Are you planning on getting married soon? Make sure you hire a caring, certified, charismatic wedding officiant like Weddings by John. As your wedding celebrant, I will dedicate myself to working with you to create the perfect ceremony. I will meet with both of you either in person or virtually and together we will build a plan for your dream wedding ceremony. I have vast experience in crafting the perfect celebration that fits your needs exactly, for an elopement, huge event, or anywhere in between. It can be non-religious, semi-religious, traditional, unique, or something totally different.
I am especially thrilled to officiate LGBTQ+ couples having been with my husband for almost 30 years. As a licensed wedding celebrant, I will guide you through the process. Informing you and letting you know all the options available to you. It is my desire to individually craft your wedding ceremony to reflect your love for each other and your personal style…
Anywhere you choose.
I am located in Tucson Arizona. And, I love guiding couples to plan and execute one of the most important events of their lives together.
Testimonials for Weddings by John
“As a gay couple, we had a difficult time finding an officiant who understood who we really were and what we wanted… then we found John and couldn’t have been happier. He made our wedding beautiful, personal, poignant, magical, and perfect. Thanks, John
– Jennifer & Roo
“Not only did John create a ceremony that represented all of our wishes and hopes, but his caring, guidance and welcoming presence made our wedding ceremony perfect.”
– Robbie Sanchez
“We wanted something special for our wedding ceremony and could not have found a better person than John to make our wedding ceremony MORE amazing than we could have ever expected. Highly recommend his services.” – Janice Mitchell
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
Devereux offers LGBTQ Foster Care & Adoption services across the country and, thanks to their partnership with Human Rights Council (HRC), they are an amazing ally in serving LGBTQ youth and their families. They work to end LGBTQ Youth Homelessness by training supportive foster families and helping with the adoption process.
Devereux Arizona children and families depend upon the generosity of people like you to help the individuals and families we serve. Without community support, we would be unable to provide an extra pair of shoes for a growing teen or a holiday party for a foster child.
Did you know that your gift may qualify for the Arizona Qualifying Tax Credit Contribution? That’s right. Your tax money can go directly to the community you live in.
Support our Recreational Supplies Campaign: While individuals adhere to social distancing guidelines, we are spending more time indoors. We would like to bolster our indoor activity supplies. You can either purchase items from our Amazon wish list or donate funds to this campaign. Just visit our website and check out the Support Devereux Recreational Support Campaign. Giving was never easier!
Outpatient Services LGBTQ+ Youth Services
Devereux offers services to the LGBTQ+ population in a safe and respectful setting. Individual and family therapy is offered for members of our community who wish to explore areas related to gender identities and expression, sexual orientation, and other identified needs. Our gender expansive youth can also receive help navigating through school systems, accessing support within their community, outreach and advocacy.
Michael Chansley has been serving the Tucson community as a professional photographer since 2007. Specialties include weddings, events, portraits and sports, but available for any photographic need. As a self-employed photographer, Michael is available 7 days a week and is very quick to respond to calls and emails. Most projects photographed are edited and delivered within just a few days. Pricing is very affordable and can be flexible based on your budget and needs. A perfect 5-star review on sites like Google and Yelp testify to Michael’s work and professionalism.
Photos by Michael Chansley Photography, www.michaelchansley.com
Photos by Michael Chansley Photography, www.michaelchansley.com
Photos by Michael Chansley Photography, www.michaelchansley.com
Michael will not only give you a high quality product at an affordable rate, he will make you comfortable and enjoy working with him. Family is a big part of his life with wife, 4-year-old daughter and two dogs. Family doesn’t just stop there as he makes his clients feel like family as well they way they are treated and taken care of. His fun, sarcastic personality will make you laugh and smile whenever he is around, which is perfect if you are the one getting photographed!
Thinking about adopting? Families for Private Adoption (ffpa.org) is a not for profit agency that can help your family through the adoption process. The FPA supports and educates parents who are looking to grow their family with the aid of private adoption. Additionally, the FPA works around the many religious-based adoption agencies to specifically help LGBT families with adopting.
To meet their mission, Families for Private Adoption offers two training classes each year. They teach parents looking to adopt how to get through all the red tape and adopt a beautiful, worthwhile child. The FPA holds adoption training workshops in Phoenix, AZ. They will hold more workshops as their need for training increases. Please, click here for Adoption Training Workshops near you!
Families For Private Adoption – Loving Family
Why Trust Families for Private Adoption?
Families for Private Adoption has been serving the LGBTQ community since its inception, in 1984. In fact, it is the oldest non-profit organization in private adoption. Until 2015, all workshops were held in the Washington D.C. area. However, we recently expanded our reach and are now offering this workshop in Phoenix, Arizona.
We have recruited the state’s top-notch attorneys (all AAAA) and adoption professionals that are all encouraging and accepting of LGBTQ adoption. The aim of the workshop is to educate prospective adoptive parents on how to independently adopt in the state of Arizona. This includes presentations from attorneys, social workers, birth mothers, and adoptive parents. Prospective adoptive parents leave this workshop equipped to adopt, from start-to-finish. Topics include Arizona adoption law, ICPC, birth mom search strategies, home study requirements, communication with birth parents, and funding.
The unique nature of FPA is that we are all volunteers. No one gets paid-most of us are adoptive parents that simply wish to pay it forward. Our organization not only provides bi-annual workshops, but also “buddy” mentors for the adoption process and social events to encourage collaboration.
The FPA is making great friends as well! Currently, the FPA is working with Equality Arizona on Project Jigsaw. Project Jigsaw spreads the word about private adoption as a viable family building option for LGBT individuals and families.
I look forward to all the great things coming out of Families for Private Adoption in the near future.
Have a great day,
Tony Ray 🙂
Families For Private Adoption – Another Loving Family
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)
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.
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.