Together We…Take the Shot!

From basketball courts to the classroom, Cydrena Bonner has taken her role as Site Program Manager for the High Desert region to the next level. She makes a point to lead with love as her school serves the most students in her region while still balancing program quality.

Read more about Cydrena’s journey below.

Cydrena’s Think Journey

Cydrena was coaching a basketball team when she first saw Think Together in action and was immediately drawn to the program. Watching the positive impact, it had on students made her want to be part of something bigger than herself. She thought she was just checking out an after-school program, but it ended up becoming a career and a passion. Looking back, she’s glad she took that shot.

Collectively, she’s been with Think Together for about 10 years. Cydrena’s journey has been filled with both incredible opportunities and personal challenges. Think Together is a family business at this point! Cydrena’s mom was also a Think Together Program Leader. Unfortunately, when her mom experienced a health challenge, Cydrena had to step away from her job to provide care until one of her siblings was able to help. That support allowed her to return to Think Together, where she’s been able to continue doing the work that truly fills her heart!

The Impact

Being a Site Program Manager is much more than a title. More than anything, Cydrena hopes every student leaves knowing that someone genuinely loves them, believes in them, and cares about who they are. If they ever wonder whether they matter, she hopes they remember that they mattered to her. The goal is for every child to walk away feeling confident, supported, and knowing they always had someone in their corner—and for many of them, that person is Cydrena Bonner.

Every student she has had the privilege of working with at Mojave Vista has left a lasting impression on her. Many of her students overcome challenges every single day, and being able to provide them with love, encouragement, and a safe place to be themselves is something she will always cherish. Every school year brings new faces, but the mission stays the same: make every child feel seen, valued, and loved. Those memories never fade.

Cydrena’s mindset of leading with love and kindness is actually a learned trait. She credits her mother with the best advice she’s ever received: “Love first.” Those two simple words have shaped the way she leads, teaches, and builds relationships every day. She strives to model that mindset with her staff, knowing they’ll pass it on to students, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion. Cydrena is in awe of what can happen when love leads the way.

Beyond the Role

Summer is in full effect for Cydrena! If it involves packing a bag and going somewhere new, count her in. She loves traveling and making memories with family and friends. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a big adventure, she is always ready for the next trip. To her, summer is all about exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the journey.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, singing, dancing, and spending quality time with her family. Those moments help her recharge and remind her to find joy in the little things. Fair warning though—if her favorite song comes on; there’s a good chance you’ll catch her singing and dancing like nobody’s watching!