Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez, MPA
Chief, Office of Children’s Health, Arizona CSHCN Director, Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health, Arizona Department of Health Services
Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez, MPA, has been working with children and families for over 20 years and currently serves as the Office Chief for the Office of Children’s Health in the Bureau of Women’s and Children's Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She has been working at the department for 12 years, previously holding the positions of Program Manager and Program Director for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.
As Office Chief for the Office of Children’s Health, Jessica oversees more than $30 million in state and federal funds across the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program; High Risk Perinatal Program; Sensory Screening Program; Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program and the Strong Families AZ Helpline, Arizona’s Maternal and Child Health Helpline as part of the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant.
Additionally, Jessica is an integral part in the State Home Visiting System, managing the statewide data management system; administering the Strong Families AZ Home Visiting Alliance including the marketing and media efforts; and supporting the professional development framework for home visitors in Arizona.
Jessica has extensive experience participating on local and statewide committees and boards to inform policy and to develop and execute strategic action plans designed to improve social, mental, emotional and physical health outcomes for children and families. This participation extends throughout her professional and personal roles. Some of her efforts include participation on: the Interagency Leadership Team; ACEs Consortium; Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board; Fostercare Review Board; Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence; Stop Rape for Profit; Justice for Victims of Child Sex Abuse; Streetlight USA and has volunteered in the community as a Court Appointed Advocate; Girl Scout leader; licensed foster home; and is actively engaged with her children’s activities and school community.Jessica received her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Child Development from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from National University San Diego. Jessica has dedicated her career to working with children and families to navigate the mental and behavioral health system; foster care system; justice system; and special education system while advocating for and implementing prevention strategies and services to decrease the need for crisis interventions.
