About Us
History & Cause
Serving Arizona’s Children for More Than 50 Years!
UPWARD has been dedicated to a simple yet powerful purpose. To see past a child’s disability, recognize their unique abilities, and do everything in our power to ensure these children and their families thrive—through education, therapy, and loving care.
Due to a passionate commitment to this calling, UPWARDS is many of the Valley school districts’ primary provider of special education, therapy and childcare for children with severe disabilities.
Our Purpose
Helping children with special needs achieve their highest potential, while empowering their families to thrive.
Our Mission
Bringing hope and joy to the children we serve.
Our primary sources of financial support are the Valley of the Sun United Way, the Arizona Department of Economic Security— Division of Developmental Disabilities, local school districts, and the generous contributions of people like you!
Leadership
Board Leadership
Jos Anshell
PRESIDENT
Founder of Marketing Forensics
Marshal Porter
VICE-PRESIDENT
Community Volunteer
David Matthews
TREASURER
Community Volunteer
MB Thomas
SECRETARY
Community Volunteer
Brian Critchfield
DIRECTOR
Cartography Digital
Susan Stone Rosenfield
DIRECTOR
Fennemore
Staff Leadership
Alisa Chatinsky
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Working with nonprofit organizations since the early 90’s, Alisa Chatinsky brings a wealth of knowledge, honed skills, and passion to her work to help nonprofits grow.
For the past decade she has consulted with dozens of social benefit organizations throughout Arizona and Washington.
Alisa combines her business acumen and her love for nonprofits, working to make her community a better place. She is a change agent, helping nonprofits identify their life-cycle stage, assets, areas of improvement, organizational goals, and the strategies to accomplish their objectives.
Madeline Goodman, M.Ed.
Director of Educational Programs
Madeline has 13 years of educational experience. She has worked in many facets of education; from being an assistant teacher and substitute teacher to leading her own classroom and coaching other teachers as they develop their own educational practice.
Madeline joined the UPWARD Team in 2023. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University, and she has her Master’s Degree in Montessori Education from Loyola University in Maryland. She has her Arizona Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education.
Elana Mastov RN M.I.S.E.
Director of Health Services
Elana Mastov has over 22 years’ experience in the medical field and over 12 years in Pediatric and Adult Nursing.
Elana has been with UPWARD since 2015. She holds a nursing degree from Eastern Arizona College, and a Master’s degree in Industrial and System Engineering from Tashkent Polytechnic University.