Our Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Jeff Kazmierczak, RN, MSN, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
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Jeff Kazmierczak, RN, MSN, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Kazmierczak RN, MSN, MBA is a senior executive with more than 25 years of experience in a variety of behavioral health leadership roles. He received a BSN from Marquette University, an MSN from UWM with an emphasis in community health, and an Executive MBA from the UWM Sheldon Lubar School of Business with a focus on finance, strategy, and operational efficiency.
Jeff and Dick will work together in transition of leadership, with Jeff taking over as CEO effective May 29, 2020, and Dick continuing in a consultant role until June 19, 2020.
Mr. Kazmierczak began his career working with children on an inpatient psychiatric unit. He became interested in impacting the quality of services on a much larger scale and became a founding partner of a behavioral health contract management organization, dedicated to providing services to children and adolescents. In addition, he developed a community-based services organization which continues to grow providing case management, in-home therapy, day treatment and a variety of community support services for children and families.
During the past ten years, Mr. Kazmierczak also has provided interim and consulting services for multiple organizations, focusing on turnaround and/or enhancing behavioral health continuum of care services. Those engagements occurred in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Nevada, Missouri and Arizona (Phoenix Children’s Hospital). Jeff has a passion for leading teams and maximizing the Talent within organizations toward the goal of delivering high quality services and value to children, families, communities and payers alike
Bonnie Kolakowski, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
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Bonnie Kolakowski, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Bonnie Kolakowski started working with MIKID in April 2013 as the Chief Financial Officer. Bonnie oversees the financial operations of the agency including but not limited to budgeting, financial statement preparation, adherence to internal controls, and oversight of the agency’s annual financial audit. She has worked in the behavioral health industry since 2009 and for non-profits since 2006. Bonnie has been in the accounting field for over 18 years and has her MBA with an emphasis in accounting. Bonnie has lived life experience navigating two children in the behavioral health system. Together with her MIKID team, she has helped the agency grow.
Akia Compton, MS
Vice President
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Akia Compton, MS
Vice President
Currently oversees programs & operations.

Akia Compton has been active in youth services since 1993, ranging from residential, independent living, juvenile justice and behavioral health. Her passion stems from being a youth enrolled in the system. Akia received her B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Akron and her M.S. in Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix. Akia wanted to give back to her community and help other youth navigate the system in a positive way. She is also a parent of a child with behavioral health challenges. Akia started her work at MIKID in August of 2012. Her personal and professional endeavors have made her a valuable asset to MIKID.

