As a State trainer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), JD has been teaching several different classes, which include Peer to Peer, In Our Own Voice, and NAMI SMARTS. He is also qualified to co-facilitate NAMI Connections support groups for persons with mental health diagnoses. Since his first training class, JD enjoys watching the growth of individuals while learning a new curriculum. He states, watching peers during trainings is like, “watching a flower open to a beautiful rose.” JD spent the last four years as the Coordinator at NAMI Central Iowa’s Wellness Center, sharing his sober lifestyle as well as his compassionate, warm, and approachable style of Peer Support. JD has also been an important part of the LGBTQIA movement in Iowa, volunteering for One Iowa at various events. Born in New York State, JD moved to Iowa 20 years ago and resides in Ames, with his partner of four years and their emotional support golden retriever named Luna.