Individual Profiles
Empowering communities through hope, support, and action every day.


Heidi Reed — Board Director
Heidi Reed, BSW has dedicated her life to serving children, families, and her community. She has been involved in social work since the mid-1990s and brings decades of experience advocating for vulnerable populations and strengthening families.
Heidi earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Arizona State University, combining a strong educational foundation with years of hands-on experience supporting individuals and families in need. An Arizona native, Heidi and her husband have built a loving blended family of nine children, including six who were adopted. As former foster parents, they gained firsthand insight into the challenges many children and families face, as well as the critical need for compassionate support and lasting resources. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Inc., Heidi and her husband also serve on the board of an organization dedicated to supporting foster children, further demonstrating their lifelong commitment to improving the lives of youth and families.
Heidi is also passionate about animal welfare and believes that caring for both people and animals helps create stronger, healthier communities. Her personal and professional experiences have given her a deep understanding of resilience, advocacy, and the importance of empowering others.
As a member of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Inc., Heidi is honored to support the organization’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through education, resources, and compassionate community support.
Letitia Shepherd - Board Member & Secretary
Letitia Shepherd serves as a Board Member and Secretary for Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project, bringing over a decade of experience in child welfare, family support, and community services. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and began her social services career in Phoenix, Arizona, with the Department of Child Safety (DCS), where she served as both a Case Aide and Ongoing Case Manager.
Over the past ten years, Letitia has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable children and families throughout Arizona. Her professional experience has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges families face and the resources necessary to promote safety, stability, and long-term success.
For the past four years, Letitia has worked directly with families involved with DCS through in-home family support services. In this role, she provides psychoeducation and guidance designed to enhance parental competence and strengthen family functioning. She works alongside parents as they navigate complex life challenges, including homelessness, substance dependence, domestic violence, and child safety concerns, while helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to create healthy and secure environments for their children.
Letitia is passionate about empowering individuals and families through education, support, and advocacy. Her commitment to community service, combined with her extensive experience working with families in crisis, makes her a valuable member of the Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project leadership team.
As a board member, she is proud to contribute to the organization’s mission of uplifting communities, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. She believes that meaningful change begins with compassion, empowerment, and access to supportive resources that help people reach their full potential.
“I am honored to be part of Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project’s mission to strengthen our community by providing hope, support, and opportunities for growth. Every family deserves the chance to build a brighter future.” – Letitia Shepherd


Letitia Shepherd - Board Director & Secretary
Aaron Griffin - Board Director & Vice President
Leo Patrick - Board Director & Treasurer
Elizabeth Hamilton — Board Director
Victoria Abraham — Board Director
Dr. Brittany Miller - Griffin - President & Founder
Trina Washington — Board Director


Bonnie Buckingham — Board Director


Meet the Board
Aaron Griffin - Vice President & Founder
Aaron Griffin serves as the Vice President of the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from American Military University and is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran. His military service instilled in him the values of integrity, discipline, leadership, and service, principles that continue to guide both his personal and professional life.
Aaron brings extensive experience in human services, child welfare, behavioral health, and community advocacy. Throughout his career, he has served as both an investigator and an ongoing case manager, working closely with children and families navigating abuse, neglect, trauma, and complex family dynamics. He has also provided services to individuals living with serious mental illness through one of Arizona’s leading behavioral health organizations, further strengthening his understanding of the importance of accessible mental health care, community resources, and comprehensive support systems.
His diverse professional background has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of the social, behavioral, and systemic factors that impact individuals and families. Aaron is passionate about helping others overcome barriers, promoting self-sufficiency, and connecting people with the resources they need to improve their quality of life.
As Vice President, Aaron is committed to advancing Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project’s mission by helping develop programs, strengthen community partnerships, and expand opportunities that empower individuals, support families, and create stronger, healthier communities. He believes every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to build a brighter future, regardless of their circumstances.
Victoria Abraham — Board Director
Victoria Abraham serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University with a minor in Sociology. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to serving vulnerable children and families in a variety of child welfare and family support roles, gaining extensive experience in case management, investigations, crisis response, and intake services.
Victoria brings valuable experience in child welfare, crisis intervention, and family advocacy to the organization. Her professional background has provided firsthand insight into the barriers many individuals and families face, reinforcing her commitment to helping others navigate difficult circumstances with dignity, compassion, and respect.
She is passionate about supporting marginalized and underserved populations and believes every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life. As a Board Director, Victoria is committed to fostering meaningful relationships, connecting individuals with guidance and resources, and advancing Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project's mission of restoring hope through opportunity, empowerment, and community support.
Heidi Reed — Board Director












