Meet our Directors

Phyllis Yaney,

Founder, Executive Director

Phyllis Yaney is the visionary founder and Executive Director of Footprints to Recovery, a nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, supportive housing and transformative programming for individuals in recovery. With over 19 years of experience in and around twelve-step recovery communities, Phyllis has devoted her life to walking alongside those affected by addiction—with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment.

Since founding Footprints to Recovery in 2008, Phyllis has built a mission-driven organization rooted in dignity, accountability, and hope. She continues to serve hands-on, teaching a peer-to-peer codependency class at the women’s residence and offering guidance to residents navigating early recovery.

Her impact extends far beyond the walls of Footprints. Phyllis has worked extensively with addicts and alcoholics in hospitals, treatment centers, and community settings, always meeting people where they are with empathy and strength. She is a woman of deep conviction and heart—dedicated to helping others find their way forward, one footprint at a time.

Jessi Boyd,

Director of Operations

Jessi Boyd leads Footprints to Recovery with a rare blend of operational expertise and lived experience. A former client of Davidson County Recovery Court, Jessi’s personal journey through addiction and healing fuels her deep commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces for others walking the same path.

Before stepping into her current role, Jessi served as a house manager and group facilitator, and she founded the first CMA (Crystal Meth Anonymous) meeting in Nashville—an act of community-building that continues to impact lives today.

Now serving as Director of Operations, Jessi oversees the day-to-day functioning of Footprints’ recovery housing programs with compassion, clarity, and purpose. She is currently pursuing her LADAC certification, further deepening her ability to support residents with both clinical insight and personal understanding.

She believes recovery is not just about sobriety—it’s about rebuilding identity, rediscovering purpose, and walking forward with hope.

Our Caring Staff

Whitnie Clawson, Marketing Coordinator

Whitnie entered Footprints in 2021 as a client and has since transformed her recovery journey into a life of leadership and service. After graduating and managing one of our women’s residences for over a year, she joined our staff to continue supporting others on their path to healing.

She is currently pursuing her CPRS and LADAC certifications, and plays an active role in marketing and community networking—sharing her story, building partnerships, and helping others find their way to recovery. Whitnie brings passion, authenticity, and purpose to everything she does.

Michelle, Alumni Services/Outreach

Michelle was one of the original women to reside at Footprints—and 16 years later, she remains a steady, compassionate presence in our recovery community. As both an alumni and board member, Michelle continues to engage deeply with residents, offering guidance, empathy, and unwavering support.

She is a beacon of light to those she serves, known for her loyalty to recovery and her heartfelt dedication to those seeking healing. Michelle is, and always will be, a cherished member of the Footprints family.

Stephanie Smith, Admissions & Client Services

Stephanie’s journey at Footprints began in 2020 as a client, where she embraced recovery and quickly stepped into leadership as a house manager—a role she held for four years. After transitioning into independent living with her daughter, she remained deeply connected to the recovery community through service work and peer support.

Now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and actively pursuing her LADAC certification, Stephanie continues to give back through her role in resident intake—welcoming new clients with empathy, guidance, and firsthand understanding. Her story is one of resilience, reconnection, and the power of helping others heal.

Board Members

Stphen Loyd, MD

Tammi Newton, LPC

Michelle Johnson. Ladac 1

Timothy Carter. Esq

Phyllis Yaney. President