Together We… Lean on Each Other
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.
