1. ConfidentialRésumé​​of
MATTHEW F. BONAKER
470-262-5434 or matt.bonaker.cps@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a position as Certified Peer Specialist providing support and education to consumers of mental
health services and promote personal responsibility and empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery.
Summary of Experience
● Assisting Peers in skill building, goal setting, recovery dialogues and helping them build their own self­directed recovery tools.
● Supporting consumers in developing an IFFP with recovery goals and steps to obtain goals.
● Understanding structure of the Georgia mental health system, client rights, cultural competency, confidentiality and APS
Healthcare charting.
● Assisting Peers determine interventions based on life recovery goals, observing progress made and documenting on an ISP.
● Experienced facilitator in consumer focused recovery groups.
● Assisting non­consumer staff to identify program environments conducive to recovery; lend insight into proof of MI recovery.
● Attendance of treatment team meetings to promote consumer’s use of self­directed recovery tools.
● Marketing for dual­diagnosis, Behavioral Health Project.
Speaking Engagements
● GMHCN Recovery Rallies, Decatur Heights, Decatur, GA. – 2012, 2013
● Discovery and Focus Mental Health Fair, Decatur, GA. – 2013
● Emory School of Medicine on the stigma of mental illness ­. 2009 ­ 2012
● Gainesville Day Reporting Center on recovery and family support – 2009, 2010
● Druid Hills High School on mental illness and recovery – 2008 & 2009
● Hapeville Police Academy for Crisis Intervention Training on mental illness ­ 2007
● West Central Hospital in Columbus, GA. on Consumer Advocacy ­ 2005
Professional Experience
● Certified Peer Specialist ­ New Joshua Circle of Hope for Mental Wellness, Peer Center, Decatur GA: 2013 ­ 2014
● Certified Peer Specialist ­ GMHCN Peer Support and Wellness Center, Decatur GA: 2011 to 2013
● Certified Peer Specialist ­ Stand Incorporated, Behavioral Health Project, Decatur, GA: 2012 ­ 2013
● Certified Peer Specialist ­ The Quilt Transitional Services, ACT Team, Atlanta, GA: 2011 ­ 2012
● Certified Peer Specialist ­ Serene Reflections, ACT Team & CORE, Atlanta, GA: 2010 ­ 2011
● Certified Peer Specialist ­ Grady Health System, Peer Center / ADS & P.A.T.H. Team ­ Atlanta GA: 2006 ­ 2010
Education, Certifications, Trainings
● CPS ​[Certified Peer Specialist] Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project
● W.R.A.P.​ Facilitator [Wellness Recovery Action Plan]
● W.H.A.M.​ Certified [Whole Health Action Management]
● CPI ​Trained [X3] Crisis Prevention Institute
● IPS ​Intentional Peer Support Trained
● TIPS ​Trauma­Informed Peer Support Trained
● NAMI ​Peer to Peer Recovery Mentor / Facilitator
● PATH ​Strategies for Strong Partnerships, Georgia PATH Housing: ​Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness
● BM Ed​. Bachelors of Music Education Columbus State University, Columbus, GA.