NatCon25 Award Winner Spotlight: Miracle Akortha

Each year at NatCon, we recognize and celebrate individuals who are making a positive and permanent impact in their community. This year, we are proud to present a Peer Specialist of the Year Award to Miracle Akortha, PSS, MHPS, CFP, a peer specialist supervisor for The Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio, Texas. We sat down with Akortha to discuss her journey and the power of peer support.

What inspired you to become a peer support specialist?

“My inspiration came from a desire to use my lived experience to support others on their recovery journeys. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people not only navigate challenges but thrive beyond them.”

What advice would you give to someone considering this path?

“For anyone considering this path, my advice is to remember that this role isn’t about your own recovery — it’s about being present and supportive for someone else’s. It’s about walking beside them, not leading or fixing, but truly seeing and supporting their process.”

Can you share a success story or favorite moment from your work?

“One of the most impactful moments in my career was supporting a mother who was on the verge of giving up her parental rights due to the overwhelming challenges she faced with her children’s behaviors at home and school. Through collaboration, we were able to improve the home environment and advocate for both boys to receive Individualized Education Plans. This led to a noticeable change in their behavior. At the next court hearing, the family’s progress completely shifted the trajectory of the case. The mother not only maintained custody of her children but later became a family partner herself. That transformation — seeing her empowered to help others — was incredibly fulfilling.”

What does your day-to-day work look like?

“In my role, I draw from both professional and personal experience to guide and support my team. I oversee a group of peers and family partners who work directly in the community with individuals facing first episode psychosis, mental health challenges or substance use issues. We focus on using our lived experiences to walk alongside individuals, helping them navigate complex systems and take meaningful steps toward recovery and wellness. It’s hands-on, heart-first work, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

What’s next for you on your professional journey?

“I’ve recently returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University. My goal is to further integrate peer support into therapeutic spaces, ensuring that peer voices are included in all aspects of community care. I believe in creating environments where healing is collaborative and whole-person centered.”

What do mental wellbeing and this award mean to you?

“To me, mental wellbeing means being intentional about caring for your emotional, physical and spiritual health. Receiving this award is deeply meaningful — not just as an individual, but for what it represents for the peer support profession. It’s a powerful acknowledgment of the value lived experience brings to the field of mental health.”

Join Akortha and thousands of others at NatCon25! Register today to experience the biggest event in behavioral health care. To view past Awards of Excellence winners, click here.