Who We Are

The Christian Peer Network (CPN) is a faith-based nonprofit ministry committed to equipping Christ-followers to support those who are struggling with serious mental health challenges. We are a network of trained volunteers who have personal experience with mental health challenges — either our own or a loved one’s. As the ‘Good Samaritans’ of mental health, we provide practical help and spiritual encouragement to those who are struggling. While it’s not the Church’s job to cure mental illness, we believe the Church plays a vital role in caring for those who suffer.

Our Mission

To create a network of well-trained volunteers who have personal experience overcoming their own or a loved one’s mental health challenges and who are fully equipped to provide practical and spiritual support to those who are currently struggling with mental health challenges.

Our Guiding Beliefs

Jesus Christ is alive and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, He works through His followers to bring hope and healing to others, both believers and nonbelievers.

The Bible is the Word of God, and we seek to be guided by it along with the Holy Spirit in all we do, personally and organizationally.

Humans have both physical and spiritual natures, and we approach mental health holistically, providing care for both the physical and spiritual aspects of healing.

We meet people where they are — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We offer practical support and care without judgement and guidance rooted in compassion.

What We Do

We train and support volunteer peers (persons with their own mental health challenges) and family peers (persons who have supported a loved with a mental health challenge) so that they are well-equipped to walk alongside others who are currently struggling.

Our peers are trained to offer empathy, spiritual encouragement, and practical guidance for navigating the mental health system. Peers do not offer clinical counseling or treatment recommendations.

We provide:

Peer matching for individuals or families seeking support.
Training and certification for volunteers.
Partnership opportunities for churches to host training, build awareness, and extend care to their communities.
Spiritual and emotional resources for churches, volunteers, and families.

Our mental health support model is rooted in best practices for evidence-based peer support services, coupled with Biblical truth, and motivated by Christian love.

Why Christian Peer Network

Church leaders care deeply, but many are unequipped to respond effectively to the growing mental health crisis. Unfortunately, the mental health system is overwhelmed and difficult to navigate, leaving many individuals without the kind of help they need.

CPN bridges that gap by equipping our volunteers to respond with competence and compassion, offering understanding, hope, and a path forward — while always pointing back to the One who binds up the brokenhearted.

Mental Health + The Church: The Need is Clear

23% of pastors acknowledge they have personally struggled with a mental illness.

49% of pastors rarely or never speak to their congregations about mental illness.
Only 27% of churches have a plan to assist families affected by mental illness.
65% of family members and 59% of those with mental illness want churches to talk openly about it.
53% of those with mental illness say the church has been supportive.
76% of churchgoers believe suicide is a major issue in their community.
32% of churchgoers report losing a loved one to suicide.
80% of pastors say their church is equipped to respond to someone threatening suicide.

The time to act is now.

Board of Directors

Wendy O'Leary

FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER
Wendy has been a full-time caregiver and advocate for a loved one with serious mental illness for over 20 years. A Certified Family Peer Support Specialist since 2007, she has trained and coached others across Utah. With a degree in Holistic Theology and deep personal faith, Wendy brings both professional and spiritual insight to this work.
Rick Killpack

FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER
Rick has lived with and managed bipolar disorder for over 30 years. He has worked in crisis response and authored books and media projects to educate and encourage those facing mental health challenges. He is an active volunteer and follower of Christ, passionate about spreading hope.
Lindsay Jepperson

BOARD MEMBER
A teacher, mother, and community leader, Lindsay has supported youth and women through education, Bible study, and nonprofit work. Her personal story of overcoming addiction, abuse, and foster care by the grace of God fuels her desire to help others find freedom and healing.
LeeAnn Brunson

BOARD MEMBER
LeeAnn is a recently retired psychiatric nurse and mental health administrator with over 25 years of leadership in recovery-oriented care. Her work with Veterans and clinical teams has shaped her belief in holistic and spiritual healing. She came to faith while leading Christian groups for Veterans and now serves with a local bilingual church.
Jessy Polzer

BOARD MEMBER
Jessy brings two decades of leadership in education and nonprofits, including operations and strategy design for impact-driven organizations. As a small business owner and mom of two, Jessy believes churches can—and should—be safe havens for healing through skilled care and spiritual support.