was established in 2013 by foster and adoptive mom, Kimberly Vehon. When the children she and her husband were fostering had a case plan change to adoption, Kim knew she could not just walk away from the kids still in Arizona’s foster care system. Foster Arizona was born out of a belief that one person can make a difference simply by bringing their talents, heart, and connections to the table and then engaging others to do the same.
Foster Arizona is a non-profit public charity focused on
foster and at-risk youth, families, and the community to offer hope through connections.
Our vision is that every youth, family, and community member will be empowered, supported, and have the opportunity to enrich their lives through intentional community connections.
We believe that every child deserves to be valued and supported by their local community. We believe children thrive in a family setting with parental figures empowered to succeed, equipped with quality resources, and connected to the community around them. We believe that ordinary people can foster hope and change a life. And, we believe that education and collaboration are key in changing the future for Arizona’s children. Learn more today about how you can make a difference.
About
Foster Arizona
educating,
empowering, and engaging
Our vision is that every youth, family, and community member will be empowered, supported, and have the opportunity to enrich their lives through intentional community connections.
We believe that every child deserves to be valued and supported by their local community. We believe children thrive in a family setting with parental figures empowered to succeed, equipped with quality resources, and connected to the community around them. We believe that ordinary people can foster hope and change a life. And, we believe that education and collaboration are key in changing the future for Arizona’s children. Learn more today about how you can make a difference.
foster and at-risk youth, families, and the community to offer hope through connections.
was established in 2013 by foster and adoptive mom, Kimberly Vehon. When the children she and her husband were fostering had a case plan change to adoption, Kim knew she could not just walk away from the kids still in Arizona’s foster care system. Foster Arizona was born out of a belief that one person can make a difference simply by bringing their talents, heart, and connections to the table and then engaging others to do the same.
Foster Arizona is a non-profit public charity focused on
educating, empowering
and engaging
Board Treasurer
Kathy Huizingh
Vice chair
Jack Keller
Board Chair
Allen Moore
OUR BOARD
- Vince Lombardi
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
Favorite Quote:
Part owner and die-hard fan of the Green Bay Packers.
Something Quirky about Me:
I love spending time fishing, boating, and hiking.
What I Love to do:
Al Moore is retired from the Mesa Police Department where he specialized in child abuse investigations. Since retirement, Al continues to keep kids and young adults safe through his role as the Director of Security with Mesa Public School. He is the chairman of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness as well as a founding board member for Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. Al has great joy spending time with his wife, Mae, three kids, and four grandkids; one whom has lived experience in foster care. He has a passion for seeing kids safe and allowing them to experience the normalcy of just being a kid.
Allen Moore
- Thomas à Kempis
“Wherever you go, there you are.”
Favorite Quote
Spending time with my grandkids
What I Love to Do:
Jack Keller is retired from the oil industry and enjoys spending his days investing in the lives of his family. He has been married over 40 years to Diana and, together, they have four kids and eleven grandkids. Jack joined the board of Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project and uses his leadership experience to influence the growth of Foster Arizona. Jack is especially passionate about young adults aging out of foster care and has been integral in the launch of the Housing Program.
Jack Keller
- First Lady Laura Bush
"Leadership is not about popularity, it is about doing what is right."
Favorite Quote
I like pickled okra.
Something Quirky About Me:
My grandkids.
What I Find Amazing:
Cook, read, travel, and try new things
What I Love to Do:
Kathy feels privileged to serve on Foster Arizona's Board of Directors and to share her 25 years of experience in non-profit accounting. Kathy is married and has a daughter, son-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren.
Kathy Huizingh
Board Member
Chris Lawler
Board Member
Justice James Beene
Board Secretary
Ashley Shick
-Winston Churchill
“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.”
Favorite Quote:
I eat sandwiches and burgers in a circle-go around the edges and then eat the middle last.
Something Quirky About Me:
Make connections and collaborate with others, cook and try new recipes, run, Yoga, and watch guilty pleasure TV.
What I Love to Do:
Ashley Shick is Director of Communications; Public Affairs for Bashas’ Family of Stores – the family-owned grocer that operates Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and both Bashas’ and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets.
A seasoned communications professional whose career has been rooted in media and public relations, strategic community partnerships, marketing communications, and special events and promotions, Shick has held key marketing positions at a variety of esteemed organizations, including Meredith Corporation (KTVK/KPHO), Arizona Science Center and Kohl’s Department Stores.
In her role at Bashas’ Family of Stores, one of the largest employers in the state, Shick works to strengthen the company’s relationships, image and market share in one of the most competitive grocery markets in the country. No stranger to leading the strategic development and implementation of public affairs and communications initiatives, she leads public relations and promotional efforts, as well as integrated marketing projects to increase awareness and sales among Bashas’ diverse brands.
