Every day, Tucson families trust their most important decisions with Heather M. Strickland, an LGBT adoption attorney. They trust her not only because of her sterling track-record and relentless work-ethic but also because she takes the time to listen and understand EVERY situation. They also trust her because she has experience with the system from both sides…
While young, Heather had a friend who desperately needed to live with a new family. She bravely convinced her parents to take up this challenge, only to watch the effort and desire required to follow-through. Heather was deeply touched not only by her families courage but also by how supportive her community became to lift and protect her young friend.
Flash forward to adulthood and motherhood. Heather has devoted herself to providing the precious gift of family to all of Tucson’s youth. It is important to her that every child has the support and love of a caring, nurturing family. Trust Heather Strickland as you work to build your family through adoption.
Why Heather Strickland Should Be Your LGBT Adoption Attorney
Adopting a child can be a gauntlet for any parenting couple. This is only exacerbated when you are an LGBT couple trying to build your family through adoption. Heather Strickland can help you navigate the turbulent waters and keep you moving towards your family goals!
Why MyersStrickland, PLLC?
MyersStrickland is a boutique law firm focusing its practice on family building through adoption and assisted reproduction. They have the privilege of working on more than three hundred adoptions a year – more than any other law firm in the state. Their expertise allows us to provide exceptional representation in all types of adoptions – whether you are pursuing an independent adoption, working with an adoption agency, are a stepparent or relative, or adopting a child from foster care. They are committed to the ethical and compassionate representation of expectant parents or prospective adoptive parents.
When it takes more than just two to make a baby, MyersStrickland is there to assist with the legal aspects of your donated sperm, eggs or embryos, and your relationship with a gestational carrier. They guide you through the legal landscape in Arizona and help you develop the best journey to parenthood for you and your family.
At MyersStrickland, they value and welcome ALL families.
Attorney Heather M. Strickland is a native Tucsonan and has been practicing adoption, assisted reproductive technology and family law in Arizona since 2005. She is a proud Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and a recipient of a 2017 Angels in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) for her dedication to positive child welfare practices.
Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Self-Defense & Fitness is a unique, queer-friendly martial arts and self-defense gym open to all ages, skill levels, and fitness levels. Rising Phoenix has named this branch of their program The Rainbow Connection.
Our Approach
Founded in 2014, Rising Phoenix takes a different approach to self-defense training by using therapeutic martial arts instruction to promote healthy human connection, emotional control, and the importance of consent.
Each class focuses on street-smart self-defense skills and concepts designed to be immediately applicable to real-world situations. The self-defense we teach is based on Israeli Krav Maga, specifically intended to be practical, functional, and quick to learn.
In 2021, the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame named Rising Phoenix the Best Krav Maga School in Tucson.
The Rainbow Connection
Rising Phoenix provides a welcoming environment for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to be themselves, gain confidence, and learn valuable skills. Rainbow Connection is our weekly donations-based self-defense class for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Rainbow Connection was established as part of Rising Phoenix in 2016. The program was created by former gym member James Cook, who saw the need for self-defense training among his fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our Rainbow Connection classes provide training specifically designed to address concerns in the queer community. We practice trauma-aware instruction, focused on helping students take ownership of their minds and bodies to challenge their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of.
Rainbow Connection is a safe place. Its dedication is to helping participants effectively learn and use assertiveness and self-defense skills in uncomfortable, intimidating, and scary situations. Our instructors and students use their strengths to help, support, and encourage each other to succeed.
Our Classes
Tucson’s Rising Phoenix offers a variety of self-defense, martial arts, and fitness classes, ranging from Krav Maga, Yoga, and Group Fitness, to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Weapons Tactics, and more!
We have two donations-based classes that are open to the public: Our Rainbow Connection LGBTQIA+ self-defense classes every Saturday from noon – 1:00 p.m., and our women’s self-defense classes every Friday from 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
One-on-one private lessons, small-group private lessons, customized group workshops, and corporate training sessions are also available.
