Bio
Hello! My name is Jay and my pronouns are he/him. I am a peer professional with lived experience as an autistic LGBTQ Individual. I have lived experience in the mental health system as both a youth and an adult. I am an outspoken hero in my own story of surviving Intimate Partner Violence and advocating for myself and others.
I began my journey toward becoming a peer in an unconventional way. I thrived in my academics despite my involvement with the mental health system and trauma history. I received a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Stony Brook University in 2018. Shortly after, I experienced a crisis that would turn my life around, first for the worst and then for the better. When I started my recovery journey in 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic was looming, I re-entered the workforce permanently at SCO Family of Services where I started out working in their Therapeutic Foster Care program. I also went back to school to get my Masters Degree in Social & Public Policy and received that and an Advanced Certificate in Child & Family Advocacy from Empire State University in 2023.
In 2023, I also received my provisional Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) credential and started working as a Youth Peer Advocate at SCO Family of Services after 3 years of prior of being in a non-peer role with the agency. After a year and a half of being a YPA, I applied for my professional credential. Shortly after receiving that, I accepted a position at Families Together in New York State as the Youth Training Coordinator. I also hold a provisional credential as a New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS-P).
In the future, I hope to continue educating and advocating. I am open to whatever opportunities the future brings. I hope to get involved with educating people about the LGBTQ experience as well as the experiences of neurodivergent individuals.