Introducing Sammy Ertle

Hello! I’m Sammy (he/they/them), one of the Program Coordinators here at ASCEND.

I operate as Peer Support, and I am also responsible for outreach to the LGBTQIA+ community and am part of the community myself.

I am in recovery for both MI (mental illness) and SUD (substance use disorder) and have been clean and sober for 17 months at the time of this post.

I have been asked to share some of my experiences, thoughts, and information on a wide variety of topics which I have direct experience with. I don’t claim to be an expert or authority on anything. I do hope, though, that in sharing my perspective and story as a Peer others may find relatability, knowing that none of us are truly alone in our struggles (regardless of our minds telling us otherwise at times). Often times just hearing the stories of others and finding myself in their words was the catalyst for my seeking help and putting in the effort I deserved and needed.

These posts will be bi-weekly, and I will do my best to cover a wide range of topics. For anyone interested, I facilitate groups at ASCEND on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Thursday mornings. I would love to see you there.