Our Story
Native American Fatherhood & Families Association (NAFFA) began in 2002 with just one father and the mission of bringing men back to strengthening their families. Since then, NAFFA has successfully impacted thousands of lives and families.
NAFFA is an Arizona based non-profit 501(C) (3) organization that provides programs to strengthen families through responsible fatherhood and motherhood. Our programs are one of a kind, creating a real passion in parents to take a leadership role in keeping families together and growing healthy children.
We have four signature curricula, 1.) Fatherhood Is Sacred®, Motherhood Is Sacred®, 2.) Linking Generations By Strengthening Relationships®, 3.) Addressing Family Violence & Abuse® and 4.) Suicide PreventionTM. Our Fatherhood Is Sacred®, Motherhood Is Sacred® program is our foundational curriculum, the Linking Generations By Strengthening Relationships® and Addressing Family Violence & Abuse builds upon that foundation. To learn more about our curricula and how they are distinct from other social service programs.
Philosophy
Approach
Families are at the heart of all cultures. There is no work more important than fatherhood & motherhood.
Today, many people and agencies view fathers as the cause of most family social problems. However, NAFFA takes the position that fathers are not the problem, but the solution & must take the lead in keeping families together.
NAFFA understands that to help others make positive changes, you must love the people whom you serve & the work you bring to them.
Our approach is based on a culturally rich model that inspires & self-motivates through natural techniques.
We help parents devote their best efforts in teaching and raising their children to develop the potential and attributes needed for success in life.
Our method is to uplift, encourage, assist, and teach. Filling life with hope, gratitude, and understanding has a powerful effect in changing attitudes and behavior. There is no better way.
Founder/President
Albert M. Pooley
Albert M. Pooley was born to the Hopi and Navajo Native American cultures.
He grew up close to both cultures on the reservation where the love of a father taught him outstanding life lessons.
He holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW) and Masters of Public Administration (MPA).
Mr. Pooley has extensive experience as a marriage and family counselor.
He appreciates the role of being a father and he finds joy in teaching
principles that are relevant to his Native American culture.
Our Staff
Amy Fa'atoafe- Executive Director
Amy is part Navajo and Hopi and was raised in Mesa, Arizona. She joined NAFFA staff in October 2015 as their Program Director. Prior to working for NAFFA Amy worked with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for nearly 10 years in their Social Services Department. Amy received her Master in Social Work from Arizona State University with an emphasis on Planning, Administration & Community. She is a mother and wife and loves spending time with her family. Email Amy: amyf@aznaffa.org
Cheryl Honnie- Training/Events Coordinator
Cheryl is Ta’baaha (Water’s Edge clan), born for To’ahani (Near the Water clan) and a member of the Diné (Navajo) Tribe. She was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation. Being an advocate that Fatherhood and Motherhood Is Sacred, Ms. Honnie joined Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA) in May of 2021. Before working for NAFFA, Cheryl worked in the Human Resources field, with a degree in Administrative Justice. Cheryl is a mother of four and a wife that loves caring for her family. Email Cheryl: cherylh@aznaffa.org
Neil Tift- Outreach Coordinator
Neil has worked with fathers for the past 30 years in Minnesota, Maryland and now Arizona. He is a parent educator, family mediator, university instructor, game maker, staff trainer and overweight jogger. Neil is the proud father of three, grandfather of twelve and foster father of many. Email Neil:
Valerie Hollobaugh- Public Relations/Economic Coordinator
Originally raised in New Jersey, Valerie moved to Mesa to be closer to her daughter’s family and has learned to love the desert. She has been a family advocate for 30 years and is the author of 6 books and hundreds of articles about strengthening the family. The mother of 9 children and grandmother to 16, she enjoys spending time with her family. Email Valerie: ValerieS@aznaffa.org
Susan Sharp- Receptionist
Susan is part Navajo and Hopi and was raised in Mesa, Arizona. Before coming to NAFFA in April 2019, Susan worked at the Casino Arizona Talking Stick as a phone operator. Her husband, Mike and her like to travel and their family includes two cats: Sushi and Fluff Ball. Susan enjoys the friendship of the NAFFA staff. Email Susan: susans@aznaffa.org
Sam Rossi- Financial Specialist/Accountant
Sam was born and raised in Tennessee and worked for Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community as the accountant handling budgets and grant funds. Email Sam: samr@aznaffa.org
Lauren Fields- Executive Director Assistant
Lauren moved to Arizona from Georgia to attend Arizona State University where she studied Sociology. She grew up in a close-knit family which contributed to her passion for helping strengthen families in the community. Lauren started as an intern at NAFFA but began working with us full time post-graduation. She enjoys cooking, working out, and spending time with friends and family. Email Lauren: laurenf@aznaffa.org
Susan Ellsworth- Administrative Assistant
Susan is a native of Mesa, Arizona. She holds an associate degree from Rio Salado Community College. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family, working outdoors and cooking. Susan is the mother of 5 children. Email Susan: susane@aznaffa.org
