Gamifying Mindfulness Through Physical Activity

For Mental Health Awareness month, Think Together is proud to shine a light on how its expanded learning programs foster students’ development, problem-solving skills and collaboration through engagement in sports and play-based activities. 

KinFlow is an immersive, imaginative sport that combines physical activity with “mental fitness” to promote healthy competition, mind and body wellness, and teamwork for Think Together students. KinFlow draws from various skill sets and consists of two teams, with each having the goal of scoring a ring into the opposing team’s “portal.” 

Megan Shea, a Think Together Site Program Manager at a Paramount Unified School District site, witnessed first-hand the impact KinFlow has on her students.  

“KinFlow has positively impacted my students through their structure, productive guidance, and engaging activities. I’ve seen our most quiet students become the loudest ones on the field due to the excitement that KinFlow brings to our school,” said Megan. “It’s important to have activities like these in our afterschool programs, so that every student has the chance to participate in something new.” 

Think Together has partnered with KinFlow since the summer of 2023 to bring their unique sport to elementary and middle school sites in the Paramount Unified School District. 

Together, we’ve hosted tournaments during summer sessions and throughout the year for students to engage with peers from neighboring schools. 

Think Together students like 4th grader Miguel are thrilled to participate in KinFlow. Miguel is partaking in his second KinFlow season and is actively preparing for the culminating tournament at the end of the school year.   

“My favorite thing about KinFlow is that you use teamwork to play with your friends. I’ve learned how to pass the ring and not get mad over who has it or if they miss a shot,” Miguel shared. “This season, I’m most excited to play with new friends and get ready for the next tournament to win gold again, which we plan to win through teamwork and communication.”   

KinFlow’s Founder Zach Fisher says he designed the game in a way that naturally facilitates mindfulness practices, so it feels approachable, inclusive, and intuitive. He explains the exercise of mindfulness can help students self-regulate their emotions and find a peaceful state, no matter how high the emotions of the game are.  

Students from transitional kindergarten to high school all benefit from gaining skills such as goal-setting and self-regulation, which studies show can lead to higher levels of “school functioning” which are reflected in their test scores, attendance, and schoolwork. 

Fisher explained that by the age of 13, 75% of children quit youth sports, a number that he says is on the rise because, while children have a desire to participate in club sports and/or competitive sports, they can be very costly. Fisher believes Think Together contributes to children’s desire to participate in club sports without the pressure of cost.  

According to Henry Ford Health, youth sports amplify life skill knowledge, reduce stress, and lead to better mental health in adulthood. 

Think Together’s partnership with KinFlow highlights our dedication to providing a well-rounded academic experience that prepares students for bright and balanced futures.  

On April 26, over 100 volunteers met at Think Together’s Home Office in Santa Ana to spend the day assembling curriculum kits to be distributed to school sites to aid with summer programming. The volunteers represented organizations such as TopGolf, National Charity League, Assistance League, Pioneer Circuits, BNY, Deloitte, Taylor Law, Pacific Life and RMH.  

This event is the second year in a row that Think Together has moved away from a traditional gala fundraiser. This year’s Kit Build has generated $200,000 for Think Together programs and 1,500 kits that will benefit nearly 28,000 students this summer. 

Think Together’s approach combines fun with learning, giving students opportunities to learn new skills and stay sharp on others before school starts again in the fall. One lesson from the curriculum kits students will learn this summer is how to work together to make parade floats that they will present to friends and family during a culminating event. 

Starting as early as mid-May, Think Together will partner with school districts to run 4–6-week summer learning programs filled with enriching lessons, field trips and opportunities to keep connected to friends.  

Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors for another successful Kit Build!  

Keeping Donors Connected to the Mission 

We’ve noticed a growing trend among our donors: they want to play a more active role in helping students directly. From intimate corporate office activations to larger-scale events, we’re creating opportunities for them to make a real impact. 

Recently, Honda and the Assistance League of Tustin participated in book doctor volunteer events, where volunteers collected, repaired, and sorted books to support literacy across the state. Thanks to their efforts, 4,200 books will be distributed to students over the next few weeks.  

Nossaman LLP’s Los Angeles office also participated in mock interviews with students from Perris and Heritage High Schools as part of WREP, offering feedback and tips to prepare students for their future careers.  

