Missouri Peer Specialist
Meet The Trainers
Meet the Trainers
Darla Belflower, CPS trainer
Darla Belflower is a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder. She is grateful that she is able to live her recovery out loud and knows that not all people are able to do that. She has worked in leadership in the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields for over three decades. She is a Clinically Licensed Social Worker in both Missouri and Kansas, is a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Kansas, Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor in MO, Certified Peer Specialist, Certified Tabacco Treatment Specialist, and is a trainer and educator of Naloxone distribution. She obtained her MSW from KU and she has a BS in Psychology and Alcohol and Drug Studies from Missouri Valley College. She has made presentations at numerous professional conferences, seminars and trainings at the local, state and national levels. She has her own LLC private practice. Darla is active in her own recovery.
Michelle L. Bowles, CPS Trainer
Michelle Bowles is a trauma-informed integrative health and peer professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting recovery and resilience across the lifespan. She specializes in biopsychosocial-spiritual approaches that honor individual dignity, promote self-directed wellness, and foster sustainable reintegration.
Her background spans behavioral health, bodywork, yoga therapy, education, and program development, with extensive experience bridging collaboration across medical, community, and justice systems. A Certified Peer Specialist, Youth Peer Specialist, Advanced Peer Supervision Trainer, and WRAP and OVERCOME facilitator, Michelle is passionate about empowering peers and providers to cultivate trauma-responsive, person-centered practices.
Michelle maintains private practices in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri, and San Antonio, Texas, and teaches internationally, offering mentoring, education, and group facilitation in both clinical and community-based settings.
John Bartholomew, CPS trainer
John Bartholomew serves the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) as the Southwest Missouri Board Representative, Certified Peer Specialist Trainer, and Missouri Recovery Specialist Trainer. John is a person in long-term recovery and a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
He holds multiple credentials through the MCB, including CPS (Certified Peer Specialist), CRPR (Certified Reciprocal Peer Recovery), FSP (Family Support Provider), HRS (Harm Reduction Specialist), MARS (Medication-Assisted Recovery Specialist), MRSS (Missouri Recovery Support Specialist), SQP (SATOP Qualified Provider), and CRADC (Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor). John is also a Clinical Supervisor.In addition to his work with MCB, John is a certified missionary with the North American Missions Board. He serves as the Senior Pastor of In Christ Alone Baptist Church in Fairview, MO, and as Recovery Pastor at Splitlog Baptist Church in Goodman, MO. John is the Executive Director and Counselor at Renewal Counseling Soulutions in Anderson, MO, and the Founder/Director of Renewal 12:2 Ministries in Anderson, MO. He is also the Founder and Pastor of Come As You Are Christian Recovery in Goodman, MO.
John actively supports his community by working with the Newton/McDonald Counties Treatment Court and Veterans Court, helping individuals and families on their journey to recovery and restoration.
Savanna Breazzeal, CPS trainer
I am a person in long term recovery. Currently, I am a case manager serving in the behavioral health field. I have worked in this field for 5 years, and I am grateful my struggles with substances has led me to finding my purpose with working in this field. I am working towards my masters degree in social work with the hopes of continuing work in the field and giving back to others.
Cherri Bridges, CPS trainer
Cherri Bridges is a Certified Peer Specialist and Crisis Responsive Peer who has been in recovery for 5 years. She is passionate about walking alongside others on their journey, using her own lived experience to bring hope, encouragement, and practical support. Cherri believes recovery is about progress, not perfection, and she enjoys helping people discover their strengths, set meaningful goals, and celebrate every step forward.
As a CPS trainer, Cherri shares both her knowledge and her heart for recovery, empowering new peer specialists to make a difference in their communities. Known for her supportive and down-to-earth style, she works to inspire others to see that lasting change is possible.
Jenna Caruso, CPS trainer
Hey all! My name is Jenna Caruso. I’m a person in long term recovery.
Currently, I am a Recovery Coordinator at Benilde Hall and contracted as a Peer Trainer for Missouri Credentialing Board. I have worked in the recovery field for over 5 years as a peer and it is my passion!! I hold the credentials for my CRPR, CPS, MARS, and HRS and I am currently working towards finishing my bachelors. Any chance I can, I try to educate people on the importance of Narcan. I am grateful to get to be part of the recovery community, not just in my career, but everyday life! I hope to get to travel some day and train others around the country in teaching how companies can utilize a peer and how important that role is in the community and company.
Sarah Earll, CPS trainer
Sarah Earll is the Executive Director of the St. Louis Empowerment Center, a peer-run drop-in Center and Recovery Community Center. She became a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)in 2009 and she has been a trainer for the Peer Specialist program since 2011. In 2020, she received her Certified Reciprocal Peer Recovery (CRPR). She is also a Certified WRAP ® (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator and a Certified WHAM (Whole Health Action Management) Facilitator. Ms. Earll was a member of the State Advisory Council for the Missouri Department of Mental Health-Division of Behavioral Health from 2012-2019. She was awarded the 2016 Missouri Mental Health Champion Award for Mental Health. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX and a Master of Fine Arts from Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.
