Meet Our Team!
I think a founder’s heart is when you really understand that there is genius, and passion, and love in other people. I get the chance, as the founder of School Connect, to unleash that beauty in other people. I get to create a clear and simple pathway for them to be able to walk down together and transform a child’s life, a school’s life, and even a community’s life.
Growing up I always admired the adults that didn’t have to give their time and efforts to serve children yet chose to do so anyway. Now as a parent of young children the need is that much clearer, and I can see the importance of showing up for those who aren’t able to advocate and provide for themselves. I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way.
My hometown is Flagstaff, Arizona and one of my best memories from my childhood was our reading tree house at my elementary school. That special nook sparked a fire in me for learning that has never gone out. I truly believe that if a child is given the necessary tools that ignite that spark in them, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams.
I cherish the off-camera moments, when a principal, or parent, or teacher pulls me aside and whispers, “I just can’t believe all these people care this much, and are working this hard – for us! Wait till the kids get here on Monday!” Then I wish the camera was rolling, but cheer quietly to myself because I know we are making a difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
Our Values
TRUST
We build relationships based on trust.
COLLABORATION
We believe that people who work together – win together.
STRATEGY
We are strategically outcome driven.
BELIEF
We believe in the good in others and the good that is possible.
EXCELLENCE
We do our best work every day for every person we serve.
APPRECIATION
We celebrate every win and milestone together.
CURIOSITY
We stay curious and look for creative solutions
DIVERSITY
We include the entire community.
Want to join a contagious team of leaders who are changing the world one community at a time?
Leadership Development
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Join Our Village
Doing this alone is impossible; it takes all of us working together to make a difference.
Latest Podcast
News & Events
Dr. Paul Tighe, Executive Director of Arizona School Administrators invites leaders to join ASA and School Connect at the School Connect Summit because we know Arizona youth succeed when the village shows up! Join us on February 12, 2024, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at Footprint Center as we build a legacy of champions.
#SchoolConnect #ASA #AZSchoolAdministrators #ASBAAC2023 #Summit2024 #AZblue #titansolarpower #suns #titancares #phxoffcourt #ittakesavillage #champions
@arizona_asa @bcbsaz @titansolarpowerinc @suns @phxoffcourt
HTTPS://schoolconnectaz.org/summit
These quotes from #studentleaders prove that leadership matters at every age. Check out what these students from Pendergast Elementary School District, Phoenix Union High School District, and Laveen Elementary School District had to say about the #schoolconnectsummit and how it inspired them to share their #studentvoice! #studentslead #Summit2024 #SchoolConnect @phoenixunionhs @pesd92
https://schoolconnectaz.org/summit
Breaking News! School Connect is pleased to announce a confirmed date for our tenth anniversary School Connect Summit 2024. Join us on the arena floor of Footprint Center, on February 12, 2024, from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and in partnership with Titan Solar Power, the official solar contractor of the Phoenix Suns, we invite you to lead the way for your team and your community. #SchoolConnect #Summit2024 #AZblue #titansolarpower #suns #titancares #phxoffcourt #cominginhot #leadershipmatters
What we know is that, win or lose, champions do not sit on the sidelines. They show up for their team – their community - every single day. These leaders build trust and inspire hope in those around them as they give people a vision for what is possible. Ultimately, champions pave the way for future leaders, and in so doing, champions change the world. Join us in the arena for the Summit! @bcbsaz @titansolarpowerinc @suns @phxoffcourt @benwallsfilms
https://schoolconnectaz.org/donations/2023-year-end/
Watch as students volunteering at Sahuaro Elementary for Love Our Schools Day teach our team about respect. We love working with the next generation of leaders! Well done!! School Connect cannot do this important work without you. Donate today to help us bring more support for Arizona student leaders! #SchoolConnect #WESDfamily #respect #studentleaders #studentvoice #belonging #loveourschoolsday
@sahuaro_wesd @wesdschools
HTTPS://schoolconnectaz.org/stem-students
Why sponsor a student’s STEM “Game Day” Field Trip? While STEM careers are the future of education, the research shows that more than 2/3rds of middle school students do not enter high school ready to start working toward a STEM career.
As Principal Ontiveros says, “You can’t dream about something you don’t know about.”
But together, we can give kids a vision for their career potential, as well as connections and resources to help them prepare. Early support makes the difference. Every student deserves a STEM Choice. Sponsor a student today!
#STEMstudents #everystudent #schoolconnect #ACECAZ #ASUInnovation #gameday #givingtuesday #careersofthefuture #studentvoice
@pvschools @BenWallsFilms
