All of our specialists have been certified through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is a credential for individuals with personal, lived experience in their own mental health recovery. By offering insight into the recovery process based on their own experience, peer specialists are able to provide a unique perspective while providing peer support services. This credential is for persons with serious mental health or co-occurring (mental health & substance use disorder) lived experience.
Formal certification through PCB is necessary to provide Medicaid billable peer support services.
Our Team
Mary Chitwood, Certified Peer Specialist and CPS Team Supervisor
Mary is a United States Army Veteran (Active Duty 2003 – 2006). During her enlistment she was stationed at fort Irwin, CA. She was awarded five Army Achievement Medals, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. She attended the University of Phoenix and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice Administration and Security.
Mary created Robin’s Home to provide Supportive Housing to homeless, unstably housed, and low-income women veterans and their children. Robin’s Home is the first housing program for homeless women veterans and their children. Robin’s Home serves five counties covered by the Butler VA Medical Center and also provides support for Allegheny and Erie counties. Robin’s Home continues to grow supportive services including this latest addition of Peer Support.
Jill Dettro, Certified Peer Specialist
Jill Dettro, is a proud United States Army Veteran (Active Duty 1988 – 1992), bringing resilience and a unique perspective to her role as a Certified Peer Specialist. She is committed to leveraging her military experience to support fellow women veterans on their mental health/substance abuse journey. She utilizes lived experience to foster empathy, understanding, and connection. She is passionate about creating a stigma free environment, offering encouragement, and empowerment to promote recovery in the lives of her peers.
Karen Triscas, Certified Peer Specialist
Karen Triscas is a Navy Veteran. She is passionate about assisting women in finding a whole new way of life from addiction and mental health conditions. She is here to share her own lived experience and be a strong encouraging support. She believes in having fun in recovery and doing new things to broaden her creative mind. She feels having a strong support system set in place is vital in life. She is grateful to be a strong stable support for many other women.