About Us
Growing Our Community
At Heart of Essence, we value our community and the people that make our community. We are here to support and uplift our members when challenges come in their lives. Just like plants need nutrients to grow, Heart of Essence is the additional conveyor of the nutrients in the process.
Barbara Joynes, Co-Founder
Originating from Maryland, Barbara has been an educator in elementary schools, an assistant administrator in college childcare development program and a BHT in state hospital setting. Barbara's passion has been to serve others and see people's life changed for the better. While in Arizona, she has been working in the behavioral healthcare system and seen the shortages of services and care to the states' members and the ideal of doing something better, and more was created as a thought and project, which birth Heart of Essence. Barbara desire was to truly assist members with the services and care they deserve as the walk through the challenges that occur in life. Barbara has seen over the last nine years that many members don't have the family support needed to navigate their mental/medical needs and Heart of Essence is here to provide that support through the process. Heart of Essence is here to help the member know they have a voice in all their treatment and care.
Porsha Smith, Co-Founder
Originating from New Jersey, Porsha has background in social services field, she brings 20 years of service experience working with individuals and families.
Porsha is highly motivated and passionate to assist you on your healing journey. She is committed to working with the social issues of culturally diverse and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. She strives on helping you develop “out of the box” and “realistic” goals, interventions, and sustainable skills in everyday life. Porsha has knowledge and training working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use/abuse, and anger management. She enjoys meeting and working with new members in developing a lifestyle with clarity.