Board Members
​​Arrie Simpson, PhD Candidate, MBA, LCPC, LPC, CSAT, BSP, is the Founder and Executive Director of Josephine's Way. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Hampton University. As a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist, Arrie brings over a decade of experience in mental health, business leadership, and clinical supervision. Her work is grounded in a humanistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach. Inspired by her grandmother's legacy, Josephine Arrie founded Josephine's Way to bridge systemic gaps in mental health care and serve individuals and families, particularly in Black and Brown communities, with dignity, compassion, and hope.
Vice Chair
is a wife of 28 years, proud mother, and Nana. A former Ford model and Mrs. America state titleholder, she most treasures the roles of dance mom, cheer mom, and grandmother. Fueled by her passion for service, she and her husband founded The Servants Project, Inc., where she continues to serve her community with a heart for serving others.
Board Member
Ashley Ellis is a wife, mother, educator, and creator with over 15 years of experience across P–12 and nonprofit settings. She is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, leading with empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to building inclusive and empowering learning environments.
With a master's degree in learning, leadership, and organizational development and a bachelor's degree in elementary education, she specializes in people development, always grounded in emotional intelligence and a genuine concern for humanity. She deeply believes in people's inherent goodness and potential and brings an adaptive, heart-centered leadership style to every space she enters. Whether creating content, facilitating professional learning, or supporting individuals and teams, she approaches her work with curiosity, compassion, and a dedication to sustaining healthy, human-centered ecosystems.