Jennifer Kiernan

Executive Director, Founder

Jennifer Kiernan’s journey to founding Saving Amy began with a personal quest for inner transformation during the last 20 years leading groups and individuals. Jennifer’s career trajectory, marked by success as an executive in two Fortune 500 companies, equipped her with the leadership qualities and business knowledge to eventually guide her as she founded Saving Amy. This immersion led her to volunteer at a homeless shelter, where she witnessed the heartbreaking recurrence of families returning back to the shelter due to a lack of sustained support. Motivated by this experience, Jennifer founded Saving Amy, a nonprofit offering five crucial programs to provide stability and long-term success for families seeking to escape homelessness.

At the heart of Jennifer’s mission is the belief that everyone is called to make a difference. Brophy College Preparatory bestowed the Inés Pascual Award for Generous Service. Additionally, Jennifer received the Az Business Angels Award, a recognition given to outstanding nonprofit business leaders and organizations dedicated to profoundly impacting the communities. This accolade celebrates Jennifer’s exceptional commitment and contributions to fostering positive change, highlighting her as a leader who goes above and beyond to create a lasting and meaningful impact in the world of nonprofits.

A dedicated mother to four children, she instills in them the understanding that they each have a unique calling to serve the world. Her profound observation that “Love and compassion are the way we change the world” encapsulates the ethos of Saving Amy and its community, where the collective good of all people is the driving force. Jennifer’s impact extends beyond her immediate community, creating a ripple effect of transformative outcomes that will undoubtedly resonate for generations. Through Saving Amy, she continues a legacy, changing lives for the better and inspiring others to join in the noble pursuit of making a difference!

“I have a front row seat to the generosity and kindness of humankind. The Saving Amy community is an example of what can be accomplished when we come together for the collective good of all people. Love and compassion is the way we change the world.”

Jessica Grussing

Program Director, Board Member

Jessica has been on the board of Saving Amy since the beginning in June 2015. She also serves as a volunteer Program Director, is a member of the finance committee, and has had the incredible opportunity to be a Journey Partner for one of the first Saving Amy women. Jessica appreciates that Saving Amy takes a holistic approach to ending the cycle of homelessness focusing on inner transformation for outward change to be sustained. Jessica admires that Saving Amy meets each person where they are and walks with their families for a lifetime; in an ongoing loving and genuine relationship.

Her hobbies include spending time with her daughters, being active/exercising and traveling. Outside of Saving Amy, Jessica is a Sr. Director, Market Access at Neurelis and lives in Minnesota.

Carey Musil

Board Member, Volunteer

Carey has been on the board of Saving Amy since the beginning in June 2015. She has volunteered on the Annual Celebration committee for the last seven years and is honored to be chairing the 2024 8th Annual Celebration, Once Upon a Story. Carey values the approach of inner transformation for outward change that Saving Amy provides for their individuals and families. She also appreciates the opportunity to experience the compassionate and empowering Saving Amy community.

Her hobbies include creating mixed media art, traveling, organizing, and interior design. She is a member of the Desert Foundation Auxiliary, a devoted wife, and a loving mother of four.

Christina Ivanhoe

Board Member, Volunteer

Christina joined the board in December 2020. She believes in Saving Amy and its mission. Raising herself as a child has led Christina to have a deep compassion for others in need. Her hobbies include spending precious time with family, working out, and philanthropic work. Christina has always had a heart and soul for philanthropy and enjoys connecting with her community.

Outside of Saving Amy, Christina is the mom of a 13-year-old daughter and the wife of a husband who Runs Right Toyota and overseas Right Honda. She is also the owner of Golden Heart Wellness.

Tillie McCoy

Board Member, Volunteer

Tillie has been a part of our Advisory Board since 2018. Tillie is an inspirational speaker and enjoys serving our community by sharing her life’s story. She appreciates that Saving Amy is with their families and individuals for the long haul and is committed to ending the cycle of homelessness by focusing on inner transformation. Her hobbies include reading and watching good movies.

