Our Team
Leadership Team
Christopher Tiffany, Executive Director – Habla Español
Chris came to Raising Special Kids from the public school system in central Phoenix where he was a dedicated Special Education teacher and facilitator. Chris and his wife, Paulina, are parents to their only son who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Bringing his knowledge of special education as an educator and as a parent, Chris is dedicated to the mission of supporting families who are raising children, of all ages, with special needs.
Janna Murrell, Assistant Executive Director
Janna Murrell became a volunteer with Raising Special Kids in 1998, after experiencing firsthand the value of parent-to-parent support when her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. After working with families in the nonprofit arena for 12 years Janna joined the staff at Raising Special Kids in 2008 and has worn several hats; Family Support Specialist, Director of Family Support and Education, and now Assistant Executive Director.
Janna is a credentialed Peer Parent Support Partner and BHT; certified trainer of the ASQ 3 and ASQ se: accredited provider of Level 4 Group Stepping Stones Triple P; certified trainer for Serving on Groups That Make Decisions; and certified in Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support.
Angélica Lara, Behavioral Health Program Administrator – Habla Español
Kathy Gray-Mangerson, Education System Administrator
Nannette Salasek, Healthcare Systems Administrator – Habla Español
Wendi Scharnhorst, Director, Staff Development and Training
Wendi has a passion for supporting and educating families and professionals when it comes to children with special health care needs. She has facilitated hundreds of workshops and trusts that families can make the best decisions for themselves and their children. She recognizes that raising children can be difficult, but believes the more educated we are, the better the outcomes are for our children. Wendi has three teenagers of her own, two of whom have special health care needs.
Viviana Sexton, Finance Manager – Habla Español
Neil Wintle, Director of Operations
Neil joined Raising Special Kids in 2011. Neil’s previous work experience includes operations management, database administration, and marketing consultation. Neil also has extensive experience in client relations and training.
Neil is the father of two. When Neil’s youngest son was born four months early, his family began a 108-day journey through the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). During this time, Neil’s oldest child began to struggle in school and was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. As a result of his family’s experience, Neil has a passion for supporting NICU families and those with learning disabilities.
Staff
Chris Ames, Human Resources Administrator
Andrea Anderson, Family Support Specialist – Habla Español
Michelle Barr, Family Support Specialist
Trudy Billy, Director of Outreach and Tribal Programs
Angel Cazares, Family Support Specialist
Brandi Clark, Early Intervention Program Administrator
Whitney Cooley, Family Support Specialist
Jessica Crain, Family Support Specialist
Roxanna Diehl, Family Support Specialist
Sarah Dorman, Family Support Specialist
Veronica Garcia-Benne, Family Support Specialist – Habla Español
Rachel Hanzuk, Family Support Specialist
Michelle Henretta, Family Support Specialist
Amellaly Martinez, Family Support Specialist Early Intervention – Habla Español
Maureen Mills, Communications Coordinator
Tasha Peters, Famly Support Specialist
Kelly Randall, Parent Leader Program Coordinator
Cristina Renteria, Family Support Specialist – Habla Español
Dolores Rios, Family Support Specialist – Habla Español
Vicky Rozich, Family Support Specialist
Jessica Ruvalcaba, Administrative Assistant – Habla Español
Paulina Serna, Development Associate – Habla Español
Laurie Shook, Family Support Specialist
Andrea Simon-Topoff, Family Support Specialist
Carolyn Sostrom, Family Support Specialist
Gloria Vidal, Family Support Specialist – Habla Español