More specifically, Shick serves as company spokesperson and liaison to local, national and trade
media representatives; business and community leaders; elected officials and local municipalities; and representatives from local schools, churches and non-profit organizations. Further, her breadth of skills and depth of knowledge in community relations play a vital role in guiding and evolving Bashas’ deep-seated community involvement and service, which includes leading year-round fundraising initiatives, major events, sponsorships and in-kind TV partnerships. Shick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Arizona State University.
ASHLEY SHICK
-Michael J. Fox
“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”
Favorite Quote
Everything.
Something Quirky About Me:
Spend time with family, cooking, smoking, and brewing beer at home.
What I Love to Do:
Chris Lawler serves as the Originating Branch Manager with CrossCountry Mortgage. After starting as a receptionist, Chris rapidly rose through the ranks to work in the company’s insurance sales side, then on to work as a Loan Officer for five years. Following that, Chris created his own team, leading to his current role as VP and Branch Manager where he strives to create an environment based on teamwork, consistency, and building long-term relationships that help people achieve their dreams.
Away from work, Chris treasures time with his wife, Caitlin, and their four children — Olivia, Camden, Makena, and Ryland. Chris has personally been impacted by the realities of foster care and chooses to spend his time giving back to positively benefit those involved in foster care and adoption. He continues this mission through joining Foster Arizona’s board in 2022.
CHRIS LAWLER
I love to travel with my wife – to interesting places in the U.S. as well as around the world. I also love to spend time in the kitchen with my wife, family and friends, making and then enjoying good food.
What I Love to Do:
Jim Beene currently serves as a Justice on the Arizona Supreme Court. In 1988, Jim moved to Arizona to attend law school at the University of Arizona. After graduation, he relocated to the Valley with his wife to begin his legal career. For the next 17 years, Jim practiced law, mainly as a prosecutor with various governmental agencies such as the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
In 2009, Governor Jan Brewer appointed Jim to the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County. In this capacity, he served as a juvenile court judge for 4 years. It was during this time that Jim became very interested and invested in Arizona’s child welfare system. Because of his service as juvenile court judge, Jim often speaks to a wide array of groups in order raise awareness regarding the many and varied issues that confront Arizona’s children and their families while in the child welfare system. For his efforts in this field, in 2014, Jim was honored with the “Angel in Adoption” award by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, and in 2016, he received the “Champions for Children” award from the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Maricopa County.
In 2016, Governor Doug Ducey appointed Jim to the Arizona Court of Appeals and then in 2019, he was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court.
Jim has been married to his wonderful and supportive wife for 33 years and they have two grown children who also live in the Phoenix-area.
Justice James Beene
Board Member
christy hendrickson
Board Member/President & CEO
Kim Vehon
Board Member
Thom Vehon
“What can I do to help you?”
Favorite Quote:
World War II buff.
Something Quirky About Me:
Pretty much anything outdoors and traveling to third world countries.
What I Love to Do:
Thom Vehon has owned and run local Arizona business, MTV General Contractors, for over 40 years with over 50 years invested in the construction industry. He is the father of three sons, 2 daughters-in-law, and 10 grandkids. Thom has served on Central Christian Church’s Executive Board, Christian Care Foundation Board and is a founding board member of Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. Thom enjoys being active in his church and local community; especially in areas that positively impact the lives of children.
THOM VEHON
- THEODORE ROOSEVELT
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
Favorite Quote:
Let's just say "Quirky" should be my middle name!
Something Quirky About Me:
I am continually amazed by the community and how much people care.
What I Find Amazing:
Go to the beach, read, hike, and anything that allows me to spend time with family
What I Love to Do:
Kimberly Vehon is the founder and CEO of Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. Kim’s personal mission has been to help positively impact lives within our community through the power of making connections. In 2018, Kimberly was honored with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption’s Angels in Adoption Award and local Woman of the Year Award for her positive impact she has made in the lives of kids in foster care. Kimberly has used her voice to advocate for families and children impacted by foster care through collaborating in the writing of legislation and advocacy in Arizona. Kimberly is passionate about helping children find loving families because she has experienced the personal joy that comes from being a foster/adoptive mom. Kimberly is a proud mom of seven children, 4 that experienced Arizona’s foster care system, and a grateful wife to an amazing husband that supports and encourages her to dream big and change the world.
