BGCSL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Clubhouse Director
Adrian Taylor is the Clubhouse Director at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro. Before joining the BGCSL, Adrian founded and managed a consulting firm focused on youth development, health, and well-being, in addition to being a Lecturer at Cal State East Bay, teaching Black Literature, African Geography, and Global Studies.
Adrian is originally from Oakland, but lived and worked in the Washington D.C., Metropolitan area for a number of years where he attended Howard University on a baseball scholarship, earning his BA and MA in Philosophy and his Ph.D. in African Studies. Upon earning his Ph.D., Adrian was a professor, federal government consultant, and entrepreneur for more than 10 years.
Adrian is excited to be back home, in a position where he can make a significant impact, tapping into his passion for youth development, program design, management, and evaluation, technology, the arts, and sports. When Adrian is not at the Clubhouse, he enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends; cooking a new dish (at the time of writing, he just made a bomb Shepherd's Pie) trying a new restaurant, listening to new music, reading, doing yoga, surfing, or watching a San Francisco Giants game.
Adrian will oversee operations at the Teen Center, known as The Club, including team management, strategic partnerships, program delivery, and more.
Job Titles:
- Retired Owner, Pharmacies / Board Member
Maria Martin was born and raised in the Bay Area of California, she grew up with a passion for working with youth. Her success in working with youth first began as a teen when volunteering to help her older cousin as she taught summer school. After graduating high school she was hired by the San Leandro Boys & Girls Club as a Youth Development Coordinator.
Maria enjoyed her job and after working a few years at the Boys & Girls Club she was promoted to Unit Director for an elementary school site and graduated with her BA from Cal State East Bay. She is now on her thirteenth year and enjoys working with youth at the San Leandro Boys & Girls Club because she feels that she is making a difference in her community.
Hi families my name is Daniel Leslie and I was born and raised here in the bay area. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and going on little adventures to new places. As well I've had the opportunity to work at schools all around the bay area and have gathered a plethora of skills and knowledge that I'm excited to bring to this community. My vision for McKinley is one of connection and community, which I've had the opportunity to learn and practice while working and living in this city. Our kiddos need social and emotional learning which is a vital part of creating and maintaining community. I want an after-school space to be a place where every child can be exposed to a variety of opportunities, activities, and supportive relationships that will help them achieve success as they grow.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer / Retired CFO, Eden Hospital
Hi my name is Donte Rodgers. I was born and raised in Oakland, CA. I am one of the worlds' safety net for today's generation of youth. It starts with me helping them identify their personal goals, then creating a roadmap for them to conquer. And I stay along their side as we continue to uncover their personal values, capabilities and new dreams.
Elizabeth was raised in Oakland, California, and attended San Francisco State University where she received a bachelor's degree in psychology and Raza Studies. She has had the privilege of being part of the Boys and Girls Club since 2011.
After spending eight years in charge of the kinder program at McKinley Elementary School, she was excited to expand her role at Roosevelt Elementary School as Program Director. Together with her team of the amazing staff, she is committed to providing a positive and safe environment where all her club members can grow and thrive.
After spending eight years in charge of the kinder program at McKinley Elementary School, she was excited to expand her role at Roosevelt Elementary School as Program Director. Together with her team of the amazing staff, she is committed to providing a positive and safe environment where all her club members can grow and thrive.
Hello, my name is Eva Ortega, and I'm the interim program director at Dayton. I look forward to creating a safe, caring environment for students, staff, and families.
I grew up here in San Leandro, attending school here from elementary all the way through high school. I was even a Club member myself. In addition to youth work, I'm an advocate for special education. I'm a registered behavioral therapist who has worked with children with autism and other learning disabilities. I'm a student at Cal State East Bay, studying psychology along with minors in sociology and humanities.
Hello, my name is Eva Ortega, and I'm the interim program director at Dayton. I look forward to creating a safe, caring environment for students, staff, and families.
I grew up here in San Leandro, attending school here from elementary all the way through high school. I was even a Club member myself. In addition to youth work, I'm an advocate for special education. I'm a registered behavioral therapist who has worked with children with autism and other learning disabilities. I'm a student at Cal State East Bay, studying psychology along with minors in sociology and humanities.
My education and work experiences have only deepened my need to support others. I am extremely grateful and excited to use these experiences to support the resilience of students, families, and the community through the Boys & Girls Club at James Madison!
Gabriella Navarrete started being part of the BGCSL after-school program this year. Although the experience was new for her, she was able to become a role model for all our club members. She is kind and friendly. She is dedicated to her schoolwork and truly enjoys helping her classmates with homework. Everyone enjoys being around her because she is always smiling and laughing.
