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Meet the Team

Get to know the people behind Grow Arizona

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CEO

Kathleen Smith

Kathleen was born and raised in Holbrook, Arizona and graduated from Holbrook High School. She gained her BS in Nonprofit Management from Arizona State University. Raised by parents who had a strong desire to serve the community, this trait has been passed on and Kathleen has been a part of many different organizations through the years, including Kiwanis, Navajo County Historical Society, Holbrook Chamber of Commerce, Holbrook Foundation, and Care for Life, Little Colorado Medical Center Board Member, and is the current mayor of Holbrook. One of her favorite hobbies is volunteerwork. Kathleen’s career has centered around non-profit, construction, community development, and workforce development.

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CEO

Linda Kor

Linda is the editor of a regional newspaper with more than 18 years of experience in the field, along with extensive experience in retail management and the hospitality industry. She is a founding member of the Joseph City Foundation and the Holbrook Foundation. She has also served on the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology governing board and Joseph City Unified School District Governing board, serving as president for a year. Linda is a member of RealAZ a nonprofit organization of community leaders to market, promote, and enhance the business community inside Navajo and Apache County communities. She is also a board member for the Local Emergency Planning Committee for Navajo County.

Teen Center Director

Lyndzi Brawley

Lyndzi is passionate about empowering the next generation through education and entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship from Brigham Young University Idaho. Since joining Grow Arizona in July 2023, Lyndzi has been dedicated to supporting youth in Holbrook and Joseph City, Arizona, focusing on post-secondary preparation, internships, and entrepreneurship classes. Her commitment to fostering skills and opportunities for young people helps them navigate their futures with confidence. Lyndzi believes in the power of mentorship and is excited to continue making a positive impact in her community.

Director of Marketing

and Community Engagement

Talaina Kor

Talaina was born and raised in rural Arizona and has gained experience from her studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Northern Arizona University. She has worked as a journalist in her community for over a decade and spends her free time renovating an old Route 66 cafe into a community space, where she houses artists passing through and makes art of her own. Talaina enjoys volunteer work and community involvement.

Scholarship Specialist

Natasha McLaws

Natasha is a proud Holbrook High School alum and a spirited Gen Z powerhouse with a heart full of ambition and a passion for people. As a master esthetician and hairstylist, she brings beauty, confidence, and joy to everyone she meets. In 2025, Natasha joined the Grow Arizona team, bringing her vibrant energy and love for Holbrook to our mission. She not only assists teens with finding funding for college, she is also the face behind our buzzing social media, making sure you stay in the know and stay inspired. Whether she's helping to find the perfect path forward or simply sharing a smile online, Natasha’s mission is simple: help others, spread happiness, and keeping focused on the future of those we serve.

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Director of Technology

Brandon Fisher

Brandon has served Northeastern Arizona for over a decade, providing technologically focused solutions. As the Regional Manager for Essential Data Control Systems, he assisted local government and rural farmers to maintain and implement further modern systems for local and long-distance communications, allowing for automatic and remote control of infrastructure and equipment, as well as connection to the global internet in remote areas. He has built his career on the concept of efficient and effective measures for his local community to leverage what modern technology has to offer.

Student Services Specialist

Brooke Frost

Brooke is a dedicated, family-focused woman who balances a busy life with a strong commitment to personal growth, community engagement and supporting those she loves. She attended the University of Phoenix, graduating with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, and has been working in the Joseph City Unified School District since 2014. She believes that every young person deserves guidance, connection, and the tools to succeed beyond high school, whether they pursue college, a trade, the workforce, or another meaningful path. She is excited to contribute her energy and perspective to the organization’s mission and hopes to help teens feel seen, supported and capable as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Accounting Specialist

Cassie Hancock

Cassie a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a passion for connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. As a wife and mom to three wonderful girls, family is at the center of everything she does. Cassie loves traveling, exploring new cultures, and meeting people from different backgrounds. Cassie is multi-lingual, speaking English, Spanish and sign language, which helps her connect with a wide variety of people. She enjoys working with others, learning new things and bringing positive energy to every opportunity.

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Virtual Assistant

Aiva Knowles

Aiva is our AI-powered virtual assistant, developed to support our team with quick access to information, resources, and routine task assistance. Designed for internal use, Aiva helps streamline workflows, reduce response times, and enhance overall efficiency across departments.

From answering frequently asked questions to guiding staff through internal systems and processes, Aiva is available 24/7 to assist with day-to-day operations. Her presence reflects our commitment to leveraging smart technology to empower our workforce and improve organizational productivity

Workforce Network

PO Box 671

Joseph City, AZ

86032

This organization strictly adheres to a policy of non-discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its programs or activities, as outlined in 40 C.F.R. 5.140 and 7.95.

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