Selecting a small number of women to grace our cover and magazine for this year’s Women of Chandler is no easy task. And I’ll be honest, every year those who know me well hear me say it will be the last. Our Selection Committee (and me!) confess to lots of angst and even sleepless nights. But May is the month we celebrate some of the amazing women in our community, so here we are again.
I am grateful to learn I’m not even close to knowing all the interesting, inspiring, and accomplished women who impact our community in big ways and even small ways (which are sometimes even better).
We never know who will make an impression on the Selection Committee. Is it someone staying true to their roots? Is it a woman with an interesting story? Or one giving selflessly? Or one professionally accomplished? Or one whose words to live by tug at the heart? Not knowing makes this issue so amazing every year!
Thank you to all the Chandler women for being a piece of the fabric we call community.—Joyce Selk, Publisher
Carol Dobson
Chandler Matriarch, Volunteer
A true matriarch of Chandler, Carol Dobson has lived here for 65 years with her husband, Dwayne, whose family came to Arizona in 1886 to farm and ranch. They enjoy four children, 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Her contributions to this community seem endless—former teacher at CUSD, past president and life member of Chandler Service Club, honorary board member of Seton High School, founding member of the Chandler Marlins (Chandler’s first swim club), past board member of Chandler Regional Hospital, past board member of Chandler Museum, past board member of ICAN, and Chandler Historical Society Outstanding Women of the Year in 2012.
Fun fact?
“Because I have lived in Chandler for so many years, most people assume I am a native. I am not, I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am a CheeseHead!”
Katie Kahle
Director, Chandler CARE Center
The youngest of four children, Katie Kahle’s family didn’t have a lot growing up but they were always encouraged by their partners to get involved and give back in our community.
“Serving others was imbedded in our upbringing.”
In her role as the director of the CARE Center, a family resource center and medical and dental clinic for children, Kahle’s team provides food and diapers year-round, and the Children’s Medical and Dental Clinic offers no-cost care to Chandler kids who are uninsured, in partnership with Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center. Annually, they impact the lives of more than 20,000 Chandler residents.
She may also be found serving For Our City, helping to coordinate nonprofit efforts across the city, including the annual Operation Back to School event which provides backpacks to more than 3,000 Chandler kids each year. Or, at the Arizona Family Resource Network or the Health Improvement Partnership of Maricopa County Steering Committee. She has served on the board of the Chandler Education Foundation, emceed the City of Chandler Volunteer Awards, held a community seat on the Site Council for Frye Elementary School, and graduated from the Chandler Chamber Foundation Leadership Institute.
Her words to live by?
“I know what I gave them; I do not know what they received.”
One of the things this means for her is “impact and intent are not the same thing, and what we intend doesn’t always match how we make someone feel.”
Fun Fact?
“I played an instrument for four years but never learned how to read music and I have an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics.”
Jen Felker
Realtor
Jen Felker is always ready for the next opportunity and adventure and lives everyday by the words, “the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is a little extra effort.”
Coming from a family of “givers”, her parents instilled the importance of serving others.
She has been an active member of the Chandler Service Club for 20 years, is current vice president of the Neighborhood Advisory Board for the City of Chandler, and actively supports Dignity Health events and Chandler Firefighter Charities.
Felker feels her greatest strengths are her ability to multi-task and organize and actually thrive in chaos.
“Everyone that knows me will agree that I give 100% all the time. Being a Realtor allows me to be out in the community interacting with people of all kinds, all day and whenever I am asked to help, I will never say no.”
Myranda North Molina
Business Owner, Philanthropist
If you meet Myranda North Molina for the first time, you might wonder where she gets all her energy! She truly has a “sunshine” personality with a zest for life, embracing every opportunity.
“I start every day with being the change I want to see.”
She grew up incredibly poor with her two siblings. Raised by a struggling single mother, they moved more than a dozen times rarely having electricity or food.
“Thank God for the food boxes at St. Vincent dePaul!”
