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More Than Just Age: Understanding Stigma and Identity Among Older Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities

You’re invited to a discussion with an expert about an interesting topic related to “Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery” or S.I.L.V.E.R. This free event is not a presentation, but rather an opportunity for you to have an interactive question & answer session. This Session: "More Than Just Age: Understanding Stigma and Identity Among Older Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities", with guest expert Robert Walker, MS, CPS, COAPS Rob Walker serves with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s Office of Recovery and Empowerment, where he advances peer support for older adults, the Deaf community, and the statewide peer workforce. He helped develop the Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) initiative in Massachusetts and nationally and has led programs such as Buried in Treasures and WRAP for Older Adults. Rob co-chairs the Older Adult Behavioral Health Collaborative and serves on national advisory boards focused on aging, behavioral health, and families.

Developing an Older Adult Peer Support Workforce - Knowledge Speaks but Wisdom Listens

You're invited to a discussion with an expert about an interesting topic related to "Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery" or S.I.L.V.E.R. This free event is not a presentation, but rather an opportunity for you to have an interactive question & answer session. “Developing an Older Adult Peer Support Workforce - Knowledge Speaks but Wisdom Listens” An overview of older adult peer support, highlighting the vital role of lived experience in promoting recovery throughout the lifespan. Guest Speakers: Robert Walker and Cassie Cramer Robert Walker, MS, CPS, COAPS serves with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s Office of Recovery and Empowerment, where he advances peer support for older adults, the Deaf community, and the statewide peer workforce. He helped develop the Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) initiative in Massachusetts and nationally and has led programs such as Buried in Treasures and WRAP for Older Adults. Rob co-chairs the Older Adult Behavioral Health Collaborative and serves on national advisory boards focused on aging, behavioral health, and families. Cassie Cramer, MSW, CPS oversees the Older Adult Behavioral Health Network and the MA Hoarding Resource Network at the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health. With nearly 20 years of experience supporting at-risk older adults, she also serves as a clinician on one of the State’s first Behavioral Health for Aging Populations teams. A Certified Peer Specialist, Cassie is an advocate for statewide behavioral health, peer, and wellness supports that help older adults live in the community of their choice.

"Compassion, Resilience, and Self-Care for Caregivers and Staff Supporting Older Adults Living with Mental Health Challenges" with guest expert Dr. Laura Leone, DSW, MSSW, LMSW

You’re invited to this discussion with an expert about this interesting topic related to “Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery” or S.I.L.V.E.R. This free event is not a presentation, but rather an opportunity for you to have an interactive questions & answer session.

Episode 3_"Promoting Health Access and Vibrant Aging for Older Adults with a Serious Mental Illness" with Guest Expert, Pierluigi Mancini PhD

You’re invited to this discussion with an expert about this interesting topic related to “Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery” or S.I.L.V.E.R. This free event is not a presentation, but rather an opportunity for you to have an interactive questions & answer session. Aging with dignity and purpose is a universal aspiration, but for older adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI), systemic barriers often stand in the way of thriving. This engaging session explores the unique intersection of aging, mental health, and recovery, shining a spotlight on the top five ways we can advance health access and inclusivity to support individuals in becoming vibrant elders. From addressing social isolation to advocating for fair access to holistic healthcare, this session will inspire fresh perspectives and actionable solutions. You'll learn how recovery can evolve into purposeful aging, fostering a sense of community, lifelong learning, and empowerment. We’ll also discuss the critical role of policy advocacy in creating systems that meet the diverse needs of older adults with SMI. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, policymaker, or advocate, you’ll leave with practical insights and creative ideas to bring back to your community. Join us for a high-energy conversation that mixes humor, heart, and hope, as we reimagine what it means to age vibrantly in recovery. Together, we’ll explore how to turn challenges into opportunities and create a future where everyone can thrive.

Episode 2_“Helping Older Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities Find Independence: A Hopeful Approach to Planning” with guest expert Erika R. Carr, PhD.

You're invited to a discussion with an expert about an interesting topic related to "Supporting Individuals to Live as Vibrant Elders in Recovery" or S.I.L.V.E.R. This free event is not a presentation, but rather an opportunity for you to have an interactive question & answer session. Erika R. Carr, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine and is also the Director of the Inpatient Psychology Service and Director of the Behavioral Intervention Service at Connecticut Mental Health Center in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Carr's primary research and clinical interests are positive behavioral support interventions, unique concerns of women with serious mental illness, recovery-oriented care, trauma, and psychology training. Dr. Carr seeks to engage as a social justice change agent in the systems in which she works and broader society. The content of this presentation was funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Grant #90DPEM0004. NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This content does not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS & you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.