Looking to join in on helping students? Save the date for our Inland Empire backpack event on July 26! We are seeking partnerships to fill backpacks with the supplies necessary for students to start the school year on the right foot. If you’re interested in supporting or sponsoring, please reach out to [email protected].  

1,500 summer learning curriculum kits will benefit students across the state this summer. 

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 28, 2025): Think Together,  California’s leading nonprofit provider of expanded learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and school improvement services, held a donor and volunteer engagement event at their Santa Ana headquarters where they raised $200,000 and assembled over 1,500 curriculum kits and book bags to enhance summer learning for over 28,000 students across the state.  

Research from Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) suggests that students in under-resourced communities can lose up to three months of progress from the previous academic year compared to their wealthier peers. By providing access to engaging, high-quality summer learning experiences, Think Together helps bridge that gap, boosting skills in math, reading, and social-emotional development while keeping students motivated and connected through the school break. 

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our volunteers and donors who helped create meaningful educational experiences for students this summer,” said Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “This event not only provided an opportunity to directly impact students’ summer learning, but it also reinforced the power of private and public partnership to help ensure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.” 

The event marks the second year Think Together has hosted a seasonal kit build, attracting nearly 100 volunteers and sponsorships from organizations such as TopGolf, National Charity League, Assistance League, Pioneer Circuits, Pacific Life, BNY Wealth, Deloitte, Taylor Nelson Amitrano LLP and PWC. Participants assembled summer learning enrichment kits filled with supplies for hands-on activities in STEAM, English language arts, physical education and visual arts.  

Over the last two years, Think Together has shifted to giving donors more interactive ways to engage with its mission. Events like kits builds, books doctors and classroom readings offer donors and supporters the hands-on opportunity to contribute directly to student success in real-time.  

“We’ve noticed that our donors and supporters want to do more than just write a check, they want to get involved with helping students directly. Between smaller donor activations at corporate offices to larger-scale events like this, we’re giving them that opportunity to impact students in a meaningful way,” added Barth.  

Starting as early as mid-May, Think Together will bring a fun and enriching summer camp experience to their school district partners over 4-6 weeklong sessions with lessons in team building, physical activity and academic enrichment in addition to field trips and on-site experiences for students. One lesson from the curriculum kits students will learn this summer is how to work together to make parade floats that they will present to friends and family during a culminating event. 

Last summer, Think Together was contracted to serve students across 280 schools, and this year’s hands-on volunteer event continues to build on that momentum, ensuring even more young learners have access to high-quality enrichment that supports their academic and personal growth.

About Think Together    

Think Together partners with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool, school improvement, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org. 

Think Together appoints another key leader as it expands services and impact across California.  

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 23, 2025) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of expanded learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and school improvement services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cobán López as Area Vice President. In this role, López will oversee Think Together’s direct student programs, working to expand educational access for students from Santa Barbara County to Sacramento County and beyond. 

As Area Vice President, López will be instrumental in advancing Think Together’s five-year strategic plan, which aims to double its footprint and increase the reach of expanded learning programs across California while scaling its impact. His leadership will focus on cultivating strategic partnerships, enhancing staff development and retention, and collaborating with school districts and community leaders to address educational disparities and make a lasting positive change on entire communities.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Cobán López to Think Together,” said Randy Barth, Founder and CEO of Think Together. “His commitment to education and strong track record in program innovation make him a natural fit for this next phase of growth. Together, we’re building the systems and partnerships needed to scale our impact and ensure that more students have access to the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.” 

López brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development and education leadership to Think Together. His deep-rooted passion for student enrichment stems from his own experiences, having benefited from dedicated mentors, teachers, and after-school programs throughout his academic journey.  

Prior to joining Think Together, López served as the Director of Programs for the 49ers Foundation, leading its S.T.E.A.M. Education and Health and Wellness programs, which reached over 20,000 students annually across 14 Northern California counties. His previous leadership roles also include seven years at Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School, where he played a key role in enrollment, community relations, athletics, and school business operations. 

“My personal and professional connection to youth development has guided much of my career, and Think Together’s vision of ensuring all kids get a great education aligns closely with my own vision for improving access to quality education,” said López. “This role presents an exciting opportunity to build on Think Together’s success and develop programs that provide students with the resources and mentorship they need to reach their full potential.” 

