Heartfelt Impact: How Angelica Asperilla Is Driving Change in Charlotte County

June 18th, 2025

Introduction: From Local Roots to Lasting Impact

In Charlotte County, leadership doesn’t always wear a suit. Sometimes it wears sneakers, hauls a stethoscope into a mobile clinic, and pulls double duty as a Pilates instructor by night. That’s Angelica Asperilla—a powerhouse of compassion, resilience, and hometown pride. As the Mobile Medical Clinic Manager for Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (VBA), Angelica blends healthcare access with heartfelt community connection.

Her work is a shining example of why Charlotte County isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s the perfect place to live, work, and build a meaningful life.

The Power of a Father’s Legacy

Angelica’s story begins with family—and with one man in particular: her father, Dr. Mark Asperilla. Known throughout Charlotte County as a compassionate physician and bold entrepreneur, he lived by one simple rule: serve others without seeking praise.

“He constantly went above and beyond to help others,” Angelica says. “He cared for patients who couldn’t afford treatment and even sponsored family and friends from the Philippines to pursue citizenship in the U.S.”

Dr. Asperilla also founded Virginia B. Andes, ran a hotel, citrus grove, boxing gym, and two restaurants—embodying a fearless spirit of service and business savvy.

Watching him be honored at events he never bragged about left a deep mark on Angelica. “His example shaped my values. It’s what inspired my desire to lead a life of service, empathy, and purpose—just like he did.”

The Fishery Years: A Crash Course in Real Life Leadership

In 2017, Angelica’s leadership skills were forged in fire. She was managing The Fishery restaurant, taking online classes full-time for her journalism degree at Florida Atlantic University, and helping care for her father—who was in and out of hospitals and rehab centers after a series of strokes.

“It was intense,” she admits. “But that season taught me how to multitask under pressure and lead with empathy. I had to understand how different people worked and adapt constantly.”

This wasn’t just food service. It was training for a future defined by compassion, flexibility, and grit—qualities she now brings to the clinic every day.

Family First: How Caregiving Shaped Her Future

When her father’s health declined, the entire Asperilla family came together in a way that was both emotional and inspiring.

“Even though my parents had been divorced for ten years, my mom and stepdad helped care for him. We even moved him back into my mom’s house,” she recalls. Her mom, a registered nurse, led the charge.

Angelica quickly became fluent in healthcare: operating Hoyer lifts, managing medications, supporting therapy, and understanding stroke care. “That time taught me about resilience—not just in my family, but in myself,” she says. “It planted the seeds for my future in healthcare.”

And unknowingly, it would one day lead her right back to Virginia B. Andes.

Full Circle: The Dream That Changed Everything

The night before her first day volunteering at VBA, Angelica had a dream. In it, her father sat across a table and told her, “I’m so happy.” Then she woke up. It was time to head to the clinic.

“I had no idea that dream would be so significant,” she says. “It was the only one I’ve ever had of him—and it felt like a quiet blessing.”

What started as a thank-you visit to VBA turned into weekly volunteer shifts. Then, a job offer. Then, a purpose. “Leading the mobile clinic helped me heal my grief and continue my dad’s legacy.”

The VBA Mobile Medical Clinic: Healthcare That Comes to You

In a county as spread out as Charlotte, access is everything. Not everyone has reliable transportation or phone service to make an appointment. That’s why the VBA Mobile Medical Clinic matters.

“We bring care directly into neighborhoods that need it most,” Angelica explains. The mobile unit partners with organizations like Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, the Department of Health, and local housing providers to deliver:

• Primary care

• Chronic illness management

• Vaccinations

• STD testing

• Wellness education

• Prescription access (excluding controlled substances)

Once patients complete eligibility screening and are established with VBA, they can access specialty providers like chiropractors, cardiologists, and dermatologists, along with monthly classes on smoking cessation and nutrition, plus a full-service pharmacy available four days a week

But what makes the clinic work isn’t just medicine. It’s volunteers. “We need everyone—not just doctors and nurses, but IT help, front desk support, logistics volunteers, even marketing,” Angelica shares. “Anyone who wants to serve can make a difference.”

What’s Next: Dental Care on the Move

One of Angelica’s proudest projects is the clinic’s newest initiative: a mobile dental care pilot.

“We’re collaborating with the Charlotte County Department of Health to convert one exam room into a dental suite,” she explains. The goal? Offer basic services on the road by late 2025—with the dream of launching a second, fully dental-focused mobile unit within two years.

Why dental? “The need is huge,” Angelica says. “We want to meet people where they are—and that includes their teeth.”

Growing Up Charlotte: A Place to Play, Learn, and Dance

Angelica was raised in Punta Gorda—and says Charlotte County gave her everything:

• Horseback riding at Bridle Brook Stables

• Years of dance at Elite Fine Arts Dance Academy

• Supportive teachers, friends, and mentors

“Even today, I’ll jump into adult dance classes or hit up bachata socials on weekends,” she laughs. “Movement is still such a big part of who I am.”

Charlotte County’s tight-knit, generous spirit shaped her worldview. “This is a place where people wave to each other, show up for each other, and check in. I carry that with me—personally and professionally.”

Beyond the Clinic: A Passion for Pilates and People

Angelica is also a certified Pilates instructor. She teaches others how to strengthen their bodies, improve mobility, and recover from stress through movement. “It’s my way of helping people feel more at home in their bodies,” she says.

Balancing clinic work, wellness, and family isn’t easy—but Angelica has a system. “I build in breaks, prioritize rest, and recharge when I need to. It keeps me energized for the people I serve.”

A Life Full of Surprises: From Vintage Booths to Dog Dreams

You might be surprised to learn Angelica co-runs a vintage clothing business with her boyfriend. “We used to have a booth at Funkie Junkies,” she says. “It’s on pause due to hurricane damage, but we hope to revive it soon.”

Her guilty pleasure? 90 Day Fiancé.
Her dream job (besides this one)? “Working at a dog daycare. Getting paid to hang out with dogs all day sounds amazing.”

Advice for the Next Generation: Start Here, Grow Here

Angelica knows that Charlotte County is often underestimated by young professionals. But she’s here to tell you: that’s changing.

“I came back as an adult and discovered a thriving network of young adults, small businesses, and community support,” she says. “You can grow here—personally and professionally.”

Her advice?
“Take the pressure off. There’s no perfect timeline. Explore. Stay curious. Don’t rush the process.”

The Big Picture: A Better Charlotte County for All

Angelica’s vision for the future includes:

• Expanded care for uninsured residents

• Stronger in-kind partnerships for diagnostic and specialty services

• Inclusive, welcoming spaces for new professionals and families

• More awareness so eligible patients can access services

Her dream for the community? “That we keep growing by embracing diversity, supporting young leadership, and staying open to new ideas.”

A Final Word: Living the Legacy

Asked how she plans to carry her father’s legacy forward, Angelica answers simply: “With compassion, humility, and service. That’s how he lived. And that’s how I want to live, too.”

Sources

• Direct interview: Angelica Asperilla (2025)

• Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic: https://volunteercare.org

• Angelica Asperilla’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-asperilla