Bryan

From volunteer to site coordinator, Bryan Briceno has impacted students and communities at Think Together for six years. Today, Bryan uses his experience and passion as site coordinator at Rancho Cucamonga Middle School (RCMS) to create a safe environment for students to learn and grow. As a Thinker, he implemented new student programs that encourage student academics for current, returning, and new students. He also collaborates with his team of program leaders to create a welcoming place for students’ families at the RCMS afterschool program. We are excited to give you the opportunity to learn more about Bryan!  

What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here?  

I started off as a Think Together volunteer in high school for the Ontario-Montclair School District which led me to my role as a program leader and now a site coordinator. In my work, I have the opportunity to foster a safe space for students. This is what drives my work in the organization.   

Is there a student story that connects you to your “why”?     

My own family benefitted from Think Together! My younger sister had the opportunity to be in the Think Together afterschool program at her school while my parents were at work. As a Think Together volunteer, I was also given the opportunity to develop professionally in high school and give back to my community through students I interacted with daily. 

How do you feel that Think Together is benefiting your community?   

Our community at RCMS supports our working families. The Think Together afterschool program allows families to be at ease, knowing that their student is in a favorable environment while they are at work. In addition, when students enroll in the Think Together program, they can easily take advantage of the extracurricular activities that the school offers after school. 

What has been the most impactful element of program design or a special event that has positively changed your program?  

End-of-the-year events at RCMS are very impactful to students and the program. At the end of the last school year, the Think Together team hosted an end-of-year celebration where students were able to bring friends. The newcomers experienced the activities we host every day at Think Together, which sparked interest in them to participate this year. These events supported the increase in our enrollment applications for this year.   

You and your team serve a large number of students at Rancho Cucamonga Middle School. What characteristics of your team ensure a smooth and engaging program every day for students?  

RCMS has been fortunate to have a team full of Thinkers with positive mindsets and who are present for the students and families. In addition, some of the program leaders are current employees of the school district, which further strengthens our positive relationship with our school partners.   

What are the professional goals you are hoping to accomplish this year?   

One of my professional goals is to become more involved with the school day administrative team by joining more meetings and committees. I am hoping that by elevating our collaboration, we can gain more tools and resources to support our students and families at RCMS.   

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?   

For the past four years, I have enjoyed running a small balloon decorating business. This has helped to further enhance my creative skills and I get to collaborate with other small businesses. I also enjoy taking small vacations whenever possible or attending live shows. 

Her roots as a student from Southeast Los Angeles motivated Lisbeth Espinoza to pursue and build a career in education. This drive and dedication for student learning has propelled her to transition from Program Leader to Quality Assurance Coach in just a year and keeps her focused on providing the best quality programs to the students in the Lynwood School District. We are excited to give you the opportunity to learn more about Lisbeth.Shape 

What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.  

My Think Together why is the communities I serve. I am a former Southeast Los Angeles student so coming back to serve the students in my community is a huge contribution to my why. I started working in afterschool programs 12 years ago but never thought it would lead to my forever calling. But as a former local student, coming back to serve the community that helped raise me contributes to my why. Working for Think Together is like coming back home for me and the best part is being able to provide quality programs to the students of Lynwood. 

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

Trust but verify. In any of your work, you always want to verify to provide the most quality work possible. 

Do you have a student story or school site that inspired you? Why? 

When I started my career in education, I did not think it would lead me this far. I was a Program Leader in South Central Los Angeles when I met a student, Abigail, who came to program every single day and inspired me to keep showing up for work.  She always showed up for our afterschool program and worked ten times harder than anyone else. At the end of the year, she thanked me with a letter and told me she showed up every day because she knew that I believed in her. I keep this note with me to this day. In that moment I knew that I wasn’t going anywhere else. Expanded learning is building up the youth and continuing their education beyond the school day. 

As a Quality Assurance Coach, you oversee a large team. What is something you and your team do that keeps everything organized and running smoothly? 

I am lucky enough to be serving a group of leaders who are tight knit and so supportive of each other. Something we do to keep this going is our ability to uplift each other. My Lynwood team has been able to support any Site Program Manager in need without hesitation and that has allowed us to achieve great things within our district. 

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

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. 

When managing any team, you must be ready for anything that will come your way. I always want to have a clear vision of where I am going and plan my steps to succeed. 

What are your professional goals or resolution for the new year? 

This year I want to be able to serve as many students as possible in our Lynwood community! I am a true believer in our mission, and I want to keep changing the odds for kids in my community. 

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?   

Outside of work you will catch me listening to vinyls or on a bike ride. My husband and I enjoy music and we collect records with more than 200 in our collection. We also enjoy bike riding along the beach path, so you’ll catch me in Long Beach every weekend! 

