Together We… Are Pioneers in Education

A strong need to invest in students’ educational success is what drove Alissa Franco to be a pioneer in her field. Alissa goes beyond her title of lead Program Leader at Lakeside Middle School in the Santa Fe Springs region and continues to push the boundaries in education with new initiatives. She was a part of the team that introduced high dosage tutoring at Graves Middle School in Whittier – where her leadership led to academic gains for students and created a lasting partnership within the community. Read more to learn about what Alissa is doing next!
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here? 

It was an opportunity to gain experience working with children. My plan is to eventually become a teacher and Think Together offers hands-on experience with early learning and child education. As I have built bonds, the children have become my continued inspiration and why I am excited to come to work each day. I work so hard to make sure they have an afterschool program where they are cared for and supported in their educational journey.

The high dosage tutoring program was brand new to Graves Middle School last year, can you explain what it was like to be one of the pioneers of this program and why you were interested in the first place?

It was a scary and brand-new experience to be one of the pioneers of the program. I wasn’t sure what was expected from the program or myself. Even though I was diving into the unknown, the relationships built with my SPM, students and district members were all I needed to take on the task of introducing high dosage tutoring to the school. I was already committed to another school site but wanted to stay to take on this challenge and be a part of this exciting new program.

What do you hope the students will take away from high dosage tutoring?  

I hope students will develop a better understanding in subjects where they struggle academically. During my work, I have noticed that students are relying on technology more and not taking detailed notes. This affects their understanding, and they often feel nervous to ask questions later.  I would love to see them leave with new studying habits and the confidence to ask questions.


What is something you wish parents, teachers, and people knew about working in the education field and with students? 

 I wish they knew that patience is mandatory! Many students learn and take in information differently. It is important to learn each student’s way of understanding and with a classroom of 20 or more students, it can take some time. So, if your students are not where you expect them to be, try speaking with them. There are also times when working with students and juggling other professional responsibilities become overwhelming for teachers and Program Leaders. So, please, practice being patient with those who work with students daily. 

Is there a student story that has stuck with you? Why?

My student story taught me to believe in the power of relationship building. At the beginning of last year, there was a student, and his older brother enrolled in our high dosage tutoring program. His mother really believed they would benefit from the tutoring, but he was in another program and the transition to Think Together was hard for him. He would hide and would never participate in student activities. This student’s aversion to the program did not discourage me; instead, I decided to talk with him and continued to offer support so when he was ready to learn, we would be waiting with open arms. As our program expanded, we set him up with his own tutor, and he began to excel. Creating that relationship of support and guidance changed this student’s attitude completely and he no longer fought to stay away. It was an amazing feeling to see that we were making a difference.

What is the best piece of advice you have received that you like to share with others? 

It’s okay to make mistakes and ask for help. We are all humans with different responsibilities and mistakes are bound to happen. We learn from asking questions. Everyone learns and teaches differently and if they ask questions then they are willing to learn.

What are the professional goals you are hoping to accomplish in 2024? 

I want to gain more experience in leadership and management. I believe I have some experience, but I know I can learn more from my peers and my SPMs. I would love to take what I learn and what I know to become a SPM.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

Outside of work I love to cuddle up with my cat George and watch some of my favorite movies.

Desert Hot Springs High School Students are Buzzing with Excitement for New Barber Class 

Think Together’s Desert Hot Springs High School program has been featured on NBC Palm Springs for the launch of a new barbering class. Through the collaborative efforts among students, school admin and the Think Together staff, up to 50 students will develop and master their barbering skills. Every week, students will engage in classroom theory and kinesthetic learning in the mock barber shop. Through this hands-on approach, Think Together staff aims to instill confidence in students, encourage professional development, and create a more meaningful impact. 

Learn more about how this barbering class is changing lives here!

Tia Dwyer Named Among Leaders of Influence by the Los Angeles Business Journal 

Congratulations to Think Together’s Chief Operating Officer Tia Dwyer! Her relentless dedication to changing the odds for kids has earned her a well-deserved recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal in the 2024 Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit & Philanthropy. Tia was recognized for her exceptional ability to create an environment of success enabling our staff and organization to reach new heights. At Think Together, we are grateful for our leaders, who continuously discover new ways to make an impact beyond the classroom. 

Think Together’s Katie Roth and Jaclyn Aviles Acknowledged by LA Times as Inspirational Women in Leadership 

The celebration continues at Think Together as Executive Director of Philanthropy Katie Roth and Senior Strategist Jaclyn Aviles move forward in the Inspirational Women Forum and Leadership Awards hosted by the Los Angeles Times. 

