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

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The Tucson Alliance for Autism (TAFA) is comprised of 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.

Erin Fox, Board Member
Erin K. Fox is an attorney specializing in family and juvenile law with Pahl & Associates. She joined the board for TAFA in 2012. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona. Erin is a volunteer at Casa de los Ninos. She also serves on the boards of the Young Lawyer Division of the Pima County Bar Association and the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Tucson. In her spare time, Erin enjoys needlepointing and reading.

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.

Cass Faux, Board Member

Cass Faux is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. Clinically, she maintains broad interests in pediatric communication disorders, with a specialization in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices for children and adults. In addition to autism spectrum disorders, other areas of expertise include the management of cochlear implantation, motor speech disorders, childhood feeding disorders, and language impairment, especially as it affects literacy development. Faux has served as a speech-language pathologist and consultant in several settings, encompassing practice in hospital and medical settings, private practice, state agencies, and a tenure as interim director at the Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Tucson. She encourages collaboration with clinical colleagues in O.T., special education, P.T., and music therapy. Currently, Faux is responsible for clinical education of graduate students through supervision in Departmental Clinics and in classroom/seminar instruction.

Kathe McGrath, Board Member

Theresa Leal-Holmes, Board Member

Mike Warren, Board Member

Your Name, Board Member