Presenters: Kelly Friedlander, Briana Thompson, Brittany Ellis
All NOTS live Q&A events are held via Zoom from 1:00-2:00 ET / 12:00-1:00 CT / 11:00-12:00 MT / 10:00-11:00 PT.
Description:
Peer mentoring is a powerful tool for fostering independence, self-advocacy, and emotional well-being among people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). This session explores how I/DD Peer Mentors use their lived experiences to support others facing similar circumstances, particularly in mental health. Through real-world stories and practical strategies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the value of peer mentoring, how it promotes resilience, and how it can be integrated into support systems. The session will also feature firsthand accounts from I/DD Peer Mentors who will share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Understand the Role of I/DD Peer Mentors – Learn what peer mentoring is and how mentors use their lived experiences to empower and guide others.
- Explore the Connection Between Peer Mentoring and Mental Health – Understand how peer mentoring can improve self-esteem, reduce social isolation, and provide emotional support for people with mental health conditions.
- Identify Key Skills for Effective Peer Mentorship – Discover essential skills such as active listening, setting boundaries, and providing resource connections that make for a successful mentoring relationship.
Kelly Friedlander, Founder & CEO, Community Bridges | Advocate for Disability Inclusion
Kelly Friedlander is a passionate advocate for disability rights and an expert in systems change, inclusion, and policy development. As the Founder and CEO of Community Bridges, she has dedicated her career to improving opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). With a background in social work and public policy, Kelly specializes in building collaborative initiatives that empower individuals with disabilities to lead self-determined lives. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing peer mentorship programs, vocational initiatives, and community-based services that foster inclusion and independence.
Kelly has worked extensively with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to create sustainable pathways for people with disabilities to access education, employment, and community engagement. Through Community Bridges, she has spearheaded initiatives like the Bridging Pathways: I/DD Peer Mentoring Initiative, which connects trained peer mentors with individuals seeking guidance and support. Her work focuses on breaking down barriers, amplifying lived experiences, and ensuring that policy changes reflect the real needs of the I/DD community. Kelly’s commitment to inclusion continues to shape her advocacy, making her a key voice in disability policy and mentorship programs.
Briana Thompson, Bridging Pathways Initiative Facilitator & Graphic Artist, Community Bridges
Briana Thompson brings her creative vision and deep commitment to the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community to her dual roles at Community Bridges. As the Bridging Pathways Initiative Facilitator, she plays a key role in guiding and supporting the Peer Mentor Training Program for People with I/DD. Briana engages participants with insightful discussions, co-leads sessions, and fosters an inclusive learning environment essential for nurturing future peer mentors.
A graduate of the Ability Leadership Program – NC and the pilot cohort of the Peer Mentor Training Program in 2021, Briana later joined Easterseals UCP as an I/DD Peer Mentor. She actively supports individuals with I/DD by helping them develop independence, set goals, and navigate social challenges. In addition to her facilitation work, Briana is a graphic artist, creating impactful visual content for initiatives like the Abilities Leadership Project – NC. Her passion for storytelling, advocacy, and inclusive education stems from her personal experience growing up with her sister Shelby, who also has Asperger’s. Through her work, Briana strives to transform public understanding of I/DD, ensuring individuals with disabilities are recognized for their unique contributions.
Brittany Ellis, Peer Mentor Training Program Facilitator, Bridging Pathways: The I/DD Peer Mentoring Initiative
At Community Bridges, Brittany Ellis serves as a Peer Mentor Training Program Facilitator, using her lived experience with disabilities to enhance the Bridging Pathways: I/DD Peer Mentoring Initiative. She is dedicated to fostering active learning, guiding participants through mentorship principles, and creating a supportive space where individuals with I/DD can grow into empowered peer mentors. Her approach emphasizes self-determination, inclusion, and practical skill-building.
Brittany’s journey as a disability advocate began with her own employment experiences, starting in 2009 at a daycare and later working at Walgreens from 2010 to 2017. She has been an active supporter of the National Inclusion Project, earning the prestigious Bubel Aiken Founders Award and the Dean Russell Beavers Memorial Outstanding Citizenship Award from MARC. In 2021, she completed her Peer Mentor training, which led to her role in teaching self-determination classes at JCI. A certified Inclusive Recreation Specialist through the National Inclusion Project, Brittany continues to develop educational resources, including an e-book on emotions and self-determination. She shares her insights on inclusion through her blog, The Reality of Inclusion, advocating for a society where people with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.
This event is part of the National Online Training Series and is available by subscription from the National Center for START Services®. Each month, the NOTS includes a pre-recorded presentation and a live Q&A session with presenters, available to subscribers only. You must be subscribed to our list to receive the recording and access the live Q&A.
How to subscribe: Current START programs are automatically subscribed. Many individuals can access the NOTS for free by partnering with their local START program. If you or your agency are interested in subscribing, please fill out this NOTS interest survey. A member of our training department will connect with you for next steps.
Accommodation Requests: It is our goal to make the NOTS live Q&A accessible for all. CART services will be provided for every live Q&A and does not require an accommodation request. Should you have additional accommodation requests, please complete this form and we will make every reasonable effort to meet that request. Someone from NCSS will contact you about the status of your request.
Disclaimer: Speakers and presenters participating in sessions are encouraged to express their findings, experiences, and conclusions on specific topics. They are selected for their areas of expertise and personal and professional knowledge. Therefore, points of view or opinions of our speakers and presenters do not officially represent the National Center for START Services®, the Institute on Disability, or the University of New Hampshire.