As Executive Director of Philanthropy, Katie Roth has taken the reins of Think Together’s philanthropy strategy, ensuring that the organization’s services to students, families, and communities not only have the funding to meet but exceed the highest standards of enrichment and curriculum. Her leadership has been pivotal in securing the resources necessary to sustain and expand Think Together’s mission, impacting countless lives across the region.   

In her role as Senior Strategist, Jaclyn Aviles’ work with the enrichment accelerator initiative program has exposed students to exciting and engaging activities that go beyond what is taught in the classroom. With a positive and proactive approach to her work, Aviles sets up the teams she collaborates with for success with clear communication, honoring her commitments, and holding all leaders accountable to their best leadership. 

Congratulations to both exceptional leaders! 

When science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills come to mind, we don’t immediately associate it with creative aspects, but creativity does exist in the world of STEM. Playing with ideas increases learning, which sparks abstract concepts that lead to creative results. That is why Think Together diligently works to prepare students with the tools they need to succeed by adapting STEM lessons to them in a way that makes learning fun and creative.

One of those lessons is introducing students to our Lego STEM kits, where they can use their imagination to build a Lego amusement park with fully functioning rides and some carnival games, like bowling! Through these activities, students learn how to work together as a team, develop critical thinking skills, computer code movements, express their creativity and present their project to their peers once completed.

For Paramount Unified School District fourth grader Steven, these STEM activities are right up his alley because he aspires to be a scientist one day!  It was an exciting experience for him to step into the shoes of an engineer and thinks it’s important for kids to know these skills, so they’re aware of what some career paths might require knowing.

“We learned how engineers work very hard, and they don’t give up until they get it. It was hard connecting the engine to the Legos, but we figured it out by like listening to the steps. My favorite part about the activity is seeing it move,” Steven excitedly says.

Fifth grader Leila had an absolute blast participating in a completely new activity. The challenge came for her and her team when they had to think about how to code the separate rides to move fluidly.

“We made a Ferris wheel, and then we connected it to the Chromebook to make them work. I learned that it’s not easy for a construction person, it’s not an easy job,” says fifth grader Delilah.  “It was hard because we were trying to make one thing spin and the other ride would spin, but I was proud of myself for doing it because I thought I couldn’t do it.”

Think Together program leader Andrea Suarez, who led the Lego STEM kit activity, expressed how the goal was for students to learn how speed and collision correlate to get things in motion. It was a thrilling thing to see her students put their thinking caps on.

“I think it’s important for them to learn STEM skills because science is all around us. They use it every day, even if they don’t realize that they’re using it,” Andrea says. “It’s something that they’re going to need for the rest of their lives, it’s in everything that we do. The most exciting part was seeing everything that they came up with; their creativity really shined through.”

Think Together provides students with lessons covering STEM, English Language Arts, Sports and STEM in addition to offering academic support. Afterschool programs have the power to guide students towards a bright future and ensure they are coming to school.

We invite you to join us on October 24 at 3:30 p.m. on our YouTube channel to see firsthand the impact of afterschool programs, like Think Together, on youth across California as we celebrate the nationwide event, Lights On Afterschool.

We can change the odds for kids through the community our leaders build. Vanessa Avalos, Site Program Manager at Indian Hills Elementary in the Riverside Southwest region, is a great example of a leader who does this and has made it her mission for Think Together to be more than an afterschool program. Academic tutoring, extracurricular clubs, and community bonding events are what has helped Vanessa create a family in Jurupa Valley and a safe space for students to excel. Read on to learn more about Vanessa Avalos.
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here. 

My “why” is my students and families. I’m inspired by their growth — academically and socially. Seeing my first set of kindergarteners now in second grade has brought me so much joy. I can’t wait to see how much growth we see at the end of this school year.

What is one project/event/lesson you are looking forward to in this school year?

The event I look forward to is our family egg hunt. We host a picnic and games, and we get to celebrate with all our families.  It is a great social event where the parents are having just as much fun as the kids. It is also a way for us to strengthen our bonds within the community and create lasting memories.

How do you set your team up for success as the school year starts and how do you stay motivated?

The way I set up my team for success is being open-minded to all learning styles. In a manager position I need to be aware of how we all like to work. My team is amazing and they, along with my students, are my motivation and without them we would not have a program like we do today

Is there a student story that has stuck with you? 