Job Titles:
- HAS BEEN an ELEMENTARY BGCLS MEMBER, DO THEY AUTOMATICALLY GET ENROLLED into the BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS EXPANDED LEARNING MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
We will try our best to accommodate current and former members. However, members will not be automatically placed in our middle school programs. BGCSL works with our school-site principals and district liaisons to prioritize families and waitlisted students.
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Program Director for Grant Elementary
Isabel Morales is your Program Director for Grant Elementary. In this role, she looks forward to providing a positive and safe environment where every child can grow and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Isabel is a California native and has pursued her education in Early Childhood Development. After having spent 4 years as a preschool teacher/extended care assistant, she has been given the opportunity at the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Leandro to give back to your children.
She hopes to create meaningful journeys for them and create a team of leaders that are welcoming, engaging, and connected to the mission. When Isabel is not working, you can find her out and about exploring new places with her family and dogs.
Job Titles:
- Retired, Real Estate Development / Board Member
Job Titles:
- Ghirardelli CEO / Board Member
My name is Jonica and I was born and raised right here in the East Bay. In 2017, I graduated with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development and Special Education from San Francisco State University. I have professionally worked with children and families for over 10 years, starting as an early childhood educator in San Francisco and then to other nonprofit youth work. I am passionate about advocating for the youth in my community and creating a positive and lasting impact. Outside of work, you can find me at the gym, enjoying a concert, and spending quality time with my favorite people! I enjoy all things music and walking down the aisle of an airplane to get to my next adventure! I love to try new foods, experience different cultures, and cross things off my bucket list.
Jordan has over 20 years of non-profit management experience including serving in local, regional, and national Income Development roles at the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Jordan was raised in the East Bay, in Danville, and resides there today with her husband and three children. She looks forward to working with the fantastic sponsors, donors, individuals, and long-time supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro.
My name is Julian Amador, and I've lived in San Lorenzo my entire life. I have over three years of experience coaching youth, including one year as a youth development professional at Corvallis Elementary School. As the program director at Washington Manor Middle School, my goal is to create a positive environment for students to build skills, relationships, and good character in after-school clubs that are based on the interests of our students. I'm proud to be working for the community that helped raise me, and I wish to create great futures for our youth.
What brings me joy about working with youth is seeing proof of the impact I've had on former students. I engage in interactive activities with students from different backgrounds and experiences. I've seen definite proof of their growth, and it drives me to continue this work
My name is Kayla Manzo and I'm super excited to be the new program director at John Muir Middle School. I look forward to connecting with all the students, families and staff in this amazing program.
I grew up in the Bay Area before moving to Chico for college, where I got my Bachelor's in Child Development with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning. Over the last 8 years, I have had the honor of working with youth in many diverse settings. During my time in college, I had the opportunity to intern and work at a BGC and really connected with the mission of inspiring youth to reach their full potential in a safe, positive and engaging environment. I am so excited to be apart of the BGC team and to fulfill that mission at John Muir.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
In her previous role as Chief Operating Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro, Kim brought to bear her 20+ years of experience with and knowledge of youth development in designing and implementing the Club's strategic Vision to advance best practices in this field ensuring that all Club youth have an equitable opportunity to realize and actualize their full potential. Her own experience as the child of a single working mother and after school participant greatly informed her vision.
Kim was instrumental in designing and implementing Vision 2020 to re-imagine the new Club facility site as both a designated Teen Center and Community Hub for the San Leandro community. Along with the former CEO, Bob Glotch, she catalyzed the San Leandro community - youth and families, Club Board of Directors, business, government, education, professionals and community-based organizations, in supporting and achieving the $11+ million capital campaign. Kim enlisted her leadership and community organizing skills honed as Vice President-Rotary Endowment Foundation, current Board membership with Compete Youth, San Francisco, Vice President- San Leandro Improvement Association and San Leandro Leadership, to not only raise the capital funds but also guide the building renovation to completion.
Kim's visionary thought and executive leadership has been and will continue to be instrumental in expanding the outreach of the Boys & Girls Clubs to an even broader community resulting in the enhancement of best practices in youth development for staff and youth served and long-term sustainability for the organization.
Kim holds a Bachelors of Arts degree, from San Francisco State University in International Studies and a minor in Third World Studies and American Studies from the University of East Anglia. Kim is a born and bred in the East Bay and resides in San Leandro with her husband and family.
