Lacrissa Bender
Family Mentor
Alma Mater
Academically, I hold an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, which reflects my interest in development, family systems, and the importance of early support. I also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, giving me a broad and well-rounded perspective on social issues, human behavior, and community engagement.
Get to Know Lacrissa
Lacrissa Bender has worked as a START Family Mentor, for the past two years, where I provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support to families. In this role, I focus on building trust, strengthening family relationships, and helping caregivers access resources that promote long-term success. I am a dedicated professional with a strong passion for helping others, grounded in over 25 years of personal recovery. My lived experience has shaped my commitment to supporting individuals and families as they navigate challenges and work toward stability, growth, and healing.
I began my career in the behavioral health field working in residential services at Seven Counties, where I served as a technician. In this role, I gained hands-on experience supporting individuals with mental health and behavioral needs, developing skills in crisis intervention, daily living support, and compassionate care. Building on that foundation, I later became a Peer Support Specialist, using both my professional training and personal recovery journey to connect with and empower others facing similar struggles.
My work is driven by empathy, resilience, and a deep belief that recovery and positive change are possible for everyone.