Shannon Brandon’s background has led her to taking on a key role in a new substance-use program at The Center for Counseling & Consultation.

The Peer Mentoring Program now brings a new dimension to services for clients who struggle with substance-use disorder. Brandon’s role is that of a certified peer mentor; she also has earned case-management credentials.

Brandon works hand-in-hand with Kevin Ford, licensed addiction counselor. They see clients each week in The Center’s four-county service area.

Because of her addiction, Brandon lost custody of her kids and was facing “some legal trouble” several years ago.

After multiple rehabilitation attempts, Brandon has been clean for more than six years.

“After my stints in rehab, I eventually moved into an Oxford House in Hutchinson,” Brandon recalled. “I began working the steps and attending meetings, and got a sponsor and got a job.”

As a result, she regained custody of her children in May of 2017; her son is now 16, and daughters are 13 and 9.

“I also am happily married to a man who has been in recovery for 12 years,” she noted.

When she was still a user, “I did just about everything. I am an all-oholic. I started smoking weed and drinking. Then came the methamphetamine, opiates and fentanyl. If it could numb the pain, I did it.”

In her peer-mentoring role, Brandon relies on these experiences to guide others who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

“I want to help others who have taken this path,” she commented. “My sponsor was a peer mentor. I looked up to her as a role model.”

Oftentimes, clients are court-ordered to seek treatment. Therefore, Brandon said, “many don’t want to be here in the first place. And in the beginning, they don’t want a peer mentor either.

“Since accepting a peer mentor is not mandatory, we need to find a way to build a rapport,” Brandon continued. “Clients usually come around so that I can share my experiences and offer strength and hope. “I can show them they are not alone. If they learn that their peer mentor is in recovery, maybe they will realize they can be successful too.”

Her colleague, Kevin Ford, has been clean for 38 years. He used alcohol and other drugs.

In his addiction-counselor role, Ford reassures clients that he doesn’t judge or take sides.

“I am here for the client,” he said. “I work WITH the court, not FOR the court,” he said. “I report urine-sample results when asked, and report cooperation or lack of cooperation.

“I do not report anything about specific issues we discuss. I do not expect them to trust me immediately.”

In addition to her peer-mentoring responsibilities, Brandon helps Ford with paperwork and meets with clients quickly.

“Shannon is a real benefit to the clients because her participation cuts down on the wait-time to see me,” Ford said. “Also, she reminds them about their scheduled appointments. Electronic Medical Records do this too but Shannon offers the personal touch.”

Approximately 30 clients are participating in the peer program so far.

The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.