Staff
Michaela Wagner
CNM
Michaela is a certified nurse midwife who has been practicing in the Phoenix metro area since 2016. Michaela obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Seattle University in 2007. Through ROTC, she earned a commission in the United States Army and spent three years in Landstuhl, Germany working primarily with soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning from a 6-month tour to Iraq, Michaela began working on a mother-baby unit and discovered a passion for helping moms and babies learn to breastfeed. She became a certified lactation counselor in 2012.
While in the military, Michaela was introduced to the role of the nurse-midwife and realized that it was the perfect way to turn her love for bedside nursing and teaching into the field of advanced practice and do what she had always dreamed of doing, being with women through pregnancy and the births of their babies. Michaela earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University in 2016 and practiced in the West Valley until 2022 when she joined Aid to Women Center.
Michaela is a believer in supporting the normal processes of womanhood throughout the lifespan, pregnancy, and birth. She enjoys building relationships and providing support, and education. Michaela is also passionate about Functional Maternity Care and Natural Family Planning (NFP) for women who desire to learn more about their body’s natural health, and fertility signs, and achieve or avoid pregnancy through evidence-based methods. Women are not broken and deserve better than our current conventional care. One of Michaela’s future goals is to obtain the Creighton Fertility Care Practitioner certification.
Michaela and her husband have lived in the west valley since 2011 and have 5 children. Michaela enjoys travel, hiking, and hobby photography.
Dr. Susan Sandmann-Uy
MD
Dr. Sandmann-Uy graduated from St. Louis University Medical School in Baguio City, Philippines. She completed her family practice residency at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. After practicing medicine in Ohio for 3 years she and her family moved to Arizona to be close to family.
Lisa McDaniel
PA
Lisa graduated PA school at AT University and her first six years in practice were in Casa Grande doing Family Medicine at a rural health clinic, where she was able to serve families who otherwise didn't have access to health care.
In 2011, Lisa became the first mid-level provider in Arizona certified as a NaPro Medical Consultant and Creighton Model Practitioner. These certifications allow her to give advanced care to women with infertility and other hormonal abnormalities. She is very passionate about Women's Health and believes that empowering couples through education on fertility and their bodies is one of the keys to good health.
Jessica Murphy
Nurse Manager
Jessica graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has worked in various areas of women's healthcare before coming to Aid to Women Center. She is also an IBCLC and is passionate about supporting new moms and babies during their breastfeeding journey.
Cristina Esquivel
RN
Cristina is a registered nurse at Aid to Women Center. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. She is passionate about science, especially gynecological health. She has a heart for empowering others, and hopes to be someone her patients can trust.
Patricia Estrada
RN
Patricia has lived in the Valley since 2002. She graduated with her BSN from NAU in 2016. Patricia has 12 years experience as a corrections officer and along with her work at Aid to Women Center she currently works with individuals with disabilities providing care. Patricia is fluent in Spanish and passionate about meeting the needs to provide holistic and compassionate care to expectant mothers and fathers.
Serena Madison
Ultrasound Technician
Serena graduated from Modern Technology School in California where she earned her certification as an ultrasound technician. She recently moved to Arizona with her husband, her daughter, her two dogs and her pig! Serena loves helping women and using her skills in the ultrasound room.
Dr. Joseph Mott
MD
Dr. Joseph Mott received his MD at University of Colorado. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, W.B. Cherny, Chairman, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Mott has over 40 years of experience in both general surgery and OB Gyn. He served in the United States Army Medical Corp and has worked as a surgical assistant in OB/GYN at Desert Samaritan/Banner Desert for the past 17 years.
Stephanie Gray
Peer Support Manager
Stephanie is the Peer Support Manager and has the privilege of walking with the clients in their most difficult moments. She also manages all volunteers and is responsible for the Parenting Prep Program that is offered through Aid to Women Center. Stephanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her Masters degree to obtain her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Jacqueline Arredondo
Peer Counselor
Jackie studied Theology at Grand Canyon University where she was called to do women's ministry. She recently moved here from California and now does Peer Counseling at our Center. She loves to serve women here in Arizona and is active in several community service groups.
Trish Langley
Peer Counselor
Trish provides peer counseling at Aid to Women Center. She received her BS and MS from the University of Kansas in Education and Instruction respectively and her Certification in Administrative Leadership from Colorado Mesa University, working several years in the field of education. She is also certified in Cognitive Coaching and is also a Positive Intelligence Coach.
Anne Dennis
Outreach Coordinator
Anne Dennis graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Education. She has worked in non-profit for 25 years. Anne is responsible for fundraising for Aid to Women Center as she acts as an ambassador at both the parish and community level. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to her at adennis@aidtowomencenter.org or at 480-966-1902 to sign up to be a monthly donor, or invite her to your church, school or organization.
Valeria Lopez
Receptionist
Val is a farm girl from Washington who moved to Arizona in 2012 and has a deep love for animals, sports, and the outdoors. She also loves helping other people and is one of the friendly faces you will see at the front as our receptionist. Val used to work as a manager at a grocery store and has been with Aid to Women Center since 2020. She is also fluent in Spanish.
Christine Brushahan
Education Facilitator
Christine provides front office support as a receptionist and also is a facilitator for our Parenting Prep Program. Christine received her Elementary Education degree from the University of Nebraska and formerly taught 4th grade. She has been involved in education for over 25 years.
Tony Rizzo
Men’s Program Manager
Tony is our Men’s Program manager at Aid to Women Center. He is responsible for providing peer counseling and men’s educational services. Over the years he has built a variety of men’s programs focused on a man’s unique role in life. Tony has a business background of 50 years and has served as an executive consultant and program manager for large national and world-wide organizations in the areas of operations, finance, and applied technology.
Joe Kendra
Executive Director
Joe Kendra is the Executive Director at Aid to Women Center in Tempe. His background includes over 30 years in Marketing at such companies as Pizza Hut, 20th Century Fox and Long John Silvers. Joe was the head of marketing at Cold Stone Creamery and instrumental in creating and growing the brand. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan with an MBA in marketing.