Alfonso González
Director of Human Resources
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Alfonso González
Director of Human Resources
Alfonso has been working for MIKID since 2013, and has experience working in the social services field since 2015. Alfonso has worked with dual diagnosis, art therapy, foster, group home, and shelter populations. Alfonso is originally from California and has been working in Human Resources since 2005. He has worked with both for profit and nonprofit organizations. Alfonso has also assisted in music programs at previous agencies as he has actively been involved in music for over 20 years.
Suma Hodge, MS, LPC, BHP, CCTP
Clinical Director
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Suma Hodge, MS, LPC, BHP, CCTP
Clinical Director
Suma Hodge is an Independent Licensed Professional Counselor and a behavior health professional. She is well versed in substance abuse, serious mental illness and trauma-focused treatment. Suma works in advocating about mental health in urban and underrepresented communities. She has been a pillar in the mental health community for well over 10 years. As she furthers her support, growth and nurturing to those in need through education experience she has obtained her trauma certification and is A trained clinical supervisor. As experience as a clinical manager of a 60 bed residential substance abuse all male facility, clinical coordinator in and outpatient child to adult mentoring program, MAT (medication-assisted treatment) program therapist and clinical program manager over several SMI group homes accords Arizona, Suma oversaw the day to day clinical operation of the clinical department to include, intake/ discharge process, therapeutic delivery of services, program development, CQI, audit compliance, and professional development of several clinical positions included but not limited to psychiatric nursing. Suma spends time facilitating and participating in mental heath discussion across the valley and nation spreading awareness, education, advocating and busting through barriers and mental health myths.
Patti Worthen, LMSW, BHP
Statewide Director of Program Management
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Patti Worthen, LMSW, BHP
Statewide Director of Program Management
Patricia has background in the Social Service Field and Education Field and received her Master’s in Social Work degree in 2018. Patricia was a single mother who had to learn the behavioral health and educational system for her children. Patricia has been in on both sides of the fence and knows the challenges it entails for parents to navigate the systems. Patricia started with MIKID as the Family Support Manager and is now the Direct Services Manager. Patricia has been working with MIKID since 2013.
Kate MacDonald, BS
Director of Fund Development
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Kate MacDonald, BS
Director of Fund Development
Heather Fenech, BA
Director of Staff Development
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Heather Fenech, BA
Director of Staff Development
Heather was born and raised in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She received her B.A. in Communications from Eastern Michigan University. She is a non-profit professional with 8+ years of experience in management and training. Combining knowledge of trauma informed care, staff professional development and the importance of community outreach and education/engagement to build strong teams and community partnerships.
Paterse Randles
Fund Development Coordinator
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Paterse Randles
Fund Development Coordinator
Paterse has been with MIKID since March of 2013 and has held a variety of positions. Paterse currently serves as the Fund Development Coordinator. Paterse attends Arizona State University working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Women & Gender Studies Major, and African and African American Studies Minor. Paterse values her time spent volunteering as a Peer Mentor, tutoring students with learning challenges as well as providing support with their educational goals and encouragement for students with learning disabilities (LD). Paterse has been a part of the Fundraising Committee within MIKID, planning events and assisting in fundraising efforts, since 2015.
Dean Reed
Facilities Manager
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Dean Reed
Facilities Manager
Dean Reed serves as the Facilities Manager at MIKID. In addition to electrical, he has experience in welding fabrication. Dean worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections for three years in a maximum custody unit and for four years as a maintenance technician supervisor at the Arizona State Hospital. In his own experience, Dean has witnessed the devastation caused by mental illness and the effects it has on families.
Kelly Kolakowski
Administrative Support Specialist
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Kelly Kolakowski
Administrative Support Specialist
Kelly Kolakowski has worked in the Healthcare and Insurance industry since 2008 and has gained experience managing teams, contributing to system conversions, creating training programs and setting up auditing measures. She is a hard worker and is dedicated to contributing to MIKID’s continuing growth and success.

Family Support Managers Team

Nancy Osborn
Family Support Manager Kingman
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Nancy Osborn
Family Support Manager Kingman
In 30 years of marriage, Nancy has helped her husband raise five amazing children, now adults. Three of those are stepchildren, one has special needs and one is a grandchild. Nancy believes her loved ones have afforded her the experiences that allow her to provide services with compassion, understanding and empathy. She has worked as a Family Support Partner with MIKID for in 2008 and has been a supervisor since 2010. She takes great joy in supporting families and Family Support Providers in meeting their goals.
Alicia Ledezma
Family Support Manager Yuma
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Alicia Ledezma
Family Support Manager Yuma
Alicia Ledezma joined MIKID in March of 2017 as Family Support Partner, in April 2017 she was promoted to Family Support Manager. Alicia has 18 years of experience working in the behavioral health field at different Capacities. She began her behavioral Health Journey in the group home setting working with SMI Population, Alicia then worked as Family Support in a Substance abuse Program. Alicia has strong Clinical experienced obtained during her work as a Clinical Liason with both Children and Adults. She has lived life experiences as she has had children in the behavioral health, education, and juvenile justice systems therefore understands how challenging this could be for parents as she has been on both sides. Alicia believes she is able to empower and give families a sense of hope when Navigating these systems.
Tamara Grimm
Family Support Manager Nogales and Sierra Vista
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Tamara Grimm
Family Support Manager Nogales and Sierra Vista
Tamara received her Bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Wayland Baptist University in Business Administration with a Specialization in Human Resource Management She currently is working on her Master’s of Arts in Counseling with an expected graduation date in 2022. Tamara has worked in behavioral health for over 6 years providing clinical and/or counseling services to include: running a girls' treatment program, working with DCS and foster parents as well as working with victims of physical/sexual abuse at a local advocacy center. Her future plans are to graduate with a Master of Arts in Counseling, become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and open a private practice to provide a more clinical/therapeutic approach to others in my community.
Jaquay Boyd
Family Support Manager Casa Grande
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Jaquay Boyd
Family Support Manager Casa Grande
Jaquay Boyd has been working for MIKID since January of 2017. Jaquay started as a Family Support Partner working her way up to Family Support Manager in 2019. Jaquay has 15 years of combined lived life experience and working experience in behavior and mental health. She has a daughter and other family members with those challenges. Even as a Manager Jaquay still enjoys serving families face to face that are struggling to navigate multiple systems to help their children to receive the best services. She helps pilot the MIKID Parent Support Now Program in Casa Grande for parents involved with DCS, walking side by side with them through that system. Jaquay is passionate about her work, and works hard to make sure families get the services they deserve.

