Together We…Unlock New Skills
Alexandra Vera never fails to “make it happen” for her students and her team. As an Assistant Site Coordinator in the San Gabriel Valley region, she has spent the past six years coordinating Lights On Afterschool events, keeping students engaged, and leading with encouragement.
Read below to learn more about her story.
The Why Behind It All
Growing up, Alexandra spent time at her local teen center, playing sports, making crafts, going on field trips, and volunteering at community events. It was a space that she could simply be a kid. The teen center made her feel safe and welcomed her there when things at home were difficult.
This experience inspired Alexandra to give back to her community and create a welcoming space for younger generations. She wanted students with similar backgrounds to feel safe and comfortable being themselves while gaining skills to grow and excel academically. Six years ago, she joined Think Together and found her calling as an Assistant Site Coordinator.
This position allows her to coordinate her own mini program and coach her own team while still being under the guidance of her Site Program Manager. Alexandra’s favorite part of being an Assistant Site Coordinator is working side-by-side with Daisy Gomez, her Site Program Manager. Alexandra and Daisy make a great team, bringing positivity to every day and supporting each other along the way.
Alexandra hopes more people understand the important role Assistant Site Coordinators play. Like many of her peers, she supports the core program while also managing a Kinder Gap program. The goal is to always put students first, and she wants to recognize the part that she and other Assistant Site Coordinators contribute.
The Ins and Outs of the Assistant Site Coordinator Role
A day in the life of an Assistant Site Coordinator is more complex than many may think!
Alexandra’s day usually starts by preparing all the materials needed for the program and setting her team up for success. At her site, she coordinates the Kinder Gap program with a team of six Program Leaders. She and her team greet students every day at noon and start the program with a fun activity to set a positive tone for the students.
As students arrive, the classroom fills with students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. The day includes an opening game, supper, academic achievement time, physical activity, and enrichment. Once the day is done, she takes time to greet parents and check-in with them.
The best part of Alexandra’s day is seeing her students for the first time. She makes it a point to start the day off with positive energy, reminding students that Think Together is a place full of excitement and learning. Alexandra’s mindset must be working because students are always ready to start the day off right with huge smiles and hugs!
Advice for a New Assistant Site Coordinator
“Start each day on a positive note! Your attitude sets the tone for your team and students. Creating a fun and positive environment starts with you. Once that environment is created, things tend to fall in place for you!”
Alexandra notes that newcomers may tap into skills they never knew they had! When she entered the role, she knew that she would be working in an education environment, but she soon learned she was also a talented event planner. Think Together’s annual, Lights On Afterschool event has turned her into an event-planning pro! After four years of coordinating Lights On events, she has developed the knowledge and confidence to bring great events to life. A little bit of music, food, crafts, and games can bring a community of families together for an epic night!
Beyond the Role
When she isn’t creating a show-stopping event for Lights On Afterschool, you can find Alexandra enjoying a movie night with her friends and family. Her cat, Reese, will also join in on the fun. If she isn’t at home watching the newest movie release, she can be found traveling and exploring new places with the people she loves the most.
