Who We Are

Jennifer J. Burns serves as Director of Government Relations & Health Policy for Children’s Action Alliance.  As a dedicated advocate, Jennifer has expanded access to quality health care in rural and medically underserved areas of Arizona. From 2003 to 2009, she served as an Arizona State Representative, representing much of rural Southern Arizona. After her legislative tenure, Jennifer worked as a Government Relations Consultant with MHC Healthcare and the Marana Chamber of Commerce. She was honored to be one of two staffers for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s Civil Discourse & Civic Engagement project, which focused on government reform. Most recently, Jennifer served as the Senior Director of Government & Media Relations at the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers.

Jennifer holds multiple degrees from The University of Arizona, including a Juris Doctorate, a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Health Policy, and bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Political Science.

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.

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.

Lori Goodspeed is a passionate advocate for youth and families. She has many years of experience as a preschool teacher, a role in which she was dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering their love of learning. Before joining CAA, Lori served as an Administrative Assistant for the Arizona House of Representatives. In this role, she honed her organizational and leadership skills while gaining insight into the legislative process and its impact on families and communities. Lori’s work has always been driven by a passion for creating equitable opportunities and advocating for the well-being of children and families. Her deep connection to community is rooted in her personal journey as a youth who aged out of foster care. This experience has given her a profound understanding of challenges young people face and the transformative power of support and guidance. Her compassionate approach and professional experience make her an effective leader in supporting youth and families in overcoming obstacles and achieving their potential.

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.

Leanne is a committed social worker and community leader with over 15 years of experience in advancing the well-being of children, youth, and families across Arizona and at the national level. Her career spans leadership roles in government and the nonprofit sector, where she developed and managed prevention and intervention programs addressing youth mental health, homelessness, human trafficking, and child welfare.

In her most recent role as Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Leanne provided high-level strategic support on national initiatives related to child welfare, family violence prevention, human trafficking, and tribal affairs. She fostered deep partnerships with tribal governments, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations to align federal programming with community priorities.

Leanne holds a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed and culturally responsive principles, consistently shaped by her belief that equitable systems are built through listening, co-creation, and long-term community partnership.

Joseph serves as the Director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. He brings years of experience in state and local taxation. Joseph began his career as a corporate tax analyst at the Arizona Department of Revenue and has worked as a tax consultant at KPMG. He holds his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Economics from George Mason University. Additionally, Joseph brings a background in political organizing, community mediation, and nonprofit arts leadership. Joseph believes it’s important to focus on the narratives that make up the Arizona economy as he works to create a fairer tax code and a more inclusive Arizona economy.

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.

Aïda brings a wealth of experience to her role as Executive Coordinator at the Children’s Action Alliance (CAA).  She has a diverse background spanning non-profit roles, language interpretation, executive support, and academia. As a third-generation Arizonan with deep roots in the Gadsden Purchase, Aïda excels in organization, project management, and relationship building. Her passion for making the world a better place fuels her dedication to advancing CAA’s vision and mission.

Aïda holds three degrees in Spanish literature: a bachelor’s from the University of Arizona, and both a master’s and Ph.D. from Purdue University. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys attending games for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns.

Nathan furthers the Arizona Center for Economic Progress by providing research advocating for a budget and policy that works to advance the well-being of communities across Arizona. Nathan previously interned with the SouthWest Fair Housing Council investigating racial and ethnic mortgage lending disparities in the Phoenix and Tucson Metropolitan areas. He holds a Master of Urban and Environmental Planning from Arizona State University, where he gained experience in data analysis through various research projects. Nathan hopes to further equity across Arizona through advocacy and analysis in his work.

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.

Thomas Cody serves as the dedicated Executive Director for the Navajo Division of Social Services since January 2023, leading efforts to enhance the well-being of Navajo Nation communities. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing indigenous populations, Thomas employs strategic leadership to address social welfare issues and empower individuals and families. His commitment to cultural sensitivity and community engagement drives innovative programs aimed at improving lives across the Navajo Nation. Thomas previously served as Director of Casey Family Programs where he worked to support youth, families and improve foster care in Phoenix. With a wealth of experience in social services and a passion for advocacy, Thomas Cody is instrumental in fostering positive change and resilience within the Navajo community.

Pedro Cons is a thoughtful, visionary leader with expertise in strategy and organizational management

His diverse leadership and academic experience provides a unique perspective for creating strategic partnerships across corporate, nonprofit and government sectors to better integrate the delivery of services and more effectively address the holistic needs of families and create sustainable, positive change.

Named Chief Executive Officer at Adelante Healthcare in June 2020, Pedro Cons now leads a network of nine community health centers which provide primary healthcare to more than 80,000 individuals across Maricopa County.

