Turning Point's Desirée Nelson Named Tennessee's 2026 Advocate of Peer Services

A Memphis peer recovery specialist earns statewide recognition for championing peer support.

Recovery is easier when someone has walked the road before you. That is the idea behind peer support, and it is why one of our own just earned statewide recognition.

Desirée Nelson, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at our Turning Point peer support center, received the 2026 CPRS Advocate of Peer Services Award (Individual) at the Tennessee All Peer Conference in Nashville on September 21.

A statewide honor for peer support

The award comes from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. It recognizes a certified peer recovery specialist who has been at the forefront of advocating for peer recovery services for Tennesseans living with mental health or substance use challenges.

Peer specialists from across the state gathered in Nashville for the two-day conference, hosted by the department.

What a peer recovery specialist does

A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist is someone with lived experience in recovery who is trained and certified by the State of Tennessee to support others on the same path. They are not therapists. They are guides, encouragers, and advocates.

At Turning Point, that looks like:

• Listening without judgment to people wherever they are in recovery

• Helping members build a wellness plan that fits their own goals

• Leading drop-in support groups and activities

• Connecting people to other help when they need it, from treatment to housing

Meeting people where they are

Turning Point supervisor Marta Hernandez says Desirée's approach is what sets her apart.

"Desirée is caring, compassionate, and supportive of our members, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in their lives. Her commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting them on their individual journeys is truly appreciated." Marta Hernandez, Turning Point

We are proud of Desirée, and grateful for the whole Turning Point team.

Visit Turning Point

Turning Point is a peer-led recovery support center at 4088 Summer Avenue in Memphis. It is a welcoming, home-like space for adults in recovery from mental health or substance use challenges, and for the family members who support them.

• No appointment needed. Walk in Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

• Questions? Call (901) 369-1410.

• Learn more about peer support services at Alliance.

Turning Point is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.