Session Description: Panel discussion involving peers working in multiple sectors across Iowa.

Learning Objectives:

• To explore the ways in which peer support is utilized in different settings.
• To understand the benefits of peer support services across multiple sectors.
• To learn additional ways peers can be utilized at your agency.

Faraji Hubbard, PRS, RCP, RCPF
Comprehensive Recovery Coordinator, Abbe Center for Community Mental Health

Faraji Hubbard is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS), Recovery Coach Professional (RCP), and Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator (RCPF). His current role at UnityPoint Health – Abbe Center for Community Mental Health is Comprehensive Recovery Coordinator at GuideLink Center in Iowa City. Faraji serves on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Board of Certification. He is also a senior trainer with the Iowa Peer Workforce Collaborative.

Caprice Jones
Executive Director, Founder, Fountain of Youth Program

Caprice, who grew up on the south side of Chicago, showed great potential from a young age, receiving a scholarship to the University of Chicago Lab School and delivering a speech inspired by Dr. King. However, he faced significant challenges, spending 15 years in prison due to involvement in urban crime. During his incarceration, Caprice discovered his passion for writing poetry and the importance of education and personal growth, leading him to mentor ex-offenders upon his release. After moving to Peosta, Iowa, he founded the “Dubuque Fountain of Youth Program” to promote social and economic progress in the community, embodying the hope that change is possible. Caprice holds an Associate’s degree in Liberal Studies and extensive training in substance abuse intervention.

Jodie Huju, RCP, RCPF
Director of Learning and Program Development, Full Circle Recovery

Jodie Huju is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and mental illness, as well as a family member, friend, and ally to others in recovery. Jodie is a Recovery Coach Professional and Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator through CCAR’s Center for Addiction Recovery Training. They are an advocate for recovery services and works diligently to empower individuals in their recovery journey. In their role at Full Circle Recovery, Jodie oversees the growth of two recovery community centers and coordinates the recovery coach training program using the CCAR curriculum and best practices for culturally responsive and trauma-sensitive peer recovery support services. Jodie is also pursuing their Masters of Divinity in Interreligious Chaplaincy and aims to support individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.

Amanda Eleazer, PRC
Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program Coordinator, University of Iowa Health Care

Amanda Eleazer is a mother in recovery and a strong advocate for mothers facing similar challenges. As a recovery coach for the University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC), she values multiple pathways to recovery and is dedicated to helping individuals with perinatal substance use disorder receive non-stigmatizing health care. Driven by her personal journey, she works tirelessly to promote compassionate and inclusive care for all.