Welcome to Survivors Against Distracted Driving

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."

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 distracted driving accidents Katie realized that they both had legal opinions that lined up. After talking about Elias's background it was without a shadow of a doubt that Elias would be a perfect fit and 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.

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 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 is 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 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. 

 Kyle serves on both advocacy and education teams both with Survivors Against Distracted Driving and Addi's miracle TBI Advocacy and Pedestrian Awareness .Kyle takes on the role of Advocate for survivors and as our community outreach advisor helping our advocacy and educational platforms reach as many as possible as possible. Kyle has a background in providing to his community and surrounding cities. Friends find him easy to talk to and a good listener and problem solver. He is available to help other men who have survived an accident due to distracted driving. Kyle's own survival story is posted under "Survivor Testimony's" 

Jeff serves on both Advocacy out reach programs as CFO.  Jeff has a background in real estate marketing as well as pastoral outreach. Just like the rest of us, he never thought that he would be in the seat he is in. You don't expect your life or the life of your child to evolve into an unplanned disabling journey. When it happens, you put your best foot forward but not without feeling like it is a dark lonely road. The statistics and numbers across the board are absolutely heartbreaking and something must change. Sometimes that means taking your pain and trauma and putting it to purpose in the name of saving someone from going through what so many of us have gone through.