Moms Making a Difference
Five local women dedicated to family and philanthropy
By Kaylor Jones / Photos by Claudia Johnstone
Anyone will tell you that mothers are capable of changing the world. This month, we celebrate moms across the Valley who work around the clock to raise a family while supporting the community through education and empowerment. In honor of Mother’s Day, meet five local moms whose tireless work inspires change, encourages greatness, and sets an example at home and beyond.
Morgan Haynes
Founder, Zoodle Genetics
The story of Morgan Haynes’ foundation, Zoodle Genetics, begins close to home.
The youngest of her two daughters, Izzy, was diagnosed with GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder – a process requiring constant advocacy.
“The journey was long, exhausting and very frustrating, but it changed everything,” says Haynes, who moved her family to Arizona to be closer to the specialized care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “It’s unrealistic to expect every family with a medically fragile child to fight that hard just to be heard. I knew something had to change, and to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, I knew I needed to be ‘the change I wanted to see in the world.’”
Haynes founded Zoodle Genetics (www.zoodlegenetics.com) to advance research and provide educational and community support for families of children with rare genetic neurological disorders. The name was inspired by Izzy, who – wanting to eat noodles like her big sister despite the strict ketogenic diet that manages her condition – lit up when her family improvised with spiralized zucchini.
“From that moment, she became our Zoodle. That minor event represented something much bigger: Families shouldn’t have to rely on workarounds as their only solution. Every medically fragile child deserves real treatment options, real progress and real hope.”
Through Zoodle Genetics, Haynes – also the co-founder and CEO of Tribal Health, which provides compassionate, high-quality care to people in under-resourced areas – has donated nearly $250,000 in support of research on a gene-editing solution that may one day be able to cure single-gene disorders.
“Today, Izzy is a thriving, spirited 12-year-old who reads above grade level, shines in theater and gymnastics, and fills our lives with joy and laughter every day,” Haynes says. “When you watch someone fight for the ability to simply use their body and mind, it gives you a very different perspective. Living alongside medical fragility has reshaped the way I see the world, and I am continually inspired by Izzy’s extraordinary grit and determination.”
Aimee Runyon
CEO, Delivering Dreams of Arizona
When Aimee Runyon left Arizona after graduating from Arizona State University in 1993, she thought she’d never return.
“All of that changed when I became a mom in 2008. I wanted to be close to my family and raise my son around people who would soon become my village,” she says.
With nearly 35 years of nonprofit experience under her belt, Runyon – who formerly worked with Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank and notMYkid – now serves as CEO of Delivering Dreams of Arizona, a part of the Valley since 1960.
One of Runyon’s new initiatives as CEO is the Delivering Dreams Buses, mobile clothing centers that travel to low-income schools in the Valley. Each student receives an entire wardrobe, including shoes, school uniforms and casual clothing.
“My passion lies with basic needs for children. I think part of this comes from being a mom and wanting to see the problem and provide immediate help. Initially, I created the bus because I wanted to expand our program to include the Glendale Elementary School District, of which I am a product. Now we serve 17 districts and 155 schools each year.”
The nonprofit’s (www.deliveringdreamsaz.org) other programs – including those providing newborn layettes and books to children living in poverty, and teddy bears to those experiencing crisis – also epitomize Runyon’s mission to support those in need. She knows full well the importance of support as a single mom to an 18-year-old son, who makes her proud every day – a standout memory is when he raised his paddle at a Delivering Dreams gala to donate $500 of his own money.
“I try to live a life that reflects doing what you love, deeply appreciating those around you, and authentic generosity. My hope is that I am creating a culture that exemplifies those values, whether it’s at home or at work. When I’m gone, my hope is that the next generation loves this mission and does everything that they can to help more children.”
Elissa Cassavant
Director & president, Team Bradley Bear Foundation
Since 2017, Elissa Cassavant has helped over 479 families experiencing childhood cancer through her foundation, Team Bradley Bear (TBB) – and none of it would have been possible without the legacy of her son.
At just months old, Bradley was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, undergoing chemotherapy, surgeries and physical, occupational and speech therapies before passing away at the age of 13 months.
