Team Leadership
Brandi Champion, Community Safety Program Director
Brandi.Champion@tucsonaz.gov
Brandi Champion is a Tucson native who has dedicated her career to serving the community she grew up in. Born and raised in Tucson, she began her professional journey in the non‑profit sector supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable unhoused populations. In 2020 Brandi joined the City of Tucson Team as the Continuum of Care project coordinator. In October 2021, Champion was appointed as the city’s inaugural Housing First Program Director, leading a groundbreaking initiative to combat homelessness by prioritizing permanent housing combined with wraparound services.
Under her leadership, the City launched mobile shower outreach, expanded shelter capacity, and relocated unsheltered residents from street homelessness into housing—all rooted in the proven Housing First model. After three years in that position, Champion transitioned into the role of Community Safety Program Director, where she now collaborates closely with the Tucson Police Department and many other emergency service providers, as well as nonprofit partners and organizations. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates homelessness services with opioid response, violence interruption, mental-health services, and more, ensuring that public safety is addressed holistically.
Champion also holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University, which complements her hands-on experience with policy knowledge and public-sector leadership.
Lee Hopkins, Resource Manager
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Lee.Hopkins@tucsonaz.gov
Lee Hopkins is the Resource Manager of the Care Coordination program within the Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program. She supervises the Care Coordinators and brings in resources for the program and its participants. Lee moved to Tucson in 2021 from Virginia. Work and family moved her around the East Coast, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa throughout her life. Prior to joining the City of Tucson, Lee worked with non-profits in the U.S. and abroad to provide social work and public health services to refugees, advocate for immigrant rights and healthcare access, and invest in youth leadership and affordable housing. Lee has an MSW, specializing in management from Columbia School of Social Work and is licensed in Arizona.
Oscar Medina, Manager for the Office of Violence Prevention and Intervention
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Oscar.Medina2@tucsonaz.gov
Oscar works across City and County departments, community based organizations, public health partners, and residents to develop and implement data informed and evidence based strategies that address gun violence, intimate partner violence, and the conditions that contribute to violence.
He plays a leadership role in Tucson’s Violence Interruption and Vitalization Action (VIVA) initiative, a place based strategy that combines violence intervention, resident engagement, and neighborhood revitalization, and leads the Community Safety Leadership Institute to strengthen the capacity of residents and community partners to advance community safety.
A former middle and high school educator, Oscar brings a strong foundation in youth development, culturally responsive practice, and community organizing to his work. His approach emphasizes trauma-responsive practices, cross sector collaboration, and elevating the leadership and lived experience of communities most impacted by violence. Oscar holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of California, Berkeley.
Team Members
Susan Cota, Care Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Susan.Cota@tucsonaz.gov
Susan Cota serves as a Care Coordinator for the Community Safety, Health and Wellness Program for the City of Tucson. She is a proud native Tucsonan, a Latina, a child of immigrants to the U.S., and mother of three. Susan enjoys hiking Sabino Canyon's beautiful trails and has picked up boxing as one of her hobbies.
Prior to joining the City of Tucson, Susan worked for the Regional Behavioral Health Authority. Serving as the Tribal Clinical Service Coordinator for American Indian members of Sothern Arizona, Susan was responsible for identifying social determinates of health and gaps in care to members with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and substance abuse.
Susan prides herself in her past collaboration with Medicaid, and stakeholders, to increase communication and improve health outcomes for members. Her passion is to support diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing advocacy to an underserved population and promoting healthier lives. Susan holds a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Phoenix.
Michelle Keller, Opioid Prevention and Recovery Care Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Michele.Keller@tucsonaz.gov
Michelle Keller serves as the Opioid Prevention and Recovery Care Coordinator with the Community Safety, Health & Wellness program. With nearly two decades of experience in behavioral health and a deep commitment to justice reform and recovery support, Michelle brings both professional expertise and powerful lived experience to her work.
Originally from North Dakota, Michelle attended school in New Mexico before moving to Tucson in 1994, where she has since become a dedicated advocate for individuals impacted by incarceration, substance use, and mental health challenges. She holds an associate degree in Substance Use and Social Work, and her career reflects a consistent belief in personal growth, healing, and the power of second chances.
Michelle has spent over nine years supporting community members through the UA RISE Health & Wellness Center and CRC, while also serving as a case manager with the Arizona Department of Corrections, helping individuals transition back into the community after early release under 1291. She is a proud member of the Safety + Justice Community Collaborative and Second Chance Tucson, working to reduce incarceration and reimagine a more equitable justice system. As a mother of five, foster parent to seven, and adoptive parent of three, Michelle has built a family grounded in compassion, resilience, and love. Michelle’s commitment to recovery and community empowerment continues to shape her role as a trusted leader and source of hope in Tucson’s efforts to promote healing, equity, and safety for all.
Ysabel Hernandez, Care Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Ysabel.Hernandez@tucsonaz.gov
Ysabel Hernandez serves as a Care Coordinator with the Community Safety, Health & Wellness program. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Tucson Unified School District, Ysabel continued her education at Pima Community College before earning a bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice from Northern Arizona University.
With a strong background in public service, Ysabel brings valuable experience from her previous role as a case manager for undocumented children, where she developed a deep understanding of trauma-informed care. She is well-versed in navigating institutional systems and is committed to supporting individuals through complex processes.
Ysabel is passionate about advocating for underserved communities and approaches her work with empathy, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.