She feels her life did not truly start until she was sponsored to attend a traditional Chandler school, where the principal and several faculty members began tutoring and mentoring her and bringing her lunch every day, knowing that might be her only meal. It was the first structure she ever had, and the first glimpse at what life could really be. It instilled a humbleness she carries in every facet of her life and she takes nothing for granted.
From a young age, North Molina has been passionate about jewelry, selling her first necklace at age 12. Through her business, North Molina supports over 40 local charities and schools, including Chandler Service Club, the Compadres, and ICAN. Not only does she give her time and resources, she is always recruiting family, friends, and clients to do the same.
“I feel it takes a village to make a community whole. We have so many incredible organizations that are in our city that need our help.”
Fun fact?
“I love to cook and am an incredible 'wanna be' chef.”
Annalynne Brown
Crime Analysis Supervisor, Chandler Police Department
With a masters degree in justice studies, Annalynne Brown describes herself as “deeply analytical.” She uses her expertise in research, statistics, and analytics to lead the Data Analysis and Reporting Team (DART), responsible for providing strategic analysis of crime data and information fostering transparency to the public and assists the police in making informed, data-driven decisions.
Brown seeks out opportunities to try new things, explore new ideas, and learn new skills. She also enjoys helping others learn along the way. She lives by the words, “Why not me? I take every opportunity to try something new, even if I fail. I believe we can all surprise ourselves with what we are capable of when we try.”
Fun fact?
“I am as introverted as you can get! I enjoy my alone time and being in my thoughts. It has truly become one of my favorite things about myself.”
Kathleen Dowler
RN, Director Community Health
Kathleen Dowler grew up in an impoverished family. One of six children being cared for by a single mother with MS, she was always taught to think beyond her circumstances, “to be more and do more.” For Dowler, this meant doing more for others.
“I experienced many negative experiences as a child that included uncaring county health clinics, bullying at school, and a chaotic family environment. Among the many distressful circumstances, it was the kindness and compassion of my church and others that became the catalyst of my work today.”
In her role at Dignity Health, Dowler works with the community and nonprofits to increase access to care through the Dignity Health Investment Program, including many in Chandler: Chandler CARE Center, Mission of Mercy, AZCEND, CUSD, Live Love, and ICAN. She has served on several Chandler nonprofit boards, including the YMCA, Chandler Education Foundation, Desert Cancer Foundation, Chandler/Gilbert Substance Misuse Taskforce, CUSD Counseling and Social Service Advisory Council, and currently serves on Chandler Children’s Medical and Dental Clinic board of trustees.
“I have always felt a deep connection to our organization's mission and ministry to focus on vulnerable populations.”
Sandra Bassett
Development and Communications Manager, Chandler Center for the Arts
As the former CEO of the Phoenix Center for the Arts before coming to CCA, Sandra Bassett is a seasoned leader in the Arizona arts and culture community. With a proven track record in arts administration, fundraising, and community engagement, her passion for inspiring the next generation of artists is evident in her work.
In addition to her powerful vocals, she is an accomplished pianist, organist, and alto saxophonist. You may have seen her perform the National Anthem at Phoenix Suns and Mercury games, or at other top venues in Arizona. She is also the founder of the BIPOC Arts program to train teaching artists.
“Music and artistic expression have always been my passion, and witnessing their impact on others brings me immense joy. Seeing artists succeed and knowing that I played a role in helping them achieve their goals and increase their skills is amazing.”
Something you may not know?
“I have a twin brother!”
Paula McCall, Ph.D.
Psychologist
An Arizona native, Dr. Paul McCall came to Chandler in 2002 as a special education teacher to implement Basha High School’s first program for students with developmental disabilities. Over the years her career path shifted into that of psychology and was able to open her own private practice, Next Step Psychology.
McCall’s efforts to connect the community with mental health resources resulted in an effort she called Prepared Parenting—a series of parent-based workshops and conferences that supported parents in learning the information and skills they needed to support their children’s mental health.
