Gunnison Valley Health Peer Support Specialist Barbara Marks Receives Certification

On August 14, 2020 Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) employee Barbara Marks received her Peer Support Specialist certification through the Colorado Mental Wellness Network. The three week course included a 73-hour training including daily role plays and the completion of several projects and presentations.

Barbara, who has been an employee at GVH for six months serves in the unique position of providing support to individuals who have substance use disorders and/or mental health issues in the community and the Emergency Department.

Regarding her recent certification, Barbara stated “I loved completing this certification and got so much out of the course. I learned the importance of asking open ended questions and staying in the moment with my clients. I always strive to let me clients know that I am there for them. This is not about me—it is about being there for the client and helping them work though realistic solutions to their challenges.”

Barbara has also been spending time in recent months with the residents of the Senior Care Center. “I love spending time with the SCC residents. My goal is always to make them smile and let them know that there is someone who cares about them.” She added, “It was very rewarding to see the big smiles