T. Casara Quy (Herstory)

Details

Skills

+Trauma-Informed Care & Human Services
Certified Peer Counselor with lived experience navigating behavioral health and recovery
Trauma-informed service delivery grounded in safety, trust, empowerment, and cultural humility
Experience supporting individuals facing homelessness, housing instability, and crisis
Skilled at de-escalation, crisis response, grounding work, and emotional regulation support
Strong ability to maintain boundaries, confidentiality, and professionalism
Compassionate listener who builds trust with youth, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds
+Case Management & Social Service Coordination
Conducting intakes, assessments, and individualized service plans
Tracking participant progress through data systems & reporting requirements
Resource navigation (housing, food, employment, mental health, education)
Experience collaborating with school districts, agencies, and community partners
Teaching and coaching life skills, job readiness, and coping strategies
Coordinating transportation, follow-ups, and wraparound appointments
Maintaining meticulous documentation and participant notes
+Behavioral Health, Youth Work & Peer Support
20+ years supporting children, teens, families, and individuals with disabilities
Classroom management, paraeducator support, and one-on-one behavioral intervention
Experience in early childhood education, SEAL settings, and inclusive classrooms
Peer counseling, advocacy, and strengths-based mentorship
Ability to motivate youth ages 13–21 and guide them toward educational and personal goals
Experience facilitating groups, workshops, and healing-centered activities
+Equity, Diversity & Cultural Responsiveness
Lived experience as a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individual navigating systemic oppression
Commitment to anti-racism, equity, representation, and social justice
Culturally responsive approach to service delivery and relationship building
Experience advocating for marginalized individuals in institutional and family systems
Skilled at navigating complex family dynamics, identity issues, and intersectional challenges
+Organization, Documentation & Administrative Skills
Strong written/verbal communication
High-level organizational skills; ability to juggle multiple priorities
Efficient data entry, case notes, and progress tracking
Managing files, spreadsheets, schedules, and reports
Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and various database systems
Ability to work independently with strong follow-through and accountability
+Creative, Educational & Therapeutic Strengths
Artist, writer, performer, creative healer
Multimedia artistry (visual art, poetry, songwriting, meditation scripts)
Ability to design workshops, meditations, and educational tools
Skilled in creating safe, brave, imaginative spaces for learning and healing
Experience integrating storytelling, ritual, and expressive arts into support work
+Relationship Building, Leadership & Collaboration
Natural rapport-builder who earns trust with authenticity and warmth
Experienced working across teams, programs, and community coalitions
Leadership qualities rooted in empathy, clarity, humor, and lived wisdom
Skilled at conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving
Demonstrated ability to train others, support new staff, and mentor peers
+Personal Strengths & Lived Experience Assets
(I find that these are often the most important in social service and peer roles.)
Resilience, adaptability, and deep emotional intelligence
Ability to understand trauma not just academically, but personally
Insight into patterns of abuse, recovery, transformation, and empowerment
Experience navigating complex interpersonal and systemic barriers
Strong sense of purpose, integrity, and commitment to being of service
Grounded intuition and the ability to “read the room” energetically
Fierce advocate for youth safety, boundaries, and self-worth
+Practical & Professional
Valid WA driver license, vehicle, insurance
CPR/First Aid certified
Certified Peer Counselor
Right Response Trained
Experience transporting clients safely
Comfortable working hybrid, in homes, in community, and in schools

About

I am a trauma-informed case manager, peer counselor, educator, advocate, artist, and community builder with deep lived experience and over 20 years supporting youth, families, and vulnerable populations. I bring exceptional empathy, organizational skill, cultural competence, and a strong commitment to equity, healing, and empowerment.
Across my roles, I have coordinated programs, tracked data, facilitated groups, provided resource navigation, and built relationships with diverse community partners. I take a trauma-informed approach in all work environments. I have extensive experience supporting individuals from marginalized identities, including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, low-income, and disabled peers, and I strive always to create environments grounded in trust, mutual respect, and emotional safety. I bring strong communication skills, high organization, technological competence, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively in fast-paced environments that require adaptability and compassion.
As someone with lived experience navigating behavioral health recovery, systemic barriers, and long-term healing, I am committed to strengthening peer-powered systems and expanding the accessibility of support throughout Washington. I believe deeply in the mission of Peer Washington and the transformative power of community connection. The Washington Peer Network Coordinator role resonates with both my personal journey and my professional vision, and I would be honored to contribute my skills, perspective, and voice to this work.