Meet the Board

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Dr. Ashley Steves completed her Doctorate of Social Work from University of Southern California, focusing on homelessness and incarceration for adults living with severe mental illnesses.  Dr. Steves was recognized by USC for her innovative designs towards eliminating homelessness, as well as her leadership and academic excellence.  She specialized in psychopharmacology during her Master’s Degree at Boston University, and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Social Work at Arizona State University. 

Dr.  Steves began her career of service in 2011 with the Glendale Fire Department of Arizona as a first responder, and continued part-time with the department until 2018.   Dr. Steves began her employment with Helping Hearts Residential Facilities of Arizona in 2012 and served as the Clinical Director until 2018 when she relocated to Northern Colorado. She then became a contracted consultant and auditor for Helping Hearts.  She assisted in the program’s expansion into California from 2013-2015 and continues to collaborate both with HHAZ and HHCA. 

Ynez Cross is the founder and CEO of Helping Hearts California, LLC, and Helping Hearts Residential Facilities in Arizona. Since 2007, Helping Hearts has provided 24-hour treatment for adults living with mental illness in a residential setting through licensed residential treatment and social rehabilitation facilities, community-based living models and mental health recuperative care services. 

Prior to Helping Hearts, Ynez spent nearly fifteen years in the healthcare sector, working for and with companies such as CIGNA Healthcare of Arizona, and Oxford Health Plans. As a Consultant with the Phoenix Mercer Government Consulting Practice (then William M. Mercer, Inc.), she worked with many State Medicaid programs in both behavioral and physical health policy, program and operational sectors. Clients include the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, Delaware Health and Social Services, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services and the Heinz Family Philanthropies. 

Ynez holds a Master’s in Business Administration, Finance from California State University, East Bay (formerly Hayward), and a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance and Accounting from the University of Oregon. She is also a former commissioned officer in the United Stated Army Reserves.