We were thrilled to welcome a SUNY Empire alum to Ask5 to share how their degree has shaped a meaningful career in advocacy and peer support. Our guest offered an insider’s look at the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services (OAPSS), explaining how peer-led engagement models empower individuals and strengthen communities across the state.
From the challenges of building and sustaining effective peer support programs to the powerful role of lived experience in shaping services, this conversation was full of insight for anyone passionate about advocacy, public administration, or peer support. Our guest also shared practical advice for students and early-career professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in this field.
If you’re curious about the intersection of education, advocacy, and real-world service, this Ask5 recording is a must-watch!
Bio: Em serves as the Deputy Director at the Office of Advocacy
and Peer Support Services (OAPSS). Prior to this role, they served as the OAPSS
Associate Implementation Director and INSET Program Manager, where they oversaw
the peer-led engagement models, INSET and F-INSET implementation statewide,
including developing a program manual, interfacing between partners and teams,
developing and implementing a data plan, creating new RFPs and all program
management activities. They also supported OAPSS contract management, community
feedback efforts, supervision, and more. Prior to OMH, Em worked for a decade
in the community in direct peer support roles, training and education, program
coordination and direction, and agency policy development and implementation.
Em is passionate about fostering anti-oppressive spaces for
wellness and healing, with their lived expertise guiding the way. Em is a
graduate and current student at Empire with a bachelor’s in social science,
concentrating in Human Rights Advocacy and currently attends graduate school
for a master’s in public administration. They consider themself a lifelong
learner and appreciates every new growth opportunity along their path.
