FOUNDER

Sarah Buchanan is a seasoned professional law enforcement supervisor. Her extensive experience has equipped her with the skills and insight necessary to lead effectively in challenging environments. Passionate about making a difference, Sarah is the founder of Hope Rising Arizona, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sex trafficking. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys spending quality time outdoors, engaging in team roping with her husband, mountain biking, and finding balance and joy in her active lifestyle.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Andy's began his career as a high school choir teacher, followed by 17 years of pastoral ministry, and finally as the Executive Director of Creative Services and Interactive Media within the University of Arizona Health Sciences.

He became passionate about survivor services when he discovered the lack of residential care in Southern Arizona after attempting to find placement for a past student who had been trafficked. It is now Andy’s mission to lead HRAZ to provide hope and life empowering services to as many survivors as possible.

Andy lives in Tucson with his wife Janelle, and daughters Trinity and Juliette. In his spare time Andy enjoys wood working, singing with his quartet The Presidio Boys and spending time laughing with family and friends.

BOARD PRESIDENT

Michael Fleishman is a Tucson native and married one as well. He and Tracy have been married for almost thirty years. They have a daughter (Journey) who lives in Colorado chasing mountain dreams. They, too, spend a lot of time in Colorado doing all things mountains. Michael and Tracy attend Second Mile church in midtown Tucson.

Michael has been practicing law in Tucson since 2004. He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law. He is the principal of Fleishman Law, PLC, which focuses on real estate, business, non-profit, insurance bad faith, and personal injury matters.

Michael is excited to help Hope Rising achieve its vision of bringing healing, hope, and flourishing for those who come through its restorative care programs.

BOARD TREASURER

Along with his efforts as our Hope Rising Arizona Board Member and Treasurer,  Rick is retired and enjoying life as a University of Arizona Adjunct Instructor, husband to Janelle, father to Jennie, Jacquie, Suzanne, Eric and Steve and grandfather to Caiden, Olivia, Calianna, Sophia, Ellen and Owen.  His volunteer work also includes his position as Board Member and Vice Chairman for the Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union. He retired in January 2019 as the Finance Manager for the Tucson Police Department, where his oversight included program analysis and spending associated with the Department’s federal, state, and local funding. Prior to this experience, Rick retired as a Major in the United States Air Force in 2003 after serving for over 20 years in both operational and staff assignments.

Rick’s military history includes over 2500 hours of flight experience as a Navigator/Weapons Systems Officer in B-52G and B-1B aircraft, finishing as the Senior Twelfth Air Force B-1B Evaluator and Chief, of Time Critical Targeting for the 612th Combat Operations Squadron. Through his years as a public servant, Rick developed a passion for supporting programs that provide the skills and nurturing necessary to help victims of crime and abuse seek a brighter future based on hope, healing, and recovery.

BOARD MEMBER

Kim Wall has been a registered nurse here in Tucson for over 30 years and now works as a Nurse Practitioner in an Urgent Care setting. She feels blessed to be a part of the Hope Rising Board and to serve this unique community in a meaningful way. She hopes that her years of healthcare experience can make a real difference for survivors of sex trafficking through healthcare guidance, classes, and support. 

Kim has been married to her soulmate for 25 years and has two amazing sons who are now navigating adulthood. She enjoys traveling, playing games, spending time with family/friends, and figuring out the next chapter of life.

BOARD MEMBER

Deneena is originally from North Carolina but calls Tucson home after 30 years of desert life. Her career is in technology sales, supporting the US Army, and as an Army brat, finds this fulfilling in so many ways.

Deneena's heart for wanting to be a part of Hope Rising is dear to her, desiring to help make a difference in young women's lives as they journey a new life path.  She also serves as a Casas Christian School Board member, Casas Church Elder, and on the Creative Team at Casas.

Deneena and her husband, Bill, have two beautiful daughters, and Cooper their Cavapoo. They enjoy traveling, board game nights, and dinner with friends.  

Deneena is honored to join an organization that will bring hope, love, and life change for so many.

BOARD MEMBER

Amanda Gelatt is a California native who has resided in Tucson for many years and has worked in the healthcare industry for 29 years. She has been the owner of A Senior Journey, a respected senior living placement agency for 13 of those years. She has a heart for serving people who are facing challenging circumstances and uncertainty. Whether it’s someone needing to find placement for themselves or their loved one, the unhoused population seeking rehabilitation services or sex-trafficking survivors who are seeking healing, Amanda feels called to serve and offer help and hope in practical ways.

Amanda deeply values contributing and connecting with her local community. Along with volunteering regularly at her church, she is a member of Women Leading Southern Arizona. She often speaks to support groups, building awareness of the health issues many seniors face, informing and educating them on the benefits of placement services. Amanda is a proud mother to her daughter and son-in-law, three sons, and daughter-in-law. She also loves being ‘Nana’ to her three grandkids. Amanda enjoys singing, hiking and biking, traveling, dinner with friends, cheering on the Arizona Wildcats and her two dogs.

BOARD MEMBER

Dennis Holden is the Director of Operations at Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona, where he brings more than 40 years of leadership experience to his work in overseeing church operations, facilities, and ministry support. With a background rooted in servant leadership, Dennis is known for his calm presence, operational excellence, and commitment to building strong, purpose-driven teams.

Prior to his current role, Dennis retired from Southwest Gas Corporation after an outstanding 42-year career. He most recently served as Director of Customer Relations and District Operations for the Southern Arizona District, where he led regional operations, customer experience initiatives, and community engagement. His legacy at Southwest Gas is one of professionalism, accountability, and unwavering dedication to public service.

Dennis’s impact extends well beyond the workplace. He has served on the boards of several respected organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Pima Community College Foundation, each reflecting his passion for supporting youth, education, and community development.

In addition, Dennis has contributed significantly to the development of public safety and energy standards through service on the National Building and Energy Codes and Standards Committee, the ICC Fuel Gas Code Committee, the ICC Plumbing Code Committee, and the Arizona Building Officials Committee.

Continuing his lifelong commitment to community service, Dennis now serves as a board member of Hope Rising Southern Arizona, where he looks forward to helping build a successful program to serve individuals and families in desperate need of support, healing, and hope.

Dennis has been married to his wife, Christy, for 33 years. Together, they raised three daughters and are now the proud grandparents of six grandchildren. Whether in professional, ministry, or personal life, Dennis Holden remains guided by faith, family, and a deep desire to serve others with excellence and compassion.