Elizabeth Hamilton — Board Director
Elizabeth Hamilton brings over 20 years of school and program leadership, STEAM education development, and international humanitarian work to her role as Board Director at Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. Her global work includes partnering with the World Bank and Liberia's Ministry of Education on national education initiatives, supporting Syrian refugee education programming alongside social innovation agencies in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and teaching English to adult learners at Peking University in China. That range of experience has given her a firsthand understanding of how access, opportunity, and community support intersect across vastly different cultures and circumstances.
Elizabeth has spent her career designing and leading programs that build capacity in others, from STEAM curriculum development to organizational leadership in schools and humanitarian settings alike. She brings that same lens to PHHP's mission of workforce development, educational advancement, and life skills enhancement for families across Pinal County.
She is also the author of WORTH, a memoir, and a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University, continuing her lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and using her own story to illuminate paths for others. As a mother, Elizabeth carries a personal investment in the wellbeing of families and children that informs every aspect of her board service.
Leo Patrick - Board Director & Treasurer
Leonard D. Patrick is an experienced organizational leader with more than 30 years of combined expertise in Human Resources, risk mitigation, fraud investigation, and people-centered operations. His career includes key roles at ADP, State Farm, Intel, Amazon, Transact Campus, Manpower, Inc., Footprint, and the University of Arizona Global, where he led employee relations, coached leaders through complex workforce challenges, and strengthened compliance frameworks across high-growth environments.
With a foundation in finance and prior service as Treasurer in multiple organizations, Mr. Patrick brings disciplined financial stewardship and a strategic governance mindset to nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, applying analytical rigor, operational insight, and community- driven leadership to advance the organization’s mission.
Mr. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Law from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management (Human Resources) from the University of Arizona Global. Known for his calm, direct communication style and his ability to build trust across diverse populations, he blends technical expertise with empathy, accountability, and a commitment to developing people and systems that thrive.




