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Petrona Garcia (she/they), High School Program CoordinatorPetrona first got involved with Kid City in 2016 as a high school junior in the College Bridge Program! In her time since then, she has been part of the Kid City community as a student, intern, coordinator, volunteer, and more. Outside of Kid City, she attended UC Santa Barbara (c/o 2022) where she received a dual degree in Sociology and Gender Studies. With her education and lived experienced as a first-gen, indigenous student, they strive to be a resource for Kid City's high school students! For fun, catch them sightseeing and appreciating nature!
Email me at [email protected] |
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Matthew Proft (he/him), Music Program CoordinatorMatthew Proft joined Kid City in March of 2022 shortly after graduating from Azusa Pacific University with his Bachelor’s of Commercial Music Composition. As a musician, Matthew aspires to teach his students the joy of playing music with others and encourages them to explore multiple aspects of music-making. When he’s not teaching, Matthew is a composer for film and a freelance musician on bass and tuba. Matthew is committed to providing a safe space for students to explore music and be part of a loving community.
Email me at [email protected] |
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Alvaro Cuellar (he/him), Assistant Music Program CoordinatorAlvaro got involved with Kid City in 2015 in his senior year of high school when he was first applying for colleges, universities, and financial aid. He was accepted to Cal State Northridge and as a first generation college student he graduated with a Bachelors in Communication Studies. Alvaro always had an appreciation for music since learning guitar in middle school. He has been involved in the music industry both in retail with music equipment and playing live. Access to resources and a community was something that Alvaro grew to value and being able to give back in the same way mentors have done for him is something he hopes to share with everyone.
Email me at [email protected] |
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Kim Fabian (she/her), Program ManagerKim Fabian joined Kid City way back in 2015! Her friends told her about the program and as a first-gen, low-income, student of color, she jumped at the opportunity of joining the KC community. As a student, intern, volunteer, and more, she found her love for education equity as she took agency over her learning within Kid City walls. She went on to receive a B.A. from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs in 2021 where she had the opportunity to explore education as a researcher, policy advocate, instructor, programmer, and more. A year after graduating, she decided to bring back her love and expertise to the place that started it all! She's thrilled to be a position where she can embody Kid City values and help students navigate the complicated education system. Whenever outside of Kid City, you can always catch her eating new food, traveling, or enjoying a good live show. Email me at [email protected] |
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Anne Hawthorne (she/her), Urban Foundation Executive DirectorAnne Hawthorne was the founding program director of Kid City, and in 2013 assumed the position of executive director of the Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation. She has a background in youth development and leadership, with a BA from Pacific Oaks College, and an MFA from Antioch University. Anne likes a strong cup of coffee in the morning, and has been entertained during the pandemic by two cats who like to bring June bugs into many a zoom meeting.
Email me at [email protected]
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Leidy Vasquez (she/her), Development CoordinatorLeidy was a participant of the Scholars mentorship program in 2013 as a high school student. Earning her BA in Political Science with Minors in French & Education at UCLA, Leidy is passionate about serving vulnerable populations and strives to help people build partnerships to share and expand access to resources and knowledge. Having served immigrant and foster youth during college, Leidy understands and recognizes the agency of youth, and the importance of making sure they have the support to grow into leaders in their own rite. Previously a Legal Assistant at an immigration firm, Leidy is spearheading grant writing and incorporating compelling stories to advocate for the students Kid City serves. She stays informed on the needs of the community and is actively helping to reconnect and mobilize Kid City's Alumni to support fellow first-generation students on their college and career journeys. Email me at [email protected] |
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Kid City believes that staff, like anyone working with youth or in education, should have access to regular professional development, including training that helps to keep participants safe. In addition to regular in-service training, role-specific professional development, and participating in professional networks, all staff are required to complete the following trainings:
– Safe Gatherings Child Protective Services
– Sexual Harassment for California Employees and Supervisors
– Mental Health First Aid