Seventeen years at Think Together has helped Humberto Quintana fulfill his passion for education while giving him the tools to help lead students on their journeys. His dedication is always on display at every field position and region where he has worked, and he is known for going the extra mile. Join us as we learn more about Humberto. 

 What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.  

Growing up, I never had the opportunity to participate in afterschool programs. My Think Together why is that now, as an adult, I really enjoy being able to provide a place for kids to safely participate in various learning activities.  I started my career with Think Together as a Program Leader and was new to working with students, but I soon realized that they were the reason my job didn’t feel like work. I really enjoy participating in afterschool programs, delivering lessons, playing different sports and being able to connect with kids. I am blessed and grateful that my passion for helping students and my dedication for what Think Together stands for is still strong after 17 years.  

If you could go back 17 years ago on your first day, what advice would you give yourself? Why? 

I would advise myself to stay a Program Leader a little longer. I truly enjoyed being in the classroom and making strong connections. I always looked forward to showing students science experiments, learning math games and exploring different club activities. 

Is there a student story that has stuck with you?  

During my time as a Site Coordinator (now Site Program Manager) at Franklin Elementary in Redlands, I enrolled a student that had just moved from Mexico two weeks prior and faced many challenges with language barriers, communicating with others and making friends. I can relate to what this student was experiencing so I selected a group of students to create a “Welcome Committee” to support new student orientation and provide a warm environment for all students and visitors. From this experience I learned more about social emotional learning and how to better support student needs. 

You have held many different positions at Think Together over the years. Which one was your favorite and why?  

I learned to love the Site Coordinator position the most. As a Program Leader, I really enjoyed being in the classroom with the students. But as a Site Coordinator, it was rewarding to be able to plan a program and work with other leaders on the best way to provide safe and quality programs to our students. I feel that as a Site Coordinator I could share my knowledge and have a direct impact on what program we deliver to students. 

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

 “The only victory that counts is the one over yourself.” – Lionel Messi 

I strive to be better than my previous self every day. Conquering my own imperfections can bring more success to my personal life, so I try to be better than myself for others. I continue to work on loving myself to love others better. 

What do you wish more people knew about working with students in the education field? 

 I wish they knew that working with students can be challenging at times and that the reward is greater than the struggle. I believe that you must enjoy what you do so it won’t feel like work and helping students with their struggles, to see them succeed, is the highest reward. 

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?   

Outside of work I enjoy coaching a boys youth soccer academy and traveling with the team to competitions. I also play soccer in a league and with my family. I have fun being outdoors, going to sporting events, camping, snowboarding and the beach. I also like to watch comedy movies and shows. 

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 afterschool 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. 


 It is remarkable. Having a laser focus on an initiative has made all the difference in the world. Alongside partnerships with Think Together, we’re able to move the needle. 

Meet Angel, future pediatrician and one of over 200,000 kids who participated in Think Together this year. Angel just wrapped up her fourth-grade year in Whittier and she’s looking forward to her final year of elementary school, moving one step closer to her dreams. 

Angel’s favorite part about Think Together is the community of friends she’s built over the past five years. Having been in the program since kindergarten, she feels safe and accepted. “You can always be you,” she says, “You don’t have to be someone you aren’t.”

Angel emphasizes the support she receives from her Think Together site leaders as integral to her academic development. “When I don’t get it, they help me go through the problems and the steps and help me do it.” But Angel isn’t the only one receiving support, she says, “They focus on everyone and make sure everyone grows, they’re always there for us.”

Angel loves spending time with other kids, and that’s why she wants to be a doctor – to help kids feel better. She plans on attending UCLA to prepare for her medical career. 

As the 2018-2019 school year ends, Think Together celebrates another amazing year impacting students from San Diego to San Francisco. We expanded into new districts, including 28 afterschool sites in Compton Unified School District, and launched new programs, like coding and robotics. All to change the odds for kids like Angel. She says it best, “They’ll give you the support you really need.” 

Jim Banas has a passion for helping people whether it’s directly or indirectly. He finds Think Together to be a great place to make a difference in people’s lives. Since the start of the Stay at Home Order, the IT department has had the herculean task to help all staff members work from home while also working to support distance learning to keep Think Together’s mission possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What brought you to Think Together?
I have always worked for companies that I had a vested interest in. In early 2019 I was looking for my next venture. Unsure exactly as to what that might be, I consulted a third party and placed it in the hands of the universe to see what it might bring. To my delight it brought me here to Think Together, an organization that aligns with my personal values and goals.

What is your “why”? Why Think Together, and why do you feel good about the work you do?
I have a passion for helping people whether it’s directly or indirectly. Think Together is a great place to make a difference. By helping children, their parents, schools, and their districts you seem to touch every aspect of these people’s lives. It feels good to know something you did made a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes that person may not even be aware you played a role in their success. To me that is the real gift, when you can say to yourself “no thanks is necessary”. Then admire the positive change you made in that person’s life from a distance.

