24 SEPTEMBER 2023 W hen Daniel Openden moved to the Valley 16 years ago, he only knew one person. Today, he is widely recognized as a community leader making a difference in the lives of thousands. Openden is the president and CEO of Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC), a nationally-renown authority on autism. Openden earned his doctoral degree at U.C. Santa Barbara in special education. His first encounter with the developmental disability happened when he worked as an aide for a second-grade student in a mainstream classroom. That scenario forever changed his perspective. “The experience led me to believe that kids with autism can be educated in the same environments as anybody else and integrated into inclusive communities,” Openden said. These days, he is making that integration a reality throughout the Valley by creating inclusive communities with many support programs. No wonder Phoenix has been acclaimed by PBS as the “Most Autism-Friendly City in World.” “I joined SARRC as clinical services director, and six years later, was promoted to CEO,” Openden said. “I remember thinking I had so much to learn because it was a huge responsibility and the first job where I thought there was a realistic chance I could be fired.” Not the case, as Openden recently celebrated ten years with SARRC, and under his leadership, it has grown to four campuses with a staff of over 200. His goal is to add five more campuses by 2030. “Danny is a passionate leader who cares deeply about individuals and families impacted by autism. He leads locally, nationally and wherever he goes, living his priorities at home, within our community and on behalf of SARRC,” co-founder Denise Resnik said. The Phoenix Business Journal has named Openden a “Most Admired Leader,” an honor bestowed upon the Valley’s outstanding businessmen and women. Openden grew up in L.A. His mother was a casting director for NBC, so he had various acting roles in children’s TV programs and credits that experience with giving him the confidence he now enjoys as a public speaker. “Both my parents were such a big influence on me. My dad was a school counselor, and I’m convinced that’s where my interest in education comes from,” he said with pride. No one would ever question Openden’s confidence, least of all his wife, Erica. They met in Las Vegas, striking up a conversation in a taxicab line. Timing, as they say, is everything, and two years later, he proposed to her in the same cab line. They have two boys, Grady (14) and Cody (10), who are active in club baseball. Openden coaches Little League, and this year his Arcadia All-Star team became district champions and went to the State Finals, finishing runner up. When he isn’t working, coaching, or watching his kids play baseball, his free time is spent exercising, playing golf, attending concerts, or reading anything he can get his hands on. His favorite book is The Alchemist , so no surprise that he subscribes to the author’s philosophy. “I believe experiences and relationships are far more valuable than possessions,” he said. A strong-held opinion he embraces and lives out. Dr. Daniel Openden Experiences and relationships are far more valuable than possessions. PLANT HEALTH CARE EXPERTS SERVING ARCADIA AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR OVER 10 YEARS. CALL 480-549-0590 FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! ROC #313230 Licensed I Bonded I Insured Member of AZ Landscape Contractors Association Your Personal Landscape Experts atoztreeandturf.com PRO TIP: GET YOUR ROSES IN TOP SHAPE! It’s hot. Roses and plants are getting sunburned. Water is essential but improving the soil will improve plants. Sun stress and general plant health will benefit from Humic Acid. These wonder-working soil amendments stimulate root development and strengthen plants. It’s also time to schedule your fall Rose treatment! Make sure your Roses are safe from thrips and aphids with an insecticide blend to include Rose-specific fertilizer. At A to Z Tree & Turf, our licensed and certified Plant Health Care Specialists can assess the current health of your landscape plants. We’ll formulate a detailed plan to maintain and address your landscape needs. ¥ Plant Health Care ¥ Design - Build - Install ¥ Planting & Hardscapes ¥ Irrigation & Lighting ¥ Artificial Turf ¥ Beautification & Enhancements