KIM VEHON
Favorite Quote:
Something Quirky About Me:
What I Love to Do:
Christy joined the Foster Arizona board in 2024 and is not only a great human, but a great addition to the Foster Arizona family. Check back soon to learn more about Christy.
christy hendrickson
Anna.Dendy@fosteraz.org
Kid Initiatives Coordinator
Anna dendy
Toni.McSwain@fosteraz.org
Housing Support Coordinator
Toni mcswain
Kim@fosteraz.org
President & Chief Executive Officer
Kim Vehon
Our Team
- Theodore Roosevelt
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
Favorite Quote:
I am obsessed with Rubio's mango fish tacos.
Something Quirky About Me:
I am continually amazed by the community and how much people care.
What I Find Amazing:
Go to the beach, read, hike, and anything that allows me to spend time with family
What I Love to Do:
Kimberly Vehon is the founder and CEO of Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. Kim’s personal mission has been to help positively impact lives within our community through the power of making connections. In 2018, Kimberly was honored with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption’s Angels in Adoption Award and local Woman of the Year Award for her positive impact she has made in the lives of kids in foster care. Kimberly has used her voice to advocate for families and children impacted by foster care through collaborating in the writing of legislation and advocacy in Arizona. Kimberly is passionate about helping children find loving families because she has experienced the personal joy that comes from being a foster/adoptive mom. Kimberly is a proud mom of seven children, 4 that experienced Arizona’s foster care system, and a grateful wife to an amazing husband that supports and encourages her to dream big and change the world.
Kim Vehon
"You were created for a time such as this" // "Your trauma, your wounds and your trials lead you to your passion and your purpose."
Favorite Quote:
Something that amazes me is the sun rising. No matter how many times I watch it I am always floored by how beautiful and majestic it is. It never gets old to me!
What I Find Amazing:
I love spending time with my family, eating, traveling, pretty much anything that is relaxing!
What I Love to Do:
Toni was born in Richmond, VA and was a military brat so she was raised all across the world. Being an only child and traveling with her parents everywhere was the highlight of her childhood. Now that she is older and has a family of her own she enjoys traveling with a larger family. Toni and her husband have been married 23 years and have 6 amazing sons, 2 adorable granddaughters and an enormous amount of bonus kiddos! Not only is she a certified life coach but she also is a track and field coach. She enjoys all time spent with her family and celebrating each other no matter how chaotic. Her favorite colors are purple and red and sometimes an occasional pink. Something that not too many people know is that she was in a pageant and was crowned the 1st Mrs. Arizona Elite Woman of Purpose back in 2022. She loves serving others and her community and looks forward to a life filled with giving back.
Toni mcswain
– Jane Goodall
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
Favorite Quote:
When I was a child, my family had dogs, fish, and a pig as pets!
Something Quirky About Me:
I love to travel, cook, play games, and watch sports. I try to spend as much time as possible hanging out with my friends, family, and dogs!
What I Love to Do:
Anna was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She left Arizona to attend college at New York University where she studied Sports and Event Management. After she graduated, she returned to Phoenix and attended Grand Canyon University where she received her Masters in Business Administration. While attending college, she interned for a women's ovarian cancer non-profit where she helped plan their 10 year anniversary gala. This furthered her passion for event planning and working within her community. Anna has experience working with children and families in the foster community before she joined the Foster Arizona team. She loves being able to plan fun and community connecting events for children and families experiencing foster care!
Anna dendy
Katrina.Curiel@fosteraz.org
Administrative Support Coordinator
katrina curiel
Narupa.Dabydeen@fosteraz.org
Volunteer Coordinator
narupa dabydeen
Amanda.Lasita@fosteraz.org
Director of Development & Communications
Amanda Lasita
― Maya Angelou
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Favorite Quote:
Amanda is a fantasy football junkie and loves to run. She completed her first marathon in 2016.
Something Quirky About Me:
Travel, spend time with my family, run, volunteer, coffee obsessed, attend sporting events
What I Love to Do:
Amanda is the Development and Communications Officer and Consultant for Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. She has nearly fifteen years of communication, community relations, and fundraising experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Amanda holds an MBA from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—Marketing from the University of Nevada, Reno. She also has a Digital Marketing Certificate from Cornell University and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Arizona State University.
Amanda was recognized as a Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Recipient and a Phoenix Suns and National Bank of Arizona Amazing Women Award Recipient.
Amanda resides in San Diego with her husband and son.
AMANDA LASITA
- mother teresa
"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
Favorite quote
How much you can learn and grow from connecting and building relationships with others in the
community!
What Do You Find Amazing:
I love to travel, read, and try new restaurants!