Raised in the Bay Area, López attended Redwood City public schools and St. Francis High School in Mountain View before earning a bachelor’s degree in public service and social change from San José State University and a Master of Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University. 

For more information about Think Together and its expanded learning programs, visit thinktogether.org.  

About Think Together 

For over 25 years Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.  

Desert Hot Springs High School Students Dazzle at Fashion Week El Paseo 

Desert Hot Springs High School (DHSHS) Fashion II class students brought their creativity to life at Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Desert. In partnership with Think Together, these fashion class students showcased their creations at one of the largest fashion events on the West Coast with the theme Magical Fairy Garden. 

The DHSHS fashion class students collaborated with Think Together fashion club students at Raymond Cree Middle School to create matching jewelry pieces for the designs. 

Together, these students exhibited their creativity and teamwork, blending fashion and innovation to bring a cohesive look to life on the runway.   

Thank you to The Desert Sun for highlighting the event’s magic! 

The National Afterschool Association (NAA) Honored Alexis Rivas as 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders 

Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Alexis Rivas has received the prestigious honor of being named a 2025 NAA Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. This recognition is awarded to emerging leaders in the out-of-school time field who have demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and a dedication to advancing their work as afterschool professionals. 

Alexis’ impactful work has equipped Think Together students and families with the essential resources needed to thrive. Much appreciation to Inland Empire Community News for featuring this momentous event.  

Congratulations, Alexis!  

Speaking Up for Afterschool Programs at the 2025 California Afterschool and Summer Challenge 

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department at Think Together used their voices to advocate for the importance of out-of-school time programs at the 2025 California Afterschool and Summer Challenge in Sacramento.  

FACE team members Joel Salazar, Alexis Rivas and Sara Orellana acted as team leaders at the event, providing guidance for afterschool and school-age care professionals. The team also joined in to rally for the value of afterschool programs and met with leaders like Senator Susan Rubio, Senator Sabrina Cervantes, and Assemblymember Robert Garcia.   

Read more about how the FACE team made an impact here. 

Think Together recognized at the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards 2025 

Think Together is proud to announce our partner, AT&T, has been named a nominee at the 2025 LABJ Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards for their transformative work with the online platform, The Achievery. This platform has enhanced digital learning experiences across 175 schools throughout Los Angeles County by equipping students with essential academic and life skills. 

Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Organizational Development Holly Perry was also recognized as a 2025 LABJ Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards nominee. Holly’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding and enhancing Think Together’s programs within Los Angeles County and beyond, creating a culture of innovation that directly benefits the students and communities served. 

Congratulations to Holly and AT&T!

Orange County Business Journal Features Think Together in the 2025 Giving Guide 

Think Together is thrilled to be among the list of over 77 nonprofits in Orange County dedicated to improving our community. The 2025 Giving Guide, created by the Orange County Business Journal, offers a look into the generous work being done by organizations that are creating change and strengthening our community through kindness.  

Thank you, Orange County Business Journal! 

TD Bank Gives Voice to Think Together’s Mission 

In Coachella Valley, I had the privilege of sharing Think Together’s mission with a crowd of 800 top wealth managers at TD Bank. This year’s theme, “Working Together in a Divided World,” resonated greatly with our own goals of partnership, innovation, and excellence. 

A big thank you to TD Bank for giving us a platform to share our story, and for their generous $20,000 donation to help us continue supporting students and their futures. 

Do you have a theme song for your life? America Lowe does, and it reflects how she has dealt with success and challenges as a Site Program Manager at Della S. Lindley Elementary in Palm Springs. After three years at Think Together, America will start the next part of her journey as a Program Quality and Compliance Specialist, where she can contribute on a bigger scale. Read about America’s journey below.

What is your Think Together “why?”

My “why” is to create a safe, supportive space where students can grow. I joined to make a difference beyond the classroom and seeing their progress – big or small – continues — big or small— continues to inspire me every day.

What were some challenges and successes your team faced this past year?

Working with students with disabilities has been a rewarding yet challenging aspect of our work. We often need to tailor our curriculum and instructional strategies to meet their unique learning styles and needs. For example, providing additional one-on-one support, modifying lesson plans and incorporating sensory or behavioral interventions are sometimes necessary. This requires extra coordination among our staff, specialized training and close collaboration with families to ensure that every student feels understood and supported.  We find success through the strong relationships we have built with our local stakeholders and families. Through them, we have enriched our program.

