Founders: The Chaplain & The Veteran

Sharon Schlerf (Newcomb)

President/Chaplain

sharon.schlerf.newcomb@bi-vph.org

Sharon as President, leadership is transitioning beginning 2026, as a Coalition Builder for Behavioral Health Programs and Curriculums Development. New collaborations are amplifying her efforts as she actively recruits talented eager professionals to become leaders in the evolving field of behavioral health care administration, physical health, social work, human services, and non-profit business administration. Founder & Chaplain, B.A. Counseling, M.A Critical Incident Stress Management, B.A Business Administration, multiple certifications and awards for over 35 years. Join her in shaping the future of vital Peer Workforce Careers & Support Services nationwide.

Michael 'Mike' Newcomb

US Army Veteran, Veteran-Certified Support Specialist (V-CSS)

Vice-President, Master Trainer Mike.Newcomb@bi-vph.org

Michael ‘Mike’comb, a dedicated US Army Veteran, has been a trailblazer in advocating for recognition of peer-to-peer mental health support in Virginia since 2006. a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) and Peer, he identified the pressing need for holistic health services for military personnel. In June 2013, Mike became the first Peer Specialist the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, where he implemented the US DHHS SAMHSA Action Planning for Prevention & Recovery (updated Courage to Change (Whole Health Management) program until 2018. Additionally, he served as a Master Trainer and co-creator for US DHHS SAMHSA Peer Workforce Curriculums, shaping the future of peer recovery specialist training for our DoD SkillBridge Programs and Community Services Organizations.