The Peer Support Specialist programs are run by Lakes Region, River Valley, and White Mountain community colleges.
Each Peer Support Specialist course is managed by one of three community colleges, LRCC, RVCC, or WMCC. If you have questions regarding a specific course, please reach out to the college running that course.
River Valley Community College: Dan Osborn
- Email: [email protected]
- 603-542-7744 x5347
Lakes Region Community College: Steve Tucker
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-366-5229
White Mountain Community College: Annette Cole
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-342-3062
In this asynchronous online training, students will complete learning modules online at their convenience following a structured 9-week course schedule The format includes:
- Online learning modules that introduce core peer support concepts, crisis support, recovery models, and ethics.
- Weekly 75‑minute virtual Community of Practice sessions where students deepen their learning through discussions, role‑plays, guided practice, and case‑based application of peer support skills.
The Introduction to Peer Support and Community of Practice courses are currently grant-funded and free to NH students.
Tuition for eligible students is supported by HRSA funding awarded to Lakes Region, River Valley, and White Mountain community colleges from September 1, 2025 – August 30, 2029, as part of a $399,917 annual grant.
Students can complete both the online course (40-46 total hours) and the 75-minute weekly Community of Practice in 9-10 weeks. Those who successfully finish all course modules, which include built-in assessments, and participate in Community of Practice sessions will be eligible to receive a formal Certification from the State of NH, along with the title “Certified Peer Support Specialist.”
These elements ensure that students not only learn peer support theory, but also practice the real‑world interpersonal and advocacy skills needed to support individuals through recovery, self‑care, crisis stabilization, and community navigation
Upcoming cohorts are:
- March 30-June 7, 2026
- June 8-August 17, 2026 (registration opens on May 18th)
- September 14-November 23, 2026
Students who successfully complete all modules and Community of Practice sessions will receive a formal State of NH Certification and the title Certified Peer Support Specialist.
The Peer Support Specialist programs are run by Lakes Region, River Valley, and White Mountain community colleges.
Each Peer Support Specialist course is managed by one of three community colleges, LRCC, RVCC, or WMCC. If you have questions regarding a specific course, please reach out to the college running that course.
Lakes Region Community College: Steve Tucker
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-366-5229
River Valley Community College: Dan Osborn
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-542-7744 x5347
White Mountain Community College: Annette Cole
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-342-3062