Staff
Dr. Susan Sandmann-Uy
MD
Dr. Sandmann-Uy graduated from St. Louis University Medical School in Baguio City, Philippines. She completed her family practice residency at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. After practicing medicine in Ohio for 3 years she and her family moved to Arizona to be close to family.
Suzanne "Sam" Hanson
CNM
Suzanne Hanson is a certified nurse midwife who has been providing care for women and children since 1988. She obtained her Bachelor's degree from Grand Canyon University and her MSN in Midwifery in 2007 from San Diego State University. She has been actively practicing midwifery in Arizona since 2007.
Suzanne has cared for women from their teenage years through menopause. For several years, she had a special teen pregnancy clinic. She also provides annual well-women care as well as care for menstrual issues, and initial workup for infertility.
Suzanne has been a mentor for Women's Health Nurse Practitioners, Family Nurse Practitioners, PA and Medical students.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, going for walks with her dogs, gardening and baking.
Racheal Rivera
CNM
Racheal served as a Navy Corpsman and EMT. While serving in Okinawa, Japan, she discovered her passion for midwifery while assisting a family with the birth of a healthy baby girl who was in a hurry to arrive before she could be transported to the hospital.
Racheal earned a Bachelor of Nursing and then later received a Master of Science in Midwifery.
She enjoys hiking, half-marathons, and spending time with family. Racheal and her husband, Juan, have four children and are in the process of moving to Arizona from San Diego.
Iveth Tarantino
FNP
Iveth graduated from University of Zulia Medical School in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She completed 2 years of OB/GYN residency, earned a Master of Science in Reproductive Biology at the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, and after practicing medicine and teaching in college in Venezuela for 14 years she and her husband moved to the US in 2014.
Iveth also earned a Bachelor of Nursing in the US, and then later received two Masters of Science in Nursing (Family Medicine and Nursing Education). She enjoys hiking, teaching, painting, drawing, reading, and spending time with her husband Giuseppe. Iveth is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Dr. Joseph Mott
MD
Dr. Joseph Mott received his MD at University of Colorado. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, W.B. Cherny, Chairman, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Mott has over 40 years of experience in both general surgery and OB Gyn. He served in the United States Army Medical Corp and has worked as a surgical assistant in OB/GYN at Desert Samaritan/Banner Desert for the past 17 years.
Patricia Estrada
Nurse Manager
Patricia has lived in the Valley since 2002. She graduated with her BSN from NAU in 2016. Patricia has 12 years experience as a corrections officer and along with her work at Aid to Women Center she currently works with individuals with disabilities providing care. Patricia is fluent in Spanish and passionate about meeting the needs to provide holistic and compassionate care to expectant mothers and fathers.
Jessica Murphy
RN
Jessica graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has worked in various areas of women's healthcare before coming to Aid to Women Center. She is also an IBCLC and is passionate about supporting new moms and babies during their breastfeeding journey.
Maryrose Cisneros
RN
Maryrose is a Registered Nurse at Aid to Women Center. She graduated first from University of Arizona with a Bachelors in Family Studies and Human development and started work as a social worker. She then continued her education in Nursing and graduated with a Bachelors degree from Arizona State University. Caring for vulnerable people, especially women’s health, is close to her heart. In her free time, her and her husband love to travel, dance, cook, and spend time with friends and family.
Monse Zarate
MA
Monse was born and raised in Arizona. She graduated from Pima Medical School as a medical assistasnt. She has 5+ years of experience working in women's healthcare and is very passionate about serving women. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her four children, going on hikes and watching her son play soccer on the weekends.
Yesenia Moreno
MA
Yesenia is a Medical Assistant at Aid to Women Center. She graduated from Carrington College in 2018. She has been working in women’s healthcare since the start of her medical journey and has loved it. She is very passionate about helping others and showing kindness to the community.
Dominique Damien
Ultrasound Tech
Dominique is an Ultrasound Tech at Aid to Woman center. She graduated with an Associates degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She has always been drawn to the radiology side of medicine. She is passionate about using imaging to help find answers and support patients through their healthcare journey. Whether she is scanning or learning new techniques, she loves being part of a field where technology and care come together.
Paulette Sanchez
MA
Paulette's medical career started with the influence from her aunt. She started learning how to do CNA work and then attended PIMA Medical institute and became a Medical Assistant. She is currently going to school for nursing to continue her career. She believes that nursing is a special career choice and it really warms her heart to be able to serve and help people. She has two teens and two other kids she calls cats. She enjoy napping and singing karaoke. When she is not napping you can find her at church or reading a good book.
Stephanie Gray
Peer Support Manager
Stephanie is the Peer Support Manager and has the privilege of walking with the clients in their most difficult moments. Stephanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Arizona State University and her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy through National University. She is certified in EMDR. Stephanie oversees the peer counselors and assists in various departments throughout the Center.
