Innovative Coaching Through Art: How Ashley Sankey is Transforming Emotional Wellness for Youth

At Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, we are inspired by the creativity and passion of our team members, who bring unique ideas to their work every day. A standout example is Ashley Sankey B.A.Sc. , one of our program coordinators and the Empowerment Center Facilitator, whose innovative approach to emotional wellness has made a significant impact on the girls we serve. Through her Mental Art Safe Line (M.A.S.) Approach Curriculum, Ashley uses the power of art to help youth process emotions, build self-esteem, and develop essential life skills.

Developed by Ashley in 2016 and refined over the years, the M.A.S. curriculum incorporates music, visual art, poetry, and meditation to address challenges such as anxiety, anger, and peer pressure. It seamlessly blends creative expression with educational tools, helping participants learn practical skills like grammar and punctuation through engaging activities like songwriting and poetry.

“Art was a lifeline for me,” says Ashley. “It helped me navigate difficult emotions and find my voice. I wanted to create a program that would offer the same support to young people facing their own challenges.”

Ashley’s dedication to M.A.S. is backed by extensive research. She has drawn insights from leading sources, including the Cleveland Clinic, the National Library of Medicine, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, studying the psychological and emotional benefits of music and art. Her research highlights how creative activities can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and foster emotional regulation, particularly for youth. She also incorporates findings from surveys and feedback collected from program participants to continuously refine the curriculum.

Since joining Girls Inc., Ashley has integrated elements of M.A.S. into her work particularly in communities like the Empowerment Center at Marks Village on the eastside of Birmingham, AL and in the Empower Ensley Center in Ensley, AL. The program includes yoga, meditation, positive affirmations, and creative writing, which have quickly become favorites among participants. These activities provide girls with tools to navigate life’s challenges, express themselves, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Reflecting on her vision for the program, Ashley shares, “I want this curriculum to be more than just a series of activities. I want it to be a safe space for youth to explore who they are, gain confidence, and learn that they have the ability to shape their own futures.”

Ashley’s next step is to obtain her master’s degree in music therapy, expand her expertise, and enhance the impact of her program. This next step will allow her to bring additional therapeutic elements to the curriculum while broadening its reach to schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. Her commitment to innovation and research underscores the power of creative coaching to transform lives.

At Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, we are proud to have team members like Ashley Sankey, whose innovative approaches inspire the girls we serve. Her work highlights the importance of creativity, resilience, and the power of art to create lasting change.

To learn more about the work happening at our Empowerment Center, visit this link.