For the past 12 years, I have had the pleasure to be part of the PLN family. My initial role was Site Supervisor for the After School Program. Throughout the years, I learned and gained various opportunities and experiences, leading me to where I am today – the Director. In this role I have the opportunity to create and provide learning opportunities to all our students outside the classrooms through After-School, Summer Program and additional off-school initiatives.

Part of my role is also creating and sustaining partnerships with collaborators and other organizations to provide exciting opportunities for our students. We have partnered with Inner City Arts, the Young Musicians Foundation, Young Storytellers Foundation, the Colburn School, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific, Newport Landing Whale Watching, San Diego Zoo, the Reptile Zoo, Eisner Pediatric and Family Medical Center, and Vision to Learn, to name a few.

I hold a strong value in ensuring the community needs are met, while holding high standards for quality programming. The main goal of our work in Extended Learning at PLN is to provide safe, educational, recreational, enriching programs for all students enrolled, paired with family and community involvement.

During the challenging time of COVID-19, PLN did not hesitate to continue supporting our students and families. In response, our department developed virtual programs full of interactive and enriching activities for students in collaboration with the Charter Schools for students in TK-8th grade. During the summer of 2020, we created and provided a virtual summer camp experience for all PLN students to continue to have the social development and community opportunities – from a safe place.