Staff
The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network relies on
volunteers to carry out our mission and meet the challenge facing all of us affected by
HIV and AIDS. A very involved board of directors advises the two paid staff members who
work with more than 200 additional volunteers. A full-time executive director,
part-time education coordinator, part-time program manager and part-time
administrative assistant oversee the day-to-day operations of TIHAN.
Executive Director
Scott Blades
Scott has a wide-ranging background, having worked in education, law, counseling, video
production, gay and lesbian issues, and volunteer management. He previously worked at
Saint Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, where he served as Coordinator of
Volunteers, and where he helped begin an HIV/AIDS Ministry. In 1995, he received the TORCH
Award as Community Leader of the Year for his role in founding TIHAN and catalyzing the
religious community’s compassionate response to HIV/AIDS. Email Scott at Scott@tihan.org.
Director of Education
Dave Chandler
Dave Chandler joined the TIHAN staff as Director of Education in December of 2003.
With 25 years of program and community development experience, Dave has worked with a
variety of faith-based organizations, schools and non-profits groups in the areas of
program design, curriculum development, and volunteer management. The Metropolitan
Education Commission awarded Dave the Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Education for
his work with alternative education programs while at Tucson Unified School District.
In Addition to his employment with TIHAN, Dave works part-time at the Volunteer
Center of Southern Arizona. Dave lives with his wife Shannon and many pets and
plants.
Program Manager
Sarah Pratt
Sarah comes to TIHAN with a background in volunteer
management and program development. Having worked in adult and children's hospice and
child abuse prevention, she brings with her knowledge of Tucson and our communities needs.
A native of Southern Arizona who grew up abroad, Sarah is married with, two children ages
14 and 11. Excitement and enthusiasm are the best way to describe Sarah's approach to
life. Email Sarah at Sarah@tihan.org.
Administrative Assistant
Rebecca Zapien
Rebecca Zapien comes to TIHAN with
a diverse background. In addition to her new position at TIHAN Rebecca volunteers with
animal rescue and community youth programs. On her down time she enjoys traveling,
cooking, reading, capoera, and loves to laugh. Rebecca and her husband love to call
Tucson home. Feel free to e-mail her at Rebecca@tihan.org
Senior Outreach Specialist
Jim Strader
Jim is a native of Tucson and a
graduate of the University of Arizona. Jim comes to TIHAN wih a diverse background
in human resources development, management, and process improvement. Jim served in
the Air Force as an aviator and senior performance improvement advisor for Air Combat
Command. He graduated from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA last year
and is now back home seeking ordination as a priest in the Episcopal Church. Jim
works with congregations in many ways including Adult Christian Education, Pastoral Care
Team programming, hospital chaplaincy, and as a volunteer leader with a variety of
agencies. He is a passionate advocate for persons living with HIV/AIDS including
previous work with Nashville Cares and the Northeast AIDSRide. Email Jim at jim@tihan.org
The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network has its
offices at:
492 N.
Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85711
We may be reached by:
The TIHAN office is open:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please be sure to call ahead before stopping by.
