Skyland Trail Adds Family Peer Support Specialist to Adult Program 

August 15, 2025

ATLANTA – Skyland Trail recently added Lynn Valentino, CPS-P, to the family education team. Valentino recently earned certification as a Certified Peer Specialist – Parent. In this new role, Valentino will provide education and support to family members of clients in treatment, including parents, spouses, siblings, adult children, and others.  

A Certified Peer Specialist – Parent (CPS-P) is a parent or legal guardian of an individual who is living with a mental health, substance use or a co-occurring diagnosis who provides support to other parents who are raising or supporting a child with similar behavioral health conditions. The training and certification in Georgia is offered by a partnership of the Georgia Parent Support Network and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Valentino received CPS-P certification in 2025. 

Valentino has had two family members complete the adult treatment program at Skyland Trail: one in 2013 and another in 2023.  She has been an active and supportive member of the Skyland Trail Family STEP program for 13 years. 

Valentino will work with the adult program family education team to: 

  • Offer support and education to family members, helping them navigate their role and gain a deeper understanding of mental health care.  
  • Address family concerns, provide resources, and facilitate communication between families and the treatment team. 
  • Connect families to the full range of available services and opportunities at Skyland Trail.  
  • Expand community partnerships to offer more education opportunities for Skyland Trail families and other caregivers in the community. 

“Having a loved one with mental health challenges in treatment can be incredibly difficult,” says Valentino. “I hope to provide safe and comforting support to all family members through my lived experiences.”