Champions for Kids-Arizona

09/06/2026

Only 16% of students with learning differences are proficient in reading at grade level. Reading opens up the world, but many students with learning differences hit real roadblocks without the right classroom support. We want to hear directly from you about what’s working and what needs to change! Join our Champion Listening Session on September 10th to share your experience and help us build better support for our kids.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jnHglmTP9NIMjJcmRIjH_0ketMlFKm2Y8w86ZxPsIoE/edit

08/27/2026

We are excited to announce the keynote speaker for our 2nd Annual Conference on October 30 in Phoenix.

Meet Michelle Norman, the CEO and Founder of Partners in PROMISE, a non-profit organization focused on educating, advising, and advocating for exceptional military families and their education.

She is a Navy spouse of over 30 years and mother of a 22-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy and many other medical diagnoses. Michelle is a true Champion for Kids.

Come to hear her story and leave inspired!

Register here: https://azchampions.networkforgood.com/events/99828-2026-champions-for-kids-conference

08/23/2026

Thanks Arizona Cardinals for your partnership with Champions for Kids! We look forward to joining you for the Cardinals Climb this spring!

07/31/2026

Thank you Channel 12 and Nohelani Graf for spotlighting our work, our co-founder Karla Phillips-Krivickas and our great partner, SARRC.

Phillips-Krivickas says the recognition isn't really about her, it's validation for the families and advocates who make up the coalition, and momentum to reach the parts of the state that haven't been served yet.

"I feel like I finally found my people," she said, "and I've created a community of champions for kids where we can all connect with one another, learn from each other, and thrive."

She built a tool to help get kids with autism the support they're entitled to. Now, a national award will help expand it to more disabilities and families statewide.

07/23/2026

There were a lot of Champions for Kids helping these parents but a special shout out to Diana Newmark at the University of Arizona College of Law Education Advocacy Clinic!

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - The Arizona State School for the Deaf and the Blind has been found in violation of federal special education law following a complaint filed by the

05/04/2026

I am so honored and blessed not only to be chosen but to join such an amazing network of leaders to learn from.

A few years ago with the support of my amazing husband I took a massive leap of faith. I found a great partner in Jenny Mullins and the Champions for Kids-Arizona was born. We are a coalition of parents and professionals committed to the inclusion of students with learning differences in all policies, programs and initiatives. We are challenging the status quo and demanding better.

04/28/2026

So proud to call this author a friend and a great Champions For Kids-AZ. Making a faith-based education truly available to our students with learning differences is such an important mission.

McCoy Cejka, author of the report and board liaison for the NCPD’s Catholic Schools Committee, told The Pillar that while the survey shows numerous areas where improvement is needed, she finds the results to be hopeful. “I do think we’re moving in the right direction. It’s just really slow going because it’s hard work,” she said.

“I do think we’re moving in the right direction. It’s just really slow going because it’s hard work.”

04/28/2026

If you are 'othered' from first, second or third grade," he asks, "by middle school or high school, how are you supposed to see yourself any differently?"

https://www.npr.org/2026/04/26/g-s1-117447/school-disability-emotional-behavioral-disorder-special-education?fbclid=IwY2xjawReIQZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeDN-PnvirDN_PxuI92QaDui4NW3fxLqZrD9YCwN3AlBO4dXwtN5f4WgnBWcI_aem_GsZ9GHh3V44RhwyAd4MvGw

Every school has problem students, but some are labeled emotionally disturbed (ED) and taught separately from others.

04/24/2026

School closures have a disproportionate impact on students with disabilities. Thank you to Nohelani Graf at 12News for spotlighting this issue and including our co-founder Karla Phillips-Krivickas and superstar Champion, Linda Taylor.

School closures are disrupting services for students with special needs. Here's what families can do now to protect their child's education.

04/23/2026

We are honored to be a finalist amongst so many great advocates!