Our Story from KCRCO to Peers Rising

In 2019, David A. Douglas envisioned a place in Kittitas County where individuals in recovery could find connection, purpose, and support. That vision became the Kittitas County Recovery Community Organization (KCRCO)—a grassroots movement launched with zero funding and an abundance of passion. With support from a committed board and a strong community response, we officially opened our doors for peer support services in April 2022. Brandi Amundson joined as our first Recovery Support Specialist, and Megan McGonegle, a CWU intern, provided vital administrative assistance. Within the first year of opening regular office hours, we were already serving hundreds of community members on their recovery journeys.

In December 2023, David stepped down to pursue new opportunities. The following month, Brandi became Executive Director. Under her leadership, we've expanded services into Cle Elum and Kittitas, with future plans to serve Yakima County.

This next chapter reflects both our growth and our deepening commitment to recovery support across Central Washington. While KCRCO laid the roots, Peers Rising is the natural evolution—carrying forward the mission, values, and heart of the original vision, while expanding our reach, team, and impact.

Today, Peers Rising provides peer-led recovery support, youth programming, mentorship, referrals, and essential aid through multiple service hubs. Our name reflects our purpose: rising together, as peers, toward stronger, healthier futures."

Meet Our Board & Staff

There is no way Peers Rising, previously KCRCO, would be what it is today without the help of many. From our community stakeholders who have been behind us from day one, to our newest staff who have been hired to further our mission, we are eternally grateful for your support and there is no way Peers Rising would have the success it does today without our outstanding board and staff.

Board Members

  • If you are interested in this board position, please email info@peersrisingwa.org

  • “I have been working in the field of Substance Use Disorders and Prevention in Kittitas County since 1999.

    My passions lie in helping others find their path and in providing youth with activities that support their unique needs. I believe that everyone has their own journey to recovery and it is an honor to be of service at any point along their way. With peers Rising services expanding to Upper Kittitas County and starting the 509Teens program, I feel the timing is right for me to join this board. I am an Upper County resident and feel strongly that these resources are meeting a need in our growing community.”

  • “I am a shelter client advocate and work with people experiencing homelessness. I lost a brother to substance use disorder when he was 46. I largely lost a childhood to my father’s substance use struggles. It has been a joy to watch my father’s life change in recovery for over forty years of sobriety. Peers Rising provides a place where people find the one that that predicts long term recovery which is human connection.”

  • If you are interested in this board position, please email info@peersrisingwa.org

  • “I was born and raised in Ellensburg and I am grateful to call Kittitas Valley home. I’ve seen the effects that substance use disorder have on the health and happiness of friends and family. I’ve also seen how important it is to have adequate and accessible recovery support available to our entire community. I believe that we should focus on providing support, not punishment, in order to achieve a healthier community. The support Peers Rising provides to our community, and the support Peers Rising receives from our community, make me happy to call this place home. I am truly honored to be able to work with the rest of the board on growing Peers Rising and the necessary support it provides our community.”

  • “I am relatively new to Kittitas Valley having moved here in 2018 after retiring from a career in sales and marketing. My wife and I have 8 children and 13 grandchildren between us. I now enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community.

    The reason I am excited about Peers Rising is I have 4 family members who have suffered from substance use disorder. When my son, who has been clean and sober for over 4 years, first went through treatment a dozen years ago, I did not know where to go for help and understanding about next steps and recovery. Now that 3 children and 1 grandchild have been through this, I have gained a fairly good understanding.

    I am excited about serving on the Board at Peers Rising. My goal is to help those in recovery and to educate the community to remove the stigma around substance use disorder and people in recovery.”

