Boards Member
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Arrie Simpson, MBA, LCPC, LPC, CSAT, BSP is the Founder and Executive Director of Josephine's Way. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. 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.
Chair
Ashley Ellis is a wife, mother, educator, and creative 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 believes deeply 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.
Vice Chair
Dr. Carla Carter began her career in education, earning her bachelor’s in Special Education from Northern Illinois University and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. She later transitioned into counseling, earning a second master’s from Adler School of Professional Psychology and a doctorate in Education and System Reform from Loyola University Chicago.
Passionate about trauma-informed care, Dr. Carter focuses on attachment trauma and uses a “What happened to you?” lens to guide healing. She integrates mind-body techniques—including CBT, EMDR, NET, and mindfulness—into her work, helping clients connect thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
Recognizing that weekly therapy isn’t always enough for deep trauma work, Dr. Carter offers Intensives—extended sessions tailored to client needs for more impactful healing.
As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), she also helps individuals and groups—from athletes to executives—build mental skills to reach their full potential.
“Therapy is more about building new associations, making new, healthier default pathways. It is almost as if therapy is taking your two-lane dirt road and building a four-lane freeway alongside it. The old road stays, but you don’t use it much anymore.”
— Bruce D. Perry, What Happened to You?
CFO & Secretary
As the Business Manager for The Cognitive Clinic, a customer service background for over 35 years, and a love of organizing and numbers, Eva is the perfect fit for the role of Secretary/Treasurer here at JW.
As a wife, mother of 3, and grandmother to 2, she is adamant in supporting and volunteering with causes close to her heart, pertaining to mental health and individuals with disabilities.
When she finds free time, she spends it reading, decorating, and gardening.
“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” –Sally Koch
Lori Smith, LCSW, brings over 30 years of clinical experience supporting individuals and families through life transitions, trauma, mental health challenges, and family conflict. A graduate of the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, Lori holds advanced training in family dynamics and pastoral counseling. Her work is rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and trauma-informed care. Lori has developed clinical strategies and trainings for first responders, clergy, DCFS, and law enforcement, and has taught at both the University of Chicago and DePaul University. At Josephine's Way, she supports families with reunification services, complex trauma, and healing from violence and loss, offering clients a safe, measured path toward connection and recovery.
