OUR STAFF
For more than 40 years, Christian Family Care (Family Care KIDS parent company) has partnered with parents, children, staff, and the communities we serve to make a difference in the lives of children. Our mission is to strengthen families and serve children in the name of Jesus Christ.
The staff of Family Care KIDS is committed to these same goals and values. Our team is comprised of loving, nurturing teachers who have the desire to see your child grow and thrive.
Leadership and Experience
Mark Upton
CFC President
Experience
Mark is a leading advocate in Arizona for children and families. He joined Christian Family Care in 2007 as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Through God’s guidance and his leadership, Mark has grown CFC to be a $10 million organization serving families and children.
As a lifelong learner, Mark graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and has completed courses in business, theology, and biblical leadership at Phoenix Seminary, Fuller Seminary, and Harvard Business School.
Prior to joining CFC, Mark served as the Executive Vice President and Provost of Phoenix Seminary. Today, he serves on the Governor’s Council on Child Safety and Family Empowerment, the Prevention Workgroup of the Council on Child Safety & Family Empowerment, and the Department of Child Safety Community Advisory Committee.
Mark is a true family man. With his wife of close to 50 years, he enjoys spending time with their three children and 12 grandchildren, four of which were adopted.
Wendy Mahoney
Director
Experience
Wendy Mahoney, Preschool Director at Family Care KIDS, is passionate about engaging with families and churches to support at-risk children through CFC. With a strong background in teaching and leadership, Wendy is a valuable asset to the team. She holds a BA in Social Science (Elementary Education) from the University of Northern Colorado, and an MA in Biblical Leadership from Phoenix Seminary. Her dedication to helping teachers and Family Care KIDS thrive is truly inspiring.
Jessica Shinn
Assistant Director
Experience
My name is Jessica! I am a wife and mother who is passionate, dedicated, and I strongly believe God created me to be a light to young minds, so I strive to be that daily. I have worked with children for over 15 years and have been an Assistant Director for two and half years before joining the Family Care KIDS team. I have my associate degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently working toward my Bachelors.
MaryAlice Van Treese
Enrollment Specialist
Experience
Hello! My name is MaryAlice! I am a wife, fruit lover, and follower of Jesus. In my free time, I routinely practice yoga, read, and work on puzzles- most enjoyably, landscapes. I am so grateful to be part of Family Care KIDS because serving kids and families is the environment that moves me outside of myself and into the needs and stories of others. My heart’s passion is for children to know that their existence has significance. They were created intentionally by a good God for a good purpose. I have served children at various summer camps and other childcare organizations. I recently graduated from Arizona Christian University in May 2025 with my bachelor’s degree in child development. May the little children keep coming to Jesus! (Luke 18:16)
Catherine Phillips
Coordinator
Experience
I am a wife to my amazing husband and mother of four children, and I am so grateful to God to be living my dream! I am almost an Arizona native and graduated from ASU with a degree in early childhood education. I have worked in several preschools and have taught 1st and 4th grades in a Scottsdale public school. Previously I was the Assistant Director at a local preschool in Paradise Valley. I am currently privileged to serve at Family Care KIDS in an administrative capacity. It is a joy to share with the children that Jesus loves them!
Connie Bruhn
Teacher
Experience
Born in Nebraska, BA degree of 4.0 was earned in Minneapolis in three years with 25 credits a semester, and began my first work just a couple of months later in Brussels, Belgium as an editor in Education.
My three years at the International Correspondence Institute were spent editing, writing sections in Bible courses, computer entries, and adding artwork. I met with each author who came from around the world and learned from them. These completed books then went out into many countries so students could get their degrees without leaving their countries.
During that time, I began at a Children’s Church in Brussels and often had 35-51 children attending. These kids ranged in age from three to 12 years old. I traveled all over Europe and taught children of the missionaries during a spring missions break in Madrid Spain. Developed VBS programs here in USA in several states and was the Director of VBS in Phoenix for 12 years. Developed our Home School movement here in Phoenix from the beginning to end of the 1990s and taught in a small charter school which our son, Aaron, graduated from. He was joined at the graduation ceremony with 50 other Homeschoolers. He has his graduation certificate signed by the State of Arizona. Married, one son, Aaron, and daughter-in-law, Kori. My step-granddaughter, Sara, from a previous marriage, is 21 and now busy working with autistic children in the state of Wisconsin. Met my husband in Colorado on a blind date, he proposed on the Monday after and we will celebrate 44 years together this July.
Thrive on being with children in the classrooms, and at play and seem to have many grandkids experiences this way. Currently, in the Infant classroom, I have been learning all I can from the sweet babies. Any future plans will always include children and helping edit College Courses for students who cannot leave their countries to get their degrees, Global University. I have no agenda to be anywhere else. Experiences learning English (for editing purposes, French, Swahili, and how to order food and where to stay in 12 different countries.
Sharon King
Teacher
Experience
Hello! My name is Sharon King, and I am blessed to be a young toddler teacher at Family Care KIDS. I grew up in Virginia and lived in “The South” until moving to Arizona several years ago. I have three amazing children and two wonderful grandchildren. I have been an educator for many years, working in Tennessee school systems, and as an owner of a Preschool Center. I have worked as a Job Development Coordinator for adults with developmental disabilities and have worked in the Insurance Industry. Though I have enjoyed many jobs through the years, my passion is teaching and working with young children. I consider my job as a teacher at Family Care KIDS to be a personal mission in sharing God’s love and light to the children entrusted to us.
Karen Tish
Teacher
Experience
I’m an infant room teacher with nearly a year of experience dedicated to nurturing early childhood development. I create a safe and stimulating environment where infants can explore and grow. My approach includes engaging activities tailored to each child’s needs, promoting cognitive and emotional development. I’m passionate about supporting each child’s milestones and fostering a love for learning from an early age.