What is your theme song for life and why?

 My theme song is Rise Up by Andra Day. It reminds me to keep pushing through challenges and to lift others up along the way.

 What is one of the most important traits to have when working at Think Together and with your team?

 Collaboration. Working together, sharing ideas and supporting each other helps us create the best experience for our students.

Choose one: binge watch your favorite shows, spend the day doing your favorite workout (bike riding, yoga, CrossFit, etc.) or try out a new restaurant?

I’ll go with binge-watching my favorite shows. There’s nothing better than getting cozy and diving into a good series. One of my favorites is Grey’s Anatomy – I’ve watched it so many times, and it never gets old!

You have recently transitioned from Site Program Manager to Program Quality and Compliance Specialist. What are you most excited about in your new role? 

I’m really excited about the chance to make a difference on a bigger scale. Having worked as a Site Program Manager, I’ve seen what works and what could be improved firsthand. Now, as a Program Quality and Compliance Specialist, I get to bring those insights to all our sites, tweak programs to better support our teams and students, and work with a wider group of people.

Do you have a student story that has stuck with you?

One student that has really stuck with me is a first grader who struggled with following directions and often became overwhelmed: sometimes running away or shutting down completely. One day during snack time, she refused to follow instructions and ran off. It was a challenging situation, but with patience, teamwork and support from her behavior intervention aide, we were able to ensure her safety and find ways to help her feel more comfortable in the program.

It was a reminder that every child has their own challenges, and sometimes, just having a little extra patience and support can make all the difference

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, especially my kids – they keep me busy and make life fun. I enjoy reading and just relaxing with a good book or movie. I also like trying new restaurants and going on little adventures with my husband whenever we get the chance.

For the past year, Think Together has partnered with Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC) to bring our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Enrichment Accelerator, “Behind the Scenes,” to life through an interactive technical theater program designed for students new to the arts.

Professional theater directors from ALC teach students skills like character development, script memorization, auditioning, lighting design, sound engineering, and other key elements of theater production.

To showcase these new skills, Think Together students collaborated with ALC to present productions of “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Lion king,” “Matilda,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and a variety of others at their school sites.

In addition to technical skills, students learn how to interact and work together. For eighth grade Think Together student Nathaly, she learned the value of teamwork within her role in the production of “The Jungle Book” and even made new friends along the way.  

“I like the fact that we have new experiences since we don’t really get a lot of programs like this. It’s been really cool to see how things work in theaters,” said Nathaly. “It helps me build new skills and I’ve learned a lot about teamwork. Even those kids who, like me, were shy, got to experience new things.” 

Many in the ALC program had never participated in or been to a theater production, making this a completely new experience for them.

“Consistently, I’ve seen kids push past embarrassment, push past being silly when it’s not always cool to be silly. They have each shown significant growth just in believing in what they’re capable of,” shared Tony Pelayo, Arts and Learning Conservatory teaching artist. “Part of this program has been challenging each and every student to really do something they’ve never done before and do it with boldness.” 

For the 2024-2025 school year, Think Together served 320 students with 70 hours of exposure to the ALC program across 10 weeks of curriculum, with 35% of students saying they feel more confident and interested in school. ALC currently operates their immersive and technical theater program in all 27 schools in Compton Unified School District that Think Together partners with.  

“Think Together’s vision is that all students in California, particularly those from historically marginalized groups, are graduating from high school with all life options available. To accomplish this, we work to identify other community partners who can provide exposure to unique program experiences such as this one,” said Jaclyn Aviles, Senior Strategist and leader of the enrichment accelerator initiative for Think Together. “By exploring STEAM, students find passions and talents they didn’t know they had.”

After a successful school year in Compton Unified School District, the ALC and Think Together partnership is planning to expand to additional school districts across Southern California. The ALC program is only a fraction of what Think Together offers within our enrichment accelerators, which expand to sports and dance.

Alexis Rivas becomes fifth Think Together leader to receive the prestigious honor.

