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The Christian Family Care Team

The People Behind the Mission

Our team at Christian Family Care is passionate about serving children, families, and communities. For many of us, this work is deeply personal–shaped by our own experiences with foster care, adoption, or supporting families in need.

Serving With Purpose

Our team brings expertise, compassion, and dedication to every part of Christian Family Care. Together, we work to prevent challenges for children and families, prepare them for healthy and thriving futures, and restore stability and hope when life feels uncertain. From foster care and adoption to counseling, family services, and community programs, every member of our team plays a role in creating safe homes, strong families, and lasting impact across Arizona.

Our Leadership

Mark Upton

President & Chief Executive Officer
Since October 2007, Mark has brought his deep and abiding love for our Lord Jesus Christ, a love for children and families, and a passion for excellence to Christian Family Care (CFC) as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to CFC, Mark served as Executive Vice President/Provost of Phoenix Seminary. Mark has served this community for many years as a business professional, board member, and church and community ministry leader. Currently, Mark serves on the Governor’s Council on Child Safety and Family Empowerment and the Department of Child Safety Community Advisory Committee. With his wife of over 52 years, he enjoys their three children and 12 grandchildren, four of which were adopted. They have lived in the Valley for over forty years.

Nicole Salusky

Vice President of Social & Family Services
Nicole began serving at-risk families and children in 2001 and has been serving at CFC since 2014. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Services, and her Master’s in Non-Profit Leadership and Management from ASU. Nicole’s passion is to help programs and staff flourish and grow as they serve at-risk children in the name of Jesus Christ.

Timothy Krusmark

Vice President of Finance & Administration
Tim is a senior executive leader with diversified experience in finance, business development, and project management. He likes to focus on developing and optimizing organizational processes to achieve sustainable performance. God called Tim into CFC, after many years in heavy industry. Throughout his career, God has blessed Tim with the conviction of integrity, perseverance and excellence, to achieve results. He collaborates and engages teams in work processes, continuous improvement and removing barriers. He is often challenged with financial analysis and bottom-line decision making. Tim is dedicated to leading CFC in being good stewards of our God-given financial resources. Most importantly, Tim is passionate and blessed to be serving in God’s Kingdom alongside Christ-followers to strengthen families and serve at-risk children in the name of Jesus Christ. Tim and Rosario enjoy time with their daughters Sofia and Grace.

Chad Mabee, MA, LAC

Statewide Director of Family & Community Services
Chad has over 10 years of behavioral health experience working in various roles with children, families, and adults. He has a passion for helping those in need and strives to use the talents Christ has given him to serve others.  He has extensive experience working with clients from the beginning of life to the end of life, as well as walking alongside individuals who have presented with trauma, mental health issues, crisis, and addiction. Chad has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from ASU, and a Master’s in Counseling from the University of Phoenix.

Shelly Utzke

Statewide Director of Foster Care & Adoption Services
Prior to becoming the Statewide Director of Foster Care, Shelly served as a Foster Family Specialist, Coordinator, Supervisor, and then as the Program Manager. Shelly is passionate and dedicated to social work ministry and making a difference in children’s and families’ lives. Shelly and her husband fostered for 25 years, and they have also adopted. Previous positions in social service nonprofit organizations in providing support to at-risk children, their parents, foster families, for over 30 years has provided her a wealth of experience and knowledge. She sees foster care and adoption as a ministry not only to children, but their families. Shelly is passionate about preparing and equipping families for the journey of foster care and adoption. Shelly earned her Associate’s in Early Childhood Development, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a Master’s in Management.

Brandon Jones, LPC, MAPC

Director of Clinical Services
Brandon brings 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field serving in various clinical roles. Brandon is an independently licensed therapist and holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling with a concentration in trauma, abuse, and deprivation. Since joining CFC in 2012 Brandon has held roles as a Licensing Specialist, Foster Care Supervisor, Family Coaching Supervisor, and Child and Family Therapist. Brandon has a deep passion for empowering Christ-followers to serve those in need and carrying out the mission of Strengthening Families and serving at-risk children in the name of Jesus Christ.

Marissa Menchaca

Statewide Director of Youth & Young Adult Services
Marissa is a dedicated leader in child welfare and program management, committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. With over a decade of experience in social work, she brings expertise in program oversight, staff development, and community partnerships, driving service excellence through strategic planning and innovation. Marissa has a deep passion for youth in foster care, especially those aging out of the system, and is committed to creating environments where teams and individuals thrive. Since earning her Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness, Marissa has been at Christian Family Care, where she continues to lead with compassion and a commitment to lasting impact.

Board of Directors

  • Pastor Burke Montoya, Board Chair
  • Dr. Linnea Lyding, Ed. D., Vice Chair
  • Doug Napier, Member at Large
  • Bruce Everette, Treasurer
  • Margie Youngblood, Secretary
  • Matt Miller
  • Peter Gentala
  • Gary St. John
  • Amy Abdo

Why We Love Working Here

Hear directly from our team about what it’s like to work here and be part of something meaningful.
“Christian Family Care creates a wonderful work environment. I am supported by my supervisors and leadership team. They encourage healthy work-life balance. It's evident that God is the center and foundation of their practices.”
“CFC is a great place to work because it is very apparent that they desire for the Holy Spirit to guide the direction of the agency. They facilitate a healthy work environment, and they offer many options for growth.”
“It's a huge blessing to be able to share or ask for prayer requests and to know you will be prayed for. Our leadership prays over decision making and has prayed with and for me at meetings. I enjoy the diverse staff and feel we complement each other in building a great team.”
“The atmosphere is very Christlike. Worship music plays in the lobby. Bible verses are posted everywhere- it is extremely uplifting and I feel at peace here. Leadership goes out of their way to support their team. and make sure they are taken care of. Good work is praised. and if correction is needed, it's given gracefully and with kindness. I feel like I'm making a difference in the world just by working here.”
“My first 30 days have been amazing - just amazing. Everyone I've met thus far has been kind, helpful, and so approachable. I truly feel embraced by my team and look forward to growing in my knowledge of CFC and my current role. Starting a new job is a bit overwhelming yet everyone at CFC has gone above and beyond to ensure I have all that I need to thrive here. Thank you!”

Changing Lives, Together

Every member of our team plays a role in the story God is writing through Christian Family Care. From supporting children and families to walking alongside individuals in their most challenging moments, the work we do each day creates lasting impact across our communities.

Explore Our Impact