“The small steps I took just to help out a few parents years ago snowballed into an effort to change and support the entire community.”
This focus became more broad in the pandemic, and she founded the Chandler-based nonprofit Semicolon Society.
“I was proud to be a part of the grassroots movement that occurred around this time, as students, parents, and community members worked together to reduce the stigma of suicide and build a foundation for genuine support, education, and connection.”
Semicolon Society provides community-based education, resources, events, and presentations that focus on mental wellness and suicide prevention.
“In 2024 alone, we participated in or hosted 57 events and connected with over 4700 community members” by partnering with the city, CPD, CUSD, and others.
Fun fact?
“At the age of 44, my daughter taught me finally how to ride a bike, and I now ride regularly along the Chandler canals.”
Lindsay Shaw
Senior VP, First Bank
As an officer at First Bank in Chandler, Lindsay Shaw is always encouraged to participate in nonprofit organizations and regular volunteer opportunities but that took on a whole new meaning for her personally in 2020 when her son was diagnosed with leukemia.
“When we got that news, we were blessed to have our friends and community rally around us and support our family. It meant so much to us and it made me want to be a person that makes a difference for others, just like those people did for us.”
Some of the ways she is making a difference in our community include in her role as VP of Desert Cancer Foundation, as a board member of Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, raising awareness of Children’s Cancer Network, volunteering regularly at her children’s school, and leading a local Girl Scout troop. Her nominator describes her as a “tireless fundraiser.”
Fun fact?
Being a contestant on Wheel of Fortune is on her bucket list.
Lisa Moran
Volunteer Coordinator, Chandler Police Department
Unfortunately, Lisa Moran’s first experience with CPD was due to the volatility of her then husband.
“I decided after 22 years of marriage that it was time to make a change in our lives. With little more than faith and a lot of unknowns staring me in the face, it was time to get on the lifeboat and save myself and my kids.
"I was mired in chaos and functioning in survival mode during those early contacts with CPD.”
At the time, she didn’t consider she might want to work with the CPD and somehow give back, but four years later she joined the department as a dispatcher and had peace of mind in knowing if something happened to her daughters while home alone, officers were on patrol and nearby.
“The stability CPD offered gave me the chance to look towards the future for the first time in a very long time, and I began to consider how I could help others get through their tough stuff."
As the volunteer coordinator, Moran feels blessed to be representing a team of more than 50 volunteers who gave over 10,000 hours of service last year to the department and community. She launched Paws for Police, a team of certified therapy dogs and their handlers who support CPD staff.
Jamie Schweitzer
RN, Chandler Regional Medical Center
After a bad experience as a child in the hospital, the one thing Jamie Schweitzer didn’t want to be growing up was a nurse. But through divine intervention, life happened.
“Through life’s experiences, God brought me to nursing and I cannot imagine any other career other than being a nurse!”
As a charge nurse at Chandler Regional, she volunteers for just about everything—internal planning committees, community outreach programs, stroke survivor program, health and wellness and vaccine clinics, community events, and education fairs.
Schweitzer was one of the first volunteers to administer covid vaccines to health care workers.
Her volunteering does not end at work. She is very active in her daughter’s school serving as VP of the PTO, the Art Masterpiece Program, and chaperoning field trips. She is also very involved in her church’s community outreach programs.
“I love to help others in any way possible. At the hospital, I see people on their hardest days. I want to be the light in their darkness.”
Torre Valentine
Counselor, Bogle Jr High
Chandler is where Torre Valentine’s story began and continues to unfold. She grew up in the projects of South Chandler, and her experiences shaped her passion for education and desire to be a source of guidance for others.
“I saw firsthand the challenges that came with living in a community deeply impacted by poverty, drugs and addiction. I watched friends and family struggle in school, often lacking the support and resources needed to succeed.”
She felt firsthand the weight of discrimination and bias.
Her greatest inspiration was her single, disabled mother.
“She was always present, and her resilience and dedication showed me the power of investing in one’s community, even when faced with adversity.”
