Dahlton Burke

Lead Certified Peer Support Specialist

I’ve have been part of New Narrative since 2015. I am self educated; my discovery and growth as a peer comes from a long road of self-care with many starts and stops along the way. I am a strong advocate for the the Queer and BIPOC communities. 

My lived experience: Autism, C-PTSD, Houselessness, Severe Depression

Generalized Anxiety, Partial Epilepsy (Post Surgery), Childhood physical and sexual abuse, queer/LGBTQIA (I’m trans and identify as non-binary), Suicidal outpatient and inpatient services

I have certifications/training in: PWS (Peer Wellness Specialist), AED/First Aid/CPR, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Alt2S (Alternatives to Suicide), CCAR (Cultural-Centered Approach to Recovery), DBT (Dialectal Behavioral Therapy)

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I’m an amateur artist with interests in games (tabletop and digital). I’ve attended many conventions but have only cosplayed less than a handful of times. I am comfortable with being casual to empower personal connection with those I work with, however, I can very easily transition to a more formal way of conversation when needed. My cat’s name is Nicolas Cage because he likes to scream and knows a few tricks.​

Vivilynn Amity

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Hiya, you can call me Viv or Vivi. I have been on the road to self-recovery and constantly working on becoming the best version of myself. I’m actively in therapy. Being neurodivergent and Queer, I’m an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in and out of the LGBTQIA+ communities.   

My lived experience: ADHD, C-PTSD, BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), Major Depressive Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorder, Speech Impediment (speech therapy from 2nd to 7th grade), Self-Harm(since I was 8, been in recovery since I was 24), Spousal abuse, Substance Abuse (weed), Divorce, Parenthood, Emotional Neglect, Very Queer/LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Transgender, Demisexual).

I am an elder emo, music is my safe space, and I make playlists depending on my moods. I have fun dabbling in witchcraft and tarot as tools of self-reflection. I am a mom of a wonderful 8-year-old and the cutest little cat named Ginji. I have always been described as easy to open up to; I enjoy being that space for someone to vent and feel comforted in those moments. 

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Certifications: HVN (Hearing Voices Network) Facilitator, PSS (Peer Support Specialist)

Manzie Butler

Senior Program Manager, Peer Services

I am a person in long-term recovery from both substance use and mental wellness challenges. I moved from Oakland, CA to Portland where I have found my way to working as a Peer Specialist. I now view my hardships in life only work as assets.

I come with a mixed background - from working with underserved inner-city communities to being a Montessori Toddler Teacher! I just enjoy working with people :)

My lived experience: I identify as someone in recovery from both mental wellness and substance use challenges. I am a survivor of domestic violence, childhood abuse, neglect, and self-harm. I am a person with body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder. 

I find balance outside of work hours with my passion for photography as well as collaborating with her boyfriend to throw community events.

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I support with many programs across New Narrative, with my primary mission being integrating peers within mental health settings.