Our Owner
The founder and owner of Rising Phoenix, Jesse James Tucker, has been teaching self-defense and Krav Maga for over 15 years. He holds black belts in four different Krav Maga systems. He is also a certified Krav Maga instructor with the Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA).
Jesse has been inducted into both the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He was named Defense Master Instructor of the Year in 2021 by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Reviews
Matt S.
“Stepping into a martial arts gym can be really scary, especially when you’re not a “Tough Guy,” but summoning my courage and walking through the doors at Rising Phoenix is the best thing I’ve done since relocating to Tucson three years ago. Jesse and his fellow instructors go out of their way to make people of every age, body type, culture, and orientation feel welcome and empowered with the best in modern martial arts training.
Rising Phoenix’s Krav Maga isn’t static: It’s constantly evolving and incorporating techniques from kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and catch wrestling, alongside the tried and true martial education in Israeli Krav Maga you’d expect. Rising Phoenix also offers more stuff than Krav Maga, too: specialized instruction in Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai, weapons, and you can take as much as you want for one price. I look back at the years I’ve spent training here and see a totally changed me. I’m tougher physically and psychologically, and my day-to-day life is better for it. Thanks, Jesse!”
Kristina S.
“I can honestly say training at Rising Phoenix is one of the best decisions I have EVER made. Whether you are at a beginner or advanced level in Krav Maga, BJJ, etc, this place makes you feel right at home. I have never met any instructors who are as passionate about teaching self-defense. Jesse, Chance, and Alicia are three of the most amazing people I have met in Tucson. I can ask endless questions, pose endless scenarios, and someone is ALWAYS ready to help and answer my questions.
Instructors will stay after class with you for more than an hour to discuss your personal training plan, answer any questions you might have, or just to talk about your experiences and what brought you to Rising Phoenix. They care about your personal experience and want to help you get what kind of training you’re looking for.… I have learned so much from Rising Phoenix, and I cannot wait to continue my training. I have gone to other gyms in Tucson, but there is no place better to train than Rising Phoenix. The atmosphere and the instructors are unbeatable.”
Jeremiah Thomas
“The people here are amazing. The instructors are professional, helpful, willing to show techniques that meet your fitness level, and very supportive. The training here is awesome. From real-life situations to multiple scenarios per technique, the instructors here are on top of their game. The group fitness class is great. It will work you into fighting shape pretty effectively. If you come, just say hi to anyone, and you will find a friend at this gym. I have been coming here for a couple of years now. Every new person is immediately treated as someone you’ve known for a lifetime. It really does make this such an inviting place to learn how to defend yourself and others.”
Company Name: Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense Office Address: 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Suite 4, Tucson, AZ 85712 Contact Name (s): Jesse James Tucker Phone (s): (520) 838-1592 Email: tucsonrisingphoenix@gmail.com Pricing: sliding scale Website:https://tucsonselfdefenseandfitness.com/ Office hours: (Please check our website for class times)
From the brilliant, creative mind of Courtney Kelly comes this whimsical yet intimate portrayal of man’s furry friends. I have always been a HUGE animal lover.
Besides our baby, Keeley Bear, we regularly feed and care for neighborly cats, transient rabbits, and all matter of migrating birds. It was hard for me to express my love devotion for life’s most vulnerable and delicate creatures until I first laid eyes upon my favorite Courtney Kelly masterpiece, “Greyhound De La Muerte”. (pictured above)
Now, thanks to the wonders of the internet, you too can have your very own Courtney Kelly displayed prominently above your fireplace.
For a nominal price, CourtsArt (partnered with Etsy Art) will delivery a high-quality archival print of any one of her fantastic works, including “High Five Kitty” (pictured right) and many others. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/courtsart to view the entire catalog and let Courtney know how much you love her!
Combat Krav Maga Tucson has been teaching reality-based self-defense to the Tucson community since 2015. It is owned by Jenna Herder who has been practicing Krav for over 18 years. She has her 3rd degree Black Belt from the United States Krav Maga Association.
