The FBC Leadership Team
Foundation for Blind Children envisions a world where vision loss is simply a diagnosis, not a disability. And it is the staff, leaders, and trustees that make this vision become a reality. Below are FBC’s Leadership Teams.
Jared Kittelson
Chief Executive Officer
Jared Kittelson
Originally from Wisconsin, now lives in Phoenix, married to his beautiful wife, Flor, and they have three daughters together. He enjoys spending his free time with his family, hiking, golfing, and family game nights.
Julie Oliver
Vice President of Programs
Julie Oliver
Julie holds a Master of Science in Urban Studies from the University of Nebraska’s School of Public Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a focus on Child, Youth, and Family Studies. She grew up in a small farming town in Nebraska but has made Phoenix her home for several years. She takes great pride in being the mom of a college junior and can’t wait to see the exciting journey ahead for her. She has a deep passion for travel, is an avid history buff, and is a devoted fan of Husker volleyball.
Barbra Smith
Vice President of Operations
Barbra Smith
Motivated by her mother’s macular degeneration diagnosis, Barbra found personal and professional fulfillment at FBC. She swiftly accessed treatment for her mother and utilized the organization’s resources throughout her mother’s journey. Her commitment to improving lives drives her dedication to FBC’s mission.
Beyond her work, Barbra is an avid nature lover who enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and attempting to teach her newly adopted mini horse not to bite. If not at FBC, she would likely be found working with children or dogs at a daycare.
Joy Calles
Sr Director Pre-K-12 Education Services
Joy Calles
After 15 years in the classroom, Joy moved into administration, serving as a special education coordinator in the Deer Valley School District, Assistant Director of Special Education in the Peoria Unified School District, and Director of Special Education for the Dysart Unified School District. She then spent time as the Executive Director of Programs at Student Choice Alternative Charter High School and Head of Schools at Arizona Autism Charter School.
Joy is a native of Texas but has lived in Arizona since 1985. She and her husband have a blended family of 6 children, three grandchildren, and two dogs. Traveling and finding new adventures fill up their weekends.
Megan Matheis
Director of Employee Experience
Megan Matheis
Megan is a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher and leads classes at Kula Studio in Glendale. In addition yoga, Megan enjoys running and reading novels.
Chris Hawk
Director of Information Technology
Chris Hawk
Chris Hawk is an accomplished professional with a strong educational background and a passion for making a difference. He studied at Northern Arizona University, where he earned a degree in Computer Information Systems. Chris has been a dedicated member of the Foundation for Blind Children since 2013, steadily progressing to his current role as the Director of Information Technology.
With a wealth of expertise in the field, Chris holds numerous industry certifications in networking, system administration, and Salesforce administration. His commitment to the Foundation extends beyond his IT duties, as he assisted in organizing various challenge events, including two exhilarating Grand Canyon rafting trips and the unforgettable Blind Buccaneers sailing expedition around the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Roxanne Zaad
Director of Early Intervention
Roxanne Zaad
Ronald Rosas
Director of Accounting
Ronald Rosas
Ronald is an Arizona native and enjoys spending time with his family, relaxing, and observing the cosmos when the weather permits.
Fred Hall
Director of Itinerant and Transition Services
Fred Hall
Fred started his career in education as a general education teacher but soon found his passion in the field of VI. Fred is both a certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, and holds a master’s degree in Visual Impairment from the University of Northern Colorado. Fred is dedicated to helping students build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to succeed in school, the workplace, and their communities.
Known for his practical leadership style and collaborative approach, Fred enjoys finding creative solutions to complex challenges and helping educators, families, and students navigate the path toward successful outcomes.
Brian Voeller
Director of Accessible Learning Resources
Brian Voeller
Brian is a native of AZ and graduated from Arizona State University (Go Devils) with a degree in Business. He has over 20 years of operations management experience and loves to work on creating a culture of efficiency, productivity, and FUN! He lives in Gilbert with his partner Vivian; together, they have a blended family with four children. Brian enjoys sports and travel and likes to mix the two by attending sporting events in the locations he visits.
Vickie McWatters
Director of Development
Vickie McWatters
With a strong background in fundraising, Vickie excels at cultivating partnerships, engaging donors, and developing strategies that fuel growth and sustainability. At FBC, she leads efforts to ensure children and adults with vision loss have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Known for her ability to inspire generosity and build community support, Vickie is dedicated to working with her team to advance FBC’s mission and impact.
After years of traveling, Vickie now enjoys being back home in Phoenix, where she can hike the mountains she grew up exploring, volunteer her time to local dog charities close to her heart, and give back to the community that shaped her.
Zane Cobb
Director of Adult Services
Zane Cobb
Zane is certified as a Rehabilitation Counselor and Vocational Evaluator through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. In addition to leading Adult Services, Zane teaches Adjustment to Disability classes and conducts Vocational Assessments for adult clients. Currently, Zane also serves on the State Rehabilitation Council, offering expertise and insight to strengthen Arizona’s Vocational Rehabilitation System.
A second-generation native of Arizona, Zane enjoys hiking and spending time with two dogs at the park when not working at FBC.