Together We…Love Big Smiles!
“Find a career you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life!”
This belief led Anareli Esparza to pursue a career in education and eventually step into her role as a Program Leader in the Riverside Southwest region. Over the past three years, Anareli has built strong school partnerships and continues to find daily inspiration from her students’ smiles.
Get to know Anareli below.
Anareli’s Start
Growing up, Anareli always dreamed of becoming a teacher. While life took her in a different direction, that passion never left. As a stay-at-home mom, Anareli would ask her kids about their school day. Through that conversation, she learned about Think Together. Her kids were actively involved and loved the different activities and opportunities it offered.
Hearing their positive experiences sparked something. Anareli applied for a Program Leader role, combining her love for working with children with the chance to create meaningful learning experiences for other students, just like the ones her own kids had.
How Anareli Creates Success
In this line of work, success is not always measured in obvious ways. For Anareli, it shows up in her students’ joy.
She recalls a trip to the Griffith Observatory where her students experienced something new and exciting. They learned so much and they were all smiling from ear to ear as they were leaving. The bus ride home was filled with fun retellings of the day and huge smiles. For Anareli, moments like these are the clearest sign she is making an impact.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. Teachers at Pedley Elementary have reached out to Riverside leadership to recognize her contributions and dedication. When asked what drives strong school partnerships, Anareli keeps it simple: respect.
“I always want them [the school staff] to know that Think Together respects their school and their space,” she shares.
She leads with professionalism, positivity, and most importantly, a positive attitude! Keeping the school spaces clean and making sure students prioritize this as well is the reason why Padley Elementary loves Anareli. Her connection with students is just as strong. When she takes a day off, it is felt. For many students, it’s just not the same without Mrs. Esparza!
Outside of work
Outside the program, Anareli enjoys spending time with her family, often visiting theme parks, with Disneyland as a favorite. On a simple day, you can find Anareli at Cold Stone with her kids, enjoying coffee ice cream with brownies and roasted almonds.
