HR Coordinator Hired in Santa Ana

SPOTLIGHT
New Hire

Jessica Gonzalez has been hired as Orange County Region Human Resources Coordinator. Jessica has more than three years of experience in Human Resources and has ten years of experience in Healthcare Administration. She is currently attending Fullerton City College, majoring in English with a minor in Nutrition, and plans to transfer to California State University, Fullerton to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management. Jessica has volunteered her time at her childhood school, Frank E. Woodruff Elementary and plans to volunteer at a local Women’s shelter this summer.

Torch Middle School Holds "Locks of Love" Event in City of Industry

Site Coordinator Johanna Vaca shared news that the THINK Together after-school program at Torch Middle School (Bassett) in the City of Industry organized a "Locks Of Love" event on April 23rd. Each of 14 participants (students, staff, and parents) donated 8-10" of hair. The event raised awareness about children with alopecia. Stylists from The Profession Institute of Beauty in El Monte donated their time to cut hair.

click arrow below to view slideshow here

See other THINK Together photo sets on Flickr

Two Hired as Site Coordinators in Santa Ana

SPOTLIGHT
New Hires

Jessica Gracian has been hired as Site Coordinator at Sierra Intermediate School (Santa Ana). Jessica graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) with a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies with minors in Education and Applied Psychology. She has more than six years of experience working with children. Jessica’s began her career working as a special needs teacher’s assistant in the Paramount Unified School District. From there, she continued to work in after-school programs during her undergraduate studies. In the near future, Jessica hopes to obtain her Masters in Education, as well as a PhD.

Natalie Lopez has been hired as Site Coordinator at Shalimar Learning Center, where THINK Together has its origins. Natalie graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership in Business. She has over ten years of experience working with children, having previously served as an after-school site coordinator. Natalie’s future plans include obtaining a Master’s degree in Education or in Organizational Leadership in Business from the University of Southern California (USC).

Two Promoted to Site Coordinator in Santa Ana

SPOTLIGHT
Promotions

Amy Reede has been promoted to Site Coordinator at Pio Pico Elementary (Santa Ana). Previously she served as a Program Leader at Heroes Elementary. A graduate of Martin Luther College, Amy holds bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Education, along with a minor in History. She has more than ten years of experience working with children and is a credentialed teacher. She's served as a director at an English as a Second Language School and Resource Counselor for children with special needs.

Jessica Serna has been promoted to Site Coordinator at Taft Elementary (Santa Ana). Jessica has had a four year affiliation with THINK Together. She is currently pursuing a degree in Child Development from Fullerton College. During the past 3 years, Jessica has volunteered over 150 hours of her time at Taft Elementary and at a special education classroom in the Irvine Unified School District. In the near future, Jessica hopes to complete her degree in Child Development and earn a multiple subject teaching credential.

Two Honored With 2010 Spirit of Volunteerism Award

SPOTLIGHT
Volunteers

Two of THINK Together's volunteers were honored at the Volunteer Center of Greater Orange County's 2010 Spirit of Volunteerism luncheon held April 15, 2010, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA.

Eduardo Amezcua is a THINK Together volunteer at the Highland Teen Center. Eduardo exemplifies true leadership through his passion and commitment. He recognizes the potential in all of our students and naturally inspires and helps them build self-confidence. Eduardo can change the energy of a room with his unique presence; he is an Iraq War Veteran, a college student, and a recognized DJ. The students look up to and are inspired by Eduardo. One student is now a practicing DJ thanks to Eduardo’s influence. Eduardo is truly changing lives and making a difference.

Celeste Walls is a THINK Together volunteer at Remington Elementary School (Santa Ana). She is always eager to assist our site staff in any way. She has formed strong bonds with the students and staff at Remington. She has an effective sense of leadership and is an extraordinary role model for THINK Together’s students. Celeste has the initiative and the heart to become a great educator one day.



SpiritOfVolunteerism.org

UCLA Graduate Hired as Director of Learning Programs

SPOTLIGHT
New Hire

Natalia Flores has been hired as Director of Learning Programs in the OC Regional Office. Natalia graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Chicano/a Studies and received her Master's in Education from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). In her eleven years of experience working with children, she has worked with diverse age groups including kindergarten through high school students. Natalia gained experience by providing extended services in the field of education through mentoring, youth development programs, and after-school programs. Natalia has always worked within the non-profit sector, for organizations including: Big BrothersBig Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, YWCA of Greater Los Angeles, and Para Los Niños.

Earth Day 2010 @ Valley View Elementary

Students in the THINK Together after-school program at Valley View Elementary School prepared the ground for a garden to be planted in partnership with the City of Duarte commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Site Coordinator Jami Mendoza forward the pics in the slideshow below.

click arrow below to view slideshow here

See more THINK Together photo sets on Flickr

University of Phoenix Introduces Lakeside Middle School Students to Stedman Graham

The University of Phoenix hosted students from the THINK Together after-school program at Lakeside Middle School (Norwalk, CA) for a special afternoon leadership seminar with Stedman Graham. The event was held April, 20, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Graham is the longtime companion of Oprah Winfrey.

click arrow below to view slideshow here

View other THINK Together photo sets on Flickr.

THINK Together Partners Recognized Among California's 2010 Distinguished Elementary Schools

Congratulations to the following 15 THINK Together school site partners. Each has been recognized by California's State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell as 2010 Distinguished Elementary Schools:

School (District)
Carl Harvey Elementary (Santa Ana)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (Santa Ana)
Elderberry Elementary (Ontario-Montclair)
Franklin Elementary (Redlands)
Granite Hill Drive (Jurupa)
Jersey Avenue Elementary (Little Lake)
Jim Thorpe Fundamental (Santa Ana)
Lakeview Elementary (Little Lake)
Machado Elementary (Lake Elsinore)
Madison Elementary (Santa Ana)
Martin R. Heninger Elementary (Santa Ana)
Railroad Canyon Elementary (Lake Elsinore)
Valley View Elementary (Duarte)
William Collier Elementary (Lake Elsinore)
William W. Orr Elementary (Little Lake)

See cde.gov.ca press release, complete list

Spring Break 2010 - High School Style

Students from THINK Together's four High School programs spent Spring Break 2010 visiting Southern California colleges and universities:

Here's the list of schools visited:

Valley High School (Santa Ana): UCLA, UCSB, USC, UCI, and Chapman University.

Century High School (Santa Ana): Chapman University, University of San Diego (USD), Westmont College (Santa Barbara), CSU Dominguez Hills, and CSU Long Beach.

Azusa High School (Azusa): Occidental College, UCLA, USC, Cal Poly Pomona, and Mt SAC.

Gladstone High School (Azusa): Azusa Pacific/Citrus Community College, Occidental College, USC, CSU Los Angeles, and UCLA.

click arrow below to see slideshow here

Support THINK Together: Run, Volunteer Donate

Support Team THINK Together at the 2010 OC Marathon, Sunday, May 2, 1010.

Run

Volunteer

Donate

THINK Together has been selected as one of the official charities of the 2010 OC Marathon. That means runners can designate that they are running to benefit THINK Together and others can recognize THINK Together via contributions to our official OC Marathon fundraising page.

Register to run in the OC Marathon. And be sure to designate THINK Together as the charity you're running for.

Volunteer with other THINK Together fans at the OC Marathon. Send an email to Nadia Flores, Community Outreach Manager, letting her know you're interested in volunteering on Marathon Day (May 2, 2010).

Donate to THINK Together via our official OC Marathon web page.