In her role as Executive Director, Lis has the incredible privilege of helping to ensure that our Clubs are meeting the needs of kids and families throughout Santa Cruz County. Since stepping into the Executive Director role in June 2022, she has worked alongside our staff team and Board of Directors to develop strategy, raise funds, and move our organization forward in service to our Club kids.
Andrew Cunningham
Andy (he/his) joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County in April of 2022. He brings experience from careers in both academia and nonprofit programs/grants management that directly transfer to the work and goals of BGCSCC. These experiences shape his approach to resource development and fundraising as he looks to both quantify the outcomes of our work and to uplift and center stories from the youth and families we serve.
Katee Freeman
Katee began her career with the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz as a teen, getting her first job as an Activities Aid in the summer of 2000. Shortly after entering the Club, Katee knew that youth development was her calling. Since that time, Katee has held many roles within the club and is now the Program Director at the Downtown Branch.
Bryon Windsor
Bryon oversees our Sports and Fitness programs. Along with running our local basketball program, Bryon is looking forward to developing new programs that help the kids learn more about health and physical fitness, while understanding the need to develop their academics.
Michael Herzog
Michael Herzog brings over 20 years of experience working with youth to the Live Oak Clubhouse. Michael was a former owner of the Santa Cruz Soccer Camp where he established the Leadership Training Program for teens. He has been the director of the Quest Afterschool Program in Ben Lomond and also co-founded the San Lorenzo Valley Leadership Academy. Michael is dedicated to providing a safe and engaging environment for Club kids
Hayden Khalaf
Hayden (He/They) joined the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County in 2022 and is excited to be on board. He comes from a rich background of administrative expertise and non-profit operations management. After graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in Legal Studies from University of California Santa Cruz, he dedicated himself to serving the community at large through the work of local organizations. Hayden often enjoys hiking through the redwood forest and visiting local cafes.
Daniel Kumasaka
Daniel has been a valuable part of the Live Oak Clubhouse for over ten years, providing guidance, friendship and athletic training to our Live Oak Club kids.
Jennie Valenzo
Jennie started out as a Club Kid in Southern California at the age of 6. She helped out around her Clubhouse and it wasn’t long before she discovered her passion for working with youth. Her first job started at her Clubhouse and she worked there until she transferred to UC Santa Cruz to finish her degree. She searched for a local Club to continue her love for youth development and has been with our Downtown Clubhouse since 2018. Jennie graduated from UCSC in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She hopes to continue connecting with youth to give them a comforting place to be themselves and give them a voice. Jennie strives to provide a welcoming environment that fosters creativity, personal growth, and emotional development.
Silka Jewell
In her role as Clubhouse Director, she brings tremendous care for our youth, leadership for our Live Oak team, attention to detail, and creative approaches to delivering engaging programs for our members.