During our NID program, we had the chance to work with many students with different backgrounds. My team was a host for other sites in Jurupa Valley, which is a fun challenge to bring multiple sites together. Once all students and staff were together, I made sure to let the visiting kids know that they were part of our program, even though they weren’t with us all year round.  By the end of their time with us, I had developed a bond with all these students and was sad to see them return to their home site. Good news is we still get to see them during field trips and other events and it’s great to catch up and see how much they have grown!

How do you encourage and motivate new and returning students to stop by Think Together?

I do it through our student testimonials. My team and I strive to be the best for our students, and we hope they share this with their peers and encourage them to learn more about Think Together and all the opportunities available. Once a student shows interest in Think Together, we make sure they know it’s a space where they can come for any reason. Whether it’s for homework support, enrichment clubs, sports or academics. We always keep our doors open to all students.

What are the professional goals you are hoping to accomplish in the 2024 – 2025 school year?

My goal is to provide students, families, and my staff with a safe and supportive environment. Communication with all is key. This means keeping an open and ongoing conversation with students about what they need and consistent communication with parents on how to support their child.  

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

I like to hang out with my family and play volleyball or softball. Creating memories is my favorite way to spend the weekend.  I love to travel anywhere near water but my dream vacation in 2025 is Costa Rica.

For summer 2024, Think Together piloted its newest innovation, enrichment accelerators, to select school districts to immerse students in enriching programs that open them up to the world of competitive sports, STEM skills and arts.

According to data collected by the After School Alliance, 57% of parents decide not to enroll their children in an expanded learning programs due to high costs for registration. With Think Together’s innovating enrichment accelerators, parents do not need to worry about paying the typical high price that comes along with their children participating in sport or art programs.

By partnering with community organizations like Street Soccer USA and Arts and Learning Conservatory, Think Together, along with the support of our school district partners, have been able to bring in expert coaches to teach students the game of soccer and show them what it takes to put on a theater production.

Arts and Learning Conservatory provided professional theater directors and technical directors who prepared students over the course of four and a half weeks of classes teaching them what it takes to put on a play.

Students not only learned how to embody a character but were also exposed to STEM career skills through the immersive interdisciplinary program.

This program provides hands-on experience in the tech field, such as lighting engineering, sound engineering, coding and functional design.

“A lot of them have never even been on stage, so it’s exciting and rewarding that we get to give them that first experience,” says Cybelle Kaehler, Arts and Learning Conservatory teaching artist. “We taught them a lot about vocal technique, about how to sing, the basics of acting and what it means to pretend to be a character.”

Street Soccer USA coaches worked with Think Together students for eight-to-ten-weeks to prepare them for a culminating soccer tournament. At the elementary level students competed with peers from other schools within their district, something they may not have the opportunity to do until middle or high school.

“The biggest thing with students is sportsmanship, teamwork, relationship building and trusting each other,” says Megan Rucker, Street Soccer USA coach. “Throughout the whole program we’ve been working on skill building, but it really all comes down to being a good teammate and that’s what we get to see out on the field with students. Street Soccer USA has loved working with Think Together.”

Fifth grader Miguel is proud of the work he put into learning the ins and outs of soccer and cultivating how to work together as a team to reach their goal.

“I’ve learned that it’s a hardworking sport and it has helped me improve a lot,” Miguel says. “We put a bunch of work into and hopefully we do good in our game!”

Parents of students have also responded immensely positive to Think Together’s enrichment accelerators. Think Together parent, Judith Quiroz shared how the accelerators are impacting her son Aiden.

“These extra program offerings are great! He looks forward to going to his program every day because it’s something different. It’s a different activity, a different field trip and he just loves it. It’s something great for them to do,” Judith shared.

Think Together is mission focused and aligned with community partners that have been implementing their curriculum and skills into the enrichment accelerator programs. Through strategic partnerships, we strive to build exciting experiences for students that go beyond the regular school day and academics.

Jaclyn Aviles, Senior Strategist and leader of the enrichment accelerator initiative for Think Together says, “It’s important for us to bridge strong intentional partnerships to help provide these experiences to our youth because they demonstrate engagement. Our students show up more to school because they want to be a part of these programs. They give them the skill sets, experiences and tools that they can use as they continue to develop.”

Cisco Foundation has renewed its $50,000 grant to Think Together, continuing its support for early literacy and numeracy programs in the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District (ARUSD). This funding will further the implementation of the Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) program for students in transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten.

