Welcome to Survivors Against Distracted Driving

Founder/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."

Public Relations/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. 

Advocate/Youth Outreach

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. 

Advocate/Treasurer/

Campaign Director 

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. 

Co-Founder/Advocate/Community Outreach Advisor 

 Kyle is Co-Founder and serves as an advocate for other survivors as well as community outreach director. He serves on both advocacy and education teams both with Survivors Against Distracted Driving and Addi's miracle TBI Advocacy and Pedestrian Awareness .Kyle has a background in providing within his community and surrounding cities, he also has background in defensive driving awareness. Friends find him easy to talk to, he's 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" 

Safety Liaison/Community Education Outreach

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. 

Lead Development

(Fundraising)

Kara is an older sister of Addi. She spent many days bedside PICU with Addi from day one. Watching families enter traumatic journey's with their children and unfortunately even witnessed Mom's watch their babies take their last breath. Addi's journey changed Kara's heart and mindset for life. She went from considering cosmetology school or possibly early education to deeply considering becoming a PICU nurse. Addi's nurses and pediatric ICU Doctor made a huge impact on Kara's heart. Kara has always had a huge "Mother's heart" even from a young age and she also has always been a comforter as well.

 Kara is the Lead Developer for Fundraising, where she blends her love for creativity, idea flow with a spark to build solutions that make fundraising meaningful for all ends as well as fun. She’s all about brain storming clever ways to connect people and reaching goals. Kara is always looking for fresh ways to make a big impact.

Director 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.  

Creative Development Lead

(Fundraising)

Paisley is the youngest of Addi's oldest sister bunch! When Paisley said that she would like to be a part of something in regards to the outreach programs, I knew that she absolutely belonged in Fundraising. Much like Kara, Paisley has always been an incredibly creative person. It has always flowed from her either in thought and ideas, by being visually creative or  by being creative with drawing sketch's, etc.

Paisley will be able to see our goals and create ideas that will benefit our community members, survivors and those were are advocating for involved in feature fundraising and merge successful increase of awareness where our cause stands. 

With our fundraising team, it won't be about  "just" raising money. It will be about making a difference, saving if but one life, advocating and bringing smiles and comfort to others along the way.