You Affect

Board Member- Darius Allen

I'm Darius Allen. I was born in New York City, and relocated to Arizona at the age of 14. Shortly after that, I was housed in a group home which would be my home for a year (though it never felt like home). There I learned how to enjoy my own company and some basic house duties, like laundry.

After a year, my best friend told me his family wanted to be my foster family and I graciously accepted the offer.

I currently own and manage a maintenance company and I'm a stay at home Dad.

I've been fortunate to have an amazing support system for the majority of my life so I spend most of my days trying to be that for others.

Founder- Jaime Lyn Marquez

Jaime is a Mom to four beautiful kids. Her oldest two, Cristian & Bella, are our junior ambassadors.

Jaime left the mortgage industry after 18 years as a Loan Officer, to focus on You Affect and her dream of becoming a Nurse. She is currently an ER Nurse.

Board member- tj tillman

TJ is a Realtor and owns several businesses in Gilbert, including Level One Arcade Bar, Alchemy 48, Outcast Donuts, and Rebel wine bar.

He and his wife, Macee, have three awesome kids. He enjoys playing basketball, watching movies, and attending his kids' sporting events. He is an avid Phoenix Suns and Cardinals fan.

Board Member- Dr. Debora Pereira

Debora is a clinical pharmacist in Chandler.

She is dedicated to helping and serving others.

Debora enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with her fur babies, family and friends.

Board Member- Andrea Schmitz

Andrea is a Marriage and Family Therapist, with the designations MC/MFCT, LMFT, CCTP, and CSOTP.

She has worked with many children in the foster care system who have experienced trauma.

Andrea enjoys spending time with her daughter and traveling.

Board Member- Mandy Gold

Mandy is a Realtor in Sierra Vista.

Mandy has a passion for helping Arizona's foster children, and is our ambassador in southern Arizona.

She and her husband have four beautiful children. They enjoy camping, country music festivals and concerts, and watching their kids' sporting events.

Board Member- Darius Allen