Mental health peer support plays a central role in recovery, as reflected in this Wellness Navigator’s journey of connection, guidance, and growth.
For Wellness Navigator SD, joining Interim, Inc. was more than the start of a career — it was the beginning of a deeper connection to values they had carried since childhood. “I realized that mental health services are a luxury,” SD explained. “I had the privilege of going to therapy as a kid, and I knew how much it shaped my life. But so many of my friends didn’t have that opportunity — their families couldn’t afford it or didn’t believe in it.”
That early awareness became the foundation of SD’s commitment to making mental health care more inclusive and accessible. During their studies at CSUMB, SD researched stigma and underutilization of mental health services, work that deepened their belief in breaking down barriers to care. “I’ve always been very vocal about injustice… Here, I found a place where our ideas are supported, where we can talk about how to be more welcoming and create safe spaces for growth.”
For SD, Interim’s openness to lived experience sets the organization apart. “What impressed me the most about Interim is that they hire peers — people who might not be given a chance elsewhere. Interim sees past diagnoses and what others may call limitations. They see us as people deserving of a chance. That’s something I’ve never seen anywhere else.”
That perspective of community resonates not only with SD’s personal identity but with their belief in the power of representation. They have worked on cultural awareness projects, staff panels, and visibility initiatives that encourage open conversations about identity, stigma, and access to services. “The best way to educate people is to give them a safe space to ask questions and learn. That kind of openness has always been here.”
When reflecting on what makes Interim compelling, SD points to the welcoming environment it creates for people who may be hesitant to seek help. “If someone is struggling, I encourage them to take that first step, even if it’s something small — attending a group, meeting a staff member, or just visiting a program to see how it feels. You don’t have to tell your whole story right away. From there, there are so many options for support.”
Looking to the future, SD hopes Interim can expand its reach and visibility. “I would love to see more education and outreach so more people know who we are and what we can do. Sometimes I tell people I work at Interim and they say, ‘Who? What?’ I want people to know we’re here, and that we’re making a difference.”
At the heart of SD’s story is a reminder that Interim is not just an organization — it is a community where people can show up as themselves, be valued for who they are, and grow. “I hear so many stories of people who started as community support workers and grew into counselors or navigators. Interim has an open-door policy, not just for clients, but for staff too. That’s really unique.”
And when it comes to offering encouragement to those who feel overwhelmed or unseen, SD shares wisdom shaped by resilience: “It’s hard to be where you’re at. It can be scary. But at the end of the day, you’re not alone — you matter, you’re surviving, and that’s beautiful.”