Why We Champion
Students with
Learning Differences
Behind every policy reform and legal victory is a child who was once overlooked. At Champions for Kids, we believe that the most powerful tool for educational change is the lived experience of the students themselves and the families who have tried to navigate the system.
Fighting for
Non-Visible Disabilities
Karla Krivickas
“After years as an education policy advisor, I found myself in a club I 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 carry the weight of the world.”
Securing a Child’s
Right to Learn
Jenny Mullins
“People often ask why I became an advocate. The answer is deeply personal—it began with my daughter. When she was diagnosed with autism 13 years ago, I had no idea how hard I would need to fight for her basic rights.”
Surviving Delayed
Identification
Amanda Steele
“Today, I understand who I am. Yet this hasn’t always been the case. It wasn’t until I was formally diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021 that I began to understand myself fully—and why I fight for early intervention.”
Overcoming
Classroom Isolation
David Jefferson
“My work 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.”
Fighting Forced
Graduation
Janet Walk
“I wasn’t naive. When my daughter entered preschool in 2009, I knew school would be different for her—and sometimes harder. I just didn’t realize I’d eventually have to fight to keep her from being pushed out before she was ready.”
Protecting a Vulnerable
Educational Trajectory
Ron Vachon-Vierra
“I first became a champion for kids because of my precious daughter, Erin. Everything seemed perfect until she began having uncontrollable seizures at 18 months old, changing our family’s trajectory forever.”
Halting the Suspension Cycle
Tia Marquis
“Before I even understood what the word ‘advocacy’ meant, I was doing it. When my brother struggled in high school and faced frequent suspensions, I realized how important it is to fight for kids who don’t have a voice.”
Community Testimonials:
Strength in Unity
Rachel Anderson
SARRC was proud to partner with Champions for Kids on the development of these new autism evaluation checklists. Their willingness to listen to providers in the field and translate that feedback into practical, innovative solutions reflects a genuine commitment to improving care for children and families.
Jon Myers
The Arizona disability movement has grown tremendously over the past few years and no organization has had a greater impact on education issues than Champions for Kids. We appreciate having Champions lead this education work. They are committed to ensuring that students with disabilities are not an afterthought in education policy.
Raja Marhaba
I have been deeply inspired by the work of Champions for Kids. After decades of advocating for students with disabilities and their families in California, I am grateful to now be part of an Arizona community of like-minded advocates committed to empowering children and families.
Janet Walk
When I needed help navigating my daughter’s graduation, Champions for Kids was there with advice, information and support, but more than thought they gave me the opportunity and courage to speak at a State Board of Education meeting and advocate for all our students.
Camilla Strongin
Champions for Kids has been a force at the policymaking table, strong and professional and always fighting for kids. I remember how difficult the special education journey was for my son, and that was over 25 years ago. It frustrates me to learn that there has been so little improvement in all that time. Sadly, I can’t imagine any progress would happen if Champions for Kids wasn’t fighting for Arizona’s special education students.
Rich Nickel
Education Forward Arizona is committed to high-quality education and training for all Arizona students to advance the quality of life for all Arizonans. We pursue this mission through strategic partnerships with aligned community organizations and leaders. Working with Champions for Kids ensures that students with disabilities are represented in all we do.
Brian Murray
In my decades working in government affairs, I have rarely seen dedicated representation for students with disabilities like my son at the Capitol; Champions for Kids is finally filling that long-standing void. It’s an honor to be a Champion and support their efforts.
Support Our Mission through the Arizona Tax Credit
Champions for Kids is a certified Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization
QCO #22877 • EIN: 93-3345733
How It Works
- Single Filers: Donate up to $506
- Married (Joint) Filers: Donate up to $1,009
You can support our work at zero net cost to you through a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.
Become a Champion
for Kids
Ready to turn your “why” into action?
Connect with our Network to stay informed and empowered.
Annual Conference: Collaborate with leaders in the field.
Policy Updates: Get early access to state-level opportunities to influence policy.
Professional Development: Access in-person and online training tailored to Arizona law.
Online Resources: Exclusive toolkits for navigating complex educational landscapes