MEET THE TEAM
Executive Director
BRAYDEN ROBINSON
CPSS, MSW, CSW
Brayden Robinson is a graduate of the Weber State University Bachelor of Social Work program, where he received Summa Cum Laude honors, Social Work Departmental Honors, and Outstanding Graduate of the Year recognition. After graduating from Weber State, Brayden was accepted into and graduated from Columbia University's Master of Social Work program, where he studied Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship for Social Justice, focusing on macro-level social work interventions. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA and developed skills in non-profit leadership and development, program development and management, and social justice advocacy at all levels.
Brayden's recovery story began in March of 2018 when he chose to change his path from a successful career as a professionally trained chef to focus on the newfound passion for recovery and service that he developed in his early recovery in the rooms of 12-step recovery programs. It was during this transition that he was introduced to peer support work, and fell in love with the ability to use his lived/living expertise to support others in their recovery journeys. He loves that peer support is grounded in mutuality and respect for diverse backgrounds and loves supporting others in whatever their recovery journey looks like for them.
Brayden has worked as a certified peer support specialist and a supervisor of recovery support service programs, developing professional leadership abilities and a passion for organizational leadership, positive work culture development and macro social work practice focused on advocacy, program development, and implementation. At the Utah Peer Network, Brayden has led the creation of a statewide network of support and advocacy for and with peer support specialists at the grassroots level. He has developed training materials, provided technical assistance to large behavioral health organizations, and sits on many of the mental health and substance use-focused councils and committees impacting policy and practice from the individual to the legislative levels.
Program Coordinator
SARAH HERNANDEZ
FPSS
Sarah was adopted as an infant by two social workers in northern Utah and raised in a small rural farming community. Her adoptive parents dedicated their lives to fostering over 30 children and had two biological children of their own. Sarah's biological father immigrated from Iran in the midst of the Islamic Revolution, helping establish a Persian-jewish community in New York, while her mother chose adoption to give Sarah a stable family. As a first-generation American on her father's side and a second-generation American on her mother's, Sarah values her family's sacrifices and the security of her upbringing.
Throughout her childhood, Sarah faced challenges due to severe OCD. Sarah was later diagnosed as neurodivergent, with a mood disorder and CPTSD. Her struggles led to an interest in trauma-informed peer support and a focus on generational trauma and societal issues. As Vice President of Justice By Objectives, she champions the rights of marginalized communities, using her extensive training as a Utah Certified Family Peer Support Specialist to advocate for families in need.
Sarah's career transition from managing a successful salon business to advocacy work reflects her commitment to justice and equality. Her personal experiences with the criminal justice system, including raising children with their father who faced challenges post-incarceration, have fueled her dedication to this cause. Sarah is an Ally of the LGBTQ+ community and is passionate about protecting children, empowering youth, and supporting targeted demographics.
Now serving as the program coordinator at the Utah Peer Network, Sarah is thrilled to be involved in the efforts and looks forward to implementing the program in each county statewide. She believes every community in Utah should have access to these resources, ensuring that individuals have the support they need to thrive in schools and the workplace. Her four children, LilyAna, Andrè, Nina, and Roman, remain her greatest accomplishment, and she is dedicated to creating safe-spaces and nurturing environments for future generations.