Jessica Varela
Family Support Manager Tucson
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Jessica Varela
Family Support Manager Tucson

Jessica was born in Bellflower, California but has lived in Nogales since the age of two and, recently, moved to Tucson around three years ago with her mother and 14 year old daughter.


Jessica started her career in behavioral health in 2008 working as an Instructional Specialist Senior/Administrative Assistant in Youth Prevention Programs, Parenting Programs and Early Childhood Development Programs for the University of Arizona. This allowed for the opportunity to work with both children and adults using preventative care methods in recovery of different mental illnesses. In her next role, serving as a Program Manager for Wellness Connections , Jessica was certified as a Peer Support giving her the chance to grow and learn more about recovery and how our life experiences can be utilized as a tool to help others going through similar situations while collaborating with public law enforcement, first responders, behavioral health agencies and other community resources.


In 2019, Jessica began working for MIKID as a Direct Support Manager in Nogales where she became certified as a Family Support Partner. Her personal and professional experiences, combined with her passion for helping others, have guided and motivated her to find success daily. Jessica believes strongly in teamwork to enhance her results and make stronger bonds with staff, members and our community. She feels very blessed to have been given the opportunity to have returned as Family Support Manager for the MIKID Tucson office and is very excited and looking forward to what the future holds.

Marisela Aranda
Family Support Manager Phoenix
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Marisela Aranda
Family Support Manager Phoenix
Marisela Aranda graduated with her B.S in Psychology from NAU in 2007. Marisela has array of experience in the behavioral health field that includes being a foster parent and working with JPO, education system; therefore, she can relate to the families she serves. Marisela is very passionate about advocating for the families she works with as well as her Foster children. Marisela enjoys volunteering in her community.
when she is not at work you can find her feeding the homeless or mentoring at risk youth. Marisela loves to travel and experience different cultures.
 
 

