Christopher Tiffany
Executive Director – Habla Español
Chris came to Encircle Families from the public school system in central Phoenix where he was a dedicated Special Education teacher and facilitator. Chris and his wife, Paulina, are parents to their only son who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Bringing his knowledge of special education as an educator and as a parent, Chris is dedicated to the mission of supporting families who are raising children, of all ages, with special needs.
Janna Murrell
Deputy Executive Director
Janna Murrell first volunteered with Encircle Families in 1998 after her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and she experienced the power of parent‑to‑parent support. After 12 years working with families in the nonprofit sector, she joined Encircle Families’ staff in 2008, serving as a Family Support Specialist, Director of Family Support and Education, and now as Deputy Executive Director. Compassionate and collaborative, she draws on both lived experience and professional expertise to empower families raising children with diverse needs.
Neil Wintle
Director of Operations
Neil joined Encircle Families in 2011, bringing a strong background in operations management, database administration, marketing consultation, client relations, and training. His passion for supporting families is rooted in his personal experience: his youngest son was born four months early, leading to a 108-day stay in the NICU, and his oldest child was later diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. These experiences gave Neil firsthand insight into the challenges families face, both in early medical care and in navigating learning disabilities. He is dedicated to helping parents feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their journeys.
Wendi Scharnhorst
Director of Staff Development and Training
Wendi has a passion for supporting and educating families and professionals when it comes to children with special health care needs. She has facilitated hundreds of workshops and trusts that families can make the best decisions for themselves and their children. She recognizes that raising children can be difficult, but believes the more educated we are, the better the outcomes are for our children. Wendi has three teenagers of her own, two of whom have special health care needs.
Trudy Billy
Director of Outreach and Tribal Programs
Trudy Billy serves as the Director of Outreach and Tribal Programs at Encircle Families, where she leads statewide outreach efforts and supports Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes through parent mentoring, individualized guidance, training, and collaboration with tribal leaders and state programs. As a Navajo/Hopi mother of two young adults with varying disabilities, Trudy brings personal experience and extensive knowledge of K–12 special education and the transition to adulthood. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Northern Arizona University and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, nonprofit management, and behavioral health research in tribal communities. Trudy is committed to building strong, culturally responsive connections that uplift families and caregivers across Arizona.
Kathy Gray-Mangerson
Education System Administrator
As the education systems administrator at Encircle Families, Kathy brings over a decade of experience helping parents navigate special education, understand state programs, and access community resources. She trains staff on education issues and serves on several state and national committees, sharing her expertise to strengthen support for families. Before joining Encircle Families, Kathy worked for five years at the Arizona Department of Education as a Parent Information Network specialist. Her passion for special education is deeply personal; her adult son has a specific learning disability, and her three grandchildren have IEPs, making her commitment to this work a multi-generational journey. Kathy is dedicated to empowering families and professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to confidently navigate IEPs and 504 plans.
Nannette Salasek, LBSW, BHP
Healthcare Systems Administrator – Habla Español
Nannette is a dedicated advocate for families of children with disabilities, drawing on both her professional experience as a healthcare systems administrator at Encircle Families and her personal journey as a mother of six. After her third child was diagnosed in utero with spina bifida, and with several of her other children facing medical and behavioral challenges, Nannette gained firsthand insight into the complex systems families must navigate. She brings that understanding to her work, guiding others through state and federal programs and collaborating with a staff of parents who share similar lived experiences. In addition to her role at Encircle Families, she serves on the Family Faculty and Executive Patient Experience committees at Phoenix Children’s, helping ensure families’ voices are heard. Compassionate and collaborative, Nannette is committed to reminding families that they are never alone on their journey.
Angélica Lara
Behavioral Health Program Administrator – Habla Español
Angelica is the Behavioral Health Program Administrator at Encircle Families, where she supports families navigating the behavioral health system and advocates for inclusive, family-centered care. Currently in her final year at Arizona State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work, Angelica also brings personal experience as the mother of three boys with varying disabilities, including cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Her combined perspective as both a parent and a professional gives her valuable insight into the challenges families face and inspires her commitment to equity, system change, and empowering others in the disability and behavioral health communities.
Brandi Clark
Early Intervention Program Administrator
Brandi serves as the Early Intervention Program administrator at Encircle Families, where she has been a dedicated team member since 2015. She has played a vital role in Arizona’s Central Referral program for Early Intervention, helping families access critical developmental services for their children. Known for her collaborative leadership and deep commitment to early childhood support, Brandi brings both expertise and heart to her work. Outside of her role, she enjoys life with her husband, Aaron, and their three children.