Trina Washington — Board Director
Trina Washington is a licensed residential real estate agent with Compass Real Estate, serving Pinal County communities including Casa Grande, Florence, Maricopa, and Arizona City. A Chicago transplant who has called Arizona home since 2010, she brings a DePaul University degree in Communication & Organizational Change and more than two decades of experience in IT procurement and asset management, a background that informs her disciplined, systems-oriented approach to helping families navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Trina began her real estate career in 2005 as a licensed agent in Illinois, driven by a belief that homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term stability and generational wealth. Since bringing that mission to Arizona, she has focused on making that possibility real for buyers and families in underserved and fast-growing South Arizona communities, areas where affordability, access, and opportunity intersect in ways that align directly with the work of Phoenix Hope & Humanity.
As a board member, Trina contributes her expertise in housing markets, negotiation, community engagement, and strategic systems-building to advance the organization's mission. Growing up in underserved communities in Chicago is what shaped her deep commitment to meeting people where they are providing the support and systems, they need to achieve their goals and build lasting stability.
When she's not advocating for her clients, Trina is an active community volunteer, and a firm believer that strong communities are built one relationship and one home at a time.
Bonnie Buckingham — Board Director
Bonnie Buckingham serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Kindergarten through 8th Grade) from Purdue University and maintains an active teaching license. A retired educator with more than 30 years of experience, Bonnie dedicated her career to teaching kindergarten through third grade while serving students from diverse backgrounds, including both underserved communities and more affluent populations. Throughout her career in education, Bonnie remained committed to helping every student reach their full potential, recognizing that success is often shaped by access to opportunity, guidance, and support.
In addition to her work in education, Bonnie served as a case manager with the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Through this experience, she gained firsthand insight into the complex challenges and systemic barriers many children and families face, particularly those experiencing poverty, instability, and limited access to resources. These experiences strengthened her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and creating pathways that promote long-term stability and success.
As a board member, Bonnie brings decades of experience in education, child advocacy, and community service. She is passionate about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic background or life circumstances, has access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to reach their fullest potential. Bonnie is honored to support Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project’s mission of restoring hope, empowering individuals, and strengthening communities through compassion and action.
Dr. Brittany Miller- Griffin - President & Founder
Dr. Brittany Miller-Griffin, DHS, MHS, is the Founder and President of Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Inc. A lifelong humanitarian, she established the organization from a deep belief that every person deserves guidance, opportunity, and the chance to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.
Dr. Miller-Griffin earned a Doctorate in Human Services from Walden University, a Master’s in Human Services from the University of Arizona Global Campus, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Walden University. Her doctoral research focused on families experiencing domestic violence-related homelessness, reflecting her commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to housing instability and family hardship.
Throughout her career, Dr. Miller-Griffin has dedicated herself to serving individuals, families, and communities through child welfare, behavioral health, higher education, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership. As a former Ongoing Case Manager with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, she worked directly with vulnerable children and families by conducting safety and risk assessments, developing case plans, coordinating services, and supporting family reunification. She has also worked in behavioral health, facilitated psychoeducational groups, provided mental health counseling under supervision, and guided adult learners through higher education opportunities. Her diverse professional background has provided her with a broad understanding of the barriers many individuals face and the systems that can help them overcome those challenges.
Inspired by the belief that compassion must be paired with action, Dr. Miller-Griffin founded Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project to expand opportunities for individuals and families through workforce development, life skills enhancement, and educational attainment and advancement. She believes lasting change begins by meeting people where they are, empowering them with knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful opportunities to build a foundation for long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and success.
As President, Dr. Miller-Griffin leads the organization’s strategic vision, community partnerships, and program development while working alongside a dedicated Board of Directors committed to restoring hope through service, advocacy, education, and opportunity.
Through Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Dr. Miller-Griffin remains committed to building stronger communities by ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or life circumstances, has access to hope, opportunity, and the support needed to thrive.
Dr. Brittany Miller-Griffin extends her heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Board of Directors for their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission of Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Inc. Their willingness to generously volunteer their time, expertise, and compassion plays an invaluable role in advancing the organization’s vision and strengthening the communities we serve.
Together, the Board of Directors is committed to empowering individuals and families through workforce development, life skills enhancement, and educational attainment and advancement. Dr. Miller-Griffin is honored to serve alongside such an exceptional group of leaders whose shared passion for service continues to inspire hope, create opportunity, and make a lasting impact.
Individual Profiles
Empowering communities through hope, support, and action every day.


Heidi Reed — Board Director
Heidi Reed, BSW has dedicated her life to serving children, families, and her community. She has been involved in social work since the mid-1990s and brings decades of experience advocating for vulnerable populations and strengthening families.
Heidi earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Arizona State University, combining a strong educational foundation with years of hands-on experience supporting individuals and families in need.
An Arizona native, Heidi and her husband have built a loving blended family of nine children, including six who were adopted. As former foster parents, they gained firsthand insight into the challenges many children and families face, as well as the critical need for compassionate support and lasting resources. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Inc., Heidi and her husband also serve on the board of an organization dedicated to supporting foster children, further demonstrating their lifelong commitment to improving the lives of youth and families.
Heidi is also passionate about animal welfare and believes that caring for both people and animals helps create stronger, healthier communities. Her personal and professional experiences have given her a deep understanding of resilience, advocacy, and the importance of empowering others.
As a member of the Board of Directors for Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Inc., Heidi is honored to support the organization’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through education, resources, and compassionate community support.
Letitia Shepherd - Board Member & Secretary
Letitia Shepherd serves as a Board Member and Secretary for Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project, bringing over a decade of experience in child welfare, family support, and community services. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and began her social services career in Phoenix, Arizona, with the Department of Child Safety (DCS), where she served as both a Case Aide and Ongoing Case Manager.
Over the past ten years, Letitia has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable children and families throughout Arizona. Her professional experience has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges families face and the resources necessary to promote safety, stability, and long-term success.
For the past four years, Letitia has worked directly with families involved with DCS through in-home family support services. In this role, she provides psychoeducation and guidance designed to enhance parental competence and strengthen family functioning. She works alongside parents as they navigate complex life challenges, including homelessness, substance dependence, domestic violence, and child safety concerns, while helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to create healthy and secure environments for their children.
Letitia is passionate about empowering individuals and families through education, support, and advocacy. Her commitment to community service, combined with her extensive experience working with families in crisis, makes her a valuable member of the Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project leadership team.
As a board member, she is proud to contribute to the organization’s mission of uplifting communities, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. She believes that meaningful change begins with compassion, empowerment, and access to supportive resources that help people reach their full potential.
“I am honored to be part of Phoenix Hope and Humanity Project’s mission to strengthen our community by providing hope, support, and opportunities for growth. Every family deserves the chance to build a brighter future.” – Letitia Shepherd


