News & Updates

A Message From the Director – Summer 2025

December 19, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Brittany Miller

When Brooke was transitioning from the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) to developmental preschool, Brittany attended an IEP workshop hosted by Encircle Families. The knowledge Brittany…

December 19, 2023

Empowering Voices: Introducing the Engaging Families & Young Adults Program

In a world where inclusivity and diversity take center stage, initiatives that amplify the voices of underrepresented communities are crucial. The Engaging Families and Young…

September 20, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Ally Martinez

Amellaly (Ally) Martinez knows firsthand the value of connecting with other parents whose children have similar diagnoses. Her two youngest sons received autism diagnoses and…

September 20, 2023

A Message From the Director – Fall 2023

I hope you are all enjoying the cooler temperatures that September and October bring to Arizona across the state. And I hope you will find…

September 20, 2023

What You Need To Know About School Discipline

Parents might think their children won’t be disciplined, suspended or expelled if they receive services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan,…

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August 29, 2023

AHCCCS Sends Proposal for Parents as Paid Caregiver Program on to CMS For Approval

Parent and family stories and testimonials were extremely effective in advocating for changes to the Parents as Paid Caregivers Program that AHCCCS proposed to send…

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July 25, 2023

Encircle Families Position on AHCCCS 1115 Waiver Amendment Proposal: Parents as Paid Caregivers

In response to the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency in 2020, AHCCCS expanded Medicaid flexibilities in to allow for Parents to become paid caregivers and…

June 28, 2023

A Message From the Director – Summer 2023

For families of young children with disabilities, the transition into school for the first time can be wrought with stress and emotion. Our main article…

June 22, 2023

Prepping for Preschool

“Like many parents, Teresa Banas felt nervous when it was time to send her children to preschool. Her son didn’t speak as much as his…

June 22, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Brandi Clark

“Working for Encircle Families is a dream come true,” Brandi said. “It’s wonderful to work for an employer who understands families’ needs.”

March 29, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Paulina Serna

Paulina first became involved with Encircle Families about 14 years ago when her twins were born. Her son Luis was born with spina bifida,…

March 29, 2023

Coming of Age

Turning18 is a huge milestone for anyone. When a young person with disabilities becomes an adult, their parents can have legitimate concerns about how to…