Tell us who you are!
Robin Anderson. I’ve been married to my college sweetheart, Matt, for almost 20 years! (We were 10 when we got married. Wink, wink.) We have three awesome boys – Connor, Calvin and Charlie – so you can imagine the busyness of our home with all the sports and extracurricular activities in this season of life!
I was born in Grand Rapids, MI, but my family moved to Anderson, IN, when I was five years old. My husband is a pastor (McDowell Mountain Community Church in Scottsdale), so we’ve spent time in Dayton, OH, Oklahoma City, OK, and now Scottsdale, AZ. It’s been an amazing journey, and we are so blessed to call Arizona ‘HOME.’
What is your role here at APESF?
I am the Community Outreach Director. I communicate with families and schools to develop strong relationships and to make sure we are serving people well. We also all share office responsibilities. If you call our office, you will probably get me on the other end!
How did you end up working at APESF?
I actually began working for APESF in May of 2014. My husband and I got to know Mark and Mary Moerkerke through our church, where Mark and I are both very involved in the music ministry. That summer, our family made the decision to move back to Oklahoma City, so I had to leave APESF. When we moved back to the Valley in 2016, it just so happened that Jacqueline and her husband were making the decision to move to Maryland. APESF was looking to fill her position, and I was searching for a job. I am beyond grateful to be back and a part of the APESF family.
Why have you stayed?
I love the mission of APESF – helping families provide a school choice for their children – and I love the APESF team. It truly is an honor and privilege to work with such great people and to serve the families of Arizona.
What gets you really excited/passionate in a day’s work here?
I love all the facets of APESF – from talking with families and hearing their stories, to helping donors who are compelled by generosity, awarding scholarships to kids who are so deserving, and working closely with our partner schools – it truly is so rewarding.
Fun Fact: I also love menial office tasks like sending/receiving mail, answering phones and making deposits, so it’s the perfect job for me!
What’s your least favorite part of this job?
Hmmm…if I HAD to label something as “my least favorite part of this job,” I guess I would say it is trying to explain and help people understand the specific guidelines of the AZ Private School Tax Credit Program. The broad spectrum of it is easy to understand; it’s the nitty-gritty ins-and-outs that are so confusing.
If there was one thing you could have everyone understand about the tax credit program, what would it be?
I would love for everyone to understand that the Tax Credit is a benefit for ALL who take part in it – for scholarship families, for donors, and for schools.
Give me one surprising fact about yourself.
As a little girl, my dream was to be a singer and dancer on Broadway. I hope my office mates don’t mind an occasional song and dance!
What the team is saying…
“Where Robin is…smiles follow! She is a capable, encouraging and wise addition to our already amazing team. We are honored to have her as part of our family and mission.” – Mark, APESF Executive Director
“Robin is a true gift to our organization and to the families and schools that we serve. She truly loves others, and her warm and gentle spirit resonates. In addition, Robin has quickly grasped the complexity of the private school tax credit program and is always willing to educate our families and provide support wherever needed.” – Jenny, APESF Operations Director
“It is a joy to work with Robin because she is such a relatable, kind-hearted individual. I value her friendship on a personal level and appreciate her “can-do” attitude on a professional level. APESF is blessed to have Robin as part of the team!” – Alexia, APESF Systems & Scholarship Processing Director
“Robin is a huge asset to the team. She has a servant’s heart and is so considerate of everyone she encounters. She is compassionate toward all the families and schools we have the pleasure of serving and is one of the hardest working people I know. Her attitude and ethics are irreplaceable.” – Ali, APESF Advancement & Corporate Partnerships Director
