Our Team
More than 125 people have dedicated their lives to serving children, families, and the community at Christian Family Care. Some of us were foster children or adopted ourselves, making this calling especially personal.
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.
Michael Hunter
Chief Operations Officer
Michael has been active with Christian Family Care since 2015 when he and his wife, Dawn, began their licensed foster care and adoption journey. By the end of that year, Michael was elected to the CFC board, where he served for nine years, including three years as chairman. He brings decades of management and policy experience to his current role.
Most recently he served for over eight years as Chief of Staff at the Arizona House of Representatives and has held senior staff positions at the Goldwater Institute, the Governor’s Office, the Arizona State Senate, the Arizona Board of Regents, the Arizona Tax Research Association and as an officer in the Arizona Army National Guard. He is a recognized expert in public finance, budgeting, and taxation. Michael and Dawn love to spend time with their four children, their grandchild, and their church family.
Nicole Salusky
Vice President of Social 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 – Social Enterprise
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 about 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 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
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
Regional Clinical Director – Central Region
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.
Bobbie Rill, MA, LPC
Regional Clinical Director – Southern Region
Bobbie has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for more than 30 years, focusing on relationship dynamics and common mental health issues, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Bobbie served as the Executive Director of a multi-state network of counseling centers where she supervised a staff of 50, including both Master and Doctorate level therapists. She is a frequent event speaker and has been a guest on numerous radio shows. Prior to Bobbie joining the CFC staff, she and her husband, Bob, founded The Grief & Wellness Group in Tucson, Arizona.
Marissa Menchaca
Director of Youth Permanency
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
- Sheila Mengarelli, Board Chair
- Pastor Burke Montoya, Vice Chair
- Doug Napier, Member at Large
- Bruce Everette, Treasurer
- Huron Claus
- Margie Youngblood, Secretary
- Dr. Linnea Lyding, Ed.D.
- Matt Miller
- Peter Gentala
- Gary St. John
Southern Arizona Advisory Council
- Evan Carlson
- Robert Davis
- Jan Anderson
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