programs Specialist, Sr. In this role, Maricella is working directly with the Center of Innovation’s youth programs and oversees all training coordination efforts. Prior to her role, Maricella graduated in 2020 from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Studies with a Concentration in Birth through Pre-K, as well as a Minor in Public Health and a Minor in Counseling and Educational Psychology. Maricella is passionate about being an advocate and empowering those in the community to raise their voices.

Shelby McDaniel is a dedicated individual committed to empowering young people through intentional actions and inspiring connections. They hold a bachelor’s in Family & Child Studies, concentrating on Human Development and Family Relations, with a minor in Psychology, which they completed in Spring 2024. Additionally, Shelby has maintained a Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) certification for several years, underscoring their dedication to supporting others. Shelby is actively pursuing a dual Master’s Degree in Social Work and Public Health (Health Behavior and Health Promotion) at New Mexico State University.

This training is a part of the State of New Mexico’s Children, Youth, and Families Behavioral Health Services Youth Peer Support Program.