Testimonial
Sarah Earll, CPS trainer
Jordan Hampton, CPS trainer
Jordan Hampton is a person is long-term recovery. Jordan currently is credentialed with CPS, MARS, and multiple specialty trainings. Jordan began his work with The Gateway Foundation as an EPICC recovery coach. Jordan went on to work with the ARCHway Institute in a multitude of facets including adolescent counseling for PreventED’s youth counseling program. Jordan worked with ARCA and the recovery housing program in many different roles, when stepping into the Director of housing position in 2019. Jordan currently serves as a consultant for peer support specialists across the state on the MIMH/SOR consultant team. Additionally, Jordan provides expertise as a consultant for RecoVET, a recovery supportive housing organization. Jordan serves on the MCRSP (Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers) executive board, including being a peer–reviewer for recovery housing organizations across the state that wish to obtain their NARR certification. Jordan serves as a CPS and MRSS trainer for individuals wishing to obtain their credential in the state of Missouri. Jordan serves on state and national level coalitions that include MCRSP, RCGSTL and NPRA. Jordan has presented on the “Best Practices of Recovery Housing” on a national platform for NARR (National Alliance of Recovery Residency) and strives to make recovery housing programs the best they can possibly by using these practices along with compassion, love, and tolerance.
Mirna Herrera, CPS trainer
Mirna Herrera, CPS, MA MT-BC, is the Chief of Adult Community Operations for the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Northwest Region and founder of The Blooming Lotus, LLC, a consulting practice focused on trauma-informed supportive care for the public-engaging workforce. Originally from Nazareth, Israel, she holds an M.A. in Music Therapy and a B.A. in Psychology and Musicology.
Mirna is the 2018 Mental Health Champion award recipient and a national leader recognized for her work and passion for the peer support workforce, recovery support services, and trauma-impacted professionals. She has trained and consulted organizations nationwide on trauma-informed care, supportive supervision, and self-care practices, leveraging her professional and personal lived experience with PTSD to inspire systems change.
Toni Jordan, CPS trainer
Toni Jordan is a person thriving in long term recovery. She celebrated 19 years in the recovery process, March 11th. Toni has championed the behavior health field for 12 years. She has exemplified recovery through her humble process of living life on life’s terms. In her reign she has received multiple awards from 2011 Mental Health Champion, 2014 SAMHSA Voice award and 2023 St Dismas award to mention a few. As a trailblazer that she is, Toni is now the women support coordinator for Criminal Justice Ministry, CPS trainer (2011), harm reduction consultant for MIMH, and CPS at MoNetwork. She graciously supports her passion by assisting others like herself.
Carol Martin, CPS trainer
Carol Martin is a person in long-term recovery with seven and a half years in recovery, beginning her journey in May 2018. She has been a Certified Peer Specialist for five years and is also a CPS Trainer through The Missouri Credentialing Board. She currently serves as a board resource officer for Recovery Outreach and has presented at statewide conferences and trainings, helping to expand opportunities for peers and strengthen recovery support services.
Carol is the first in her family to pursue a college degree. After leaving high school in 2003, she returned to her education 17 years later, earning her HiSET (GED) in 2020. She went on to graduate with her associate degree in Social Work from State Fair Community College in 2023. She will graduate in May 2026 with her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Central Missouri and plans to begin graduate school that fall to pursue her master’s in HDFS.
For Carol, the most meaningful part of peer work is watching individuals believe in themselves enough to choose recovery over their addiction. She considers it an honor to walk beside them in those moments. Whether it’s purchasing a first car, securing housing, gaining employment, or even being reunited with their children after foster care. Each milestone, large or small, reaffirms her commitment to this work and strengthens her belief that recovery is not only possible but worth celebrating every step of the way.
Mark McDonald, CPS trainer
Presently working as a Counselor with Ozark Center in Neosho. Previously worked as the Program Director for the Ascent Recovery Residences in Joplin, and prior to that as a counselor and administrator for the Northeastern Oklahoma Council on Alcoholism. Presently focused on working with the McDonald and Newton County Treatment Courts. He has been involved in program development, professional development and readiness, supervision, clinical team building, training staff, and service delivery. Presently the Southwest Missouri Representative with the MCB (Missouri Credentialing Board) where he serves on the Ethics Committee and as Vice President of the Board. Working as an approved trainer for the LPC/LCSW/LMFT/LADC board in Oklahoma, a trainer of trainers for ATTC (Addiction Technology Transfer Center) Clinical Supervision Foundations, Recovery Supports Technology, and Technology and Clinical Supervision. He provides training for several Recovery Supports organizations and other clinicians in Missouri. He works closely with other programs to provide clinical supervision and direction/consultation for long term recovery.