“My husband and I saw firsthand that there were so many children in the hospital with no family members present. Family members needed to be at work and unfortunately could not be at the bedside with their child every day,” says Cassavant, an elementary school teacher and assistant principal who felt fortunate to be a full-time caregiver.
Acting under the belief that no child should have to go through something like this alone, Cassavant transitioned TBB – originally founded to share Bradley’s story while he was fighting – into a charitable fund that provides assistance to families experiencing not just brain tumors, but all childhood cancers.
“We always said that after Bradley is cured and in remission, we as a family would be able to assist these families. This charitable organization is a part of Bradley. We support families in honor of him and those children who have gone before us too soon.”
Also mom to three girls, Cassavant looks forward to involving the community even more in this mission. TBB’s (teambradleybear.com) fifth annual charity golf tournament will take place this October, with other walks, pickleball tournaments and more on the calendar for this year.
The legacy she hopes to carry on through all of this? “For others to know that Bradley was a little fighter and he is watching over us in heaven. To know that children with cancer and their families are loved and need support while they are fighting. The world is a better place with people helping other people.”
Kristen Genovese
Chief executive officer, Cancer Support Community Arizona
As the new CEO of Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), Kristen Genovese is building a legacy of cancer care that’s strong, visible and sustainable.
“What drew me to CSCAZ was its understanding that cancer is not just a physical battle. It affects the mind, heart, spirit, family, and financial stability of everyone it touches. That truth is why this cause is so close to my heart. I believe deeply in whole-person care and in making sure people do not have to navigate fear, isolation and uncertainty on their own.”
For over 25 years, CSCAZ (www.cscaz.org) has provided essential support to patients, caregivers, survivors, and families in Arizona via free bilingual classes and resources. These range from support groups and cancer prevention programs to family game nights, dances, art classes and more. “The most powerful moments are the reminders that support becomes tangible here. Sometimes, it looks like simply sitting beside a frightened patient and making sure they don’t feel alone.”
One of Genovese’s main goals is to expand awareness and increase access to the organization’s programs across the state.
“We have a strong legacy, and I believe the next chapter is about building on that trust in ways that reach even more individuals and families. The future of CSCAZ is about thoughtful growth, broader visibility and making it even easier for people to find community, compassion and hope alongside treatment. The best organizations never lose sight of the people they exist to serve.”
When it comes to her own children, Genovese hopes to emphasize resilience, humility and the importance of service.
“I want them to understand that success is not only about accomplishment, but about how you show up for other people. I hope they learn that presence matters, compassion matters and community matters. Some of the most important things we can offer one another are courage, care and the willingness to stay close when life gets hard.”
Anne Landers
Chief operating officer, Junior Achievement of Arizona
In everything she does, Anne Landers is motivated by progress – in unleashing potential rather than limiting it.
“I often ask myself, ‘What would our community look like if every student were truly set up to achieve economic mobility and live out their potential?’ That question – and my kids – drive my work every day.”
As COO of Junior Achievement of Arizona (www.jaaz.org), Landers oversees statewide programs impacting over 150,000 Arizona students each year. Currently, the focus is on modernizing the nonprofit’s delivery models, building scalable systems that prioritize data-driven outcomes, and expanding rural, digital and hybrid programming.
A personal point of pride for Landers is expanding 3DE, a holistic instructional model that prioritizes consistent support from educators, a dynamic culture and real-world applicability – preparing high schoolers for the world that actually waits for them rather than the one the previous generation grew up in.
“I initially joined JA to launch its first formal marketing program, but I stayed because of the mission’s relevance and impact,” says Landers, who began her career in advertising and public relations. “JA helps young people imagine what’s possible, then equips them with the skills and confidence to pursue it. Education, workforce readiness and economic mobility aren’t abstract concepts for me – they shape families, businesses and the long-term vitality of Arizona’s economy.”
Watching the organization expand from a volunteer-led, classroom-based model to an integrative statewide platform has been a big highlight of this journey. But in her personal life, her two kids are the highlight by far.
“My boys are growing up in a world shaped by uncertainty, rapid change and limitless possibility, and that reality adds urgency and clarity to everything I do. They constantly push me to think beyond today and consider the systems they and their peers will inherit. I see my boys reflected in the faces of students across Arizona, and I sincerely want their entire generation to have access to opportunity without unnecessary barriers.”
