We’re excited to introduce some team changes here at Friends of Aphasia! Our new Executive Director and Board President bring care, experience, and a shared commitment to connection and communication. We’re excited for what’s ahead and so grateful to have them with us.
Joni Jones – Board President
Joni Jones lives in Tucson Arizona where she was born. She taught school in TUSD and continued her teaching career in Quito Ecuador, and Bogota Colombia. After being away for almost 26 years she moved back home to Tucson in 2006. In 2007, she became Congresswoman Giffords’ Tucson office manager and subsequently for Congressman Ron Barber. She is now retired and enjoys volunteering to facilitate aphasia groups for Friends of Aphasia.
Kym Olsen – Executive Director
Kym became aware of Friends of Aphasia (FOA) through her sister-in-law who joined FOA as a client in 2024. Kym moved to Tucson in 2025 from San Francisco and has over 20 years working in the nonprofit world. Kym’s work has focused mainly in social services and the arts. She has a MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Kym is committed to reaching more individuals experiencing aphasia, educating the community on what aphasia is, and to lead the way to innovative options for our Aphasia Groups.
