Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Foote.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story began in survival. For a long time, I was simply trying to stay alive, searching for meaning in the chaos. Addiction and adversity shaped me, but they also taught me empathy, strength, and the power of connection. Recovery wasn’t a straight line; it was a series of lessons about letting go, rebuilding, and learning to love myself again.
Over time, I turned that pain into purpose. What once felt like brokenness became the foundation for the work I do today. I now serve as the Program Manager for NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ YANA Wellness Drop-In Centers, where I help others find hope and belonging in their own healing journeys. Every day, I get to witness transformation, not just in others, but in myself.
Writing has always been my outlet, a way to translate everything I’ve lived through into something beautiful and real. My first poetry collection, Tracks from My Soul’s Tape, available on Amazon, was born out of that process, a snapshot of recovery, resilience, and rediscovering my voice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve lived through addiction, domestic violence, rape, codependency, loss, and grief. For years, I thought strength meant silence. But eventually, I realized that speaking my truth was the only way to heal.
Writing became my lifeline. My poetry gave me a way to process what words couldn’t always say, to turn pain into purpose, and trauma into art. Through writing, I found my voice again. My first book, Tracks from My Soul’s Tape, was born out of that healing… every page a reminder that I made it out.
That journey led me to advocacy. Today, I use my story to empower others, especially at-risk youth and women who feel unseen or unheard. I get to create spaces where people can breathe, connect, and begin again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I serve as the Program Manager for NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ YANA Wellness Drop-In Centers, two recovery-oriented spaces built on connection, community, and hope. What I do at its core is create environments where people can show up exactly as they are and not be defined by their diagnosis, their past, or their pain.
I specialize in peer-led programming and trauma-informed care, bringing together lived experience and professional training to bridge the gap between clinical systems and real human understanding. I’ve developed trainings on de-escalation, boundaries, and resilience, and I’ve had the privilege of mentoring new peer specialists and interns who are just beginning their own journeys in the field.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built at YANA, one rooted in authenticity, inclusion, and mutual support. We celebrate progress, not perfection. I’ve watched people who once felt hopeless find purpose, stability, and belonging, and that’s everything.
What sets me apart is that I’ve lived it. I don’t just teach recovery; I embody it. My story, my scars, and my success all feed into the work I do. I lead with empathy, I listen with intention, and I use every lesson I’ve learned, personally and professionally, to remind others that healing is possible and that they matter.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Sarasota and Bradenton is the sense of community and connection that lives here. There’s a real spirit of resilience, people who genuinely care, who show up for one another, and who believe in second chances. From the recovery community to the creative scene, there’s so much heart in this area. I’ve seen neighbors, small businesses, and local organizations come together to support one another in ways that remind me why I love doing this work.
What I like least is the lack of accessible mental health care and affordable housing for those who need it most. There are so many people trying to rebuild their lives, but the systems and resources don’t always meet them where they are. It’s not a lack of effort; it’s a lack of visibility, funding, and support. That’s why advocacy matters so much to me.
Still, I believe in Sarasota and Bradenton. I’ve watched lives change here, mine included, and I know how powerful this community can be when we come together.
