Who We Are

Children’s Action Alliance (CAA) is an independent voice for Arizona children at the state capitol and in the community.

CAA logo and smiling child

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Our vision

An Arizona where all children and families thrive.

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Our mission

Children’s Action Alliance is an independent voice that identifies and eliminates barriers to the well-being of children and families and creates opportunities through partnerships and policy solutions.

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Commitments

Children’s Action Alliance is committed to living our values in all the actions we take and decisions we make, ensuring data and facts play a central role. ​We hold ourselves accountable to these commitments for the children, youth, families, and communities we work alongside.

Equity

We strive toward equity for all in how we advocate and how we operate.

Integrity

We earn community trust through accuracy, transparency, dependability, and authentic engagement.

Justice

We believe justice should be an outcome of equity, fueled by empowered communities making their own decisions.

Optimism

We make a difference because we choose to approach challenges from a place of possibility.

Community

We understand we are part of a greater whole, so we invest time in building relationships that are rooted in mutual respect.

Our Team

January Contreras

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President and CEO

January has a longstanding record of leading change, influencing policy for the well-being of children and families. She most recently served as the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, appointed by the President, and confirmed with bi-partisan support in the U.S. Senate. As the Assistant Secretary, she worked to strengthen child care accessibility; child welfare prevention and safety; and economic stability supports in cities, towns, and tribal communities across the country that support the ability of families to not just safely survive, but to thrive. January has led an Arizona legal aid center, and has worked for the Honorable Janet Napolitano as a cabinet member and an advisor. Her public service history includes serving as assistant director at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and interim director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS). Contreras earned her undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Arizona.

Damita Curry

Damita D. Curry

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Vice President of Development and Communications

For over 15 years, Curry has managed fundraising and communications initiatives in her senior leadership roles for children and family organizations in Ohio and Arizona. In doing so, she was responsible for raising millions for the most vulnerable children in our communities. Damita has promoted affordable housing programs with President Clinton and created awareness for women’s health across the country. She has also received multiple communication awards for excellence in video, event, and collateral production from the Telly Awards, International Special Events Society, and American Marketing Association. Damita holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kent State University.

Michelle Crow

Michelle Crow

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Southern Arizona Director

Michelle serves as the Southern Arizona Director of CAA. In that role, she facilitates community-based organizing efforts to elevate voices of child advocates from across Southern Arizonans who are seeking to improve the status of children’s health, education, and safety in Arizona. Michelle is a proud two-time alumnus from the University of Arizona having earned her Master’s in Public Administration in 2011 and her Bachelor’s in Political Science in 1994, with a minor in Spanish.

Molly Dunn

Molly Dunn

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Director of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Policy

Deeply influenced by her own early experience as a foster child, Molly has dedicated her career to improving outcomes of system-involved youth. As a provider of direct legal services, Molly has represented hundreds of children and youth in dependency, juvenile justice, education, immigration, family law, and other proceedings. As a clinical instructor at Stanford and Loyola law schools, she has mentored and guided other advocates to serve system-involved youth. Prior to joining Children’s Action Alliance, Molly directed FosterEd Arizona. Molly holds a B.A. from Macalester College and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

Matt Jewett

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Director of Health Policy

Matt Jewett returned to the role of Director of Health Policy in March 2023, having previously worked in that role and as CAA’s Research Associate from 2004 to 2013. He has led outreach campaigns that increased AHCCCS and KidsCare health insurance enrollment. Overseeing grants for Mountain Park Health Center from 2013 to 2023, Matt managed up to $35 million a year in grant funds, including for construction of a new clinic. Matt was a member of the Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board in Phoenix for six years. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona, has studied graduate-level public health at A.T. Still University, and enjoys a good cup of tea, growing his vinyl collection, and exploring his home state of Arizona…and the world.

Geraldine Miranda

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Economic Policy Analyst

Geraldine advances the Arizona Center for Economic Progress’ work by advocating for a sound fiscal policy through budget and tax-related projects. She joins the AZCenter after serving as a Senior Paralegal for Community Legal Services where she provided legal assistance and administrative hearing representation to Arizonans facing adverse Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and Social Security disability benefit eligibility and overpayment determinations. Geraldine holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree in International Politics with a certification in Asian Studies from Georgetown University.