Direct Support Managers Team

Dan Axe
Direct Service Manager Kingman, Flagstaff, Prescott and Payson
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Dan Axe
Direct Service Manager Kingman, Flagstaff, Prescott and Payson
Dan Axe has been with MIKID since February of 2013 and has held a variety of positions. Dan currently holds the position Northern Arizona Direct Service Manager, serving the communities of Kingman, Flagstaff, Prescott and Payson. Dan represents MIKID through his Tri-chair position with the Northern Arizona Children’s Council where he helps facilitate growth throughout the Northern Arizona regions by providing resources to families, schools and other behavioral health organizations
James Beecher
Direct Service Manager for Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Parker. Family Support Manager, Parker
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James Beecher
Direct Service Manager for Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Parker. Family Support Manager, Parker
James Beecher currently serves as Direct Support Manager for Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City. Additionally, James serves as both Family and Direct Support Manager for La Paz County. His MIKID career began as a Direct Support Provider serving Transitional Age Youth in Yuma County. James majored in Criminal Justice and Business in college.
James has served in various capacities within the behavioral health field, including as a Crisis Specialist and a Case Manager in the Arizona Families First program, where he also provided Substance Use and Abuse Education services to parents involved with the Arizona Department of Child Safety. He is a Certified Family Support Provider. Additionally, he has experience serving domestic violence and abuse survivors as a Legal Advocate.
Prior to his career in behavioral health, James worked within the Justice field for twenty years. He served as a Probation Surveillance Officer monitoring a Youthful Offender Intensive Probation caseload among others. He served as a Tribal Prosecutor prosecuting criminal offenses as well as representing the tribe in child welfare cases. James also served as a Tribal Court Judge presiding over Criminal, Delinquency and Child Welfare matters and managing the tribe’s justice system.
Tahnee Sandoval
Direct Service Manager Tucson
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Tahnee Sandoval
Direct Service Manager Tucson
Tahnee was hired in 2015 as a Family Support Partner, transitioned to Direct Service Lead the same year, and move to the Family Support Manager in 2016. Tahnee has 10 years of lived experience and has a son that has behavioral health challenges. She has been in the behavioral health field for 3 years and has worked with children for over 6 years. Tahnee has facilitated Grief and Loss groups and has a strong compassion for people that are struggling due to her life experience.
Daniela Torres
Direct Service Manager Nogales and Sierra Vista
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Daniela Torres
Direct Service Manager Nogales and Sierra Vista
Daniela started working for MIKID in August 2018 as the Receptionist for our Nogales office and transitioned to our Medical Records department. Daniela has continued to advance in her roles becoming the office Administrative Lead then, in April 2020, transitioned in to her current role as Direct Service Manager. Daniela was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and has attended Phoenix College transferring to Arizona State University to study Business Management and Architecture. She moved to Nogales in 2017 starting her family and is now is a proud mother of a 2 year old girl. Daniela enjoys working for MIKID because it has opened the door for her to advance to new levels in her career while gaining new knowledge about Behavioral Health.
Paula Carson
Direct Service Manager Phoenix
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Paula Carson
Direct Service Manager Phoenix
Paula Carson Joined the MIKID Family in 2017. Paula has over 3O years of experience in social services in New York, New Jersey and Arizona primarily as a DCS investigator but has also worked in licensing and adoptions. Paula has received statewide accolades in New Jersey’s community corrections system for having the foresight to advocate and actualize the very first female halfway house for women leaving the penal system -- an opportunity that was previously only afforded to men.
Paula is very passionate about helping children and families and is especially delighted to be working for MIKID, a peer/ family run organization, where families are encouraged to utilize their unique voice and exercise their own choice.

Sarah Acuna
Direct Service Manager Yuma
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Sarah Acuna
Direct Service Manager Yuma
Sarah has over 10 years experience working in the social services field with both children and adults. She has served her community as a respite provider, case manager, intake clinician, worked in a DCS group home, tribal group home and as a domestic violence advocate. Sarah is dedicated to her work and has a love for helping children and families achieve their best potential. She is excited to be a part of the MIKID family again!
Direct Service Manager Casa Grande
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Direct Service Manager Casa Grande
Mary Serrano
Direct Service Manager Tucson
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Mary Serrano
Direct Service Manager Tucson

