Director’s Column

A Farewell...

Still, we hope that ASA and MISS and other organizations dedicated to helping families suffering through the sudden loss of a child will continue to work together. In fact, even more so. And, we hope that Joanne will from time to time help ASA in some ways in its future projects and ongoing program.

On behalf of the ASA Board of Directors and its new Executive Director, we wish Joanne the very best in her future professional career. She has been an "angel" for many families in their very darkest hours of need. Thank you Joanne.

Thank you for your laughter and your tears. Thank you for the respect that you gave others, along the way. Thank you for your affection and your appreciation. Thank you for your honest criticisms and for your endurance. Thank you for finding the best in others. Thank you for helping others make this world a bit better. Thank you for always remembering the families. For giving them information or a community within which to grieve. For training others, so that other families may benefit. Many families and individuals are better because you were there for them, because you helped them. Because you served them. That is your success, Joanne. Thank you.

An Introduction...

With an educational background in education and public administration, I have served various non-profit organizations for the last 20 years. Often teaching communication on a part-time basis, I served as the Executive Director for the Epilepsy Foundation and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill in both Arizona and in Metro Chicago. Most recently, I directed the Arizona Head Start Association. Currently, I also serve as Director for the Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Following Joanne's resignation, ASA's Board of Directors asked me to serve as ASA's part-time Executive Director. I was pleased to see the outgoing Executive Director, Joanne Cacciatore, participate in my employment interview. That was a very good sign.

Since my arrival, we have been very busy trying to fill the vacuum left following Joanne's departure. This is not easy. Lots of changes are required. We need volunteers. The list of details goes on.

The good news is that volunteers are stepping forward. Recently, over 30 people--family members, health professionals, and concerned community members--stepped forward to commit themselves to volunteer service for ASA. Some are interested in service on the ASA Board of Directors, others in committee work, and others want to help ASA in upcoming events.

For everyone stepping forward at this critical time of change within the organization, thank you. Your commitment will help us help families in need.