PSCFL Announces Peer Hero of The Year Grand Prize Winner: Global Peer Support Celebration Day 2024

Ashley Orie, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS)

October 17th marks Global Peer Support Celebration Day (GPSCD) an honorable and exciting day for peer supporters (also known as peer workers or peer specialists) from across the globe to celebrate the vital role they play in helping peers who are recovering from mental health, substance use, and or trauma-related challenges move along the continuum of recovery and inclusion into communities of their choosing. On this day, the Peer Support Coalition of Florida, Inc. (PSCFL)  recognized Peer Specialists from across the state during our 3rd Annual Facebook Live Hour event.

PSCFL received over 12 nominations from peers, mental health advocates, and community members to give a Peer Specialist who has impacted their local community a chance to win a grand prize! 

PSCFL announces that our 2024 “Peer Hero of The Year” grand prize winner is none other than Peer Specialist Ashley Orie, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS).

She was born and raised in California and moved to North East Florida in 2016. She is the proud mama of two little boys, and they have helped her grow into the person she is today. She identifies as a person in long-term recovery from substance use. She started her recovery journey in 2020 at a women’s sober living house as the house mom. Her passion for helping others flourished from there and she decided she wanted to continue to use her experience to support others.

In January 2022 Ashley became employed with Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare and currently remains with this organization. Since then, she has become state-certified as a CRPS and CRSS. She is also a certified Recovery Coach. Her current role is the peer lead for their Medically Assisted Recovery program. This program is close to Ashley's heart because it was part of her journey and taught the important life skills she still uses today.

As an advocate for harm reduction, Ashley works to create safer, more supportive environments for individuals in need of guidance and encouragement. She believes in meeting people where they are, offering non-judgmental support, and helping them find pathways to improve their well-being. We are in awe of Ashley's remarkable journey and her unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering others. Her inspiring work as a Peer Specialist has not gone unnoticed 

See below what makes this Certified Recovery Peer Specialist so special: 

"Ashley is such a fantastic advocate for the individuals she serves. She has gained the trust of her participants and holds them accountable for their own recovery. Ashley has done so much during her time as a peer and her team is so proud of all of her hard work. Ashley attended the Multiple Pathways of Recovery Conference this year and has brought back to her team what she learned. Ashley is a deserving nominee for Peer Hero of the Year this year!"

"I would like like to nominate Ashley Orie for recognition as an outstanding mentor at Starting Point Behavioral Health Care. As a Level 3 Mentor Peer in our Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) program, Ashley has consistently demonstrated her exceptional resilience and commitment to helping others in their recovery journeys. Ashley is not only a person in recovery herself, but she has also made the inspiring choice to work closely with individuals struggling with substance abuse. Her lived experience gives her a unique perspective and deep understanding of the challenges faced by our clients, enabling her to connect with them on a personal level. She embodies empathy and compassion, creating a safe space for those in recovery to share their stories and seek support. Her strong interpersonal skills, Ashley is a true team player. She collaborates effectively with her colleagues, fostering a supportive environment that encourages open communication and shared goals. Her positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand uplift everyone around her, making her an invaluable asset to our team. Furthermore, Ashley’s commitment to professional development and continuous learning enhances her effectiveness as a mentor. She actively seeks out opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, which she generously shares with her peers and clients alike. Her dedication to empowerment and advocacy not only inspires those she mentors but also contributes to a more supportive and informed community. In recognition of her outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to the field of substance abuse recovery as well as mental health."

"It is my pleasure to nominate Ashley for her outstanding contributions as a Peer Specialist within the Medication Assisted Recovery Program. Ashley’s dedication, passion, and lived experience have made her an invaluable asset to both the program and the broader community. Years ago, Ashley reclaimed her life through the very same program she now champions. Her journey of overcoming addiction and embracing long-term recovery through medication-assisted treatment is not just a personal triumph but a powerful tool she uses to inspire and support others. Ashley’s ability to connect with individuals, both in the community and among her fellow peers, helps break the stigma surrounding addiction and promotes understanding of how medication can play a critical role in achieving sustained recovery. Beyond her work within the program, Ashley is a committed volunteer across Nassau County. She actively collaborates with sober living homes and works closely with community partners to ensure participants have access to essential resources that support their recovery journey. Her dedication to improving the lives of others, both within the program and throughout the wider community, exemplifies her selflessness and commitment to service. Ashley’s story and her ongoing efforts continue to make a lasting impact on countless lives, and it is with great admiration that I nominate her for this well-deserved recognition. Her contributions to the Medication Assisted Recovery Program, her advocacy for long-term recovery, and her tireless work as a community volunteer truly set her apart as a leader and role model in the field of addiction recovery."

To learn more about Peer Specialist and how to get involved, you can click on this link: https://www.peersupportfl.org/services/professional-certifications/peer-specialists/.