Turning Personal Experience into Systemic Change
My wife, Eileen, and I first became Champions for Kids because of our precious daughter, Erin. Born after a normal pregnancy, everything changed when she began having uncontrollable seizures at 18 months old. After a neurologist told us to say our goodbyes, a last-resort medication worked—a miracle that allowed us to head home the next morning. However, that was just the start of my path as a special education advocate.
Erin’s Story: Defying the Labels
As Erin grew, she was diagnosed with multiple learning disabilities, autism, and a nonverbal learning disability. This meant she struggled to naturally understand tone of voice, body language, and social cues. Professionals predicted she would never graduate and would likely be institutionalized.
They didn’t account for God’s plan, her tenacity or the comprehensive approach we took to her education. During her K-12 years, we pursued:
- Neuropsychological Evaluations: We went beyond basic school testing to understand how her brain actually worked.
- Holistic Services: Erin utilized speech, occupational, physical, equine, and music therapy, alongside reading specialists.
Erin not only graduated from high school, but she also graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree and a 3.9 GPA. Today, she lives independently, has a career, and contributes to her community. She is thriving, not because the challenges disappeared, but because she had support, advocacy, and people who refused to accept limiting labels as her destiny.
Why Every Family Needs a Special Education Advocate
Erin’s success was possible because we had the resources and flexibility to fight for her, but we quickly realized our experience was not the norm. Many parents are navigating complex education systems while working multiple jobs and living paycheck to paycheck.
Our hearts broke for families being told that their child was "asking for too much". Ten years ago, we relocated to Arizona and felt called to move to Cottonwood to launch Leap of Faith Learning. Our goal was to provide the same level of care that changed Erin's life—at no cost to families in rural and underserved communities.
Empowering Rural Arizona Families
Leap of Faith Learning serves children with learning differences across northern Arizona through a model focused on the whole child. Our work is built on four vital pillars:
Assessment
We fund comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations generally not offered by school districts.
Advocacy
We act as a parent special education advocate, sitting at IEP tables to hold schools accountable with professionalism.
Remediation
We provide tutoring, equine therapy, and employment readiness training to prepare students for lifelong success.
Ministry
Through Bible studies, fellowship dinners, and workshops to equip schools and churches, we create an inclusive environment where families can connect and each child learns they are God’s masterpiece.
Every child deserves the chances my daughter was given, and every family deserves someone to stand beside them. While we are a small organization, we have helped more than 150 children and their families find hope, clarity, and a future.
Looking back, I see that Erin’s journey was never only about our family. God was preparing our hearts for the families we would one day serve. And I am grateful for the privilege of walking beside them. While we are a small organization, we have helped mor than 150 children and their families find hope, clarity, and a future.
Looking back, I see that Erin’s journey was never only about our family. God was preparing our hearts for the families we would one day serve. And I am grateful for the privilege of walking beside them.
Drive Systemic Change with
Champions for Kids
Become part of a statewide coalition of parents, attorneys, and experts fighting for educational equity.