Letitia Shepherd - Board Director & Secretary
Aaron Griffin - Board Director & Vice President
Leo Patrick - Board Director & Treasurer
Elizabeth Hamilton — Board Director
Victoria Abraham — Board Director
Dr. Brittany Miller - Griffin - President & Founder
Trina Washington — Board Director


Bonnie Buckingham — Board Director


Meet the Board
Aaron Griffin - Vice President & Founder
Aaron Griffin serves as the Vice President of the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from American Military University and is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran. His military service instilled in him the values of integrity, discipline, leadership, and service, principles that continue to guide both his personal and professional life.
Aaron brings extensive experience in human services, child welfare, behavioral health, and community advocacy. Throughout his career, he has served as both an investigator and an ongoing case manager, working closely with children and families navigating abuse, neglect, trauma, and complex family dynamics. He has also provided services to individuals living with serious mental illness through one of Arizona’s leading behavioral health organizations, further strengthening his understanding of the importance of accessible mental health care, community resources, and comprehensive support systems.
His diverse professional background has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of the social, behavioral, and systemic factors that impact individuals and families. Aaron is passionate about helping others overcome barriers, promoting self-sufficiency, and connecting people with the resources they need to improve their quality of life.
As Vice President, Aaron is committed to advancing Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project’s mission by helping develop programs, strengthen community partnerships, and expand opportunities that empower individuals, support families, and create stronger, healthier communities. He believes every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to build a brighter future, regardless of their circumstances.
Victoria Abraham — Board Director
Victoria Abraham serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University with a minor in Sociology. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to serving vulnerable children and families in a variety of child welfare and family support roles, gaining extensive experience in case management, investigations, crisis response, and intake services.
Victoria brings valuable experience in child welfare, crisis intervention, and family advocacy to the organization. Her professional background has provided firsthand insight into the barriers many individuals and families face, reinforcing her commitment to helping others navigate difficult circumstances with dignity, compassion, and respect.
She is passionate about supporting marginalized and underserved populations and believes every individual deserves the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life. As a Board Director, Victoria is committed to fostering meaningful relationships, connecting individuals with guidance and resources, and advancing Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project's mission of restoring hope through opportunity, empowerment, and community support.
Heidi Reed — Board Director












Elizabeth Hamilton — Board Director
Elizabeth Hamilton brings over 20 years of school and program leadership, STEAM education development, and international humanitarian work to her role as Board Director at Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. Her global work includes partnering with the World Bank and Liberia's Ministry of Education on national education initiatives, supporting Syrian refugee education programming alongside social innovation agencies in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and teaching English to adult learners at Peking University in China. That range of experience has given her a firsthand understanding of how access, opportunity, and community support intersect across vastly different cultures and circumstances.
Elizabeth has spent her career designing and leading programs that build capacity in others, from STEAM curriculum development to organizational leadership in schools and humanitarian settings alike. She brings that same lens to PHHP's mission of workforce development, educational advancement, and life skills enhancement for families across Pinal County.
She is also the author of WORTH, a memoir, and a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University, continuing her lifelong commitment to learning, growth, and using her own story to illuminate paths for others. As a mother, Elizabeth carries a personal investment in the wellbeing of families and children that informs every aspect of her board service.
Leo Patrick - Board Director & Treasurer
Leonard D. Patrick is an experienced organizational leader with more than 30 years of combined expertise in Human Resources, risk mitigation, fraud investigation, and people-centered operations. His career includes key roles at ADP, State Farm, Intel, Amazon, Transact Campus, Manpower, Inc., Footprint, and the University of Arizona Global, where he led employee relations, coached leaders through complex workforce challenges, and strengthened compliance frameworks across high-growth environments.
With a foundation in finance and prior service as Treasurer in multiple organizations, Mr. Patrick brings disciplined financial stewardship and a strategic governance mindset to nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, applying analytical rigor, operational insight, and community- driven leadership to advance the organization’s mission.
Mr. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Law from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management (Human Resources) from the University of Arizona Global. Known for his calm, direct communication style and his ability to build trust across diverse populations, he blends technical expertise with empathy, accountability, and a commitment to developing people and systems that thrive.




