There are some people whose impact is so deeply woven into an organization that it is hard to separate their work from the fabric of the place itself. For many across Arizona, that person is Janna Murrell.
As Janna prepares to retire at the end of April, I have found myself reflecting not just on her accomplishments but on the way she has shown up over the years. Steady. Positive. Grounded. And always focused on what matters most: families.
I have heard countless stories from families, partners and colleagues who have worked with Janna. Often, when I am out in the community and mention Encircle Families or Raising Special Kids, there is a good chance someone will light up and say, “Oh, I know Janna.” What follows is usually a story about how she helped them navigate something difficult, how she listened or how she made them feel seen and supported during a time when they needed it most.
That is who Janna has been to this organization and to this community.
What has always stood out to me is her ability to bring both humility and strength to her work. She meets challenges with a willingness to learn and successes with gratitude. Even in moments of frustration, she models grace and a quiet confidence that keeps things moving forward.
Her impact is not just in the programs she helped build or the systems she strengthened, it is in the relationships she cultivated and the tone she set. People trust Janna. They feel better after talking with her. And that kind of presence is something you cannot manufacture. It is who she is.
While it is hard to imagine Encircle Families without her in this role, I am incredibly grateful for the time we have had together and for everything she has given to this organization and the families we serve.
Janna, thank you for your leadership, your partnership and the countless ways you have made this work better for everyone around you. We wish you all the best in this next chapter. You will always be a part of Encircle Families.
Christopher Tiffany