Jenna strives to create an inclusive safe space community where everyone is accepted and cherished. Combat Krav Maga is a PROUD member of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Jenna is proud to be a part of the Tucson LGBT+ community and is excited to be hosting low cost/no cost self-defense classes and seminars for the LGBT+ community.
Hotel Tucson City Center 475 N Granada Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 622-3000
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay at the Hotel Tucson City Center. Located in the heart of Downtown Tucson’s El Presidio Historic District, our boutique hotel is within walking distance of the Old Town Artisans shopping plaza, El Presidio Park, and several bars and restaurants. Local family-owned and operated, our staff offers exceptional service with a smile.
The amenities offered at Hotel Tucson City Center provide a relaxing retreat. Go for a swim in our Olympic-size outdoor heated pool, relax in the hot tub, work out in our fitness center or grab a refreshing cocktail and bite to eat in our full-service restaurant and bar. Guests can also enjoy free parking, free WiFi, and free airport shuttle service.
Go to Roma Imports and have some of the best Italian food in Tucson.
Roma Imports is an Italian food import store with a little restaurant in the back. Nothing fancy, but absolutely Italy-icious!
I like to eat lunch there and then take home some of the home made hot Italian sausage. They have one that is really hot.
They always have incredible antipasta’s, cheeses, desserts, pastas and just about anything Italian your heart may desire.
I don’t know the owner but I do like the people who work there. The reason I’m telling you about them is because I’m Italian and everyone should know good Italian food, gay or not.
Tell them Tony Ray sent you and have a great lunch.
Roma Imports
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-792-3173
www.RomaImports.com
Roma Imports
Nutrition is one of the most misunderstood topics in the realm of health and wellness. In fact, food isn’t entirely the problem, but frequently, a symptom. That’s why there are Wellness Concepts.
About Jaye Alynn
Jaye Alynn’s holistic approach to health and weight management through diet addresses simple elements of your metabolic response to food. It also integrates other factors such as your food culture, your food beliefs, and your coping mechanisms. Treating you as a whole person, you benefit from reaching your healthy goals sustainably. Therefore there is no yo-yo. Your journey leads you to your new normal with all the tools you need to answer your body’s needs as life changes – from your 20’s to your 30’s to your 40’s…
Jaye graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Denver. Subsequent studies led to her certification as Master Nutrition Therapist from the Nutrition Therapy Institute. Her specialties are auto-immune, gluten-free, and nutrition in athletic performance. Recognizing the broader disconnect between food and wellness, Jaye heavily focuses on the basic need for establishing a solid foundation of good nutrition for everybody.
Transition to Tucson
After moving out of her native state of Colorado, Wellness Concepts, LLC was opened in Tucson in May of 2019. Clients can expect a customized program that eliminates guilt and judgment by refocusing on data. Moreover, Jaye helps her clients navigate the feedback they receive from their own bodies thereby establishing meaningful forward-strategy and simple habits.
Conducted through program management principles, clients go through the same compassionate discovery process you would expect. But, then cycle it through a measurable progression that sets realistic (sub)goals, anticipates potential risks, and reviews progress. Incorporating body composition tools provides the inside information that you will never glean from your bathroom scale. Body composition analysis minimizes unhealthy weight loss and lengthy plateaus, subsequently providing a guide map.
In addition, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jaye is passionate about building strength within the community. She has a genuine eye on all the things that make each of us unique. Furthermore, the absolute greatest gift we can offer to the community and loved ones is a long, healthy life.
Reviews
Patti B.
“The closet was full of clothes I had outgrown…
Airplane seats were getting even tighter. The doctor said the best thing I could do for the knee that was killing me was lose weight. On New Year’s Day, I would start a diet. The next New Year’s Day, I would start a different diet. The daughters were saying, “mom we’re worried about you”. And so it went year after year.
Working with Jaye, the weight melted off, but it was not like the typical diet. It was very much a data-driven, proactive, interactive program where Jaye (the coach) taught me (the player) how to win the battle for my health. With her vast knowledge, expertise, and support, I was able to execute a successful game plan.
