Stephan E. “Steve” Harrington (1953–2021) was a visionary mental health advocate, author, and foundational leader in the peer support movement. He served as a founding member and the first Executive Director of the National Association of Peer Specialists (NAPS).
(Photo Credit: Rita Cronise)
Background
Steve Harrington was a social scientist and researcher whose work bridged public administration, law, and psychiatric rehabilitation. He was a prolific writer and thought leader within the mental health and peer support movement. While much of his academic and professional contributions centered on applied social science—specifically focusing on mental health systems, organizational culture change, workforce development, and the peer support movement—his formal educational and professional background was rooted in Public Administration (M.P.A.), Law (J.D.), and Psychiatric Rehabilitation (through his postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University).
Leadership of the National Association
In 2004, Steve and a group of peer specialists in Michigan co-founded the National Association of Peer Specialists (NAPS). In 2007, the association held the inaugural National Peer Specialist Conference, the first conference dedicated to peer specialists. In 2013, the association was renamed the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) to be more inclusive of those with a title other than “peer specialist” and to welcome a growing number of international collaborators and members. In 2014, Steve and Dan O’Brien Mazza, Director of Peer Support Services in the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) established the 3rd Thursday of October each year as Global Peer Support Celebration Day. In 2015, two weeks before the national conference, Steve had a career ending stroke.
Professional Legacy
Throughout his career, Steve was instrumental in shaping the standards, values, and practices of peer support. In addition to creating one of the first training manuals for peer support specialists, he co-developed an innovative program for the SAMHSA-funded Recovery to Practice initiative where peer specialists created their own non-hierarchical learning community of practice. Steve was the lead developer of the foundational National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters.
Outside of his advocacy work, Steve was an avid gardener, a nature enthusiast who loved to scuba dive and search for buried treasure, and a devoted animal lover. Tributes commemorate Steve as a profound mentor and a legend in the mental health community. Colleagues and peers remembered him not only for his formal leadership of the national/international association but also for his personal warmth, humor, and encouragement. Friends and fellow writers noted how his mentorship inspired peers to find their voices, share their recovery stories, and reclaim their roles as change-makers.
Sources: Academy of Peer Services Virtual Learning Community, International Association of Peer Supporters, What it Takes: Wisdom of Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors
Additional Information
Writing
Steve Harrington authored and contributed to several foundational articles, curriculum guides, and practice frameworks within the peer support and mental health movement, including:
- “What is Recovery?” – An article focusing on wellness and recovery principles (featured in What it Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors).
- “Reflections on Peer Support” – An essay examining the philosophy and practice of peer support roles.
- “What is a Peer Specialist?” – An article defining the core identity, roles, and responsibilities of professional peer support specialists.
- The National Practice Guidelines for Peer Supporters: From Principles to Practice – Co-authored with Andy Bernstein and Rita Cronise, establishing core standards for the profession.
- National Survey of the Peer Workforce – Co-authored research and data analysis regarding the national landscape of peer support professionals (with Rita Cronise, Carina Teixeira, and E. Sally Rogers).
- Organizational Culture Change Can Help Mental Health Organizations Thrive – An article addressing systemic and workplace culture shifts needed to successfully integrate peer support.