Jason Moore

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Vice President, Finance and Operations

Jason works to further the mission of Children’s Action Alliance by ensuring the organization and team has the resources, tools, and procedures to effectively build coalitions and change policies that improve the lives of children and families. Beginning as a history teacher in the Phoenix Union School District, Jason discovered his calling within the nonprofit sector and has been for helping underserved youth populations through interventions and advocacy, since 1999. Like many nonprofit professionals, Jason has experience in many roles and has advanced important work as a Direct Service Provider, Program Manager, Grant Writer, and Executive Director. Jason is a native Arizonan who grew up in the Valley and attended Northern Arizona University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in education.

Kelley Murphy

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Vice President of Policy

Kelley has twentyfive years of health, early childhood and family policy, advocacy and program experience. The past nine at Children’s Action Alliance First as the Director of Early Childhood and most recently as the Vice President of Policy in charge of overseeing CAA’s full policy agenda. She is a Registered Nurse (RN) with clinical experience in a variety of health settings. Kelley spent thirteen years in public health departments creating, implementing and leading public health and development programs and working to improve public policy at the state and local level. Prior to her move to CAA, she served as the Policy Bureau Chief at the Arizona Division of Behavioral Health Services where she oversaw policy and contract development and compliance for the Regional and Tribal Behavioral Health Authorities. Kelley was also the Senior Health Policy and Program Specialist for Arizona’s early childhood agency, First Things First.  Hailing originally from Indianapolis Indianashe is a diehard Colts and Indy 500 fan. Kelley holds both her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nursing Degrees from Indiana University.   .

Luisa Santos Martinez

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Digital Strategist

Luisa is a multimedia artist and advocate for the youth with a Bachelor’s degree from ASU in Film studies, focused on documentary work. She continues to explore film, graphic design and writing through her Colombian culture and local communities. With many years of experience in videography, digital marketing, and project management, Luisa is consistently learning how to utilize her talents to become a bridge for others. Prior to CAA and AZCenter, her experiences working with various nonprofit in the arts and youth sectors have expanded her focus toward a commitment to helping future generations.

Holly Tourville

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Executive Assistant

Holly is a senior at Arizona State University pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Public Service. Prior to joining CAA, Holly served as a legislative intern in Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office and gained great insight to policymaking and advocacy. Throughout her education, she has focused on important issues like public health policy, economic inequality, and child welfare. With her background in the legal field, Holly hopes to dedicate her life and career to advocating for equitable policies at the local and national levels.

Ashley Anderson

Ashley M. Anderson, MBA, SHRM-SCP

Creighton University

Ashley M. Anderson currently serves as a Senior Human Resource Professional for Creighton University Phoenix Health Sciences Campus. She brings over 8 years of Human Resources experience working in various industries to the board. Her expertise spans across Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Training and Development, and more. She also consults with small and medium businesses on HR needs as they arise. She also sits on the Board of the National Association for African Americans in Human Resources, State of Arizona Chapter. Ashley holds an MBA with emphasis in Management from American Intercontinental University.

Joanie Flatt

Joanie Flatt

Owner and President, Flatt & Associates, Ltd

Joanie Flatt is owner and president of Flatt & Associates, Ltd, public relations and public affairs, a company she founded in 1981 in Mesa. Over the years, the firm has served a wide variety of clients in business, social services, and education. Joanie was named the 2019 Shelley Award Honoree for her innovative work in supporting public policy beneficial to the arts and culture in Arizona.

Joseph Garcia

Joseph Garcia, MA, Secretary

Chicanos Por La Causa

Joseph Garcia is a longtime communication and media professional, serving as a researcher, author, and presenter of public policy issues such as Arizona’s changing demographics, education, and the new electorate. He previously worked at ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy and The Arizona Republic. He teaches at ASU Cronkite School of Journalism.

Jack Gibson

Jack Gibson

Director & General Manager, Arizona Public Media, University of Arizona

Jack Gibson’s career in public broadcasting spans over forty years and demonstrates the ideals of using media as a resource to educate, inform, and inspire audiences. Since 2006, Jack has served as the CEO of Arizona Public Media (AZPM), an editorially independent, nonprofit public service of the University of Arizona. AZPM provides three television program services, three radio services, and a variety of online program offerings at azpm.org, to audiences throughout Southern Arizona and beyond.