Outside of Saving Amy, she is a Residential Manager at a Psychiatric Care Facility.

John Harris

Board Member, Volunteer

John Harris is a dedicated philanthropist with an unwavering belief in community service and giving back. Since joining the Board in 2023 and the finance committee of Saving Amy in 2021, John has played a pivotal role in offering strategic financial counsel to the organization. From its inception, John has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Saving Amy’s core programs on the lives of individuals and families within the community.

Through these initiatives, he has observed remarkable transformations in terms of improved quality of life and increased opportunities for its participants. His deep-rooted belief in Saving Amy’s mission and vision has fueled his dedication to supporting its growth and success.

John is the Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of Hyperion Partners. He is an amazing father and husband to his two children and wife. He enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with family.

Valerie Voss Parkes

Board Member, Volunteer

Valerie Voss Parkes has dedicated most of her career to the Hotel Hospitality industry, where she has held various leadership roles, culminating in her position as Chief Information Officer (CIO). With a wealth of experience in technology and business management, Valerie also successfully ran her own technology consulting company, providing innovative solutions to clients across different sectors.

Valerie is deeply passionate about giving back to the community, with a particular focus on children. She believes in the power of education and mentorship to open young minds to the myriad of opportunities and career possibilities available to them. Her commitment to fostering growth and development in the next generation aligns perfectly with the mission of Saving Amy.

Sarah Loukota

Board Member, Volunteer

Sarah has been a part of the Saving Amy board since March 2022. Her design expertise helps convey the message of Saving Amy’s mission, enhancing fundraising efforts through her ongoing work with the Annual Celebration committee. Sarah’s deep commitment to community and Saving Amy’s innovative approach to addressing homelessness fuels her dedication. As a Journey Partner, she continues to provide meaningful support to families, having witnessed firsthand their struggles and, with continued support, their ability to learn skills to thrive.

Sarah’s love for the outdoors shapes her minimalist design style as an independent graphic designer. A devoted mother, she finds joy in gardening and cherishing moments with her loved ones, nurturing her connection with nature.

Preeti Kamat

Program Director, Saving Amy

Preeti brings her vibrant spirit and dedication to her role as Saving Amy’s Program Manager, a position she has held since May 2022. She has a genuine passion for fostering connections with everyone she encounters, whether it’s our valued journey partners, dedicated committee members, esteemed community partners, or the families we serve at Saving Amy. She believes in creating an environment where every individual who walks through Saving Amy’s doors leaves feeling uplifted and fulfilled. Preeti finds immense inspiration in the generosity and selflessness displayed by the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to our cause, and she considers it a privilege to be part of such a compassionate community.

At the core of Preeti’s philosophy is the belief that love and compassion have the power to transcend obstacles and bring about positive change. She sees Saving Amy not only as a platform for helping others but also as a source of personal growth and enlightenment. In addition to her role at Saving Amy, Preeti is a professor at A.T. Still University (ATSU), teaching Master of Public Health courses. She is also pursuing her Doctor of Education in Health Professions at ATSU and will graduate in March 2025. Outside of her professional endeavors, Preeti finds joy in spending quality time with her family, including her husband and their daughter. They share a passion for travel, exploring new destinations, and creating cherished memories together.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Brooke Harris

Program Manager, Saving Amy

Brooke is Saving Amy’s Program Manager, a role she stepped into in October 2024, bringing her journey with Saving Amy full circle. Her story began in 2015 when she first volunteered with Saving Amy while attending Xavier College Prep. She then attended the University of Arizona with a major in digital marketing and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.

Brooke has always been deeply committed to Saving Amy’s holistic approach to resolving homelessness. Her passion for the mission shines brightly, and her positive energy, ambitious spark, and contagious smile uplift everyone she meets. Every day, she wakes up with a desire to help Saving Amy families grow, thrive, and rediscover hope. She is dedicated to ensuring that every family who needs support has the opportunity to build the life they’ve always dreamed of. Brooke loves skiing, wake surfing, pilates, and traveling. She looks forward to marrying her wonderful fiancé in May and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa of Calcutta