Special Projects Team
Parent Support Now
Transitional Age Youth

Alesha Kimbrell
Manager of Special Programs
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Alesha Kimbrell
Manager of Special Programs
Alesha is the Clinical Coordinator for MIKID and loves working in a family/peer run organization where the focus is on the families. Alesha has her own lived experience with schools, behavioral health organizations and even the juvenile justice system. Alesha has a varied work history in behavioral health, Department of Justice and the education system and is currently pursuing her Applied Behavioral Analysis Graduate Certificate through Capella University. Alesha recently received her Master of Science in General Psychology and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Development
Maya Bakerman
Special Projects Coordinator
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Maya Bakerman
Special Projects Coordinator
Maya is a Prevention Coordinator for MIKID who is passionate about working with children and reducing stigma around mental health. She works to educate youth and adults throughout Arizona about suicide prevention. She travels to schools statewide to have conversations with youth about suicide and understand how to help prevent a suicide from occurring by identifying signs of suicide. Maya has lived experience and life challenges that have motivated her to be in the behavioral health field. She believes that spreading education is the best way to break the stigma associated to suicide and mental health. Her formal education background is a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona in Learning, Leadership, and Literacy (2016). During that time, she composed a diverse set of credentials including: training design, program facilitating, and program evaluation. In December 2019, she will be receiving a Masters in Public Health from Grand Canyon University. She is a member of the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition and other coalitions within Arizona.
Jennifer Lopez
Special Projects Coordinator
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Jennifer Lopez
Special Projects Coordinator
Anna Jure
Statewide PSN Coordinator
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Anna Jure
Statewide PSN Coordinator
Stephen McClanahan
Statewide TAY Coordinator
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Stephen McClanahan
Statewide TAY Coordinator
Stephen is the Statewide Transitional Age Youth Coordinator for MIKID helping youth 13 to 25 with behavioral health services acquire the necessary skills to transition from high school and beyond. Stephen also trains other TAY providers and does community presentations sharing the MIKID TAY program. Stephen joined the MIKID family in August of 2015 as a direct service provider, providing Respite, Peer Support, Pre employment and living skill services to youth. Stephen graduated with a BA in Communications from Point Loma College in 1980. Stephen has worked with youth in some capacity since 1981, being a youth pastor, middle school after school program director, managing a city-wide baseball and softball league and as a family counselor as a Senior Pastor.
 
 
 

Medical Records and Billing Team

Jennifer Diaz Montaño, BHT
Health Information Management Manager
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Jennifer Diaz Montaño, BHT
Health Information Management Manager
Jennifer has been with MIKID since 2012. She has over 11 years’ experience in the Behavioral Health Field, 3 of which were managerial. Jennifer is currently enrolled at Central AZ College where she is pursuing a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential. Jennifer integrates the medical records, billing, and quality management departments. Currently, Jennifer is our only administrative employee who is also a direct service provider. Jennifer is an Arizona native, who married her high school sweetheart in 2018. In her free time, she enjoys expanding her shoe collection, going to the movies and is looking forward to starting her own family in the near future.
Angelica Gonzales
Billing Manager
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Angelica Gonzales
Billing Manager

Angelica joined MIKID as the statewide billing manager in May 2021 and has 18 years’ experience working with behavioral health claims. She began her career in 2003 as a claims assistant progressing to manager in 2016.


Angelica is originally from California. However, she has lived in Arizona over 28 years and now considers Arizona her native state. In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies, trying out new cuisine and is looking forward to traveling around the United States. Angelica looks forward to helping make a difference at MIKID.

