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.
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.
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.
Dayanara Escareno
Dayanara works as Front Desk for the Downtown Boys and Girls Club. She’s in her second year of college majoring in childhood education. She hopes to enrich her understanding of children during these prime developmental years. Dayanara grew up in Santa Cruz County and now wants to give back to her community. During her free time she enjoys reading and coloring.
Leilani Lazaro
Leilani Lazaro works the Front Desk at the Live Oak Clubhouse. She is currently a second year student at SJSU and is studying Social Work. During her free time she likes to read books. As a former club member she is grateful to have the opportunity to work in an environment where everyone is treated like family.
CeCe Ruiz-Rocha
CeCe is our Front Desk Receptionist at our Scotts Valley Clubhouse. She plans to attend Cal State Monterey Bay or San Jose State after graduation. She is interested in studying law and psychology, with the ultimate goal of serving as an advocate for Spanish-speaking children and families involved in the justice system.
Heaven Smith
Heaven Smith and works as a Front Desk Manager for the Live Oak Boys and Girls Club. She is in her second year of college at CSUMB and is studying psychology. As a former club kid of the Live Oak Boys and Girls Club, she is grateful and happy to be able to help out the community that helped raise her.
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.
Luis Contreras
Luis grew up in Los Angeles, and comes to the Club with a wealth of experience as a swim instructor, lifeguard and swim team coach. He joined the Club because it’s the perfect setting to give the lifelong gift of water safety. Luis’ goal at Boys & Girls Club is to create an inclusive and supportive aquatic space for kids who need an outlet to exert themselves, but also hold space for those kids who haven’t had an opportunity to engage with aquatic activities before.