Our Why
Stories, ideas and opportunities shaping inclusive education in Arizona
The Who Behind My Why
Karla Krivickas
Having a child with a disability changes you. After years as an education policy advisor and reformer, I found myself in a club I had never asked to join. I became a special education mom. Parents of children with disabilities are a daunting group. We fight harder than a mama bear, yet we can cry at the drop of a hat.
The Moment I Became a Champion for Kids
David Jefferson
My work as an advocate didn’t begin with a planned career change. It started the day I discovered my daughter in a makeshift classroom that looked more like a storage closet than a place of learning.
Preparing for a Leap of Faith
By Tia Marquis
Before I even understood what the word “advocacy” meant, I was doing it.
When my brother struggled in high school, my mom called me for help. He faced significant learning challenges and was often suspended. We knew something was off. This was the first time I realized how important it is to fight for kids who don’t always have a voice in the system.
Finding My Voice So My Child Could Find Hers
Jenny Mullins
People often ask why I became an advocate for students with disabilities. The answer is deeply personal—it began with my daughter.
When my daughter was first diagnosed with autism over 13 years ago, I had no idea how hard I would need to fight for…
Fighting Forced Graduation
Janet Walk
I wasn’t naive. When my daughter entered the district’s developmental preschool in 2009, I knew school would be different for her–and sometimes harder. I knew there would be special meetings and special classes.
Growing Up Undiagnosed
Amanda Steele
Today, I understand who I am. Yet this hasn’t always been the case.
I’m a mom, a wife, a speech language pathologist assistant, a non-profit leader, and a school board member. But it wasn’t until I was formally diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021 that I began to understand myself fully.
From One Child to Many
By Ron Vachon-Vierra
I first became a champion for kids because of my precious daughter, Erin.
She was born after a normal pregnancy and delivery. Everything seemed perfect until she began having uncontrollable seizures at 18 months old.
Every Child Deserves a Quality Education
Champions for Kids is a certified Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization
QCO #22877 • EIN: 93-3345733
How It Works
- You can donate up to $495 (single) or $987 (married filing jointly) to Champions for Kids.
- Your donation is a dollar for dollar, refundable tax credit.
- You can claim both the QCO and other tax credits in the same year!
Interested in Becoming a Champion?
Join our Network of Changemakers