Diana Galvan
Teacher
Experience
Hello! My name is Diana Galvan. I was born and raised in Mexico, where I earned my degree in Dentistry, specializing in endodontics. I practiced for about 17 years before moving to Arizona to improve my quality of life, follow my dreams, grow personally, and explore new horizons. My parents worked in education, and I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Family Care KIDS allowed me to become a young toddler teacher. I am truly grateful for the chance to work at Family Care KIDS, where I can care for children and nurture their faith and values in a loving and supportive environment.
Olandre Brown
Teacher
Experience
My name’s Olandre but the kids call me Ms Brown. I’ve been teaching preschool for over 10 years. I like having fun while laying a foundation for a love of learning and Jesus. When I’m not in the classroom I can be found traveling, planning trips to Disney or Baking.
Brenda Mejia
Teacher
Experience
I grew up in California in a large Mexican family. I enjoy new experiences and meeting new people. I love children and the ways they learn and see the world. I’ve worked with children since 2015. I’ve taught Sunday School, and Behavior Health as a coach for children with different traumas or diagnoses. I have taught as a preschool teacher for a few years.
Emily Gardea
Teacher
Experience
I have been working with children for two years. I started at an agency and now work at Family Care KIDS! I enjoy reading, sports, going to concerts, and I have two dogs.
Karen Reynoso
Teacher
Experience
I am excited to welcome you and your child to our class this year! I have a passion for teaching and am dedicated to creating a positive learning environment. I have 40 years of experience serving preschool children.
Anecia (Nisi) Holt
Teacher
Experience
I am so honored to become a part of the family! I’m from Germany, was previously a resident of Tucson, and am new to the city of Phoenix. My passion for teaching began over eight years ago. As soon as I graduated from high school, I’ve cared for all ages just about; from one’s to pre-k five-year-olds. I absolutely love watching them grow and being an influence, and a dedicated educator helping them reach each milestone. I taught pre-k for a little over a year in 2018. I went on to become an AD (Assistant Director) in 2019. Shortly after that, I enrolled in college to complete my associate’s degree, in which I graduated with honors in 2022! Any way I can be a part of bringing children closer to God, I’m excited to minister his word. Outside of Church and school, I involve myself in giving back to God’s people. I am a proud cancer survivor and a proud partner of St. Jude’s Children.
Jasmin Camargo
Teacher
Experience
My passion for teaching young minds began in high school, where early childhood education courses first sparked my love for the field. Since then, I’ve gained over 11 years of diverse experience in education, working in large corporate childcare centers, small privately owned programs, and within the Roosevelt School District as both a classroom/family educator and a K–8 substitute teacher. I’ve also held administrative roles and been deeply involved in family engagement and social services, strengthening my leadership, organizational, and community-building skills.
These experiences have shaped me into a compassionate, well-rounded educator with a strong foundation in child development, curriculum planning, and inclusive practices. Each child I’ve worked with has left a lasting imprint on my heart—they bring joy, laughter, and love into my daily life.
I am excited to be part of the family of Family Care Kids, where I can continue to grow both professionally and personally. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with my colleagues, the children, and families through the love of Christ, and to making a positive, lasting difference every day.
Tawnee Barnes-Mauer
Teacher
Experience
I grew up in a small town in Arizona with my foster mom and big sister. I love working with kids because no two days are the same. I get to be a part of their “aha” moments! I studied childhood development; my goal at Family Care KIDS is to instill a love of learning and to mold a positive view for their education.
Alivia Leaks
Teacher
Experience
I started my journey working with children in 2005 at an elementary school as a paraprofessional. I then continued at a day care center in Colorado, at two different Air Force bases. I love seeing children learn and am blessed to be a part of their growth. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading books, and participating in church activities.
Alena Dombroski
Teacher
Experience
Say hello to one of our wonderful teachers, Alena!👋 She is a recent graduate from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. She joined our Family Care KIDS team in July. She loves working with children because of their curiosity and playfulness. She is excited to develop long-term relationships with children and their families. She believes providing a stable, structured, and nurturing environment is important for growing children in emotional regulation, confidence, and security.
Alena began her childcare career by teaching kids the important skills of swimming, floating, and staying safe in the water. She is currently a co-teacher who moves from room to room, providing support to our entire school.
Jennifer Vaquera
Teacher
Experience
Greetings! My name is Jennifer Vaquera. I decided to join Family Care KIDS because of its faith-based foundation. My goal at Family Care KIDS is to make a positive difference in the lives of children in a professional, loving, and nurturing way. What I value most about myself is my ability to help children thrive academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, listening to music, and taking peaceful walks in nature. With more than a decade of experience in the education field, I am on the verge of completing my degree in Early Childhood Care and Education at Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona. I also hold additional educational certifications, including a Substitute Certificate and a Paraprofessional Certificate. My career has included various roles in both teaching and administration. I have a strong passion for education and interacting with children, having taught students from preschool to high school throughout my career. I am thrilled to be a part of Family Care KIDS and look forward to meeting everyone!
Jessika Gil
Teacher
Experience
Courtney Kennedy
Teacher
Experience
MEET THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY CARE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christian Family Care’s 40 years of experience as an organization is behind Family Care KIDS.
Sheila Mengarelli, Board Chair
Pastor Burke Montoya, Vice Chair
Doug Napier, Member at Large
Bruce Everette, Treasurer
Margie Youngblood, Secretary
Huron Claus
Dr. Linnea Lyding, Ed.D.
Matt Miller
Peter Gentala
Gary St. John
EN 
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