Penelope Toscano
Peer Counselor
Penelope, is a hard-working individual who lives to help people in her communities. From working with the youth and young adults to being a bilingual administrative assistant in the chancery office of the diocese, Penelope has always had a passion to serve where she is needed. Currently her passion for working with women in need has led her to be here at Aid to Women Center. Her years of experience has equipped her to walk with all women, especially those in the Hispanic community, during their most difficult moments. She is currently in school to get her degree in psychology.
Marisa Gonzalez
Peer Counselor
Marisa is a peer counselor at our Chandler location. She is passionate about helping women and showing understanding and empathy to those in difficult situations. Marisa has a daughter and loves being a mom and spending time with her. She also enjoys traveling, exploring the city with her daughter and fiancé and hanging out with her dogs Maggie and Chloe.
Viviana Garcia
Peer Counselor
Viviana is a warm and approachable peer counselor who is passionate about helping and connecting with people during some of the most important moments in their lives. Originally from Arizona. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, spending time with her family and her dog, and making the most of life’s simple joys.
Jennifer Ord
Outreach Manager
Jennifer is an Outreach Manager at Aid to Women Center. Mother of 5 and originally from California she has called Arizona home for the last 28 years. Her background includes over 21 years in Retail and Corporate management, Field Director for Susan B. Anthony List, and ESA Lead Call Center Specialist with the Dept. of Education. Jennifer is responsible for fundraising for Aid to Women Center so please reach out to her at jord@aidtowomencenter.org or 480-966-1902 to sign up to be a monthly donor, or invite her to your church, school or organization.
Trish Langley
Outreach Assistant Manager
Trish is the Outreach Assistant Manager and is part of the team responsible for donor relations and fundraising. Prior to her role in Outreach, she was a Peer Counselor and walked with our moms during their pregnancies'. She received her BS and MS from the University of Kansas in Education and Instruction respectively and her Certification in Administrative Leadership from Colorado Mesa University, working several years in the field of education. She is also certified in Cognitive Coaching and is also a Positive Intelligence Coach.
Eduardo Gutierrez
Outreach Coordinator
Eduardo is the Outreach Coordinator at Aid to Women Center. He is bilingual and works with the outreach team in working with donor relations and fundraising. He was born and raised in California and graduated from Grand Canyon University. He has experience working in accounting and is passionate about building relationships and connecting with the community. In his spare time, Eduardo enjoys spending time with friends, playing soccer, and serving in the various ministries he is a part of.
Anne Dennis
Office Manager
Anne Dennis graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Education. She has worked in non-profit for 25+ years. Anne is our office manager and is responsible for maintaining a positive environment for both our Chandler and South Phoenix Centers. She oversees the front desk staff and provides assistance to our clients and donor needs.
Valeria Lopez
Receptionist
Val is a farm girl from Washington who moved to Arizona in 2012 and has a deep love for animals, sports, and the outdoors. She also loves helping other people and is one of the friendly faces you will see at the front as our receptionist. Val used to work as a manager at a grocery store and has been with Aid to Women Center since 2020. She is also fluent in Spanish.
Christine Brushahan
Education Facilitator
Christine provides front office support as a receptionist and also is a facilitator for our Parenting Prep Program. Christine received her Elementary Education degree from the University of Nebraska and formerly taught 4th grade. She has been involved in education for over 25 years.
Christi Deg
Education Facilitator
Christi is a facilitator for our Parenting Prep program. She earned her B. S. in Family Resources and Human Development from Arizona State University in 2003. She and her husband, John, live in Ahwatukee with their six children. She is passionate about mentoring other moms and providing support throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journeys.
Anna Marie Francis
Education Facilitator
Anna Marie is an education facilitator at both our Apache and South Phoenix centers. She is bilingual and is an asset to the Hispanic community of moms at Aid to Women Center. She has over 20 amount of years in customer service and feels passionately that being a mom is one of the most precious gifts in life, although not easy, and is happy to help along the way.
Tony Rizzo
Men’s Program Manager
Tony is our Men’s Program manager at Aid to Women Center. He is responsible for providing peer counseling and men’s educational services. Over the years he has built a variety of men’s programs focused on a man’s unique role in life. Tony has a business background of 50 years and has served as an executive consultant and program manager for large national and world-wide organizations in the areas of operations, finance, and applied technology.
Malcolm Ord
Men's Program Coordinator
Malcolm is a dedicated father of three and an experienced business professional with a passion for supporting others. As the Men’s Program Coordinator at the pregnancy resource center, he leads various initiatives designed to empower men through challenging times. Over the years, Malcolm has facilitated numerous men's support groups, fostering personal growth and providing valuable guidance. His deep understanding of family dynamics and commitment to service make him an invaluable resource for families in need, helping them navigate life’s most critical moments.
Joe Kendra
Executive Director
Joe Kendra is the Executive Director at Aid to Women Center in Tempe. His background includes over 30 years in Marketing at such companies as Pizza Hut, 20th Century Fox and Long John Silvers. Joe was the head of marketing at Cold Stone Creamery and instrumental in creating and growing the brand. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan with an MBA in marketing.