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Program Director for the Washington Boys
I am Laurie D'Angelo, Program Director for the Washington Boys and Girls Club. Prior to joining this fantastic community, I served as the KinderCare Coordinator at Halkin Elementary. My background also includes valuable experience at the Mental Health Association of Alameda County, where I assisted families in accessing resources for children facing behavioral and emotional challenges.
As a proud San Leandro resident and a mother to a fantastic 4th grader, I am thrilled to contribute to the vibrant spirit of Washington. I look forward to being an integral part of the Washington community, supporting our youth, and cheering on the Wildcats with great enthusiasm!
Maria Martin was born and raised in the Bay Area of California, she grew up with a passion for working with youth. Her success in working with youth first began as a teen when volunteering to help her older cousin as she taught summer school. After graduating high school she was hired by the San Leandro Boys & Girls Club as a Youth Development Coordinator.
Maria enjoyed her job and after working a few years at the Boys & Girls Club she was promoted to Unit Director for an elementary school site and graduated with her BA from Cal State East Bay. She is now on her thirteenth year and enjoys working with youth at the San Leandro Boys & Girls Club because she feels that she is making a difference in her community.
Marshall was the Founding Executive Director of College Track, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that first-generation and low-income students earn a college degree. He spearheaded initiatives that positioned the organization to scale from a local 5-person start-up to a national non-profit organization with over 150 employees. During his 26-year tenure with the organization, he served in multiple leadership roles, conceived and implemented ideas to strengthen core program services for students, project-managed infrastructure initiatives, hired and developed site leaders. He boosted staff morale throughout periods of instability and change.
Marshall's past work has allowed him to combine his life experiences with his personal commitment to impacting future generations. He remains passionate about this work because of the joy he gets from making a difference in the lives of others. He looks forward to leveraging this knowledge to build upon the strong foundation of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro.
Marshall holds a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Job Titles:
- Program Director at Garfield Elementary
Meet Ase Clark, a dedicated Program Director at Garfield Elementary, passionate about working with children. Ase brings five years of invaluable experience, previously serving as the Kinder Club Coordinator. With her education from Cal State East Bay with a focus on Communications, Ase aspires to become a kindergarten teacher. Her goal is to help children find their voice, create daily memorable experiences, and foster a fun and safe environment. Ase finds joy in witnessing the brightest smiles and hearing the loudest laughter, making each day uniquely rewarding.
My name is Micheal Ogundare, but please call me MO. I'm the new Program Director here at Hillside for the 23-24 school year. I recently graduated with my master's in public administration. It is a pleasure and honor to be here at the school this year, I want to make sure that all students this year have a safe, educational, and fun school year. Along with my team, we plan on giving the best experience possible. My goal is to focus on education and elevate each child to new heights academically. We want to establish a mindset that anything is possible if you set your mind to it and that education can take you to new and wonderful heights.
Job Titles:
- Retired, Property Management / Board Member
My name is Monique Harris (she/her).
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and reside in Hayward with my wife and 2 children, Jonah (9) and Serenity (5). Growing up I was an athlete, playing softball and volleyball almost daily! I graduated from Merritt College in Oakland. Afterwards I moved on to become a middle school guidance counselor, where I was also the co-founder of a non-profit called FAMM (Fun and Motivated Minorities). Later I became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I worked with many ambulance companies but spent most of my time at Stanford Children's Hospital on the rapid response team in the cardiovascular ICU. Most recently , I worked as the program lead for middle school PE and the after-school program at Northern Light School in Oakland. On my free time I love to relax, meditate, enjoy nature and, of course, hang out with my beautiful family. I can't wait to get started with my amazing team and embark on this new journey as your Program Director because my heart and passion lie within helping the youth become the next generation of leaders. I can't wait to take my infinite ideas, ambition, and wide range of experience to strive for greatness with you all!
My name is Nancy Robles, I was born and raised in the Bay area my major is Criminal Justice. I was drawn to work with the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club for the opportunity to serve and have a direct impact on the local community. I have worked with the educational system and volunteered for about four-five years. My goal is to lead by example and to help awaken youths' highest abilities mentally and physically. My passion and drive come from being fractured at a young age and learning as a child/adult how to convert challenges to success. My desire for growth, support, and change continues as I take a new director position. In my free time, I love to mentor others and stay active. I look forward to continuing my journey with the boys and girls club.
Nayeli Pena was born and raised in the Bay Area. As she grew up one of her biggest passions and dreams was working with youth. She has been with the Boys & Girls Club for 2 years going on to 3. She began her role as a YDP and has transitioned into her new role as program director.
