Brianne LaPelusa, MFA, CRSS

Brianne LaPelusa, MFA, CRSS (she/her) has several years of experience working directly in community mental health and in collaboration with peer providers across the country. Bri currently works on research and innovation projects centered on peer support, substance use, young adulthood and early psychosis programs (EPP, EPINET-TX). Bri’s work is informed by her lived experience and perspective as a Certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist (CRSS). Bri writes, develops and leads projects that advocate for the peer perspective and its many intersections within identity and mental health—including workforce training and practice manual development. Bri coordinates collaborative learning spaces for peers including previous work co-leading the Youth & Young Adult Peer Advisory Board at Thresholds, the largest mental health provider in Illinois. Bri received an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA from The University of Iowa. Bri lives in Chicago and enjoys making music and exploring all forms of art.