Trina Washington — Board Director
Trina Washington is a licensed residential real estate agent with Compass Real Estate, serving Pinal County communities including Casa Grande, Florence, Maricopa, and Arizona City. A Chicago transplant who has called Arizona home since 2010, she brings a DePaul University degree in Communication & Organizational Change and more than two decades of experience in IT procurement and asset management, a background that informs her disciplined, systems-oriented approach to helping families navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Trina began her real estate career in 2005 as a licensed agent in Illinois, driven by a belief that homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term stability and generational wealth. Since bringing that mission to Arizona, she has focused on making that possibility real for buyers and families in underserved and fast-growing South Arizona communities, areas where affordability, access, and opportunity intersect in ways that align directly with the work of Phoenix Hope & Humanity.
As a board member, Trina contributes her expertise in housing markets, negotiation, community engagement, and strategic systems-building to advance the organization's mission. Growing up in underserved communities in Chicago is what shaped her deep commitment to meeting people where they are providing the support and systems, they need to achieve their goals and build lasting stability.
When she's not advocating for her clients, Trina is an active community volunteer, and a firm believer that strong communities are built one relationship and one home at a time.
Bonnie Buckingham — Board Director
Bonnie Buckingham serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Kindergarten through 8th Grade) from Purdue University and maintains an active teaching license. A retired educator with more than 30 years of experience, Bonnie dedicated her career to teaching kindergarten through third grade while serving students from diverse backgrounds, including both underserved communities and more affluent populations. Throughout her career in education, Bonnie remained committed to helping every student reach their full potential, recognizing that success is often shaped by access to opportunity, guidance, and support.
In addition to her work in education, Bonnie served as a case manager with the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Through this experience, she gained firsthand insight into the complex challenges and systemic barriers many children and families face, particularly those experiencing poverty, instability, and limited access to resources. These experiences strengthened her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and creating pathways that promote long-term stability and success.
As a board member, Bonnie brings decades of experience in education, child advocacy, and community service. She is passionate about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic background or life circumstances, has access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to reach their fullest potential. Bonnie is honored to support Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project’s mission of restoring hope, empowering individuals, and strengthening communities through compassion and action.
Dr. Brittany Miller- Griffin - President & Founder
Dr. Brittany Miller-Griffin, DHS, MHS, is the Founder and President of Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Inc. A lifelong humanitarian, she established the organization from a deep belief that every person deserves guidance, opportunity, and the chance to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.
Dr. Miller-Griffin earned a Doctorate in Human Services from Walden University, a Master’s in Human Services from the University of Arizona Global Campus, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Walden University. Her doctoral research focused on families experiencing domestic violence-related homelessness, reflecting her commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to housing instability and family hardship.
Throughout her career, Dr. Miller-Griffin has dedicated herself to serving individuals, families, and communities through child welfare, behavioral health, higher education, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership. As a former Ongoing Case Manager with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, she worked directly with vulnerable children and families by conducting safety and risk assessments, developing case plans, coordinating services, and supporting family reunification. She has also worked in behavioral health, facilitated psychoeducational groups, provided mental health counseling under supervision, and guided adult learners through higher education opportunities. Her diverse professional background has provided her with a broad understanding of the barriers many individuals face and the systems that can help them overcome those challenges.
Inspired by the belief that compassion must be paired with action, Dr. Miller-Griffin founded Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project to expand opportunities for individuals and families through workforce development, life skills enhancement, and educational attainment and advancement. She believes lasting change begins by meeting people where they are, empowering them with knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful opportunities to build a foundation for long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and success.
As President, Dr. Miller-Griffin leads the organization’s strategic vision, community partnerships, and program development while working alongside a dedicated Board of Directors committed to restoring hope through service, advocacy, education, and opportunity.
Through Phoenix Hope & Humanity Project, Dr. Miller-Griffin remains committed to building stronger communities by ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or life circumstances, has access to hope, opportunity, and the support needed to thrive.