She continues to grow with her amazing team while providing a safe and positive environment with a sense of belonging for the youth. The thing that she enjoys most with working for the Boys & Girls is knowing that she is making an impact within the community.
Noah Ortiz are brothers that are both enrolled in the Boys & Girls Club at Lorenzo Manor Elementary. Manny is in the 5 th grade and Noah is in the 1 st grade. It has been heartwarming to see the help and support Manny offers to his little brother. It has been a big transition for the first graders in the program, as it is their first time being in person in a school environment. Manny has taken his brother under his wing and will patiently explain to him each part of the day. It is easy to see the confidence Noah radiates because he has his big brother to help guide and support him. It is special to witness the love and care between two siblings.
Job Titles:
- 2nd Vice President
- Member of the Board
Priscilla Chen-Ok has joined Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro as their Chief Finance Officer spearheading their financial operations. She comes with over 20 years of nonprofit business experience working recently at MEDA as their CFO overseeing five business lines in Affordable Housing, Education, Financial Literacy, Policy and their CDFI. She returns to her lifelong passion of serving children, youth, and their families. At Wu Yee Children's Services she served as their CFO and Deputy Director for a decade in their Head Start and Early Head Start programs focusing on early childcare and education and as Interim CEO and CFO at Youth Leadership Institute developing youth in policy and advocacy across four bay area regional offices from San Francisco to the Central Valley.
She has a deep passion and commitment in serving children and their families and supporting the education and development of children and youth. She believes through education and exposure to enriching opportunities that children can see their futures with the belief that they can attain a successful and fulfilling life. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from San Francisco State University and lives in Oakland with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and eating her way through diverse cultures and cuisines.
Job Titles:
- Director of Workforce Development
Rooben Morgan is excited to be part the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Movement with his amazing team at The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Leandro. Rooben Morgan is a seasoned after-school professional with more than 30-years of experience in the out-of-school time field including foster and incarcerated youth care. Working closely with organizations that span industries, configurations, and continents, Rooben is excited to continually empower organizations to meet and excel at their organizational goals.
Having excelled in various capacities that span organizational leadership, strategic development, workforce capacity building, and leadership development initiatives, and coaching, Rooben strives to impact the out-of-school time (OST) field by supporting (youth) organizations to leverage their gifts and challenges with customized-strategies. His formal education includes education at institutions that include UC Berkeley, Mills College, and Harvard University.
In his leisure time, Rooben practices volunteering, free-lancing, and the general outdoors. A theatre artiste by training and vocation, Rooben also writes, directs, and produces plays in Tamil and English.
My name is Ryan Gee, and I'm a second-generation Chinese American born and raised in the Bay Area. Before coming to the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Leandro, I worked as a youth pastor and with autistic children as a behavioral instructor. As a Program Director, I'm passionate about helping students grow as individuals socially, academically, and emotionally. As a San Leandro native, I'm excited to work with our clubs to help support youth, families, and the community. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing basketball and cooking for my family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Expanded Learning
Stephanie Buenrostro is a compassionate and dedicated individual whose love for children and passion for helping others drive her to make a positive impact in people's lives.
Her journey to make a difference began as a Youth Development Professional at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro, where she designed and implemented programs fostering academic achievement, healthy lifestyles, and community building among young learners. Her commitment to nurturing lifelong learners and shaping the lives of children has been evident throughout her career. She has a Business Administration degree from Southern New Hampshire University and a Digital Marketing certification from the University of California, Berkeley.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Stephanie joins BGCSL bringing over a decade of Human Resources experience in the technology and manufacturing industries. She completed a Human Resources Management certification from UC Berkeley extension program and carries her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Sonoma County, she is a Bay Area native with a 5 year move to Seattle, WA where she developed a bit of wanderlust after spending a few weeks on a solo trip traveling through Germany and the Czech Republic. She credits this experience with broadening her world view and passion for people from varied and diverse backgrounds that has deeply influenced her HR career and progressive approach to the function.
She and her husband have a nearly 2 year old son and are expecting their second child at the end of 2023. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys cooking, binge watching procedural dramas, getting outdoors with her family, and visiting family and friends in the North Bay. And once the kiddos are a little older, travel will be back in the agenda.
My name is Sydney Bader and I am so eager to join BGCSL. I was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado and moved out to the Bay Area in Middle School. Education has always been a passion of mine and I am so excited to share my experience and knowledge as a program director.
Each Boys & Girls site program will provide a mandatory parent/caregiver orientation. During orientation, parents will have an opportunity to meet our staff, tour the BGCSL classroom spaces, and learn about our programs, events, activities, and expectations.