Santa Ana, Calif. (March 28, 2025) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning and school improvement programs, is proud to announce that the National Afterschool Association (NAA) has named Think Together Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Alexis Rivas as one of the NAA’s 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. The NAA celebrated Rivas alongside 29 other NextGen Leaders during the NAA25 convention in Nashville, March 9-12. 

Rivas joined Think Together as a Family and Community Engagement Coordinator for the San Bernardino Region in 2023. In her role, she identifies resources for Think Together families and communities, ensuring students have the support they need to reach their full potential. She has earned recognition for helping her school communities thrive, including a 2024 30 Under 30 Award from Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes for her impact in the Inland Empire. 

“Alexis has done an outstanding job engaging stakeholders across the San Bernardino County region,” said San Bernardino West and East Executive Director of Programs Alberto Barajas. “Her leadership has been instrumental in improving student attendance and engagement at sites, whether through outreach, recruitment, or distributing fliers. She has also played a key role in delivering professional development during our monthly regional meetings.” 

Think Together’s Family and Community Engagement is instrumental to bringing together resources to school districts and families to improve student outcomes and ensure educational excellence for all students can be achieved. In 2024, the team delivered nearly 8,000 family resource fliers across Think Together’s regions ranging from site event invites to family resource brochures to newsletters. Their efforts help strengthen school-community partnerships and provide families with valuable support. 

Think Together proudly welcomes Alexis Rivas to the list of outstanding leaders who advocate for the importance of afterschool programs. She joins past Think Together NAA honorees Hernan Sanchez (2022), Helen Welderufael (2021), Alberto Barajas (2018), and Stacy Galdamez (2017). 

NAA’s Afterschool Today magazine will feature the honorees in its Spring 2025 issue. Read more from the National Afterschool Association here. 

About Think Together 

Think Together partners with schools and communities to pursue educational equity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool, school support services and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org. 

Orange County Business Journal Features Think Together Home Office Redevelopment

Major changes are in motion at Think Together! Thank you to the Orange County Business Journal for featuring Think Together’s home office transformation. The three-acre campus on Fourth Street will be redeveloped into a proposed seven-story, multi-family residential complex featuring 270 units. This project will provide housing for middle-class professionals like teachers, police officers, firefighters and office workers. We are proud to offer a welcoming and safe space for our community. 

Read more about Think Together’s redevelopment project here.

Building Brighter Futures in Coachella Valley with Senior Director of Fund Development Sarah Wills 

Senior Director of Fund Development Sarah Wills sat down with Coachella Valley-based podcast host Kelly Tweedie for her “Women You Should Know” series. Sarah shared about her role within the organization and the exciting opportunities being brought to students in the Coachella Valley through Think Together’s partnership with Palm Springs Unified School District.  

On March 18, fashion class students from Desert Hot Springs High School will be collaborating with Think Together to display their work at Fashion Week El Paseo. Think Together is the benefiting charity for the event’s student evening.  

Purchase tickets here to see their designs in person!

Think Together Leaders Inspire on the Stage and Behind the Scenes  

March was packed with Think Together’s top leaders connecting with visionaries in the nonprofit and education sectors. By sharing their experiences, these leaders were able to collaborate on ideas that will create an everlasting impact for educators and students. 

Orenda Education Leadership Presented New Methods to Ignite Growth at the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Superintendents Symposium and California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) 

Orenda’s Founder and President Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle shared her expertise at the ACSA Superintendents Symposium and CALSA.  

ACSA is an annual event that brings school leaders from California together, giving them access to professional learning, networking and advocacy. Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle’s session, Aligning Equity Goals with Student Outcomes in Challenging Political Times, offered practical strategies for leaders navigating shifting policies, resource constraints, and the ever-present urgency to improve learning conditions for all students. 

At CALSA, Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle led a powerful discussion on Equity Leadership Beyond Compliance—challenging conventional wisdom, diving into data-driven strategies, and sharing research-backed insights on leading equity initiatives that truly deliver results for students. 

Think Together Director of District Partnerships Bruce Williams and Executive Director of Programs Eddie Garcia presented with Coordinator of Expanded Learning Opportunities Joyce Taylor from Paramount Unified School District at Association of California School Administrators Region 17 (ACSA17). These exceptional leaders shared their expert knowledge on collaboration in expanded learning.  