What makes you want to come to work every day?
Working here brings great fulfillment in many ways. I have the opportunity to do a job that I love, continue to learn and expand my own knowledge base, help children get a better education; all while being a part of something greater than myself. It is really about being a part of the bigger picture that makes me leave work feeling accomplished.

What have you and your team been doing since COVID-19 to help Think Together maintain its mission and operations?
This is a really busy time for the IT department as a whole. The work from home initiative as you know, happened very fast. This has exposed a lot of challenges and grey areas that needed to be addressed quickly. We as a team have been instrumental in adapting to the changes and meeting the needs of the organization. One of the immediate needs was to help allow all corporate employees work from home. During this time, we also have been working very closely with facilities and setting up multiple corporate locations and preparing them for their grand opening. We are also simultaneously setting up 1,200 Program Leader email accounts, laptops, and Wi-Fi hotspots to support the new Distant Learning program. In addition, we are currently prepping for another department shuffle while still supporting the IT needs of all Think Together Employees.

What is next for you?
There is a lot of growth potential within the Think Together IT department and the IT industry right now, and the need for IT has only grown. My primary goal right now is to ensure that the organization is supported in the best, most efficient matter possible under the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all in this together and just know, even though it may take a little longer due to this situation, your IT team is here for you.
Jim, we thank you for you and the IT department’s efforts to keep our organization connected. We are grateful to have support like you!

Meet Anna Reilly, Manager of Volunteers in our Southeast Los Angeles region. She started as a Site Coordinator in Compton and found herself motivated to work more closely with the communities we serve. We are excited to share her story with you. 

What brought you to Think Together?
I knew nothing about Think Together until I was on the job search in early 2019. I researched jobs in education, non-profits, etc. and found Think Together! I joined as a Site Coordinator in Compton a few months later, and found myself working for a mission and a vision in a community I truly love. A year later, I applied to the Manager of Volunteers position in order to work more closely with those communities we serve. What is your “why”? Why Think Together, and why do you feel good about the work you do?
My “why” is ultimately equity in education. Every student has different needs. Think Together understands this, and actively works toward treating every student as an individual to give them the support they need to succeed! What have you and your team been doing since COVID-19 to help Think Together continue to achieve its mission and operations?
Our organization as a whole responded to the COVID crisis with philanthropy and individual commitment to making change. With Regional Leaders, I helped establish an advocacy engagement team in our region to boost Think’s impact on social media. Sharing stories and successes not only cultivates positivity while we are physically apart, but reminds us why we do what we do. I also worked to compile and promote community resources in Southeast LA to highlight the work done by our community members and organizations in response to the COVID crisis. What is next for you?
My goal is to continue working in my community through my current position at Think Together, as well as individually. I have always loved working with my hands, so working and volunteering in seemingly small scales will always be paramount to me. In the future, I plan to acquire training as a counselor to youth and families to better help the communities I encounter.
Anna, we thank you for keeping a connection with our communities and advocating for our students. 

Natasha hasn’t attended the Think Together program for long, but she already feels at home. Her first interaction with Think Together was on “Bring Your Friend to Think Together” day. Her friend invited her and Natasha was so excited that she signed up that day. She’d finally found the safe space she’d been searching for. 

Now in the seventh grade, Natasha is a Think Together regular. And she fits right in. “I feel myself coming out of my shell more and more,” Natasha shares. 

Natasha’s program provides engaging clubs – like debate, film and dance – for students to participate in. Her favorite activity is the music club, where she’s learning how to play the drums, guitar and keyboard. Along with homework support, Think Together is developing new clubs and programs to make sure students are prepared for the future.

Natasha wants to attend UCLA or Stanford University. She loves animals and wants to become a marine biologist after college, and maybe even discover a new underwater species someday.

With your support, we’re partnering with schools to provide a safe space for kids to thrive after school. A place where students are accepted and given the necessary tools to reach their dreams. “I’m with people who understand me,” Natasha says, “I’m safe here.”

Fourth-grader Jojo has been a Think Together student for the last four years. He loves to attend his afterschool program! He says that program helps him make more friends, learn new things, and help his classmates. Jojo wants to be a teacher one day.

From an early age, teachers have always been inspiring to him. He hopes to be a science or math teacher when he grows up to help kids and help them learn. Jojo’s favorite subject in school is math because, “math helps me improve in a lot of things and you use a lot of math in the real world,” he says.

Jojo feels like he has a great support system and that his friends are there for him even on bad days. His friends also help him with his homework, and that homework is his favorite part of the program day.

Think Together is special for Jojo because-

“We are all like a family and we all help each other, and we’ll treat you the same as everyone.”

Think Together partners with schools to change the odds for kids. We want to foster a community where all kids get a great education that prepares them for college and career. Through funding, grants, and generous donations from caring individuals, Think Together provides services and learning opportunities for over 200,000 kids across California.

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