Who We Are Now
The Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (IAPP) is an independent, peer-led, statewide professional
association governed by an eight-member volunteer Board of Directors. All board members are
peer professionals with lived experience who are actively committed to strengthening, sustaining,
and advancing the peer workforce across Illinois.
Having successfully completed the Year 1–3 goals of our original strategic plan under fiscal
sponsorship, IAPP has intentionally transitioned into an autonomous organization. This evolution
reflects our growth, clarity of purpose, and readiness to lead as a unified voice for peer
professionals.
Vision
A thriving, respected, and sustainable peer workforce across Illinois—where peer professionals are
valued, supported, and empowered as essential leaders in behavioral health and communitybased systems.
Mission
IAPP advances, connects, and advocates for peer professionals and peer-based services across
Illinois. We strengthen the peer workforce by:
-Advocating for equitable, accessible, and trauma-informed workplaces
-Supporting peer role clarity, sustainability, and leadership
-Creating spaces for connection, professional growth, and collective voice
-Partnering with aligned organizations to advance shared workforce goals
Workforce Advocacy & Voice
- Elevate peer perspectives in policy, systems change, and workforce conversations
- Serve as a trusted convener and subject-matter resource on peer roles
- Highlight peer leadership and lived experience expertise
Community & Connection
- Maintain and grow a statewide peer professional network
- Foster peer-to-peer connection, mutual learning, and shared problem-solving
- Create psychologically safe spaces for dialogue and collective action
Professional Development & Support
- Support skill-building, leadership development, and role sustainability
- Partner with aligned organizations to expand learning opportunities
- Promote best practices for peer supervision, support, and retention
Organizational Sustainability
- Strengthen board governance and shared leadership practices
- Develop diversified funding strategies aligned with peer values
- Build infrastructure that supports long-term independence and impact
Want to get involved? Reach out!
Cheryl R. Hahn, CRSS, CPRS
President
Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (IAPP)
[email protected]
Google Voice: 872-307-2553
