Educating Youth, new drivers and beyond
At the core of everything we do is a commitment to transparency, truth, and transformative impact. We believe that surface-level presentations and basic statistics are no longer enough—real change demands raw honesty, difficult conversations, and deep connection. The numbers aren’t going down fast enough. Laws are not being enforced and consequences for taking someone's life typically land to be less than that of a DUI. That means something must change. And we're here to be part of that change.
We strive to:
- Educate with integrity, using the most current and accurate data available to illuminate the realities of distracted driving.
- Amplify the voices of survivors, giving them a platform to share their experiences and foster healing through connection.
- Honor the memories of those lost, ensuring their families have the space to speak their truth and remind the world of the cost of inattention behind the wheel.
- Reach current drivers with critical reminders about the laws, rules, and responsibilities that come with being on the road.
- Empower frontline responders and medical professionals to share the unfiltered reality of what distracted driving truly looks like—from trauma rooms to roadside scenes—so their experiences can be part of the solution.
- Stand beside survivors, offering comfort, community, and unwavering support, no matter how recent or distant their experience may be.
- Equip parents with the tools and knowledge they need to guide their new drivers with confidence, clarity, and care.
- Encourage honest conversations within families, helping them set clear expectations and healthy boundaries to keep young drivers safe.
We’re not just raising awareness—we’re building a movement grounded in truth, compassion, and a fierce determination to save lives. Because behind every statistic is a story—and we’re here to make sure it’s heard.
Jeremiah 29:11
Together, we declare war Against Distracted Driving
Katie Sandell
Founder , Director 1
Advocate
Katie serves as Founder, Administrative COO and Advocacy Director. Survivors Against Distracted Driving and Addi's Miracle TBI Advocacy and Pedestrian Awareness were both started by Katie after her youngest was struck by a vehicle in 2022 while looking at Christmas lights. Additionally, a year after Addi's accident the family was rear ended by a distracted driver in 2024. The combination of both caused the family to really look in to the reasonings and statistics of what was happening. Katie quickly realized that Pedestrian awareness was not the only issue. Not only does Arizona have statistically high rates for distracted driving injuries and deaths , the numbers are at a record high, nationally. Having many teen drivers, plus having Addi's injuries was enough for the family to want to make a difference and also be a source of advocacy and education for drivers of all ages.
In the thick of the journey of raising Addi, she finds fulfillment in being there for other survivors, providing resources and guidance for families in the unknown beginnings of the unexpected.
"I have seen the need for advocacy, education and a need for change in the distracted driving laws. If this is the journey I am destined to be on, I'm going to create one heck of a team and take it as far as I possibly can."
State certified in first aid & CPR.
Training and certification of completion in suicide awareness & prevention.
Jeff Sandell
President
Treasurer, advocate
Jeff serves as President on the board of both Survivors Against Distracted Driving and Addi's Miracle TBI Advocacy & Pedestrian Awareness.
Having witnessed the entirety of Addi's accident, Jeff has a heart for family members going through the journey especially in the very beginning when shock comes in to play.
In the years past Jeff has worked in Real Estate but his heart is and always has been in theology and ministry. When he isn't working he is a full time Dad and aids Katie as they build Addi's Miracle and Survivors Against Distracted Driving.
State certified in first aid & CPR.
Elias Weiss
Amber Liermann
Public Relations
Director 3
Community Outreach
Katie met Elias when his news team wrote a multi-part series about Addi's Miracle. After meeting face to face and talking about the statistics of pedestrian accidents and fatalities caused by distracted driving accidents Katie realized that they both had legal opinions that aligned. Without a shadow of doubt, Katie knew that Elias's background would be a perfect fit and he would be a perfect companion on the board to help make a difference.
Elias serves as director of advocacy and public relations for Survivors against distracted driving as well as Addi's miracle TBI Advocacy & Pedestrian Awareness.
He has spent the last decade as an advocacy journalist covering traffic, public safety and the legal system for local, state and national newspapers around the U.S.
Amber Liermann
Cheif Mark Goodman
Amber Liermann
Director 2
Youth Community Outreach
Advocate
Amber serves on both advocacy, education and awareness programs as well. Amber and Katie though knowing each other in passing for a couple of years, only truly came to know one another through tragedy. Katie didn't have to think twice before asking Amber to help make a change. Amber is a woman of many trades, a pure heart of gold, a Mom to three amazing children one who is now her angel heaven side. She serves as council woman in her city and has served as Vice Mayor as well. Amber has a heart for the youth community as well as for other Mom's who have experienced a loss. For Survivors Against Distracted Driving and Addi's Miracle TBI Advocacy and Pedestrian Awareness, she serves as a family advocate, community and event outreach and youth education outreach.
