Ashley Phillips-Stephens, LSCSW, LCSW
Lenexa
Summary
Experienced behavioral health leader skilled in overseeing integrated services and crisis operations. Committed to advancing clinical strategy, enhancing accountability through trauma-informed practices, and fostering partnerships to expand service reach and improve quality outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Clinical Officer
The Guidance Center
Leavenworth
07.2023 - Current
- Provided executive leadership for multi-site CCBHC delivering integrated behavioral health and primary care services.
- Oversaw clinical strategy, operational performance, and quality outcomes to drive system-wide improvements.
- Directed regulatory compliance, licensure, and accreditation processes, ensuring successful audit readiness and adherence to standards.
- Led oversight of 24/7 crisis stabilization unit, managing staffing, governance, and safety protocols.
- Supervised clinical directors and program leaders to enhance accountability and implement trauma-informed care practices.
- Partnered with state agencies, MCOS, and community stakeholders to enhance access and service growth.
- Utilized data analytics to inform resource allocation and optimize operational decisions across clinical programs.
Founder & Executive Director
Golden Therapy Services, LLC
Lenexa
06.2021 - Current
- Oversaw business operations, financial management, and strategic planning to ensure organizational effectiveness.
- Led budgeting, marketing strategy, and compliance initiatives to support organizational development.
- Established partnerships with community organizations and clinicians to enhance service reach.
- Conducted outreach and advocacy to increase awareness and support for mental health initiatives.
Program Director
Cancer Support Community
Kansas City
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Oversaw organizational strategy and program operations, collaborating with CEO to align initiatives with overall goals.
- Directed clinical operations and developed programs to deliver high-quality behavioral health services.
- Supervised licensed clinicians and program staff in clinical admissions assessments and treatment planning.
- Strengthened community partnerships, enhancing stakeholder engagement and supporting sustainable program growth.
Lead Child and Family Therapist
The Children's Place
Kansas City
10.2020 - 08.2022
- Delivered trauma-informed therapy to children and families with complex behavioral, emotional, and environmental needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and advocated in court to enhance client safety, permanency, and well-being.
- Contributed to policy development, SOP revisions, and compliance preparation for Joint Commission accreditation committee.
- Contributed to policy development and SOP revisions for joint commission accreditation compliance.
- Facilitated organization-wide training initiatives to improve compliance standards.
- Supported multidisciplinary team efforts focused on holistic client care.
- Engaged in continuous improvement of therapeutic practices through collaborative feedback.
Residential Child and Family Therapist
Shelterwood Academy (Embark Behavioral Health)
Independence
07.2019 - 10.2020
- Designed and delivered psychoeducational groups for adolescents, aligning evidence-based practices with developmental needs to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Collaborated with clinical, educational, and residential staff to ensure cohesive treatment planning and consistent interventions.
- Facilitated weekly interdisciplinary team meetings to synchronize treatment strategies and proactively address behavioral concerns.
- Supervised 10 to 15 direct care staff, providing trauma-informed coaching and real-time support to foster safe therapeutic environments.
Residential Child and Family Therapist
Synergy Services
Kansas City
01.2016 - 07.2019
- Conducted diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents, identifying mental health needs to inform tailored treatment plans.
- Managed 8-hour residential shifts, overseeing 7-10 direct care staff to maintain program fidelity and ensure safety of residents.
- Facilitated interviewing and onboarding processes for new staff, improving workforce readiness and fostering team cohesion.
Campaign Associate & Administrative Assistant
Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield
Springfield
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Authored multiple grants contributing to development efforts that secured over $1.8 million for Springfield-area clubs.
- Collaborated with capital campaign committee and organizational leadership to develop innovative fundraising strategies and improve donor engagement.
- Managed donor records and tracked capital campaign contributions to ensure accurate reporting for stewardship and effective campaign planning.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Park University
Parkville, MO05-2018
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO12-2015
Skills
- Clinical strategy and program development
- Data analytics and regulatory compliance
- Crisis management and response
- Behavioral health services
Publications
- Radohl, T., Phillips. A., & Kircher, J., The field education experience in a privatized foster care system, Social Work Education, 40, 3, 283-301, 2020, 10.1080/02615479.2020.1832982
- Phillips, A., Psychoeducational group satisfaction in an acute psychiatric hospital, Social Work with Groups, 46, 2, 119-128, 2023, 10.1080/01609513.2022.21075
Certification
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Certified
- Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified
Affiliations
- Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council – State of Kansas
Chair | 2023–Present - Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas- Clinical Directors Committee
Secretary | 2023–Present - City of North Kansas City – Equity & Inclusion Committee
Committee Member | North Kansas City, MO | 2021–2024 - The Children’s Place – Joint Commission Accreditation Committee
Committee Member | 2020–2022 - National Association of Social Workers – Kansas Chapter
Board Member | Topeka, KS | 2017–2021 - Professional Training Experience - Conducted numerous trauma‑informed care trainings in multiple states, recognized for clear, accessible, and practitioner‑focused delivery.
Timeline
Chief Clinical Officer
The Guidance Center
07.2023 - Current
Program Director
Cancer Support Community
08.2022 - 07.2023
Founder & Executive Director
Golden Therapy Services, LLC
06.2021 - Current
Lead Child and Family Therapist
The Children's Place
10.2020 - 08.2022
Residential Child and Family Therapist
Shelterwood Academy (Embark Behavioral Health)
07.2019 - 10.2020
Residential Child and Family Therapist
Synergy Services
01.2016 - 07.2019
Campaign Associate & Administrative Assistant
Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield
01.2012 - 01.2016
Master of Science - Social Work
Park University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Missouri State University