“One of the best decisions I've ever made in my entire 46 years on this earth. I experienced such tremendous growth that I'm not only the best Peer Support Professional possible, but a better human being.”
Peer Specialist Core Training
Gain the skills, knowledge, and certification training needed to support individuals on their recovery journey. This cohort-based training covers core principles, hands-on techniques, and real-world applications for peer support.
Join a network of professionals making an impact. Learn, practice, and complete your Peer Recovery Specialist Certification Training in as little as 8 weeks.
Who is this course for
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Peer Support Workers
who are passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery and want to expand their professional expertise.
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Community Leaders
looking to strengthen their skills in evidence-based practices and sustainable workforce development in behavioral health.
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Healthcare Teams
aiming to create more inclusive, recovery-focused environments through peer-led initiatives and trauma-informed care.
What you'll get out of this course
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Comprehensive Learning Modules
Explore essential peer support topics through interactive modules, hands-on activities, and recovery principles designed for real-world application.
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Dynamic Group Sessions
Join live group discussions, collaborate with peers, and practice facilitation skills through role-play for diverse, engaging learning.
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Personalized Coaching
Work one-on-one with experienced mentors to receive tailored feedback and create an action plan for your professional growth.
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Real-World Case Studies
Tackle real-life case studies and group projects, fostering leadership and teamwork while creating meaningful community impact.
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Certificate and Career Support
Earn a recognized certificate in peer support and gain access to ongoing professional development resources.
Meet Your Instructor
Darian Elmendorf
Lead Facilitator
Specializing in integrating peer support models with workforce education strategies in the recovery sector.
- Author of the Peer Specialist Core Certification Curriculum, widely recognized for its innovative approach to recovery and peer support.
- Currently spearheading the Training & Career Development program at Polaris Pathways, a leader in recovery workforce education.
- Previously served as the Director of Peer Support at SL24 UnLocke The Light Foundation, an award-winning peer support program for youth and young adults.
- Played a key role as Social Determinants Impact Advisor at Delaware's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, known for its groundbreaking work in peer support.
Join an upcoming cohort
Peer Specialist Core Training
Pick a start date that works for you. New cohorts open every quarter.
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- Dates
- Mar 3 - May 5, 2026
- Time
- 5:00–7:00pm MST
Meets each week- Tuesday
- Thursday
Enrollment closed -
- Dates
- Mar 3 - May 5, 2026
- Time
- 5:00–7:00pm MST
Meets each week- Tuesday
- Thursday
Enrollment closed -
- Dates
- May 5 - Aug 4, 2026
- Time
- 5:00–7:00pm MST
Meets each week- Tuesday
- Thursday
Enrollment closed -
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Student Stories
What Our Students Say
Real experiences from professionals who trained with Polaris Pathways
This course includes
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Live cohort sessions
Weekly facilitated meetings via Zoom.
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Self-paced modules
Recorded lessons, reading, and worksheets.
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Real-world toolkits
Frameworks, scripts, and intake forms.
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A peer cohort network
Connection with classmates that lasts past graduation.
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Lifetime access
Revisit materials any time.
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Office hours support
Open Q&A with our facilitator team.
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Case studies
Real situations from the field.
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Certification on completion
Industry-recognized credential.
Free Template
Download Template
Get Reimbursed by your Employer
Use your company's Professional Development budget. Since Polaris Pathways teaches job-relevant skills, you could get tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Make the request with a ready-made template. We drafted an email for you listing the course benefits to make it easy to ask for company funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will I get a certificate?
Yes, you will get a Peer Recovery Specialist Certificate from Polaris Pathways which you can use to verify you have met the education requirement for certification/recertification. -
What if I miss a live session?
Our attendance policy requires that you are present at each live session. In the event of an emergency or other acceptable absence, a recording of the session will be available as a make up assignment. -
What is the expected time commitment?
The training is designed to fit into the busy schedules of professionals. Each cohort includes live sessions twice a week. If you miss a live session, recordings will be available to ensure you stay on track. In total, you'll commit 8 hours per week for live sessions, homework, and any self-paced activities. -
What is a cohort-based course?
Cohort-based courses combine live workshops, videos, articles, and projects to create impactful learning experiences. You participate, learn, and collaborate with other students throughout the course. It's common for students to stay connected long after the course ends. -
How long is the course?
The course lasts for 8 weeks depending on the cohort, with live sessions every week and assignments to complete between sessions. -
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for people with lived experiences in recovery who wish to complete the education requirement for the Colorado Providers Association's Certified Peer & Family Specialist Certification. -
Are there any ongoing resources or support after the course ends?
We provide ongoing support through our Training and Career Development Center. After the course, you'll have access to career coaching, mentorship, exam prep, certification assistance, continuing education, recertification programs, fieldwork opportunities, and job connections. Our goal is to help you stay organized, certified, and ready to advance in your career. -
Can I get reimbursed by my company?
Most companies appreciate it if employees want to improve their skills and are happy to provide support for courses that are in line with this goal. To help you with requesting reimbursement, we provide a template you can use. Contact training@polarispathways.com for the reimbursement request template. -
Can I get a group discount?
Yes, please email training@polarispathways.com if you'd like a group discount. -
How do I sign up?
Complete the interest form on the course page and click "Get started" to start your application and secure your spot. We'll guide you through the simple application process and notify you about the status of your enrollment before the application deadline. -
What if I'm not tech-savvy?
Don't worry! Our platform is user-friendly, and we offer tech support to help you navigate through the course. -
I have more questions, who do I contact?
You can reach us at training@polarispathways.com