Peers Rising Staff

Brandi Amundson CPC, Executive Director

Originally from Los Angeles, I relocated to Washington in 2019. After the Covid-19 pandemic, I was in search of a supportive, community-centered environment where I could reconnect and contribute in meaningful ways. In recovery since 2002, I have proudly maintained my sobriety after making the life-changing decision to break the generational cycle of substance and alcohol use disorder. Because of my recovery and life experience, I’m deeply committed to helping others find hope and healing in their own journeys. I began working at Peers Rising in 2022 as the organization’s first Certified Peer Counselor and and quickly advanced through multiple roles, ultimately becoming the Executive Director of Peers Rising (formerly KCRCO) in January 2024. My work continues to be grounded in peer support, lived experience, and a passion for serving the community.

Megan McGonegle CFLE, Program Manager

I am from Maple Valley Washington and  graduated from CWU spring of 2022 with a degree in Family and Child Life and specialization in Family Sciences. I am passionate about creating strong connections, relationship dynamics, and communication. I spent the final year of my education interning for various nonprofits and fell in love with serving my community. I started at Peers Rising in 2022 as the first intern and loved the passion and drive our staff/volunteers held for our mission leading me to stick around after graduation and working my way up to Program Manager. 

I jumped at the opportunity to work with Peers Rising due to the impact substance use disorder has had on my life. Growing up with family members who struggled with substance use opened my eyes to the impact it can hold on the individual and family. Over the past 10+ years I have witnessed my family members take strides to get healthy and turn their lives around with the help and support of others within the recovery community. 

Monica Brown CPC, Recovery Support Specialist (Lower County)

When I first saw the opportunity to work at Peers Rising, I almost didn’t apply. At 19, I thought I had already wasted too much time—convinced I was “too old” to get my life back on track. Years later, at 27, with over eight years in recovery, a loving husband, a beautiful bonus daughter, and two spoiled cat children, I found myself thinking I was “too young” to make a meaningful difference. But I sat with those thoughts and challenged them. I realized that someone out there—right now—is in the exact place I once was. And maybe, just maybe, my story and support could be the thing they need. That’s when it clicked: I wanted to become the person I once so badly needed.

Over the last year and a half working as a part of Peers Rising, I’ve had the privilege to walk alongside others on their recovery journeys, to speak on panels, and soon, to advocate directly to members of Congress about the vital importance of peer support work. I’ve seen firsthand how sharing lived experience can plant seeds of hope and create real change. Choosing recovery—and choosing me—again and again has led to a life filled with purpose, gratitude, and joy. My mission in the work i do, is to help our amazing Kittitas County community believe in that same possibility for themselves. Because everyone deserves a life they’re proud of—and I’m here to remind them of that truth.

Justin Peterson CPC, Recovery Support Specialist (Upper County)

I was born and raised in Cle Elum and spent 28 years struggling with substance use disorder. I got tired of being absent in multiple areas of my life and being seen as a negative person in my community. In 2022 I accepted the challenge and began my road to recovery and bettering my life. Through this journey I have had the opportunity to become a dad again and a positive part of the community.

I wanted to work with the Peers Rising because they were such a large support system for me in the beginning of my recovery process. I believe it’s important to give back in order to keep and appreciate what you have, so I am excited to begin supporting the peers in Kittitas County.

Josh Welshans, Youth Leader

I’m originally from San Pedro, California. Currently, I work as an administrative assistant at Peers Rising, where I help support our efforts in promoting recovery and wellness. In addition to that role, I manage the 509Teens media, dedicated to empowering and supporting local teens. I’m passionate about creating positive change and fostering strong community connections.

Tamyah Dabney, Administrative Coordinator

I’m 19 years old from Seattle, Washington. I am currently attending Central Washington University as a third year, double majoring in Psychology and Social Services. I plan on getting my masters in social work and working to make a difference within the system. With my personal experience within the foster care system due to family members who suffered from substance use disorder, my passion has grown stronger to help those around me going through similar things.

I’m looking forward to being here at Peers Rising to learn about all the resources and organizations within the recovery community. I’m ready to observe and take in the knowledge of peer support specialist as well as help with events, organization, and contribute ideas. Most of all Peers Rising is somewhere I would love to be a part of because of the positive impact they have on our community.