Think Together leaders were also present at the California Association of Asian & Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE). The annual CAAPLE conference is designed for a range of beginner to experienced educators, focusing on their core values of Advocacy, Alliance and Advancement.

Think Together Director of Communications Elena Bosch, APR, Sparked Dialogue During the 2025 PRSA Western District Conference

At the 2025 PRSA Western District Conference, Director of Communications Elena Bosch, APR, moderated an engaging session among communicators in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. Topics ranged from crafting compassionate messaging to strengthening strategic stakeholder engagement.  

Also at the conference was Erin Edwards, senior director of marketing and communications at Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Think Together foundation partner, who shared case studies for how foundations, nonprofits and for-profits can collaborate to amplify philanthropic impact.  

Think Together Art Director Maria McRoberts Featured in Creating Good Podcast

Maria McRoberts, art director for Think Together, took a seat with Matt Barnes, creator of the Creating Good podcast and founder of Rogue United. During the interview, Maria discussed how the use of creativity and art can inspire change by bringing awareness to Think Together’s mission.  

Click here to hear more about Maria’s story and how she uses art to make a difference! 

Be sure to stay connected with Think Together! Follow our blog and social media at @thinktogether across most channels. From transformative community projects to inspiring student success stories, be in the know on how we’re changing the odds for kids every day.

Surfing, Bob Marley and soccer are just a few things that describe LA Metro’s Athletics and Events Project Specialist, Christopher Fernandez. Christopher’s five years with Think Together has been filled with building relationships and ensuring students have the confidence to excel on and off the field. Learn more about how Christopher is changing the odds for kids.

What inspired you to work at Think Together and pursue a career in the education field?

My biggest inspiration and greatest joy are witnessing student growth in a positive atmosphere: the smiles, the camaraderie, and the confidence. We support opportunities through sports to see students win with grace and transform losses into life lessons. This is the essence of Sports Based Youth Development.

My experience coaching students and collaborating with families has given me significant personal and professional growth. I am committed to ensuring every young person has access to sports, recognizing their power in building confidence and fostering life skills.

What has been your favorite regional sports event you have done at Think Together?

Each event offers a unique experience, but our Urban Futsal LA Collaboration truly stood out. We created an unforgettable soccer festival at the gym facility, Jump Beyond Sports, connecting student athletes (K-12) with pro coaches, players and freestyle experts. Participants enjoyed skills clinics, a freestyle showcase, player meet and greets and a thrilling futsal tournament. I curated this experience with the goal for students to foster a deeper love for the game in a positive atmosphere with high level coaches and players. 

What is your theme song for life and why?

Bob Marley’s ‘Zimbabwe’ reminds me that we each deserve to decide our own path. I try to treat every interaction, especially with students and their families, as a gift, a chance to make a difference. I want every student to feel valued and uplifted. When we come together, arm in arm, we can face anything as a community.

What is an underrated skill needed to excel as an Athletics and Events Project Specialist?

Be yourself, build connections naturally, and value who you are. Prioritize listening, especially to colleagues and the students we serve.

If you were stranded on an island, what are two items you would bring with you?

Definitely a Swiss Army knife. And a surfboard, because if you’re stuck on an island, you might as well surf, right?

What sports have you introduced to the Program?

We’ve established a competitive sports program for high school students in the Los Angeles Metro region, specifically designed to bridge the gap for charter schools that typically lack access to CIF-sanctioned athletics. Our program provides a comparable and high-quality tournament experience, enabling student-athletes to compete in premier facilities such as LAB Five and Jump Beyond Sports. We prioritize fostering positive competition and a safe environment, where skill development and confidence-building are most important. Looking ahead, our goal for the next school year is to expand our offerings by providing student-athletes with workshops focused on creating player profiles for college recruitment. Furthermore, we aim to host events that directly connect our athletes with college coaches, maximizing their opportunities to pursue collegiate athletics and careers in sports.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

I carry so many student stories with me. But the ones that truly stay with me are the moments when a student says, ‘thank you’. That’s what keeps me going, what pushes me to be my best every single day.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

After work, my greatest joy is spending time with my wife, twin boys and daughter. I’m also passionate about the outdoors, especially surfing. To stay active, I play professional beach soccer with Botafogo USA.

Programs
Get Involved
Donate