Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentor Program
The Peer Mentor Program is open to all individuals utilizing Aptiv services, with eligibility determined through an application process.
What is a Peer Mentor?
Peer Mentors assist individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting independence, supporting person-centered plans, and sharing life and service experiences. They help build problem-solving, self-advocacy, self-esteem, and confidence, empowering people to live, work, and belong in their communities.
Types of Supports Peer Mentors can Give:
- Arrangements that support self-direction
- Transportation Information
- Housing information
- Post-secondary education
- Providing information on benefits
How are Peer Mentors Trained?
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities offers an annual Peer Mentoring 101 training for individuals with I/DD. After completing the training, participants undergo a supervised 90-hour internship. Upon successful completion, they are recommended for certification and can be hired by agencies to serve as Peer Mentors.
Meet Aptiv's Peer Mentors
Ashley is a disability advocate who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Autism Specrtum). She is a
Wisconsin Policymaking Partner, Employment 1st Ambassador, and vice chair of peoples first
Wisconsin. Ashley has spoken around the state of Wisconsin advocating for individuals on the TV, Radio, and Newspaper to provide insights on various topics. As Ashley works as a Peer Mentor for Aptiv, she works towards her motto “Cross out the Dis and Embrace the Ability.”
Kristi started in the disability advocacy field in 2019 as a self-advocate leader teaching the Safe and Free curriculum through People First. Since then, she has gone on to teach the Know My Rights guides and presented at several conferences on various topics. Kristi is now a certified Peer Mentor at Aptiv and is looking forward to living out her passion in helping individuals with disabilities live happy, full, and productive lives.
Ashley is a highly driven individual who has been advocating for people with disabilities for most of her life. Her own life experiences, having Cerebral Palsy and Crohn’s disease, have motivated her to help others in similar situations. With a bachelor’s degree in social work and many jobs working directly with disabled individuals over the years, Ashley is excited to continue doing so as a peer mentor at Aptiv.
Sara Schumacher, who has ADHD, graduated from Central High School in 2002 with extra
support. Since then, she’s worked at UW-La Crosse’s sub shop- where students say she makes the best subs- and has been active in Special Olympics for 15 years, serving as a leader locally and statewide. This summer, she joined Aptiv as a peer mentor and continues to volunteer at the state games, where her experience and enthusiasm make a big impact.
Hey, my name is Hunter Markle and I'm a young adult with autism, anxiety and other mental
health. My personal hobbies are DnD, writing and helping people with my life story. I hope to
continue helping people with setting goals and getting through life. Thanks for choosing Aptiv and the peer mentoring program.
Dakota is an individual with Autism, ADHD, Borderline Intellectual Functioning, and other physical disabilities. Through their own challenging lived experiences, they have had to learn to become their own self-advocate, while inspiring others around them to do the same. Now they are dedicated to guiding more people with disabilities toward self-confidence, self-advocacy, and authentic self-expression.
Norah graduated from an alternative high school in 2024 and now attends Madison College. He plans to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Norah has ADHD as well as several physical disabilities and learned from a young age how to advocate for himself. He hopes to share some of what he’s learned with you. Norah loves animals and has a dog (Teddy) and a bunny (Monty). In his spare time, he enjoys rock climbing and crafting.