SIPPS is now integrated into Think Together’s early learning and kindergarten academies, equipping staff with essential training to effectively deliver this structured literacy approach in the classroom. By focusing on phonological awareness, sound spelling, and sight words, the program plays a crucial role in enhancing literacy skills among young learners.

Our seven-year partnership with ARUSD has been pivotal to the success of the SIPPS implementation so far. Regular meetings and shared goals have helped hundreds of students achieve critical academic benchmarks.

“We value our partnership with Think Together. Through our collaboration, we are setting Alum Rock students up for future academic success,” said Director of Early Learning for Alum Rock Union School District, Dr. Diana Ballesteros.

In the 2023-24 school year, Think Together enrolled 226 students across four ARUSD schools, witnessing significant progress in academic achievement:

  • 94.73% of TK students improved in letter recognition.
  • 96.6% advanced in number recognition.
  • 82.34% showed progress in counting objects.

“Programs like SIPPS are vital for advancing the academic development of the students we serve,” said Amina Flores, Assistant Site Coordinator at Lyndale Elementary School. “They align perfectly with Think Together’s mission to change the odds for kids.”

According to Evidence for ESSA, SIPPS supports both new and struggling readers through a systematic, structured literacy approach that emphasizes language comprehension and word recognition.

“Studies have shown that investing in high-quality childcare and pre-K programs offers a significant return on investment,” said Rosie Navarro at Cisco Systems Inc. “Think Together’s programs are based in East San Jose where I was born and raised.  As a Cisco employee and volunteer with the Cisco Foundation, it is so fulfilling to promote the Cisco Foundation CIG Program that brings resources to community groups such as Think Together. By supporting children at a young age, Cisco and beneficiaries of the Cisco Foundation CIG Program like Think Together lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success for both this generation and future generations.” 

Think Together is proud to partner with Cisco to expand educational opportunities and help children succeed.

For more stories, follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Meet Natalie Corona, a Site Program Manager for Aptitud Academy in the Bay Area region. Natalie’s journey started as a Program Leader in the Riverside region and over the course of five years she became a strong advocate for her students and their parents. The work Natalie does has made her a pillar of support and change in her community. Read more about Natalie Corona!
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here. 

It’s my students, they inspire me to continue my work here. I enjoy watching them grow and develop both socially and academically. Seeing their success reminds me that we are truly making a difference in their lives and changing the odds for them.

What is one of your favorite memories from Think Summer 2024?

One of my favorite memories from Think Summer 2024 was seeing the excitement of our students from the Alum Rock school district during their trip to the Oakland Zoo. The students had so much fun seeing the different animals, and for some, it was their first time visiting a zoo! This experience was the highlight of my Think Summer.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

One story that stands out for me is about a McKinney-Vento student, facing difficult circumstances with her family. I became an advocate for them, helping the mother obtain a bus card for public transportation and buying a Halloween costume for the student when they needed assistance. As the year progressed, the mother’s situation improved, and I noticed a significant, positive change in the student. It brought me great happiness to know I could support and advocate for them during a challenging time.

What is a mantra, affirmation, or quote that has helped you over the years? Why?

My favorite affirmation is, “I am in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing.” This affirmation is especially meaningful to me because the job can sometimes become difficult and stressful, causing me to lose sight of what’s important. By repeating this affirmation, I remind myself that my work with students and the community truly matters and that I am making a positive difference in their lives. It reassures me that I am exactly where I am meant to be in that moment.

What are your goals for the 2024-2025 school year? How do you plan to reach your goal(s)?

My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all my students and their families. I plan to reach this goal by making Think Together a family affair and thinking of the parents, too.  I aim to provide parents with the peace of mind that their children are secure and well-cared for at Think Together.

What has been your favorite event during your career at Think Together? Why?

It was the 2024 Harvest Festival I hosted for my students. We organized a carnival with a variety of games, and the students wore their Halloween costumes and participated in a costume contest. Parents attended the festival, and everyone had a lot of fun. It truly was a wonderful community event!

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

When I’m not at work, I love to travel. I spent the summer in Italy, enjoying the beautiful scenery and culture. In the upcoming school year, I will be continuing my education for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development. When I am not working or in school, I am very family-oriented and cherish the time I spend with my loved ones. Additionally, my partner and I enjoy attending weekly dance classes together.

Think Together and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) have joined forces to change the odds for kids! AVID is a nationally recognized education nonprofit dedicated to helping students overcome obstacles and achieve success.

