UCCS First Priority Peer Support

A Program for Faculty and Staff from the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience

What is the First Priority Peer Support Program?

New to UCCS! Peer Supporters are trained colleagues who can provide a safer intended space for support and resources to peers experiencing stress, trauma, burnout, and more. Peer support is confidential: What is said to a Peer Supporter stays between the peer and the Peer Supporter, except in times of imminent risk.

Peer Support helps to normalize stress reactions - reducing stigma and barriers to other supports such as professional services, and can increase the bonding of an organization or team.

Peer Supporters are NOT professional counselors. They listen and support, provide immediate help and assistance and, if necessary, refer personnel to an appropriate professional resource.

 

Who is it for?

Peer Support is open to any UCCS Faculty or Staff member seeking support for workplace stress, critical incident events, personal stress and well-being, and more. A Peer Supporter can offer space to talk, validation and support of experiences, and possible helpful resources. Peer Support is a space for YOU!

 

What is Involved in Being a Peer Supporter?

This role is undertaken in conjunction with normal operational responsibilities. Along with this initial training course, you will receive check-ins and support from a professional mental health supervisor. This, together with your knowledge of the dynamics within your agency, will assist you to:

  • Be a contact and referral person for colleagues who may seek help
  • Assist in caring for members with ongoing life stressors
  • Be able to identify and approach someone who may be in distress


Roles and Responsibilities for Being a Peer Supporter:

  • To undertake initial and ongoing training
  • To maintain a high level of ethical behavior and strict adherence to confidentiality
  • To participate in supervision meetings with a supervisor as deemed appropriate
  • To be knowledgeable of agency employee assistance services and/or programs
  • To provide assistance and referral for personnel as required within the framework of the agency and community resources
  • To actively encourage staff to participate in education and awareness programs directed toward physical and emotional fitness
  • To maintain a knowledge of local referral agencies and mechanisms to gain access to them
  • To abide by rules and guidelines regarding the behavior and duties of a Peer Supporter
  • To create a safer space of support

 

To Request Peer Support or Sign up to Become a Peer Supporter, click the button below!

Current UCCS Peer Supporters

Department

Email

Name

Faculty or Staff

Academic Advising
Valerie McClinton

Staff

Advancement - Development
Corrie West
Staff
Campus Recreation
Anna Bauer
Staff
College of Business
Paul Yankey
Faculty
College of Business
Scott Van Ness
Faculty
College of Education
Lindsay Fahey
Faculty

College of Engineering and Applied Science

cfoley4@uccs.edu

Christopher Foley

Faculty

College of Engineering and Applied Science
Daniel Kirby
Staff
College of Languages and Cultures
Maria Goni
Faculty
College of Letters, Arts & Sciences

dbarrett@uccs.edu

Deann Barrett

Staff

College of Letters, Arts & Sciences

avafiade@uccs.edu

AJ Vafiades

Staff

College of Letters, Arts & Sciences

grus@uccs.edu

Geoge Rus

Staff

College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
Jeffrey Montez de Oca
Faculty
College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
Katie Sullivan
Faculty
College of Public Service
Billie Ratliff
Faculty
Division of Inclusive Culture & Belonging
Nicole Simmons-Rochon
Staff
Excel Centers
Jenny Dorrington
Staff

Human Resources

bheaden@uccs.edu

Bianca Headen

Staff

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

jalberts@uccs.edu

Julie Albertson

Faculty

Office of Institutional Equity
RJ Chittum
Staff
Public Safety
Shantelle Zimmer
Staff
Residence Life and Housing
Angela Storck
Staff
T Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center
Jeni Spice
Staff

UCCS Downtown

zkroger@uccs.edu

Zak Kroger

Staff

Veteran and Military Affairs
Orande Roy
Staff
Wellness Center
Keith Kutnar
Staff