What I love to do:
Narupa grew up in a small, diverse and poverty-driven area which motivated her to start volunteering and
serving the community at a young age. After finding a passion for volunteering during her teenage years, Narupa joined the United States Marine Corps out of high school and worked in Information Technology and
Satellite Communications. After returning from being stationed overseas, Narupa was eager to continue her passion for serving others and came across the amazing mission of Foster Arizona!
narupa dabydeen
- Maya Angelou
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Favorite quote:
What I find truly amazing is the power of resilience and character in people. It’s the way individuals are able to rise above the most difficult circumstances, no matter the cards they are dealt. People who refuse to let their circumstances define them and instead use them as stepping stones to grow, evolve, and make a positive impact are living examples of redemption. Their stories remind us that no matter how dark things may seem, there’s always the potential for change, for growth, and for becoming something greater.
What I find Amazing!
Spend time with my family, trave, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves at the beach.
What I love to do:
I am an Arizonan native from Yuma. I have a background in IT and the real estate/ investor world. This past year I decided to leave corporate to pursue my passion in holistic wellness and be a part of the team and mission at Foster Arizona.
I am a lover of food, the outdoors, Jesus, and being a mom to my 12 year old son. I enjoy learning and constantly challenging myself to grow mentally and spiritually. In my free time I enjoy being out in the sun, hiking, spending time with family, and serving my community and church.
Katrina curiel
Team Lead - Housing
JOHN KEANE
Team Lead - Design
Brian Vehon
Team Lead - Financial
alexander falkenstein
Team Lead -Technology
Keith Eason
- Egella Eason (My Mother)
“Be the best you can be, in everything you do.”
Favorite Quote:
Cooking is simply a chemistry experiment.
What I Find Amazing:
Spend time with God, Family, watching and participating in sports, listening to music, family game nights, and quality time with Shannon.
What I Love to Do:
Keith Eason is married to his wonderful wife Shannon, and together they have 2 adult children. Keith has been volunteering and offering technical assistance for Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project for 2 years. Together, Keith and Shannon also volunteer as CASA’s for Pinal County.
Keith is an avid music and sports lover, especially basketball and anything focused on the University of Michigan. Alongside his daughter, thay have recently started a Non-Profit basketball club which focuses on teaching fundamentals and "thinking the game" within the game of basketball to adolescents which provide valuable life lessons using a team sport.
KEITH EASON
- Winston Churchill or someone else
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Favorite Quote:
I collect original adidas tracksuits
Something Quirky About Me:
Beyond volunteering for amazing organizations like Foster Arizona, I spend my time serving as a board member at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern and Central Arizona. I also enjoy gardening and growing tropical and rare fruit, practicing yoga and calisthenics, constantly learning more about finance/economics, reading interesting books, and eating delicious foods.
What I Love to Do:
Alexander Falkenstein is a Vice President at Northern Trust Bank where he works as an investment manager for high-net-worth families and institutions. Alexander loves to engage in the community in meaningful ways and connected with Foster Arizona through his participation in Valley Leadership Institute’s Class 40. Since then, he has become connected at a deeper level with young adults transitioning out of foster care as a financial mentor and Housing Lead Team member for Foster Arizona.
Alexander Falkenstein
- Mr Feeny, Boy Meets World
“Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.”
Favorite Quote:
I enjoy Funko Pops, knick-knacks, and other nostalgic collectible stuff.
Something Quirky About Me:
I enjoy sports, hanging out with family, doing photography and getting to work on creative stuff.
Read; ride my electric bike; snuggle with a cat on my lap; family vacations and trips
What I Love to Do:
Brian Vehon has worked for MTV General Contractors for over 20 years; specializing in design, photography, and ariel video work. He attended ASU for construction and loves the process of buildings becoming a reality. He brings his creative eye and design skills to the volunteer work he does with Foster Arizona taking on the lead design role for all print and media pieces. Brian has been a part of Foster Arizona from day one and has become the swiss army knife of the organization, stepping into all things from lawn work to picking up mattresses for the young adults transitioning out of foster care.
Brian is passionate about making an impact in the lives of those who have experienced foster care because of his personal experiences. Brian has been married to Kim, founder of Foster Arizona, for almost 20 years and is dad to seven kids; four who were adopted out of Arizona’s foster care system. He has seen first-hand the challenges that come from trauma and believes that the solution is in engaging the community around us.
brian vehon
“Learn to love people for who they are and forgive them for who they are not.”
Favorite Quote:
I feel that Excel spreadsheets are a life defining event.
Something Quirky About Me:
Serving foster youth aged 18+, lifting weights and hiking. I am also a slightly fanatical Red Sox and Celtics fan.
What I Love to Do:
Originally from Massachusetts, John spent 35 years in the commercial liability insurance industry with a specific expertise in nonprofit and directors and officers’ liability. He has been a CASA since 2017, and serves of the board of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. John is involved in four additional nonprofits, all focused on foster care youth.
John has been married to Jeni for 24 for years and has two daughters Samantha (23) and Jessica (21).
JOHN KEANE
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