Tucson Alliance for Autism | About the Tucson Alliance for Autism (TAFA)

The Tucson Alliance for Autism (TAFA) is comprised of two not-for-profit charitable organizations, the Autism Society of America-Pima Country Chapter (ASA-PCC) and the Tucson Autism Community Center (TACC), and an academic institution, The University of Arizona Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS), Medical School and Psychiatry Department. During the past several years, each group has independently been setting the stage to build and maintain an Autism center in Tucson. In May of 2005, these groups merged to focus their collective energies into meeting the needs of the local autism community.
This unique partnership between the community and the University of Arizona merges science, service, and support into a unified center.
TAFA is the Southwest's only association featuring a partnership between the local University and Community dedicated to serving individuals with autism and their families.

The specialist you have been waiting weeks to meet with informs you that your child has autism. Autism? What do you do? Where do you go? Who do you talk to next? You look at your helpless child and ask yourself countless questions while the reality of this mysterious disorder begins to sink in. Will he ever walk? Will he ever talk? Will he ever be ‘normal’? Will he ever be able to play sports, have friends, or be self sufficient? The diagnosis of autism can be extremely devastating. It is scary, mysterious and frustrating. It can be even more frustrating when at nearly every turn you hit road blocks and endless trails of red tape. All you want is to get your child the very best therapy, help and intervention possible.
Tucson families living with autism need a place in which they can be assured their family member is receiving the best possible opportunities in life; a place where they can comfortably network with other families and receive the emotional support they need; a place where they can learn of cutting edge therapies and interventions for their family member with autism; a place where they can educate themselves; a place where they can feel comfortable and welcome.

If you know someone who would be a positive addition to our Board of Directors, or are interested in joining the Board, please contact the Tucson Alliance for Autism at (520)319-5857.

Kim Crooks, Executive Director
Kim is a Tucson Native. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a degree in Art Education and Recreation. She has worked with local non-profits for over 30 years. "Working at the Tucson Alliance for Autism and with the autism community is the most rewarding job. I enjoy creating new programs, educating the community (and myself) about autism and being apart of the TAFA collaboration".

Kirsten Polivchak, Treasurer
Kirsten is a co-founder of the Tucson Alliance for Autism. She has been directly involved with the Tucson Alliance for Autism since its inception in 2005. Kirsten also currently co-chairs TACC, an organization focused on fundraising for the Tucson Alliance for Autism. Her motivation for involvement in TAFA and the autism community lies solely in the eyes of her 12 year old cousin who was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy at an early age. Kirsten stands firm in her commitment to the Tucson Alliance for Autism, and is excited to be part of such an amazing organization.

Mary Wach, Secretary
Mary works in the trust department at US Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Mary's pride and joy is her family, which consists of her Husband, Matthew, and three amazing boys. Rigley and Ryley are 4 year old twins and Aiden is 2. Mary learned more about Autism when her son, Ryley, was diagnosed in September 2006. She became a board member at TAFA to contribute to the spread of Autism awareness.

Peter Earhart, Board Member
Peter Earhart is president of the Pima County Chapter of the Autism Society of America. He is married to Laurel and they have four children. His oldest daughter Logan was diagnosed with autism at age two. They moved to Tucson in 2004 from Washington, DC and presently live in the Ventana Canyone area. Peter works in educational ministry in the church. Peter joined TAFA because, as a parent of a child with autism he wanted to help other families learn about autism and get the services necessary to improve their child's lives.

Angela Canale, Board Member
Angela is a co-founder of the Tucson Alliance for Autism and has been involved with its development since prior to the grand opening in July of 2005. Angela is married to Ron and has a beautiful 11 year old daughter who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 ½ . Angela’s involvement with the creation of the Tucson Alliance for Autism was the result of the many challenges she and her husband faced when trying to obtain information on autism and services available for those affected by autism in the Tucson community.