Finally 60+ pounds lighter and 100% smarter about nutrition and how to manage my body, it feels awesome to be this healthy. My bad knee is now pain-free and no longer limits my activities; I don’t dread plane seats; the closet is thinned down to sizes I haven’t worn for two decades; my daughters are ecstatic, and what I learned from Jaye will allow me to experience New Year’s Day with confidence and optimism rather than dread.
If you are ready to regain your health, Jaye is the person who can help you make that happen. Without a doubt, working with Jaye was worth every penny and the best money I have ever spent on myself!”
Jazmine P.
“Working with Jaye at Wellness Concepts has been a richly unique and empowering experience. She has taught me how to listen to my body and recognize my own derailing habits. Thereby taking ownership of my role in meeting goals. The transition away from traditional dieting dogma has opened towards sustainable lifestyle patterns. It’s nothing short of liberating and feels natural. Jaye’s program is customized to my body, my lifestyle, changing demands, and stress levels. She keeps me honest and moving in a positive direction. I would recommend her in a heartbeat.”
Wellness Concepts
Company Name: Wellness Concepts, LLC – Nutrition
Office Address: Tucson, AZ
Contact Name (s): Jaye Alynn
Phone (s): 970-889-8896
Pricing: Initial Consult is Free
Website: wellnessconceptsnow.com
Office hours: by appointment
El Rio Community Health Centers are located throughout Tucson and serve as the primary medical and dental care facilities for over 10% of our population. With such an expansive footprint, they have become known for their easy access and affordable, quality care.
What Does El Rio Community Health Center Provide?
Thanks to it’s all-encompassing mission of providing integrated, comprehensive health care options, El Rio offers a full suite of medical and dental care services. Additionally, they are a large employer in the area and offer great benefits for working there. El Rio Health is a valuable part of Tucson’s social fabric and we thank them for their contributions.
Dr. McHenry grew up in southern Indiana and attended Indiana University-Bloomington, where he received a B.A. in Human Biology and a B.S. in Neuroscience. He then went to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe, AZ and graduated in 2015. Throughout his undergrad and medical education, Dr. McHenry took on active, leadership roles in various LGBT+ organizations, including being vice president of the Hoosier Rights Campaign (IU’s chapter of the HRC), board member of Illumenate (a gay, bi, and trans men’s public health organization), and he was the founding president of the LGBTI Health Initiative at SCNM. He was also a frequent public speaker for the GLB Speakers Bureau at IU, speaking about LGBT-specific issues and experiences to various classes and advocating for the fair and equal treatment of LGBT students on campus. As a physician, Dr. McHenry continues to advocate for an end to the treatment disparities faced by minority communities in our healthcare system. He shows a strong commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and compassionate environment for patients of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and religious or spiritual affiliations. And as a holistic medical provider, he understands the impact our intersectional identities and experiences have on our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Dr. David McHenry with his Puppy Jax
Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians who specialize in holistic, natural modalities. Like MDs, they can write prescriptions, order labs and imaging, and diagnose and treat disease. Dr. McHenry’s practice is heavily focused on nutrition, lifestyle, psychological health, and preventative medicine. He also uses herbs, supplements, hormones, homeopathy, acupuncture, cupping, hydrotherapy, and spinal adjustments in the treatment of various acute and chronic diseases. He has particular interests in the areas of neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTI health. Dr. McHenry strongly believes in an integrative approach to healthcare and often suggests patients also establish care with specialists (cardiologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, etc) when appropriate. Dr. McHenry provides individualized, patient-centered care to all of his patients. Because of this, he spends more time with his patients than most doctors. New patient visits may take up to 2 hours, and follow-ups are 30-45 minutes each. This allows him the time to assess all aspects of a patient’s physical and mental health to create a truly holistic, individualized treatment plan.
In his leisure time, David enjoys anything outdoors including camping, kayaking, and hiking around Arizona with his Great Dane, Jax. He is an experienced swimmer who swam competitively for 15 years in Indiana. He also enjoys reading, particularly on the topics of history, spirituality, and psychology.
