Envisioning Peer Support Conference 2026

Why This Gathering Matters

At the Yarrow Collective, we believe that those closest to the pain are closest to the solution. This conference is designed by, for, and with people who have lived/living experience.

We are coming together to honor the origins of peer support and liberatory harm reduction movements and to plant the seeds for a future where all Coloradans—especially those with multiple-marginalized identities—feel empowered with culturally relevant pathways to healing, growth, or recovery.

What to Expect

Our sessions are intentionally designed to be applied, practical, and embodied. We aim to illustrate the lesser-known origins of by/for/with movements and inspire a renewed vision for systems of care that work for everyone.

• Inspiring Keynotes: Hear from renowned peer leaders who are redefining the landscape of behavioral health through peer support, disability justice, and liberatory harm reduction.
• Practical Breakouts: Engage in problem-solving sessions on how to integrate peer support and decolonized recovery with fidelity into traditional systems.
• Deep Dives into Healing: Explore the "how-to" of peer-run respites, disability justice, psychedelic medicines as healing tools, and community care webs.

Learn from Movement Builders

We are honored to feature a lineup of guests who are at the forefront of the national movement for peer-led alternatives. Get ready to learn from leaders who are actively building the world we want to see:

• Caroline Mazel-Carlton, Wildflower Alliance: An internationally recognized voice in the peer movement, Caroline brings years of experience as the Training Director from the Wildflower Alliance. Caroline’s work with Alternatives to Suicide helped form the bedrock of Yarrow Collective and how we think about community-based peer support.
• Ephraim Akiva, Director of Afiya Peer Respite: As the director of Massachusetts' first peer respite and the co-founder of the Wildflower Alliance's LGBTQIA+ peer to peer support group, Ephraim is manifesting the nation's first LGBTQIA+ peer respite.
• Nze Okoronto, Executive Director, Yarrow Collective: We are thrilled to introduce our new ED! As the former Director of the Solstice House Peer-Run Respite in Madison, Wisconsin, Nze brings a wealth of knowledge on how to sustain and grow non-carceral, peer-led spaces that prioritize dignity and self-determination.
• Lucrecia Medrano, Liberatory Harm Reduction Program Director, Yarrow Collective: A fierce advocate for community safety and healing, Lucrecia will lead conversations on Liberatory Harm Reduction and decolonized recovery. Her work focuses on shifting away from punitive measures and toward care models that truly liberate and support marginalized communities.
• Jess Stohlmann-Rainey, Yarrow Collective Board Chair, Curriculum Designer, and Systems Consultant: Jess combines academic expertise, living experience, and practical experience in crisis services to support organizations in developing responsive, liberatory, programming that meets the needs of their communities.
• And More!

Who Should Attend?

If you are dedicated to expanding the impact of harm reduction and peer–to-peer healing, there is a seat for you at the table:

• Peer Supporters & Recovery Coaches looking for community, connection to lineage, and deeper practice.
• Clinicians & Administrators eager to learn about non-clinical, culturally relevant pathways.
• Policy Makers & Funders seeking to support community-centered, lived-experience-led models.
• Advocates & Organizers building the "care webs" of tomorrow.

Event Details

• Date: March 5, 2026
• Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Location: Lory Student Center, CSU, Fort Collins, CO
• Registration Includes: Full-day access to all sessions, coffee/tea, snacks, and lunch.

Secure Your Spot

Be part of Yarrow Collective’s inaugural conference and let’s come together to carry the seeds of our movements forward.

Want to volunteer at the conference to get a free ticket or support the work? Email: Mia.Campbell@yarrowcollective.org