Lisa Krystynak is a Senior Training Associate at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University, since October 2023. She completed her MS in Rehabilitation Counseling at Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA in December 2009. Prior to joining the Center of Psychiatric Rehabilitation on a full-time basis, Lisa worked for 3 years in a consulting role as a Coach in the “Coaching and Achievement for Peer Providers” program, designed to decrease work-related stress and turnover among peer providers.
Before joining Boston University, Lisa worked for 9 years for a peer-run agency offering recovery services to uninsured people with mental health and substance use challenges. She served in a variety of roles (In-Reach Extender Director, Recovery Hub Director, Drug Court Liaison, Director of Employment and Director of Transitional Aged Youth Program).
Lisa also has extensive experience working within the Foster Care System. She served as the Foster Care Director for a non-profit organization operating across North and South Carolina, providing comprehensive education, treatment, and care for children (birth to 18 years) in need. In addition, Lisa served as a Therapeutic Foster Parent for 15 years in her local community.
Along with being a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Lisa also has lived experience as a mother of someone with substance use challenges and understands the impact of addiction on a family system. Lisa has had the opportunity to support other mothers and family members, as they consider their own recovery and attempt to navigate the Justice System alongside their loved one.
Lisa has dedicated the last 35 years of her career to supporting people experiencing Mental Health challenges, substance use disorders and trauma, in a way that supports their own personal hopes and dreams. Through professional trainings and tapping into her own lived experiences, Lisa believes people have their own solutions and that these solutions can be realized if helpers will listen for understanding and connection, without judgement.