There are not many group models that are supportive of a wide range of people concerning their languages, environments, and backgrounds. My two guests today have formed a powerful support system that needs to be replicated everywhere in the world. Join us to learn more!

Annette Cycon has been a social worker for over 30 years, specializing in group work. With Liz Friedman, she co-founded the nonprofit MotherWoman in Massachusetts, and she went on to lead that organization for 15 years. Their mission was to increase awareness and access to mental health resources for perinatal women at risk for or experiencing perinatal emotional complications. This included designing and training peers and professionals in their unique trauma-informed support group model for moms. In 2017, they founded GPS Group Peer Support to broaden the scope of their work to include those struggling with addiction and recovery, newly-arrived refugees, first-generation college students, frontline workers suffering trauma as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and others, in addition to perinatal parents and caregivers. GPS is now being implemented in communities internationally and in seven languages. 

Nallely (Nelly) Willis, CLC, BBA, PMHC, has spent ten years providing nationwide peer support in English and Spanish to families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She is uniquely attuned to the challenges that expecting and new families face, and she supports them through lactation, childbirth, doula, and postpartum consultation, education, and support. Nallely ran a nonprofit organization, Heartsounds Inc., serving perinatal, low-income Latina, and BIPOC mothers across southern AZ. She has been with GPS Group Peer Support for six years, rising to the position of Program Director, as well as being a GPS Certified Coach, Support Group Facilitator, and Master Trainer in English and Spanish. Nallely has been a volunteer for nine years with the Arizona Chapter of Postpartum Support International in Outreach and Education and on the Bilingual Warmline. She is currently a counselor with the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. 

Show Highlights:

Resources:

Connect with Group Peer Support: Website and Facebook

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support! 

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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