Now, that same resilience is fueled by her husband and three children, motivating and encouraging her to be her best.
Her mother’s example and the mentors who invested in her instilled the importance of showing up, being present, and believing in others to truly transform lives.
“My desire is to support students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, as they navigate their own paths. I became a school counselor to help young people realize their potential, set goals, and find their own sources of strength.”
Haley Bartosik
Fire Administration Manager, Chandler Fire Department
Haley Bartosik was in college when she cemented her desire to work in public service, and thinks serving in local government is one of the best ways to accomplish that.
Her work managing the civilian administrative staff of the department allows her to see the impacts her work has on the community directly.
“As a public servant, I find that to be the most rewarding quality of the role.
“I’ve always been intrigued by the saying, 'buy the ticket, take the ride,' attributed to Hunter S. Thompson. I’m always interested in new experiences, and I think this quote can be applied to a wide range of facets of life.”
As her nominator describes, “She is a true pleasure to work with, and her contributions extend far beyond her job description with her ability to leverage the strengths of her staff and foster an environment where individuals can thrive and perform at their best. Her dedication and leadership have a profound impact on our team.”
Alicia Skupin
Presiding Magistrate, City of Chandler
As the presiding magistrate for the Chandler Municipal Court, Alicia Skupin is the only female Latina presiding judge of a city court in the Valley. The leadership she brings to the court focuses on finding ways to make the work environment efficient and excellent, but most importantly, finding ways to inspire individuals to make their own contributions that make a positive difference.
“I strongly believe that empowering our individual contributors and giving our departmental managers resources they need to not only be successful, but also happy and satisfied with the work they do as a team member is a valuable contribution to the overall morale of our local government.”
Skupin has initiated several opportunities for community engagement between the court and our local schools through public speaking, field trips, immersion programs, and various support courts which help marginalized individuals in our city. She also represents the city on various Arizona Supreme Court commissions and boards.
She has children ranging in age from 11-22.
“A few years ago, I loved that I was planning 'play dates' and 'prom dates' for the same weekend.”
Fun Fact?
“I am an introvert who loves to dance! And I make a darn good soup!”
Christine Hotchkiss
Podcast Host
If a nonprofit is having an event in Chandler, you will probably find Christine Hotchkiss there volunteering. Some of her favorites are Chandler Business Alliance, For Our City, Chandler Film Festival, and Fortis Femina. Her nominator describes her as "all things Chandler!"
Growing up with three small children, her single mother struggled to make ends meet.
“I remember the generosity the community gave to my mother, and in return I have been committed to doing the same for others.”
After the tragic loss of her daughter and younger sister, Hotchkiss realized her true passion founding the podcast, Stories of Hope, a platform for individuals who have overcome or currently going through a life-changing situation such as illness, unforeseen circumstances, and tragedy.
“We all have a story, and each story gives others either an insight, opportunity, or ability to live their best life through connection and sharing.”
Fun fact?
“I am a thrifty secondhand shopper! I love seeing what unique outfits I can create for my own style.”
Ellen Harrington
President, Chandler-Tullamore IRE Sister Cities
Inspired by President Eisenhower’s 1956 Declaration for the Birth of Sister Cities International (SCI), Ellen Harrington began discussions with Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland to become a Sister City of Chandler in 2007. SCI aims to promote world peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time. As a founding member of Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities, she spent two years working with then Mayor Boyd Dunn, and the Sister Cities Agreement was signed in 2009 at Murphy’s Law in Downtown Chandler.
“We are now celebrating 16 years ‘twinning’ with Tullamore, Ireland!”
Harrington helped create the first Student Ambassador Program in 2013, sending students to Tullamore to live with the Irish families, and hosting the Irish students here in Chandler. Over the years, more than 200 students have experienced and maintained connections with their exchange families.
Fundraising proceeds benefit CTSC’s projects, most notably the Student Ambassador Program, the Young Artists & Authors Showcase, Culture Exchanges, and hosting Tullamore visitors, all of which benefit Chandler economically.