Jamie Clark
Billing Specialist
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Jamie Clark
Billing Specialist
Jamie joined the MIKID team as the billing specialist in February 2013. She has been happily married for almost 20 years and has 3 children. Jamie has 17 years experience in the billing field. She began her start in billing while working for a radiology group for 8 years, spending the last 5 of those years as billing manager. She then moved on to a nephrology group where she worked for 7 years doing the billing for patients with kidney disease. When the opportunity came along to work for MIKID, she decided to try something new and has enjoyed the experience that behavioral health billing has given her.
Janea Keene
Billing Specialist
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Janea Keene
Billing Specialist
Janea first joined the MIKID team in 2014 in medical records department until March of 2015. She took a year off to spend time with her husband and two young children. She returned to MIKID in 2016 as the Northern AZ Referral Coordinator. Janea has had experience as a provider in the CUSD school district, as well as in home therapy. Janea also has 3 years’ experience being a Supervisor for an after school DDD program. Janea also worked independently with youth transitioning into adulthood for 2 years. With the growing demands of her family, Janea was ready to try something new. Medical records has provided Janea a foundation to grow as an employee by helping develop new processes within the medical records team, learning connections between providers, medical records and billing. Always ready for a challenge, Janea has now fully transitioned to the billing department. She is excited to see what the billing world in behavior health has to offer. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family camping, riding at the sand dunes and also spending time at the lake on her family boat
Julie Herrera
Medical Records Lead Statewide
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Julie Herrera
Medical Records Lead Statewide
Julie Herrera is the Medical Records Lead for MIKID. Julie is instrumental in data and outcomes reports for our administrative, clinical, and managerial staff. Julie has worked in behavioral health as a Medical Records Specialist for the past 6 years and was promoted in June 2021. Julie has lived life experience and is certified as a Family Support Partner. Julie resides in Yuma, AZ with her significant other and their 3 kids. When she is not working hard she enjoys her time traveling and shopping.
Debbie Kennedy
Medical Records Specialist Tucson
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Debbie Kennedy
Medical Records Specialist Tucson
Debbie was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived there until the age of 16 when her parents had enough of the winters and moved the family to Southern California. Debbie also lived in Las Vegas for many years and met and married her husband of 19 years there. Debbie’s husband Rick is a native of Tucson and they moved to AZ in the spring of 2013 to be closer to family. Debbie started her career with MIKID in January 2014. When not working Debbie enjoys spending time with her family and all of her fur-babies.
Beth Williams
Medical Records Specialist Northern Arizona
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Beth Williams
Medical Records Specialist Northern Arizona
Beth has been with MIKID since April 2013. After spending 30 years in food service management, she began to look for a new challenge. She wanted to work in an industry that supported children and youth in need, an area that is dear to Beth’s heart. She started as the Office Assistant in the old Prescott office and , when family needs dictated, was able to move her job to work from home in Tucson. 3 years ago, she moved to the Medical Records department and hasn’t looked back. Medical Records offered another new challenge, growth and the opportunity to continue to work from home.
After raising two, now adult, children (looking forward to adding a son-in -law), she is now an empty nester. Spending time with her husband of 32 years is now one of her main focuses. She has been a huge fan of K-pop and Korean culture for almost 8 years, with K-pop music on her Spotify and watching Korean TV show (with English subtitles) as her way of de-stressing.
Ana Wadley
Medical Records Specialist Phoenix
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Ana Wadley
Medical Records Specialist Phoenix
Ana started at MIKID as a Family Support Partner on May 30, 2016, taking a leave of absence on March 10, 2018. Ana came back to MIKID on December 9, 2019, as a receptionist for the Tucson office, and on April 5, 2020, transition to Phoenix Medical record specialist. Ana is a mother of 3 and a proud grandmother of 3, having 24-year experience with a daughter with speech and anxiety challenges and 22-years of experience with a son that has behavioral challenges.
Maria Gomez
Medical Records Specialist Yuma
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Maria Gomez
Medical Records Specialist Yuma
 
 
 

Administrative Team

Wendy Russ
Staff Accountant
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Wendy Russ
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Tiaris Edmonds
Accounting Support Specialist
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Tiaris Edmonds
Accounting Support Specialist

Tiaris relocated to Arizona from Indiana, with her husband and 3 sons, when she started her journey with MIKID in June 2020. She brings to MIKID her personal experience of being a youth of the system and the challenges they face. She also brings over 10 years of administrative, accounting and payroll background; the last 4 of those in a leadership and training capacity.
Ashley Morrin
HR Specialist
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Ashley Morrin
HR Specialist
Ashley has experience in management and administration prior to joining the MIKID team in 2016. Ashley is MIKID's Human Resource Specialist and Finance and Accounting Support as well as manager of our technology-based training platform.

Ashley has her degree in Business Administration from Glendale Community College.

Yadithza Garcia
Intake Specialist
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Yadithza Garcia
Intake Specialist