Board Bios

Originally from the Bay Area, California, Cristina moved to Phoenix to do a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps at the Worker Rights Center. She stayed for graduate school at ASU's Social Justice and Human Rights Program and for love! In 2018, Cristina and her husband, Emmanuel, moved to North Glen Square, a neighborhood Emmanuel had fallen in love with as a boy visiting his best friend, Debra LaPlante's son!

Cristina works at a labor and employment law firm downtown and has loved being a foster/adoptive parent and mom to Serenity (6) and Frankie (3). Emmanuel serves the neighborhood in his role as Community and Constituent Organizer for Council District 5.

Cristina believes in the power of community voices, organization, and action to change and improve neighborhoods, and she decided to join the NGS board so that the neighborhood's leadership better reflected the changing demographics. Cristina serves as NGS treasurer, is responsible for the community bulletin board in Mariposa Park, and, informally, is the NGS social events coordinator.

Cristina Gallardo-Sanidad

I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Have been in our home since 1969. I love this neighborhood especially for its rural atmosphere. I have fond memories of Mariposa Park’s playground, dirt bumpy paths, learning to ride a bike on the ball diamond, learned to play tennis, summer crafts put on by the city, and the oiled streets. More recently, walking my dogs in the park and talking to Susan, park maintenance manager, about park issues.

I have been on the Board for over 35 years, usually as the Secretary. I have always helped to preserve this neighborhood since back in the late 1970’s. I joined the Association after helping with a neighborhood cleanup. I had such a great time meeting my neighbors. Today, I still care about the future of our neighborhood and love this area.

Michele Sahlin

I lived in Phoenix in the early 2000s and when the pandemic hit in 2020 I knew it was time to return. I purchased my home in the NGS neighborhood and met my immediate neighbors right away, slowly getting more involved with the Facebook group and NGNSA. After assisting with an event last year I am excited to be part of the board and look forward to the many activities we have planned where I can meet more community members.

Kara Lafferty

Coming Soon!

Bill Kelly

Melinda Whittington

Kendra Homsher and her husband Bill Kelly are long time members of NGS. You might remember Kendra (along with mom Donna) from growing up the neighborhood. She and Bill returned to NGS in 2013 and have horse, dogs and a donkey on Northview. They help us keep the rural feel in NGS. During the holidays, you will turn the corner to find the front yard has turned into Bubba’s Redneck Christmas display with more inflatables than you can count!

For the past 4 years they have been solely responsible for organizing our now Annual Holiday Parade with decorated cars, ATVs, trucks, bikes, the Fire and Police Departments and all the neighbors out front cheering the parade on. They collect canned goods and toys for distribution to needy families.

Kendra Homsher

Bienvindos! North Glen Square Neighbors. My name is Debbie Perez also known as “D”. Mi familia “My family” has been part of the community since 2021 of October. I take great pleasure going to NGS event’s and joining any neighborhood activities. It makes us feel seen and welcomed to do such activities. Also, by doing so brings our cultural background in taking pride in the Community environment.

I enjoy saying hello to any person or group walking by our house. At times we stop and chat with North Glen Walkers. We enjoy getting to talk and learn about our neighbors. Recently, I was approached to join the board of directors as interim for NGS with enthusiasm I said yes. If by any chance you decide to stroll our beautiful neighborhood and hear “hello” it may just be me trying to meet you.