Peers in Libraries | Peer Kent

Our Peers in Libraries program allows our Peer Services Specialists to actively engage with the community. Each library we work with has a peer that offers peer counseling, support, and referral services to individuals dealing with mental health and/or addiction challenges. They are well-versed in community resources related to housing, employment, medical, and mental health services. For the most part, they are there to help and offer an empathetic ear to those in need.

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Check out the King County Library System Foundation video to learn more about the range of community programs available at King County libraries and catch a glimpse of our library peers in action!

Anthony was born and raised in Dallas, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of North Texas. He struggled with mental health during his studies and became addicted to drugs and alcohol to avoid the trauma and abuse he endured for years as a child. His struggle with addiction led to him losing various jobs, living in his car, and eventually his arrest. Being incarcerated forced him to think about his decisions and allowed him to take advantage of all the resources that were offered to him. After his release, he started mental health counseling, moved to a transition home, and attended support groups where he found a sense of community and purpose.

Anthony is committed to serving others in recovery and being the person he needed when he was younger. Outside of peer work, you can catch him reading a book, jogging, or spending time with his friends. 

1102 Auburn Way S

Auburn, WA 98002

400 SW 152nd Street

Burien, WA 98166

River is originally from Seattle and was primarily raised in Idaho, growing up in the wake of military life and all the movement, rupture, and adaptation that comes with it. As an Army brat, they learned early that war does not stay on the battlefield—it follows families home, settles into nervous systems, and echoes across generations. That understanding shaped a deep commitment to serving veterans and service members, regardless of discharge status, and the families who carry the aftermath, too.

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Their story is one of survival, institutional walls, and rewriting the meaning of labels. From long- and short-term behavioral health facilities to transitional and group homes, River’s adolescence was shaped by systems that often saw symptoms before story. Missing much of 6th through 12th grade due to severe mental health challenges became both a wound and a lens—one that now allows them to translate pain into language, systems into context, and labels into lived truth.

Rather than seeing these experiences as something to hide, River’s work and writing transform them into witness. Their perspective is rooted in the belief that what society often calls “toxic,” “unstable,” or “too much” is often survival, trying to stay alive. As a neurodivergent individual, peer supporter, writer, and advocate, they bring both rebellion and compassion to conversations around healing, military family trauma, and breaking generational cycles.

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Outside of work, River can usually be found collecting gifts from the earth—mostly rocks—writing poetry, building worlds through art, or geeking out over YUNGBLUD and rock artists from every era. Ask about their special interests if you have time; every obsession has a story, and every story means something.

1700 1st Street

Enumclaw, WA 98022

Jill is a natural-born Washingtonian who enjoys the outdoors. As a youngling, she enjoyed the outside so much that she joined in any sport she could. But she struggled secretly with mental illness; making friends with others was difficult. In school, she was severely bullied to the point of trying to commit suicide several times up into her adulthood. It was always difficult for her family members to recognize the subtle signs. As a teen, she was wild, experienced homelessness, did many hard drugs, and partied.

As Jill aged into young adulthood, her mental illness didn't get any better because she was in an abusive relationship with two young children. She was not doing many drugs at this time, if any at all because she was always afraid of CPS and losing her children. In her mid-twenties, she got rid of her abusive boyfriend. Jill did many years in restaurant service, but the extreme environment was a challenge, especially with little support. After a while, she learned about peer support and knew she would do well in that area because she had to deal with most problems alone and always had to advocate for herself. She loves helping others and finds seeing others succeed in life is one of the greatest passions in the world. She went to class for CPC and volunteered her time to learn the ropes. Jill is happy-go-lucky and enjoys life to the max nowadays!

34200 1st Way S

Federal Way, WA 98003

Secilia is the mother of two beautiful children and a huge puppy named Maru, the lights of her life. She believes it’s never too late to become the you that you are meant to be. Prior to becoming a CPC, she spent a lot of time doing customer service jobs, not knowing yet what she wanted to passionately do with her life. At a time when she was feeling lost, by pure chance, Secilia began an internship with Peer Kent. After becoming educated about what Peer Support is, Secilia began to realize the parts of her life she had thought were her weaknesses, had become her strengths. Recovery is possible, and she loves spreading that hope to others. 

212 2nd Avenue N

Kent, WA 98032

Born and raised in the warmth of Hawaii, Rae has always felt a deep connection to the natural beauty of her homeland. However, her early years were shaped by significant challenges that have contributed to her growth into the compassionate and resilient person she is today. Rae’s journey began with humble beginnings, marked by the difficulties of growing up in a family affected by addiction. Her childhood was filled with emotional hardship and painful circumstances that, while overwhelming, did not define her. Experiences of trauma, including substance use disorder and abuse, as well as domestic violence, left lasting impacts on her sense of self-worth and understanding of the world. These challenges were compounded by generational trauma, yet Rae’s strength allowed her to navigate these dark moments.

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Despite the hardships, Rae has emerged as a powerful source of hope and inspiration, offering support to others who are struggling with feelings of isolation or despair. For the past decade, Rae, her family, and their dog ‘Āina have called Washington home, embracing the beauty of the outdoors, the richness of local culture, unique cuisine, music, and the joy of sunshine-filled summers. Looking ahead, Rae dreams of having her own chickens and a goat while continuing to nurture positivity and strength. Her journey of healing and transformation is driven by her deep desire to uplift others and share her unwavering spirit.

13718 Pacific Ave S

Tacoma, WA 98444

100 Mill Avenue S

Renton, WA 98057

Tony was born in Renton, WA, and lived in King County till the age of 10. At that time, his family of six moved to Sequim, WA, to get away from the city life and have a tranquil upbringing. Well, things don’t always end up as we planned. After having lost half his family in 2 years in different tragedies, he was repeatedly recycled in and out of the criminal justice system while, at the same time, battling substance abuse issues and homelessness. 

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The many traumas and hardships he faced have empowered him with the strength to rebuild his life as he believes in leading by example and showing others that after losing so much, there is still LOVE. Tony saw the power of peer support, and with the encouragement of people around him, he became a CPC, then a recovery coach. The journey Tony experienced created the kind, loving, and happy person he is today while providing him the passion for assisting others on their path to healing. 

Sarah is a compassionate and empathetic individual in recovery from substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Originally from Federal Way, Washington, she has spent the last 20 years on the East Coast, developing a deep connection to her work and the communities she serves. Sarah began her career as a volunteer teacher working with children with special needs, a role that resonated deeply with her due to her personal experience raising two boys diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This experience has fueled Sarah's passion for supporting individuals with shared lived experiences, especially those affected by developmental disabilities, trauma, substance use disorder, homelessness, and mental health.

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Currently, Sarah serves as a Peer Coach and Peer Services Specialist with Peer Kent, supporting individuals navigating similar challenges. Sarah is also a proud mother of three children. Outside of work, she enjoys music, being an active part of the recovery community, and sharing her story to inspire hope and make others smile.

1386 Southcenter Mall

Tukwila, WA 98188