If you have experienced incarceration and found your way through recovery, reentry, or personal transformation, you have something powerful to offer: understanding. Your lived experience gives you the insight, credibility, and empathy to reach others in ways professionals without that background often can’t.
As a peer support specialist, you can:
- Support others preparing for release by offering real-world insight and encouragement
- Help individuals navigate reentry challenges like housing, employment, and rebuilding relationships
- Model what recovery and stability can look like after incarceration
- Break stigma by showing that change is possible and sustainable
- Build trust with people who may feel isolated, judged, or misunderstood
LMU's training program brings together a community of peers with shared experiences to learn, grow, and prepare for roles in behavioral health, community organizations, and reentry services. It’s more than a training — it’s a step toward turning your story into a source of strength and support for others.
Take the first step toward making a positive impact in the lives of justice impacted and formerly incarcerated individuals. For more information, please contact us at Elizabeth.Tobias@lmu.edu
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LMU Extension is a CalMHSA approved provider for the California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training. This course meets the educational requirements necessary for applicants seeking to take the state certification exam to become a California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. This 80-hour, instructor-led course covers a wide range of topics, including recovery principles, psychiatric rehabilitation, professional boundaries, and defined practices. It also focuses on critical skills such as group facilitation, conflict resolution, and preparing for employment in the behavioral health field. Participants will gain the tools necessary for effective service delivery and helping others navigating additional support services, all while emphasizing career readiness and industry standards.
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Jenny Serrano, MPA
Jenny Serrano is a Children’s Services Administrator III (Program Director) for the County of Los Angeles’ Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Youth Development Services Division. She began her career at DCFS in 2010 after serving as the Special Assistant to Deputy Chief Executive Officer Miguel Santana in the County’s Chief Executive Office. In this role, Jenny assisted with program development, policy analysis, and made recommendations to County leadership while overseeing a $2-billion-dollar portfolio created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Jenny is currently responsible for managing programs that support transition-age foster youth in areas such as employment, transportation, and credit protection, impacting thousands annually. She manages a dedicated team of 26 staff members, including program managers, working toward providing youth with the resources they need for a successful future.
Jenny holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Northridge. She is also an Associate Professor of Political Science at Pierce College, where she has taught for 16 years. Jenny has also served on the Board of Directors for Peace4Kids, a nonprofit organization supporting foster youth in South Los Angeles, and remains involved as a volunteer and consultant.
Jenny entered foster care at 13 years old and aged out at 18, attending 6 high schools and living in 6 different foster homes. At 19, she became a caregiver for her younger brother. Today, Jenny has a family of her own with her children, Nyah (22) and Asher (15), and enjoys reading, road trips, and concerts.
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UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULE
Class meets online via Zoom
February 2 - May 6, 2026
Monday & Wednesday, 6:30 - 9:00PM
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Scholarships are available for California residents through a fully funded program by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) with no out-of-pocket costs for tuition or materials. Scholarship includes the cost of tuition, career counseling, job placement assistance and post-program support for six (6) months. Interested individuals can complete a scholarship application. Click here to apply:
Peer Specialist Scholarship Application - Coming Summer 2025
To request a hard copy of the application, email elizabeth.tobias@lmu.edu or call 310-338-5813.