Today we’d like to introduce you to Amara Townes.
Hi Amara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a Nashville native, and like many people, I thought I had my path clearly mapped out from the beginning. After completing my undergraduate degree at Middle Tennessee State University, I went straight into graduate school at Trevecca Nazarene University to pursue a master’s in counseling. At the time, my heart was set on working with child abuse victims. I was passionate about advocacy and healing, and I believed that was exactly where I was meant to be.
But life has a way of unfolding differently than we expect.
During my graduate program, I completed my internship in the counseling department at a local private high school. That experience opened my eyes to the emotional and mental health challenges young people face every day. It was meaningful work—but it also quietly planted a seed that would later grow into something much bigger.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply my personal story would intersect with my professional calling.
I grew up in a sober household, surrounded by the stability and hope that recovery can bring. My father has been in recovery for 36 years. But interestingly, I never knew where he had gone for treatment. It wasn’t something we talked about in detail—it was simply part of our family’s foundation.
Then came a full-circle moment I will never forget.
On the day of my interview at Cumberland Heights, I learned that this was the very place where my father had begun his recovery journey decades earlier. Suddenly, everything aligned in a way I couldn’t have planned. What had once been just part of my upbringing became something profoundly personal and purposeful. In that moment, I realized I wasn’t just stepping into a job—I was stepping into a legacy of healing.
Today, I serve in Business Development at Cumberland Heights, working with ARCH Academy and the Young Men’s Program. My role allows me to advocate for youth and young adults who are struggling, often meeting families at one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. I support parents as they navigate the overwhelming decision of whether their child needs treatment, offering guidance, compassion, and hope.
I also work closely with schools on prevention efforts, helping educate communities before crises arise. Whether it’s collaborating with educators or helping lead initiatives like the Nashville Adolescent Symposium at The Factory at Franklin and the Young Men’s Summit at the Belcourt Theatre, my focus remains the same: reach individuals early, intervene with care, and remind families they are not alone.
What drives me every day is the opportunity to meet people on the front end of their struggle—when everything feels uncertain—and to help them see that recovery is possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road—and in many ways, I’m grateful for that.
There have been defining moments that reshaped both my personal and professional life. COVID, in particular, was a turning point. Like so many others, I was forced to slow down and reevaluate what truly mattered. It challenged me to create healthier boundaries, to be more present, and to prioritize my family in a way I hadn’t before.
Working in the addiction field also means facing some very real and very heavy realities. There have been personal and professional losses along the way—especially those tied to overdoses—that leave a lasting impact. Those moments are incredibly difficult, and they serve as a constant reminder of just how critical this work is. They deepen my sense of purpose, but they also require intentional care and resilience.
At the same time, some of the most meaningful parts of my life have come from this journey. I met my husband through my work at Cumberland Heights, and together we’re raising two children. That, in itself, is a reminder of how beautifully intertwined life and purpose can be, as well as the gifts of recovery.
Professionally, there was also a season of uncertainty. I spent a lot of time soul searching, trying to determine whether pursuing licensure was the right path for me. Letting go of that expectation wasn’t easy—but it ultimately led me exactly where I’m meant to be. Finding my place in business development allowed me to use my strengths in a different, but equally impactful, way.
This field has a unique way of blending the personal and the professional, and that can come with its challenges. There are moments when the weight of both feels heavy. But I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a strong support system—both within my workplace and in my personal life. The people around me have made all the difference, helping me stay grounded, supported, and reminded of the “why” behind everything I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the heart of my work, I see myself as a connector.
Every day, I have the opportunity to walk alongside families and help them find the resources they need—often during some of the most uncertain and overwhelming moments of their lives. Whether that means guiding someone toward treatment or helping them find the right therapist when it’s not yet time for a higher level of care, my role is to meet people where they are and help them take the next right step forward.
I’m especially known for my advocacy for teens and young adults. That stage of life is so pivotal, and I’m deeply passionate about making sure individuals and their families feel supported, informed, and never alone in the process. While I specialize in addiction, I also place a strong emphasis on understanding the broader mental health landscape—because sometimes the right answer isn’t treatment, but connection to the right kind of counseling or support.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge that gap—to not only recognize when someone needs help, but to ensure they are connected to the right help. It’s not just about solutions; it’s about thoughtful, individualized care.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being part of a premier program that is celebrating its 60th anniversary. To be part of an organization with such a longstanding legacy of impact and healing is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s an honor to contribute to that mission while continuing to advocate for the next generation of individuals and families seeking hope and recovery.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
It’s hard for me to point to just one specific memory, because what stands out most about my childhood isn’t a single moment—it’s a feeling.
I remember being outside with my family, running around, exploring, and just being completely free. There was a sense of wildness and joy in those moments—no pressure, no expectations, just connection, laughter, and the simplicity of being together. That feeling of freedom is what I carry with me the most.
What’s really special is how that has come full circle in my work today. Through the ARCH Academy, I get to see young people experience that same sense of freedom and connection through adventure therapy. Whether it’s fly fishing, zip lining, or working with horses, those experiences allow them to step outside of their struggles and rediscover a part of themselves that often gets lost.
I also love being able to share that with the local professional community—showcasing how powerful those moments can be in the healing process. It’s a reminder that sometimes, growth doesn’t just happen in a therapy room—it happens outside, in the fresh air, when someone finally feels free again.
Pricing:
- Free Event at The Belcourt 5/7/26
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cumberlandheights.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archacademyorg/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amara-townes-60b15b152/
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-young-mens-summit-addressing-the-crisis-of-disconnection-registration-1984195294539
