Tony brings 20 years of Arizona law enforcement experience to the Compassion Alliance board, having retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. His distinguished career included extensive work in investigative units, particularly in homicide, cold cases, and deputy-involved shootings. Tony’s time in law enforcement exposed him to the mental health struggles first responders face, which became the driving force behind Compassion Alliance.
Compassion Alliance was born out of Tony’s personal journey. After retiring, Tony sought help on his own and realized the need for a safe, supportive place for first responders to turn to before it’s too late. With his wife Melody, he’s committed to strengthening first responders’ careers and marriages—crediting their 26-year marriage to her unwavering support.
Tony’s goal is to ensure that the work of Compassion Alliance continues long into the future, providing vital support to first responders and their families for generations to come. His message is clear, “It’s ok to not be ok”.
Dr. Melody Medawar Rodarte is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine, with a heart for serving first responders. Since beginning her medical career in 2005, she has witnessed firsthand the unique health challenges they face, both from her practice and through her husband, Tony, a retired law enforcement officer. Melody believes first responders need medical teams that understand the physical and mental stresses of their work.
Compassion Alliance was founded in part due to her husband’s experience, and Melody is committed to ensuring others receive the support they need. She envisions a future where first responders are cared for holistically—mentally, physically, and within their families.
Melody’s medical expertise allows her to bring a unique perspective to the board, advocating for early interventions that can prevent long-term harm. Her goal is to provide first responders and their families with the tools and care they need to thrive in their careers and beyond.
John is a career law enforcement officer with decades of experience, most notably in homicide investigation. He served as a supervisor in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s Homicide Unit and was a key figure in the Arizona Child Abduction Response Team, where he even served as the state coordinator. After retiring early from Maricopa County, John moved to Florida and continues his law enforcement career as a Robbery Homicide Investigator in Escambia County.
John’s passion for helping first responders led him to join Compassion Alliance at its inception. Having worked alongside Tony in law enforcement, he was inspired to help shape an organization that would offer discreet, meaningful support to first responders. John’s firsthand knowledge of their struggles fuels his commitment to the cause.
His goal is to make Compassion Alliance a household name in the first responder community, ensuring help is always available for those brave enough to ask.
Jeff brings decades of experience in the construction industry to the Compassion Alliance board. Growing up working in his father’s lumber yard in Iowa, Jeff moved to Arizona in 1983 and entered the truss industry, eventually founding and running his own truss plant for 39 years before selling the business in 2022. Jeff’s passion for problem-solving and business efficiency made him a successful entrepreneur, skills he now contributes to Compassion Alliance.
Jeff’s deep respect for veterans and law enforcement inspired him to join the board, seeing Compassion Alliance as the perfect way to give back. His goal is to help TCA become the “go to” resource for first responders facing personal challenges, ensuring they receive the support and care they need.
With a background in critical thinking and operations, Jeff is committed to improving TCA’s efficiency and helping it grow to serve even more first responders in the future.
Karen brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to the Compassion Alliance board. After earning a degree in Marketing from Eastern Illinois University, she built a career in hospitality, destination management, and entrepreneurship, co-founding Kake Invitations, LLC. Karen later transitioned to the residential mortgage industry, where she’s now a top producer and mentor at Guild Mortgage.
Karen’s connection to Compassion Alliance began after attending a workshop with her husband, a 25-year Phoenix Police veteran. Inspired by the mission to support first responders, she joined the board to contribute her passion for fundraising and event planning, skills honed through years of serving on boards like the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.
Her vision is to help Compassion Alliance grow nationwide, reducing the stigma around mental health for first responders and ensuring the organization never has to say “no” due to lack of funds.
Amy is a career prosecutor who has served in Arizona since 2008, focusing on cases involving gangs, organized crime, internet crimes against children, and arson. Her work has allowed her to build strong relationships with law enforcement and fire service personnel, further deepening her respect and admiration for first responders.
Joining the board of Compassion Alliance was a natural fit for Amy, whose firsthand experience with the challenges faced by first responders inspires her to contribute to the organization’s mission. She feels privileged to assist in any way possible to support this vital work.
Amy brings a wealth of skills to the board, including legal expertise, event planning experience, and a vast network of contacts across the state. Her goal is to help expand Compassion Alliance’s reach, reducing the stigma around mental health and ensuring more first responders receive the support they need.
Julia brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the Compassion Alliance board. Outside of Compassion Alliance, Julia has full-time roles—one as an advisor and the other as a professional fundraiser—she is deeply experienced in teaching organizations how to engage their stories, connect with donors, and achieve their fundraising goals. Her background in social work also gives her a compassionate perspective on the needs of underrepresented groups, making her an invaluable advocate for the first responder community.
Julia’s mission is to help Compassion Alliance raise the funds needed to support first responders without financial limitations. Her vision is to eliminate budget concerns, ensuring the organization can provide care to everyone who reaches out. Julia is excited to be part of this impactful work, helping Compassion Alliance not only reach its goals but exceed them.
Unfortunately, some experience depression, sadness, and loneliness. The Compassion Alliances exists to provide hope and we could not do it without your support.
From the start, we knew our mission was a challenging one. At the Compassion Alliance, we want to faithfully serve those who need hope, and may not know where to turn. We strive to be present in the most painful circumstances in someone’s personal and professional life. We lean into the uncomfortable of each of these situations to allow those who are struggling to know that they have a voice and access to resources.
Your support of our mission is making a difference. If you feel so inclined, please use the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope to make your tax-free donation. The Compassion Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. You will receive a receipt for your contribution along with a special gift from our board of directors.
With a grateful heart for all that you do and with many with thanks.
Tony Rodarte
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (ret.)
Law Enforcement Consultant & Trainer