Charisse Rupert

As Executive Director, Ms. Charisse Rupert passionately leads the operations and strategic direction of Wings Across Alabama, the state’s largest peer-run mental health nonprofit. She joined the organization in March 2022 as Director of the Wings Across Alabama Warm Line following an extensive search, and quickly demonstrated transformative leadership. With over fourteen years of experience in the mental health and addiction recovery fields in addition to identifying as a person in long term recovery meaning she has not found it necessary to use any mind or mood altering chemicals or illicit drugs since Monday, September 24, 2018, Mrs. Rupert brings both professional expertise and her powerful lived experience to all that she is and everything that she does. In 2019 while listening to a popular gospel song instead of hearing the lyrics “I’m getting ready to see something I’ve never seen” in that moment Charisse heard “I’m getting ready to BE something I’ve never seen!” She purposed to BE as a woman of color something, someone that most in her religious and peer communities had rarely if ever seen- someone capable, professional and down to earth who BOLDLY shares her journey without shame! She believes her life embodies her personal mantra: “Recovery is Possible – I am Proof!” In addition to her work with Wings Across Alabama, Mrs. Rupert serves in numerous impactful roles, including: * Executive Board Member, NAMI Alabama * Speaker, RESPECT Initiative of Alabama * Certified Peer Specialist- Adult (CPS-A) * Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Her previous roles include Certified Peer Support Specialist – Youth, Alabama Department of Mental Health Contracted Certified Peer Support Specialist State Trainer (Adult), NAMI In Our Own Voice (IOOV) and Connections Support Group Trained Facilitator and Chair of the ADAP PAIMI Advisory Council. In 2023, she attended her first childbirth as a doula, providing support to a first time Mother. This was one of the most beautiful experiences of Mrs. Rupert’s life to date. In addition, Charisse is grateful to be a volunteer for New York City’s Peer Organization, City Voices, as part of their “Companion Connections” program. Companion Connections is a transformative program designed to spark supportive bonds and nurture emotional well-being. It’s tailored for people navigating mental health challenges, substance use recovery, homelessness, or involvement with the justice system. At its core, the program is about cultivating meaningful companionship and fostering personal growth. Being involved both personally and professionally in such impactful work has increased Charisse’s gratitude for her recovery as well as her desire to do even more to be of service to individuals who are still unfortunately suffering in silence. Never forgetting her years of mental instability or the subsequent crack cocaine addiction that followed, sharing “I am here because I’ve been there!” serves as a testament to the power of peer support, community and hope that Mrs. Rupert’s life exudes. Charisse resides in Birmingham, Alabama, home to the new Wings Across Alabama office. Besides her work as a peer and her personal relationship as a follower of Christ, her greatest joy is being the mother of five adult children—Jay, Trey, Skyler-Imani, Kaleb, and Ajani—and the proud grandmother of two brilliant boys, Wyatt and Aiden. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, expanding her Hello Kitty collection, and living life with intention and purpose. These three areas stem from her childhood where as a fourth grader her short story entitled “Dear Diary” afforded her the opportunity to attend The Young Author’s Conference. Her love for Hello Kitty has led her to have the bedroom she could’ve only dreamed of as a preteen with over 300 Hello Kitty items. Lastly, although shy in her early years, Mrs. Rupert enjoys meeting new people, making new friends and sharing her personal lived and living experiences to encourage, educate and empower anyone who will listen!