Daniel Reyes, Care Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Daniel.Reyes@tucsonaz.gov
Daniel Reyes serves as Care Coordinator for the Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program for the City of Tucson. Originally from Mexico, Daniel has called Tucson home since 1998. Joining the City of Tucson in 1999, Daniel has worked with different community centers, schools and social programs throughout Tucson and advocacy agencies focused on immigrant rights. Daniel is fluent in Spanish and a National and Arizona State Certified Emergency Medical Technician.
Ricky Romero, Care Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Ricky.Romero@tucsonaz.gov
Ricky Romero serves as a Care Coordinator of the Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program for the City of Tucson. As a native Tucsonan, Ricky is motivated to support his neighbors to achieve their goals. Prior to joining the City of Tucson, Ricky worked in the behavioral health field for over 20 years. Starting his work with at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system, he has a deep appreciation for the importance of positive community and familial dynamics to help young Tucsonans thrive. Most recently, Ricky has worked extensively with adults living with addictions and the unique needs of older adults. In his personal time Ricky stays busy with family and his church community.
Kristin Woodall, Care Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Kristin.Woodall@tucsonaz.gov
Kristin Woodall serves as a Care Coordinator for the Community Safety, Health & Wellness Program for the City of Tucson. Kristin was raised in Flagstaff, AZ. After working as a nurse, Kristin transitioned to providing case management at a Medication Assisted Treatment center to individuals with substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses. It was after that when she began to work for the City in the Ward 3 Council office and provided constituent services. She transitioned to the CSHW program after working for three Council Members. Now she serves the people of Tucson using the skills that she has gained throughout her career.
Isaac Durgin, Community Enrichment Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Isaac.Durgin@tucsonaz.gov
Isaac Villegas Durgin is a Community Enrichment Coordinator with the Community Safety, Health & Wellness program. Born and raised in South Tucson to immigrant parents from Mexico, Isaac brings a deep understanding of the community he serves. He is fluent in Spanish, which allows him to connect more effectively with Tucson’s diverse populations and ensure that language is never a barrier to accessing support. Isaac’s lived experience provides valuable insight into realities faced by communities affected by violence and systemic barriers, shaping his strong commitment to public service and community healing.
Isaac has worked extensively in public health and youth outreach. At the University of Arizona’s Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW), he served as a Youth Health Educator and Prevention Specialist providing health and sex education at La Canada Substance Abuse Treatment Center. He has also worked with COPE Behavioral Health Services, focusing on harm reduction and HIV prevention.
Earlier in his career, Isaac was a Youth & Prevention Coordinator at the House of Neighborly Service, where he led after-school programs and coordinated the Second Chance Tattoo Removal Program. He began his work in the field as a Behavioral Health Specialist, offering direct care in residential settings.
Askia Muhammed, Community Enrichment Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Askia.Muhammad@tucsonaz.gov
Born in Washington, D.C., Askia Muhammad brings decades of experience in violence prevention, behavioral health, youth development, and community engagement to the Office of Violence Prevention & Intervention (OVPI). After relocating to Arizona to attend the University of Arizona on a football scholarship following his time at City College of San Francisco, Askia began a lifelong career dedicated to supporting youth, families, and individuals facing complex challenges.
Askia’s professional journey began in Tucson, where he worked as a Gang Prevention Counselor with the Tucson Urban League and as a counselor for the University of Arizona’s In-Step Youth Program, helping young people navigate barriers and build pathways toward success. He later expanded his impact in the Phoenix area, serving youth involved in the justice system at the Maricopa County Detention Center and working as a case manager supporting individuals through Arizona’s behavioral health system.
Throughout his career, Askia has developed extensive expertise in mental and behavioral health services. He served in leadership roles across residential treatment centers and behavioral health facilities throughout Arizona and later traveled nationally as a consultant assessing mental health facilities for one of the world’s largest behavioral health networks. He also served in a similar consulting capacity with the Maricopa County School District, strengthening systems of care for youth and families. Askia has long been recognized for his commitment to violence prevention, gang intervention, and supporting at risk youth and vulnerable populations. His work has earned community recognition for helping individuals impacted by violence, instability, and systemic barriers find pathways to healing, support, and opportunity.
Since returning to Tucson, Askia has continued his service through the City of Tucson’s Housing First Program, where he with the City's Permanent Supportive Housing program, and served as lead for a City's cooling center, helping unsheltered residents access housing, safety, and critical support services during extreme heat conditions.
Today, Askia brings his deep experience in violence intervention, behavioral health, and community care to the Office of Violence Prevention & Intervention as a Community Enrichment Coordinator, where he works in the VIVA sites and strengthens Tucson's violence prevention and intervention ecosystem.
Azul Navarrete-Valera, Community Enrichment Coordinator
Community Safety, Health & Wellness
Azul.Navarrete-Valera3@tucsonaz.gov
Azul Navarrete-Valera serves as a Community Enrichment Coordinator with the Community Safety, Health & Wellness program. A Tucson native and daughter of Mexican immigrant parents, Azul brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her role, with a deep commitment to equity, healing, and community empowerment. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law with a minor in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from the University of Arizona.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Azul is able to connect with a wide range of community members and ensure that language is never a barrier to accessing vital resources. Her career spans various roles in public health and social services, including her work as a Nurturing Parenting Practitioner, where she delivered culturally responsive, in-home support for families navigating crisis and system involvement. Azul’s experience includes case management, community-based workshops, and data-informed program coordination. Azul also served as the Ward 1 appointee to the Tucson Parks and Recreation Commission, where she collaborated on local initiatives. Notably, she led the successful effort to rename Christopher Columbus Park to Danny Lopez Park, honoring the legacy of the late Tohono O’odham elder. Her work is grounded in a belief in community-led change and the power of education and engagement to prevent crises, foster connection, and promote long-term safety.