Cristeena Hermann
Cheif Mark Goodman
Cheif Mark Goodman
Secretary
Advocate
Creative Development Lead 2
(Campaign)
Cristeena serves on both advocacy and education teams as an Advocate for families as well as resource advisor, marketing director and treasure. It was important to Katie that Cristeena serve on the board from the start. They have been best friends for the past 18 years and life has run parallel for them. Both have been stay at home Mom's, both have a whole bunch of kiddos ranging in ages. Cristeena has a background in numbers and administrative work as well as Advocacy for Domestic Violence and mental abuse and illness. She is quick to find full resources for a wide range of topics and has a heart for Children and Moms who need a shoulder.
Cheif Mark Goodman
Cheif Mark Goodman
Cheif Mark Goodman
Safety Liaison
Community Education Officer
The board of Survivors Against Distracted Driving and Addi's Miracle TBI Advocacy & Pedestrian Awareness is excited to share that Chief Mark Goodman of the City of Maricopa Police Department is joining our board as our Public Safety Liaison. Chief Goodman has an extensive career as a first responder in the police field of over 30+ years. We are blessed to have his support as a Police Chief but also as an amazing person who deeply understands the extent of the issues at hand and wants to work together towards finding solutions and enhancing safety for everyone.
Brian Compos
Brian Compos
Brian Compos
***Lead Chaplain***
Brian Compos has followed the outreach foundation of Addi's Miracle and Survivors Against Distracted Driving after meeting Addi when she was in Acute Rehabilitation. Brian is a Chaplain; additionally, he serves in the Reserves. He and his family live here in the Phoenix area. We knew that we wanted to be able to have access to a Chaplain within our board not only in case we come across a local family that would like to speak with one, but also so that we have access to his wisdom and keep the outreach programs on the right path. Brian has a very calm presence to him. He is empathetic and caring. We look forward to helping families with him!
Dayna Fannin
Brian Compos
Brian Compos
Photographer
Dayna is an older Sister of Addi. She has walked the path with Addi and her TBI journey since day 1.
Dayna is an amateur photographer with a genuine love for capturing the little moments that make life beautiful. With a soft eye for detail and a heart full of wonder, Dayna finds joy in turning everyday scenes into timeless memories. Whether it’s the warmth of a sunset, the candid smile of a stranger or a session for her family members/friend's photos...one thing remains the same in each photo she takes. It tells a story that reflects Dayna's passion for finding beauty in the simple things. Always learning and growing, Dayna is excited to share her heart and the world through her lens as she captures photos along the way for both Addi's Miracle and Survivors Against Distracted Driving.
Kara Fannin
Brian Compos
Paisley Fannin
Event/Fundraiser Officer
Kara is one of Addi’s older sisters and was by her side from day one in the PICU. Through those long days and nights, she witnessed the strength of families facing the unimaginable — and the heartbreak of mothers saying goodbye to their babies. Addi’s journey forever changed Kara’s heart and direction in life.
Inspired by Addi’s incredible nurses and pediatric ICU team, Kara developed a passion for helping others and creating meaningful impact.
As the Lead Developer for Fundraising, Kara channels her creativity, compassion, and determination into building heartfelt, engaging campaigns that bring people together for a greater purpose. With a natural gift for connecting ideas and people, she’s always dreaming up fresh, fun, and impactful ways to turn support into change.
Paisley Fannin
Paisley Fannin
Paisley Fannin
Creative Development Lead
(Fundraising)
Paisley is the youngest of Addi’s older sisters and brings a bright spark of creativity and compassion to the team. From an early age, she has expressed herself through art, design, and imaginative ideas — always finding unique ways to bring vision to life. When Paisley shared her desire to be part of the outreach programs, it was clear that her heart and creativity made her a perfect fit for the Fundraising Team.
Much like her sister Kara, Paisley has an eye for innovation and a deep passion for helping others. She approaches each project with thoughtfulness and originality, developing creative ideas that strengthen community connections, support survivors, and raise awareness for the cause.
For Paisley, fundraising is about more than meeting goals — Her work reflects a desire to bring hope, healing, and joy to others, one meaningful project at a time.