Having served as a counselor for 34 plus years, working in multiple levels of service. He has 5 years of experience as a police officer and has been a Certified POST (law enforcement trainer) trainer regarding domestic violence, victim advocacy, and was part of a coalition to develop a Coordinated Community Response Team. While serving in the military worked closely with the Navy’s Substance Abuse Program and was a liaison in helping several shipmates to obtain treatment through the Navy and civil treatment programs.
Testimonial
Mark McDonald, CPS trainer
Sheila Mihalick, CPS trainer
Sheila Mihalick is the Assistant Director for the St. Louis Empowerment Center and Recovery Community Center. She earned Missouri’s Certified Peer Specialist credential in 2017, and has been a CPS trainer since 2019. She is also a HUB Team member for the University of Missouri’s Telehealth Network SHOW-ME ECHO for Certified Peer Specialists. Sheila received her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology in 1997, and serves as an Adjunct Professor for Webster University.
Scott Moyers, CPS trainer
Scott Moyers is the Director of Behavioral Health Residential for the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change in Cape Girardeau. He is also a person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Moyers is a former journalist who worked at daily newspapers in southeast and central Missouri for nearly 20 years before entering the substance use field in 2017. Moyers is a Certified Peer Specialist, a Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Medication Awareness Recovery Specialist. He has been a peer specialist trainer for the Missouri Credentialing Board since 2021.
Testimonial
Scott Moyers, CPS trainer
Reggie Palmer, CPS trainer
Reggie J. Palmer Jr. AKA (VICTORIOUS) is a certified peer support specialist and case manager at Powerhouse Community Development Corporation (PCDC) headquartered in Marshall, MO. He works to assist broken men striving to restore their lives that are re- entering from the prison or recovering from substance use disorder. In addition, Reggie is the Housing Director of Fresh Start; a transitional housing program for ex-offenders. Recently, PCDC entered into collaboration with Boone County Alternative Sentencing Courts to provide recovery services under the HEAT Research
Initiative. Reggie is the lead facilitator and provides peer support services as well. Reggie is a youth minister at Powerhouse Ministries, and is the CEO/Founder of Victorious Life Records LLC. Minister Reggie takes advantage of the hip hop platform to promote positivity and encourage empowerment of the participants who have experience negative social determinants during their childhood, adolescent and adult years. Although he was raised in a church going family by his father, he still found himself searching for acceptance, love and purpose in the all the wrong places. Like the prodigal son he would eventually come back home to become a member of the church and form his own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He credits this relationship for blessing him with a new life filled with love acceptance and purpose.
David Stoecker, CPS trainer
David Stoecker is a person in long-term recovery. He is the Executive Director and founder of Better Life in Recovery and the co-founder of the Springfield Recovery Community Center. David is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and a CPS (Certified Peer Specialist). Prior to his current role, David was the Advocacy and Education Outreach Coordinator for the Missouri Recovery Network as well as a therapist for 8 ½ years, working with people who were involved with treatment courts. He was a 2018 SAMHSA Voice Award recipient and the 2017 Missouri Mental Health Champion for his contributions to the recovery community. He co-created the Certified Peer Specialist training for the state of Missouri as well as the Missouri and ICRC Harm Reduction Specialist training, and is a facilitator for both trainings. He also wrote the book, Hope Dealer: A raw, real-life journey from addiction to a better life in recovery and co-created and produced the documentary Not My Child which has been screened hundreds of times in mulitple states around the country.
Testimonial
David Stoecker, CPS trainer
D'Markus Thomas-Brown, CPS trainer
D’Markus is currently the Administrator for the Office of Violence Prevention at the City of Columbia. He previously was the Managing Director for in2Action and the Director for the Recovery Support & Reentry Opportunity Center (ROC) in Columbia, MO. He currently serves with the Boone County Overdose Response Coalition, the Central Missouri Recovery Coalition (CMRC), and the Mid-Missouri CIT Council. He is currently credentialed as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and a Harm Reduction trainer with the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB). He graduated from Columbia College with his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). He is an ordained minister that also serves as a Co-founding pastor of Confluence Church. He is married, has 2 young children and a busy dog that keeps him on his toes.
Kenneth Vick, CPS trainer
CRADC, MARS, CRPR, CTTS, LAC
Executive Director of Benilde Hall.
Certified drug and alcohol counselor and an advanced certified peer specialist.
MA in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in ethics.
BA in Psychology
Missouri Credentialing Board President and North-West region representative.
Professional trainer and speaker.
Teach medication awareness recovery specialist (MARS) classes, Ethics and certified peer specialist (CPS) for the Missouri Credentialing Board.
Previously the Program manager for Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Recovery KC program and Director of Treatment Services with Dismas House of Kansas City.
A person in long term recovery. Over 21 years in recovery.