Her nominator writes, “She truly is an ambassador for Chandler and beyond!”
Once asked if she had any hobbies, her response was, “It appears to be volunteering!”
Kitty Chappell
Author, Public Speaker
This award-winning nonfiction author has had her books translated into seven languages and has a movie script in the works. She has spoken to thousands nationwide and throughout Eastern Europe as an international speaker about the power of forgiveness.
Having personally overcome a violent background of domestic violence, Kitty Chappell’s joy comes from “seeing hearts that have been wounded by life’s unjust circumstances become dynamic overcomers contributing to society instead of remaining mere survivors who sadly relive their past pain—because they don’t know how to become better instead of bitter.”
Motivated to make a difference wherever she lives, she graduated from the Chandler Police Citizens Academy at the age of 81 and became an active member of the Citizens Police Academy Association.
You might also see her at Sky Harbor Airport as she is a TSA K-9 Decoy, where she volunteers by pretending to be a passenger going through the lines with explosives or drugs hidden on her person or luggage to help train the canine units.
Sherri Beck
Counselor, Basha Elementary
Sherri Beck has been a teacher and counselor in CUSD for the last 26 years, giving back to the community by endlessly investing in our students. She is also a member of the Arizona School Counselor Association and served as conference chair, and mentors new teachers and counselors. She helped plan the first Basha Career Day, and has given students leadership opportunities through Playworks Junior Coach program and Flag Corps. As a parent, she was involved with the Boy Scouts, Hamilton JROTC Booster Club, and helped establish the Hamilton Boys Basketball Booster Club.
“It’s always fun when our younger students see me at the grocery store and can’t believe I don’t live at the school!”
She is also a Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer, training hundreds of educators and community members with an eight-hour public education program introducing participants to unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, building understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaching individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing mental health challenges.
Something you may not know?
“I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than three minutes.”
Jennifer Nielsen
Realtor
“An Arizona native, Jennifer Nielsen is committed to making a difference in her local community with unwavering dedication and a passion for community impact,” describes her nominator.
Nielsen is on the board of the Chandler Business Alliance Foundation, dedicated to raising money for the nonprofits in our community. Her leadership as co-chair for the Henry’s, ICAN’s volunteer ambassador committee, has expanded and strengthened the nonprofit’s community engagement by raising awareness for its free after school programs and the positive impact it has on the kids. She also leverages her network to inspire others to support ICAN and is a consistent presence at their events.
“I knew I wanted to be more involved in my community and give back to the city I felt such a connection to. It is the best decision I could have made. The more I give to my community, the deeper my love grows for Chandler and its amazing people.”
Learning Spanish and eating her way through Greece are two things on her bucket list.
Neilsen lives by the words, “Grow through what you go through. No matter what life hands us, there is always a lesson of growth there.”
Ariel Ackerman
Asst Director of Programs, AZCEND
The nominator for Ariel Ackerman writes, “In my 30 years of managing nonprofits, Ariel Ackerman has been one of the most amazing individuals I have ever worked with.”
During high school, Ackerman first started exploring how service can be leveraged to benefit communities. Completing college at ASU, she performed 2,300 volunteer hours with AmeriCorps, where she discovered her love for maximizing the strengths and resources of a community to tackle larger problems. Moving on to the Boys & Girls Clubs and then UMOM, she came to realize her need to serve the most vulnerable in her own community, and later accepted a position at AZCEND.
Tenacious, she recognizes nonprofit work is difficult but welcomes the fight every day.
“I have the opportunity to serve those experiencing housing insecurities and homeless in the community where I live and work. My moments of joy come from seeing our clients regain their hope. It doesn’t matter how uncomfortable I am or how little resources I have, I know I have the ability to impact our client’s experience with my attitude and the quality of service I provide.”
Photographed on-site at Elliott's Steakhouse, ElliottsSteakhouse.com