Nora Hannah

Nora Hannah

Nonprofit Strategy Advisor

Nora Hannah is a nonprofit organizational consultant and community leader with experience in building successful teams, creating consistent operating models, and achieving goals. Nora has an extensive background in civic engagement, nonprofit leadership, finance, and organizational alignment. She is active in the greater Phoenix community and received the Athena Award as Businesswoman of the Year from the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

David Higuera

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Vice Chair, Supervisor Matt Heinz, Pima County

David Higuera has years of experience in public policy, education and youth development. He currently serves as chief of staff for Supervisor Matt Heinz on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and prior to that, co-founded and co-directed the IDEA School in Tucson, a nonprofit K-8 independent school focused on social-emotional development, learning through inquiry, and being accessible to all families regardless of income. David is committed to the notion that policies that address the needs of children and families lead to better outcomes for every member of our community, and that effective public policy must focus on equity.

Mark Kendall

Mark Kendall, JD, PhD, Treasurer

Vice President of Legal Services, CopperPoint Mutual Ins. Co.

Mark Kendall is Vice President, Legal Services, and oversees CopperPoint’s Legal Services Division. He has been with CopperPoint for over 20 years and is a member of the State Bar of Arizona and a certified specialist in workers’ compensation. Mark is past co-chair of the workers compensation section of the State Bar of Arizona and of the Arizona Workers Compensation Defense Counsel Association.

Ana Z. Licona

Analyst, Broadband Equity Partnership

Ana is a community leader bridging advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal level governments. Currently, she is a leader in the Broadband Equity Partnership and HR&A Advisors where she supports projects working to provide effective, efficient, and equitable broadband. Before joining HR&A, she worked in the Office of former Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves with the California Public Utilities Commission, analyzing broadband access and the digital divide highlighted by COVID-19. Ana began her career working with the Obama White House Office of Presidential Personnel where she led leadership and professional development programs for over 3,000 political appointees. Ana is committed to public service and a proud alumnus of the Hispanic Leadership Institute, the Aguila Youth Leadership Institute, and the Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA).

Erica Maxwell

Erica Maxwell

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant

As the first Associate Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Arizona Department of Education, Ms. Erica Maxwell has more than 25 years as a certified educator. In her education tenure, Maxwell has served as an administrator, adjunct faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and as a faculty associate at Arizona State University. Maxwell is also the co-founder of the annual Arizona Multicultural Education Conference and founder of Club READ (Reading Experiences Appreciating Diversity), which is a summer literacy initiative in Chandler. In addition to her educational equity consulting work, she hosted public forums for the Arizona State University’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, as well as for the Arizona Department of Education; Healing Racism Series, Mesa Community College Educators Academy, Scottsdale’s Cross-Cultural Communication Series and the Seventh Annual Future Educator’s Conference. In her free time, Erica enjoys going to the movies, reading, traveling, hiking, and exploring the amazing beauty unique to Arizona. She cherishes time with her children, friends, and relatives. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she resides in Chandler with her two teenage children.

Ayensa Milan

Ayensa I. Millan

Managing Attorney, Cima Law Group, PC

Ayensa I. Millan has years of experience handling criminal and immigration matters and is the founder of CIMA Law Group, PC. Her commitment and dedication stem from her own personal experiences; knowing firsthand the struggles and needs of the immigrant community. Ayensa volunteers with various community organizations and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers. She also hosts two radio shows giving legal advice and information on criminal and immigration matters.

Thom Reilly

Professor at School of Public Affairs ASU

Thom Reilly is a professor in the School of Public Affairs and co-director for the Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy at Arizona State University. He is the former chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, chief executive officer/county manager for Clark County, Nevada (the Las Vegas Valley), and head of the child-welfare system for Nevada. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Wendy Valenzuela

Wendy Valenzuela, Board Chair

Government Affairs Representative, APS

Wendy Valenzuela works for Arizona Public Service as the Government Affairs Representative for State & Local Affairs. Prior to her role at APS, Wendy served as Chief of Staff for a council office at the City of Phoenix for two years. She serves on the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Executive Leadership committee, the Maricopa Community College Foundation Board, and the Phoenix Theatre Board.