Hi there, and welcome! My name is Lydia, and I am the owner of Space Cases. I am a peer support specialist with over 15 years of professional experience in peer support, trauma informed youth engagement, and youth peer support program development, implementation, and evaluation. After seven years working statewide and at a national level, I am excited to bring everything I have learned home to Worcester.
As a peer support specialist, I work with neurodiverse queer and transgender people as they figure out their own goals, needs, and what works for them. This might include finding community connections, navigating mental health systems, advocating for employment or education accommodations, or practicing new communication skills to improve relationships.
My own lived experience includes challenges in school, mental health needs and trauma, and late diagnosed ADHD. My family has been involved with child welfare and mental health systems. I believe very firmly that how we treat each other, particularly children and young people, is at the root of a lot of hurt. I also believe that it is at the root of a lot of care and growth.
When I was a teenager, I did not feel accepted by my family, faith community, or school. I felt alone all the time, even when I was surrounded by other people. I could not figure out how to connect. It took a lot of trial and error, but, eventually, I did find friends and peers who understood what I was going through. I was connected to supportive adults who would listen. Eventually, my nervous system and my heart could calm down a bit because I found people who would be my community even as I grew and changed. I was able to practice new skills, make mistakes, practice some more, and then share those experiences and abilities with other people who were going through their version of what I had been through. These early experiences of peer connection saved my life - being understood made feeling lonely bearable.
I have worked as a youth peer support specialist, peer support specialist supervisor, peer support provider trainer, group facilitator, comprehensive sexual health educator, and program director. I find the most joy in small groups and individual support work, as well as workforce development and training. In addition to my professional experience in the mental health field, I have also worked as a community organizer, employment coach, and comprehensive sexual health educator.
I have a dog named Goose and a cat named Oat Bran. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, crocheting, gardening, and hanging out with my friends and family. My favorite color is yellow and I am pro pineapple on pizza. If you'd like to talk and see if we may be a good fit to work together, please send me a message at Lydia@spacecases.org.
In cahoots,
Lydia