AVID typically operates within school hours, but now they are branching their methodology to the afterschool hours for Think Together students. The partnership with AVID is a unique one, as Think Together is the first and only expanded learning partner they’ve collaborated with.

“We are so proud to be the first expanded learning partner able to offer its staff the exceptional professional development opportunities provided by AVID,” said Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “We both have a shared vision of changing the trajectory of kids’ futures through education and we couldn’t be more thrilled to broaden those opportunities for our students and the schools we serve.”

Think Together’s new partnership with AVID means our middle school and high school sites benefit from additional access to AVID’s student activity materials, curriculum resources, and core strategies. The partnership initially began with nearly 60 schools that were already offering AVID curriculum during the school day and separately offering Think Together programming afterschool.

With the additional implementation of strategies and methods, Think Together knows this partnership to be a critical support for our students. The AVID partnership supports students in confidence building and boosting efficiency when it comes to their schoolwork and planning for their bright futures ahead.

One of the major benefits of Think Together’s collaboration with AVID is the enhanced college and career readiness preparation students are offered. The AVID Professional Learning framework allows students to take control of their own academic destiny.

“Students that need the help are often the most resistant to ask for help. So, what we’re able to do at AVID is provide the tools, resources, strategies and support for students to get what they need to be as successful as possible,” said AVID Program Specialist Dr. Trent Mohrbutter.

Think Together started incorporating AVID strategies at schools like Sierra Vista Middle School in the Baldwin Park Unified School District and has seen a significant increase in student attendance and grade improvements. Currently, the site is at max capacity at 155 enrolled students attending the afterschool program, in comparison to the 100 students attending the year prior before AVID was fully implemented.

“AVID at the Think Together program helps me to stay organized and do homework after school. My grades improved because it helps me understand… I’m understanding more of what to do and I have more time to do it,” shared sixth grader Xavier.

AVID continues to support Think Together to ensure this partnership is aligned and well-positioned for success by supplying the resources needed to excel. AVID has provided specialized training and a dedicated “AVID Center Staff” to Think Together regions, ensuring our Program Development Team, regional leadership and site staff are able to offer and implement focused and consistent programming.

Raylene Vasquez, Sierra Vista’s Think Together Site Coordinator, shared that the new AVID methods are making it easier for her and her team to support each student’s academic journey.

“The partnership with AVID is great because the learning component has [been] strengthened a lot. Having all these AVID strategies, homework and the intentional check-ins gave us the power to be able to check in on them (the students) and help them improve,” Raylene said. “It further bridges the gap between a school day and program so we’re all one big team.”

A prioritizing shift coming up for Think Together is working on transitioning the elementary and TK-2nd grade sites toward the AVID strategies and structure. Think Together is ecstatic to partner with AVID and continue expanding the tools provided for students to support building a strong educational foundation where every student can be college and career-ready!

Watch the video below to learn more about Think Together’s partnership with AVID!

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This summer, Think Together and its partners are coaching the next generation of champions in the classroom and on the field. Think Together students had the opportunity to visit SoFi Stadium, participate in an all-girls golf clinic and receive invaluable advice/knowledge from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s College & Career Accelerator.

Summer learning is crucial for preventing the “summer slide” and keeping students engaged; ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed. By combining education with fun and enriching activities, Think Summer helps students develop essential skills that last a lifetime.

Baldwin Park Unified School District Students Kick Off Summer with a Win at SoFi Stadium

Nearly 180 middle school youth from Sierra Vista, Olive and Jones Middle Schools in Baldwin Park Unified School District took a tour of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Students were given backstage access to the professional football stadium which hosts both the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.

To cap the day, students got a surprise visit from Los Angeles Ram’s Wide Receiver, Puka Nacua. Site Program Manager Jasmine Gonzalez shared, “SoFi was an amazing experience, and we got to see our students’ smiles. We were able to meet a Rams player who spoke to our students and posed for pictures. He also provided encouraging words. Think Together provided such an amazing opportunity for our students to experience.”

Think Together Girls Go for A Hole-in-One

Think Together middle school students from Rivera Middle School, STEAM Academy at Burke and North Park Academy of the Arts in El Rancho Unified School District were going for a hole-in-one at the four-day Tee It Up Janice Hahn Golf Initiative of Southeast Los Angeles girls’ golf clinic.

This initiative is designed to introduce the many benefits of golf to women who may not have had the chance to experience it; from physical fitness to personal and professional growth. The Latina Golfers Association provided instructors who coached students in the game of golf.

