Meet Kelsey Johnson, Peer Support Specialist
Meet Kelsey Johnson, Peer Support Specialist at the Hawthorn Walk-In Center. Drawing on her lived experience, she helps individuals in crisis find connection, support, and a path forward.
Finding her path
Before joining LifeWorks NW, Kelsey’s career centered on helping others. She spent nearly a decade supporting adults with developmental disabilities and later worked as a Nursing Assistant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As much as I loved what I was doing, I wanted to explore different ways I could support people going through difficult times,” Kelsey says.
A friend working at Hawthorn encouraged her to become a Peer Support Specialist. While she initially hesitated to make such a significant career change, she eventually pursued certification and applied when an opening became available.
“When I became a Peer Support Specialist myself, the dream job was to work at Hawthorn,” she says. “I jumped on the opportunity!”
A personal connection to Hawthorn
Kelsey’s commitment to her work is deeply rooted in her own journey.
“The Hawthorn Walk-In Center played a role in my mental health journey when I was experiencing my own mental health crisis as a young adult,” she says. “I met with the kindest, most welcoming and supportive Peer Support Specialist and clinician. They made me feel supported, and I left there feeling safe, like I could continue the fight for another day.”
That experience continues to shape how she shows up for others today, inspiring her to offer the same sense of hope and support she once received.
“I have the privilege of walking alongside clients amidst their mental health crises,” Kelsey says. “Drawing on lived experience, I provide emotional support and connect clients with resources while they work on establishing ongoing services.”
Turning experience into purpose
After surviving suicide attempts and seeking support for her mental health, she became a passionate advocate for mental health support and suicide prevention.
“To be able to give back to the community that helped me through my own hard times and advocate for these things I believe in as my career is truly one of the highest honors,” she says.
She also values the unique connection that peer support can create.
“It feels good knowing that, although I wish my past wasn’t so hard to get through, at least those experiences can be used to help me connect to people in a way I could never imagine when I was going through the worst of it,” adds Kelsey.
Staying grounded
Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys playing video games, doing art, being in nature, and spending time with her nephew. On Saturdays you can find her meeting up with friends for a game of Dungeons & Dragons.
“I’m also a big fan of finding local events where I have an excuse to dress up in fun outfits and costumes.”