Before joining Adelante, he spent more than 14 years at Chicanos Por La Causa (also known as CPLC). Most recently, he served as the Executive Vice President of Integrated Health and Human Services, overseeing CPLC’s primary care partnerships, home healthcare program, behavioral health, HIV testing and case management, 340b pharmacy and a host of other programs across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. Other previous roles at CPLC include Vice President of Multi-Family Housing Operations, Vice President of Corporate Strategic Initiatives, Vice President of Human Resources, and Vice President of Recovery and Resiliency.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and advanced graduate studies in school guidance counseling and marriage, family and child therapy. He has also received training in community mobilization and facilitation methods and has participated in leadership development including the Kellogg Foundation Multicultural Leadership Institute and the Hispanic Leadership Institute.

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.

Jessica Garard is the esteemed Designated Broker at Best Flagstaff Homes Realty, a premier local real estate brokerage established in 2020. With her leadership and proficiency, Jessica’s practice consistently ranking in the top 5% regionally. As President of the Northern Arizona Association of REALTORS, she advocates for over 600 members, fostering their growth and facilitating vital community connections. A proactive member of REPAC, Jessica champions private property rights, contributing to the removal of burdensome rental taxes. Her expertise garners local media attention and invitations to industry panels. Dedicated to ethical conduct, she serves on the Professional Standards Committee for the Arizona Association of REALTORS. Beyond her professional roles, Jessica’s philanthropy spans organizing community drives and supporting workforce housing initiatives, reflecting her deep commitment to Flagstaff’s well-being and residents.

Joseph Garcia is the Vice President of Public Policy at Chicanos Por La Causa and Executive Director of Sí Se Vota CPL Action Fund. Previously, he was at the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, where he founded the Latino Public Policy Center. Garcia has an extensive career as a newspaper editor, reporter, and columnist and has taught journalism at ASU and the University of Arizona. Recognized for his public service and research, Garcia has received multiple awards, including being named one of Axios’ Five Most Influential Leaders in 2023.

Marisol is the President of the Arizona Education Association (AEA). She previously served as the AEA Vice President and on the AEA Board of Directors, chairing statewide committees, and co-founding the AEA Latino Outreach Cadre. As a veteran middle-school social studies teacher in the Isaac School District, she remains committed to her students and their community. She worked tirelessly to make sure students are safe, engaged in learning, and empowered to find their voice in their community. As the former local president of the Isaac District Education Association, she developed the association’s reputation as a strong voice and advocate for students and teachers throughout the community. Marisol comes from a family of educators; both her parents are accomplished authors and educators who have worked in public education for over 40 years. She is the proud mother of a teenage son. Marisol earned her BA in Political Science from the University of California at San Diego and a teaching credential from San Francisco State University.

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.

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.

As Chief Administrative Officer, Debbie oversees Mercy Care’s community

impact, marketing and communications, strategic planning, and project

management activities. With more than 22 years of Medicaid managed care

experience, she has led various initiatives associated with Mercy Care’s

transformation into a nationally recognized Medicaid managed care

organization known for its trusting community partnerships, strong member

choice and high provider satisfaction. Debbie also serves as the Division of

Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Health Plan Administrator.

Debbie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication,

Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from Eastern Illinois

University, where she also studied Community Health and Health

Communication. Passionate about improving health and wellness in our

community, Debbie served as Board Chair of the Arizona March of Dimes

where she chaired the March for Babies. She is also a member of Dignity

Health’s Community Benefit and Health Equity Committee.

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.

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.

With over two decades of distinguished experience spanning direct service delivery and program administration in the social services sector, Wendy brings exceptional vision and compassionate leadership to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with a specialization in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, providing a strong foundation for her people-centered approach to organizational leadership.

Throughout her career, Wendy has crafted, implemented, and guided both preventive and intervention initiatives that have not only served communities effectively but also refined her abilities as a thoughtful administrator committed to measurable outcomes. Currently, she orchestrates statewide home visitation contracts through Child & Family Resources, Inc., a nonprofit organization devoted to enhancing children’s lives through evidence-based programming and family support.

Actively engaged in shaping policy and practice, Wendy serves as a Steering Committee member for the Maricopa Family Support Alliance, working collaboratively to expand opportunities for family success and resilience. Her leadership extends to Advisory Board positions with Healthy Families Arizona (HAz) and the Executive Leadership Group for Social Current, as well as committee membership with the Arizona Council on Child Welfare.

Beyond her professional contributions, Wendy finds fulfillment as a spouse and mother of four children ranging from age thirty-one to nine. She treasures family time, nurtures her love of reading, and delights in storytelling with her youngest children—experiences that continually inform her understanding of the families she ultimately serves

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.

Julie Spilsbury, serving as Councilmember for District 2 since January 2021, brings a wealth of community engagement and entrepreneurial experience to the Mesa City Council. A proud product of Mesa Public Schools, she has dedicated over two decades to local education, earning accolades for her volunteerism. Raised by educators, Julie’s passion for supporting educational leaders is deeply rooted. With strong ties to District 2, where they’ve raised their six children, Julie’s commitment to her community is unwavering. Her tenure on the Council, elected in August 2020, underscores her dedication to serving the needs of Mesa residents until January 2025. With a love for music and family time, Julie’s dedication to Mesa’s well-being is matched only by her enthusiasm for enriching the lives of those around her. She pursued her education at Brigham Young University, furthering her commitment to lifelong learning and community service.

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.