Over four days, students from each school rotated between three stations to learn basic golf skills. The first station taught students about chipping where students practiced this technique by chipping the ball into targets for accuracy.

At the second station, students honed their putting skills. They played a game that required them to gently hit the ball into hula hoops to score points. This made the students learn to be mindful of the force behind their putt so the ball wouldn’t go past the hula hoop and would stop inside.

The final station was on the driving range, which proved to be the most fun but the most difficult for students; even for students who had played golf before. STEAM Academy at Burke student, Casey, shared how she met the challenge on this particularly tricky station. She shared, “Always make sure your feet are aligned with the ball and always keep your eye on the ball.”

Sylvia Vela-Amaya, the ELOP Coordinator for El Rancho Unified School District, also attended the clinic and mentioned the impact these opportunities have on the students they fund. “They look forward to it after school. Our attendance is high. Our increased enrollment continues to grow at all the school sites, including our three middle schools.”

Finally, to wrap up the day on the green, students heard from guest speaker Dr. Monica Sanchez, Councilwoman of Pico Rivera, who shared that she hopes students find an interest in golf and the many benefits it can bring.

Think Together Students Go Up to Bat for Their Futures

As part of Think Summer, Think Together high school students from Bassett High School in Bassett Unified School District headed to Dodger Stadium to attend a College & Career Accelerator workshop hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. The College & Career Accelerator initiative aims to expose high school and college students to college and career opportunities.

Students in attendance sat with USC College Advising Corps staff for small group discussions on topics ranging from strategies for succeeding in high school to tips for applying for college. Financial aid and managing tuition were also important subjects shared with the students to help set them up for success.

Attendees were treated to food, a Los Angeles Dodgers hat, a workbook for notes and responses and two free Dodger game tickets as a bonus for participating in the event.

Think Together is proud of our partners who help us provide our students with new and exciting summer experiences beyond the traditional classroom. For more exciting stories and news, follow Think Together on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

The impact on students and the drive to change the odds for kids is what has led Crystal Navarro to go from Program Leader to Site Program Manager at Chaparral Hills Elementary in just two years. Crystal is a pillar of support to the Riverside community as she leads with consistency and student growth as her motivators. Read more about Crystal Navarro!
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here. 

I was raised in a single parent household where we moved so often that I never got a chance to join sports programs or afterschool clubs. When I started working for Think Together, I was drawn to the impact the program has on the families we serve and the support we offer. Our program does not stop at the students, and this allows us to be the community that struggling parents can lean on. It’s being that support system for not only the students, but also the parents, that inspires me to continue growing with Think Together. 

What is one thing you are proud of your team accomplishing this school year? What were some challenges, and what were some successes?

We faced many challenges in the beginning of the school year, primarily with enrollment and engagement. Through collaboration between staff and students, we were able to create clubs that brought in new faces and a student committee that allowed student voices to be heard. We have all grown together in our roles and I’m very proud of the team I have.

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?

Working at Think Together means that you meet students with different personalities, talents, quirks, and backgrounds. All students make an impact on your life in a different way. But one student story that stuck with me must be when I was promoted from Site Assistant to Site Program Manager. I dreaded leaving my site and students and was met with many tearful goodbyes. At the very end of my day, the students gave me a giant poster signed by all of them and filled with special messages. I realized that my success wasn’t measured by how big or little my impact was, but by how I helped create memories within our program and how I provided a safe learning environment. This gave me a burst of confidence and motivation to continue to create welcoming programs for my students.

What is a mantra, affirmation, or quote that has helped you over the years? Why?

 “Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader…they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role – always about the goal.” It’s a reminder for me and my team to always keep our main goal in mind which is to change the odds for kids! No matter your role, you can make a difference in our students’ lives by ensuring their success and growth through our afterschool programs.

What procedure/system/standard do you feel has been the most beneficial to your site and your career?

To hold myself accountable and consistency matters for the students and my staff. These are important standards to ensure my staff have the tools and support needed to create a successful classroom environment.

How would you describe your role to someone thinking of becoming a Site Program Manager? What tips would you give them to prepare for this role?

My advice would be to stay true to your “why” and let the rest follow.  When I started as a Program Leader, I did not see myself on this path. But I wouldn’t change this career for anything. I get to see the changes in students’ attitudes daily and I know it is because my team and I are putting in our best effort. Even in challenging moments, I always know the work we do matters most to the families we serve.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?  

Outside of work, I usually go to amusement parks with my husband and daughter, or binge watch our favorite movies and shows.

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