Meet the KIDS Kindness Board
Learn more about the wonderful people who make our organization possible
Karen Joseph
Founder of KIDS Kindness
Karen Joseph, a native New Yorker with a heart full of compassion and a lifelong commitment to making a difference, is the visionary founder behind the non-profit organization, KIDS Kindness. Raised in New York, Karen’s journey towards philanthropy was deeply rooted in her childhood experiences.
At the tender age of 10, Karen embarked on a transformative nighttime stroll with her mother to Grand Central Station. It was during this walk that she first encountered the stark reality of homelessness. Curiosity led her to inquire about the individuals she saw, prompting a conversation with her mother. It was in that moment that a spark ignited within young Karen, and she made a promise to herself to do whatever she could to help those less fortunate.
As she navigated the various stages of life, including raising her own children, Karen maintained a steadfast commitment to service and community building. Her background as a former educator allowed her to cultivate a deep love for children and an understanding of the importance of nurturing empathy and kindness from an early age.
With a profound passion for both fun and meaningful service projects, Karen recognized the need for an organization that would unite families in acts of kindness and create lasting memories in the process. This realization led to the birth of KIDS Kindness, a non-profit dedicated to bringing families together through enjoyable and memorable service initiatives.
Karen Joseph firmly believes that our children are the cornerstone of our future, and by instilling in them the values of compassion, empathy, and a commitment to service, we can create a better world for generations to come. Under her leadership, KIDS Kindness has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging families to join hands, make a positive impact in their communities, and create a brighter future together.
Through KIDS Kindness, Karen Joseph continues to embody the spirit of her childhood promise, showing that with love, dedication, and a shared vision, we can make the world a kinder place, one act of kindness at a time.
Rob Joseph
Board Member
Rob, a devoted family man and the owner of East Valley Tech Pros, brings a genuine passion for fostering kindness in children to his role as a Kids Kindness Board Member at Large. Throughout his life, Rob has recognized the profound impact that kindness has on a child’s happiness and well-being.
As a dedicated parent, Rob was deeply involved in his children’s upbringing. Coaching his kids’ Little League and softball teams when Jessica and Eli were little, he witnessed firsthand that the kind kids were invariably the happiest kids. Now, with Jessica and Eli as adults, Rob continues to be a steadfast advocate for nurturing kindness in the younger generation. His unique blend of business acumen and a heart dedicated to spreading kindness makes him an invaluable asset to the KIDS Kindness Board. Rob plays a crucial role in the organization’s mission of creating a world where children grow up with the values of empathy, compassion, and, most importantly, happiness.
Deidre Guadagno
Board Member
Hello! My name is Deidre Guadagno. After growing up in New York, my husband and I moved our family across the country to Arizona. We have called Chandler home for 18 years. I have always strived to help others and give back to the community. For many years I volunteered and my children’s elementary school, even winning the Volunteer of The Year Award for the Chandler Unified School District. While volunteering, I also worked at an elementary school and saw the ever-changing world these children were facing. These experiences opened my eyes to the incredible potential that lies within our youngest generation. Currently, I am working for All About You. I am a Senior Advocate/ Resource and Placement Specialist. We are at no cost to families for our experience and knowledge of the senior world.
I invite you to be a part of this beautiful journey with us. We can cultivate kindness, creating a brighter, more compassionate future for all. Together, we can make this world a better place.
Maribel Jaquez
Program Director and Board Member
I am a program director for KIDS Kindness. Originally from California, I also lived in New Mexico before moving to Arizona. While attaining an Associate Degree in Psychology, I worked with children in general and specialized classroom settings. It was at The Chandler Unified School District that I fell in love with the opportunity to work with children from all backgrounds. In my spare time, I love to listen to music from many genres and spend time with my husband and daughter driving around town.
Alivia Brisbin
Treasurer and Board Member
Alivia moved from Ohio to Phoenix, Arizona, where she found her love for the local community and its ability to bring people together.
As the Treasurer and a devoted board member of Kids Kindness, Alivia blends her educational background in Accounting and Finance with an unshakable dedication to the organization’s mission. Alivia firmly believes in the potential of the youth to shape a kinder, more compassionate future. Through Kids Kindness, she’s committed to instilling values of community engagement, selflessness, and kindness in the hearts of children. Watching kids change and become better people through the organization inspires her every day.
Tina Makris
Board Member
Tina Makris is a dedicated board member driven by her experience in business development and as an educator, musician, and dog behaviorist. Tina is a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, instilling empathy and understanding for all living beings. Rooted in the belief that kindness takes courage, Tina embodies our mission, empowering children to embrace kindness as a transformative force. Let’s come together to shape a future where every child recognizes the profound impact of their own kindness, fostering a world overflowing with compassion.
Karen Nielsen
Board Member
Born and raised in New York, Karen Nielsen boasts a diverse background, having lived in Hawaii, Washington, and South Dakota before settling in Arizona. Armed with a degree in art, her multifaceted career has spanned from product design to real estate, showcasing a blend of creativity and business acumen. Deeply influenced by the founder of KIDS Kindness, Karen Joseph, Karen is continually inspired by her unwavering passion for uplifting others—an enthusiasm so contagious that being in her cherished circle of friends is a true privilege. As a dedicated secretary at KIDS Kindness, Karen is deeply committed to championing the cause of instilling kindness in the younger generation. Serving on the board of this esteemed non-profit, she firmly believes that nurturing compassion from a tender age is paramount in crafting a more understanding and empathetic world.
Our Teen Ambassadors
KIDS Kindess Volunteers
Our enthusiastic Teen Ambassadors, chosen for their exceptional dedication to making a difference, serve as role models for their peers, actively promoting acts of kindness and fostering a culture of positivity.
