Peer Advocacy Program

Peer advocacy/support, one of Summit’s five core services, is a vital component and central feature of independent living philosophy, which can help strengthen individual choice, consumer control, self-determination, and independent living. The idea behind peer advocacy/support is that people with disabilities have the life experience and knowledge to best assist others with disabilities in learning to become more independent in their communities. The wants and needs of people with disabilities are best understood by other individuals with disabilities, who also understand how best to fulfill those needs.

Peer mentoring is at the heart of the Independent Living movement. Peer mentors work with anyone who is adapting to a disability or seeking to increase their independence. Peer mentors utilize their own personal experiences living with a disability to empower others to achieve their goals.

Become a Peer Mentor

The purpose of peer support is to match individuals with similar disabilities to empower each other through encouragement and support. This service assists individuals adapting to life with a disability or transitioning through different life stages. Summit also encourages individuals to seek out new opportunities.

People with disabilities are the experts in their own lives and must take leadership in designing better solutions, directing their own lives and providing peer support to maximize the empowerment and independence of others. Peers serve as role models and facilitators to help others lead meaningful lives and achieve desired levels of independence.

Peer advocacy/support can foster personal growth and provide relevant information that can not be obtained in any other manner. Peer advocates/mentors often provide information about local support systems and can provide an avenue for dealing with personal and complex issues. Peer advocacy/support is effective in reaching, teaching, and supporting people with a variety of disabilities. Peers can reach people that may be unwilling to engage with and trust professionals. Peer advocates/mentors provide living proof of success and hope for individuals with disabilities who may be new to disability or who might be struggling that independence is possible.

Attributes of a well-rounded advocate include the following:

Embracing a personal identity
Molding consistent self-esteem
Exhibiting effective communication skills
Maintaining healthy boundaries
Being self-motivated
Being goal-oriented
Remembering to nurture personal wellness
Having the capacity for empathy for others
Maintaining an open mind to new ideas

Get Involved with Peer Groups or Individual Support

Support and advocacy can take many forms. There are many pathways to getting involved at the peer-to-peer level as a peer mentor. Mentoring is at the heart of the Independent Living movement. Mentors work with anyone who is adapting to a disability or seeking to increase their independence. Peer mentors utilize their own personal experience with living with a disability to empower others in reaching their independent living goals. Mutuality in the peer mentoring relationship is key. “Advice giving” is avoided. Peer mentors make a commitment to another person in their journey for independence.

Missoula Peers

Tyler StrosichMissoula County Peer Coordinator

Bonnie KelleyPeer Advocate

Bonnie Kelley is from California but moved to Missoula to earn a BA in History from UM. She loves drama and all forms of art and practices Reiki to maintain wellness. Bonnie has many interests and hopes to benefit others as a peer advocate, works with a UM research project, and helps out in the office when needed.

Coreen FalknerPeer Advocate

Coreen Faulkner was raised in North Dakota, taught middle school there several years, but settled in Missoula where she taught 25+ years before retiring. She remains active doing yoga and Reiki, gardening, traveling, and walking streets and trails with her guide dog, Kaiah. Coreen is a Peer Advocate to contribute to others and grow as a person with a disability.

Jason BillehusPeer Advocate

Jason Billehus was born and raised in Missoula where he worked in food and customer service industries before coming to Summit. He is involved in ADAPT and People First and likes to do presentations and improv. Jason likes to travel, watch WWE, laugh with friends, and be social. As a peer advocate he is very involved in youth activities.

Samantha ChasePeer Advocate

Leanne BeersPeer Advocate

Leanne Beers has always lived in Missoula, has two kids, and holds a PhD in Social & Behavioral Sciences emphasizing Sexology and Disability. Her laughter is infectious and she loves time with her family and being outdoors. Leanne’s passion is to advocate, educate, facilitate groups, and serve on social service groups.

Peter DrakosPeer Advocate

Peter Drakos was born in Missoula, earned a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from UW, and was a transportation planner in Seattle. He returned to Missoula with his wife to raise their twin boys, loves the outdoors, adaptive sports, and new adventures. As a Peer Advocate, Peter works in direct peer support, systems advocacy, bicycle/pedestrian planning, and AT.

Tom ThompsonPeer Advocate

Tom Thompson was born in Missoula and has traveled internationally while working in dental manufacturing business before law school. He spends his free time riding and racing recumbent tricycles. Tom serves on several social service committees and is interested in transportation, nutrition, exercise, and neurodevelopment.

Flathead Peers

VacantFlathead/Lincoln County Coordinator

Flathead/Lincoln County coordinator serves as Flathead/Lincoln County peer program coordinator.

Coming Soon

Hamilton Office

Alan FuglebergRavalli County Coordinator

Alan, Summit’s Ravalli County coordinator, serves as the Ravalli County peer program coordinator.

Coming Soon

Lake Peers

Lake/Sanders County Coordinator

The Lake/Sanders County coordinator serves as Lake/Sanders County peer program coordinator.