Justin Kodysz is the Chief Operating Officer of a mental health clinic in downtown Phoenix, where he channels his passion for mental health care into his professional endeavors. A fourth-generation resident, Justin has lived within the WPNA territory for over 30 years, grounding him firmly in the community he serves.

Since joining the WPNA in 2022, Justin has taken on the role of Vice President, following his initial position as a Member at Large. He is dedicated to increasing community participation in WPNA meetings, raising awareness about the association, and spearheading special projects that inspire local engagement. A futurist and technology enthusiast, Justin has a keen interest in design, 3D printing, and a love for his French bulldog “Domino"

Born and raised in Chicago, Mary Jo Drakle spent most of her professional career serving in administrative roles across education, publishing, banking, and healthcare. In 1995, she moved to Arizona to assist her then 80-year-old mother in the house she now occupies in the West Plaza neighborhood. Continuing her administrative career, Mary Jo found employment with the City of Phoenix Police Department’s Records division, from which she retired in 2009.

Mary Jo began attending WPNA meetings periodically and became more active in early 2012. She started serving as a Member at Large in 2017, and when the then President resigned in 2020, she stepped up to take on a more significant role as Secretary. 

Mary Jo is a corner stone of WPNA, she handles email listings, prepares minutes and monthly meeting agendas, writes the block watch grant submitted to the City, and sends notices and news tidbits to neighbors. Passionate about community engagement, Mary Jo is dedicated to ensuring that the WPNA continues as a block watch group that promotes a safe and pleasant neighborhood for all residents. She strives to make everyone feel welcome and is eager to increase participation within the community. Her aspiration is to see crime and blight become things of the past, fostering a vibrant and connected neighborhood where everyone looks out for one another.

Madeline Becchina has been a cornerstone of the WPNA for over a decade, serving as our dedicated Treasurer. Now enjoying retirement, she brings invaluable experience and unwavering commitment to managing the association’s finances. Madeline’s meticulous attention to detail and expertise have been instrumental in maintaining our financial health, including co-handling the WPNA formation grant that has significantly benefited our community.

Passionate about fostering a safe and connected neighborhood, Madeline strives to encourage more residents to get involved in community activities. She believes that increased participation strengthens our bonds and enhances safety for all. Outside of her duties with the WPNA, Madeline indulges her love for baking by contributing to the women’s club bake sale twice a year, delighting neighbors with her delicious creations and warm spirit.

Chris Montano is a lifelong member of the West Plaza community, having moved to the neighborhood with her family in 1959. As the only original remaining family member on her block, she carries deep roots and a rich history within the area. Professionally retired, Chris dedicated 30 years to the State of Arizona, progressing from a clerk to a Strategic Planner. Her work journey began at age 15 at her sister’s in-laws’ dry cleaners while attending school, and after graduating from Arizona State University, she committed herself to public service.

For the past four years, Chris has been an active participant in the WPNA, serving most of that time as a Member At Large. She focuses on initiatives that promote crime prevention and safety, such as procuring educational giveaways and staffing special events. Inspired to join by an invitation from Madeline, Chris is passionate about increasing neighbor involvement in community activities that foster connections and enhance safety. In her personal time, she enjoys sewing, watching movies, and traveling whenever she gets the chance. Although she doesn’t play as often as before, Chris still has a love for tennis—a sport she enjoyed playing for about 30 years.

Lily Ybanez is a Medical Coding Specialist at a leading non-profit hospital in Phoenix, where she contributes to the efficiency and accuracy of patient care through her expertise in medical coding. A resident of the neighborhood for four years, Lily has been actively attending WPNA meetings since she first moved in, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement.

In mid-2024, Lily took a leap of faith by becoming a WPNA Member-at-Large, happy to play a more significant role in helping her neighbors find solutions to keep the neighborhood safe. While she humbly admits she doesn’t have a “green thumb,” she finds joy and relaxation in gardening. Lily’s dedication to fostering a safe and connected community, along with her willingness to get involved, makes her an invaluable member of the WPNA board. 

For the past 27 years, Velia Jimenez has been a devoted Sunday School teacher at North Mountain Church, formerly known as Orangewood Church. A resident of the community for 22 years, she has been an active member of the WPNA for about 7 years. Velia joined the association to contribute to the neighborhood and stay informed about local happenings, driven by her desire to see the community remain clean and drug-free.

In her role with the WPNA, Velia prepares brochures and paperwork for meetings, organizes and sets up snacks for members, and warmly welcomes new attendees with complimentary bags filled with informational materials. Her hobbies include crafts, reading, and tutoring, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement. Velia’s dedication and hands-on involvement make her an invaluable asset to both the church and the neighborhood association.

Daniel Jimenez proudly retired on March 29, 2024, after a dedicated 36-year career as a landscaper with Hilton. A resident of the community for 22 years, he joined the WPNA in 2017 to learn more about the organization’s efforts and to contribute to the neighborhood he loves. Daniel is passionate about keeping the community clean, drug-free, and addressing blight.

In his role as a member-at-large with the WPNA, Daniel takes an active part in distributing brochures and meeting materials, assisting with alley clean-ups, and participating in various community events. His hands-on involvement reflects his commitment to making a positive impact and fostering a safer, cleaner environment for all residents.