In this session, invited speakers will share their recovery journeys as part of a panel discussion.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will:

1. Learn about supporting multiple pathways of recovery;
2. Learn that recovery is possible;
3. Learn how to reduce stigma and shame.

Laura Semprini, MSc, Mental Health Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Yoga Instructor
Remote Peer Support Coordinator, NAMI Johnson County

Bio: Laura Semprini began working at R Place Peer Recovery Center as a Peer Support Specialist in 2019, and started coordinating the Remote Peer Support Program in 2022. In addition to this role, she also writes grants and oversees new programming. She facilitates a virtual support group for Peer Support Professionals in Iowa and is a member of the Iowa Primary Care Association’s District 7 Advisory Council. In 2010, she received her bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Business from the University of Iowa, and shortly thereafter completed a master’s degree in Nonprofit Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. From 2013-2015, she was the Director of Development for Horizons Social Services Agency in Cedar Rapids, and then lived abroad with her husband while serving in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Fiji from 2015-2017.

Katey Rascon, PRS, RCP
Center Manager, Full Circle Recovery

Bio: Katey serves as the Center Manager at Full Circle Recovery Community Center, where she supports community engagement and peer-driven recovery initiatives. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in addictions, combining academic knowledge with lived experience in long-term recovery. Katey is passionate about strengthening recovery support systems, empowering recoverees, and advocating for families navigating the child welfare system. Her work is grounded in compassion, resilience, and a commitment to helping others build sustainable recovery and connection.

Allison Jones, CCAR certification
Recovery addict, Rise Recovery Center

Bio: Allison Jones has been around Rise Recovery Center from the very beginning. She has watched how it has grown and she has been a part of saving so many lives. Allison aims to teach others about the Rise Recovery Center, believing that it is a great tool to use when one is unsure what to do to start recovery and to keep growing in their recovery.

Ellen Schardt, BA, CPRS
Recovery Services Coordinator (NAMI) and Mobile Crisis Outreach Program Supervisor (F2), NAMI Dubuque and Foundation 2 Crisis Services

Bio: Ellen has worked in the non-profit sector for 13 years in areas of community health education, substance use and suicide primary prevention, peer recovery support, jail support services and crisis intervention services. Ellen is currently employed part time by NAMI Dubuque where she is a Peer Recovery Specialist and full time with Foundation 2 Crisis Services where she is a Mobile Crisis Outreach Program Supervisor. Living well in long term recovery, Ellen believes she has found purpose in supporting and advocating for vulnerable individuals and communities.