Recreation Director Jose has over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including eight years as a program director for Boys and Girls Club of Burbank. He is currently enrolled at LA Valley College pursuing a degree in education. He joined the Wooten Center as program director of recreation in July 2022.

Program Manager Victor has been a math teacher for public schools and youth centers for more than 13 years, including five years at the Wooten Center where he serves largely in private tutoring, homework assistance, tutor onboarding and STEM instruction. He has an AA in animation from Santa Monica College and is completing a BA in math at Western Governor University.

Program Specialist Marissa is currently attending Santa Monica College majoring in English to pursue a career as an attorney. She was a student at the Wooten Center for more than 10 years, including serving as a teen helper. The center hired her last year as staff while she attends school.

Education Specialist Jason is a current student at El Camino Community College where he is studying Psychology. Jason is a math teacher at the center and also helps engage students in fun and enriching activities in virtual playground.

Program Administrator Angelica was raised in Watts and is currently enrolled at Cerritos College where she is majoring in Nursing and Computer Science. Her passion is to help inspire students in Computer Science and Engineering just as others have inspired her. In her role she assists with student and parent activities and daily operations at the center.

Education Director Beverly has over 30 years of experience supporting educational and non-profit industries, including over 12 years as a professional development senior trainer and mentor for the out-of- school time workforce for California School-Age Consortium. Beverly is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy at Grand Canyon University. She has a bachelor’s in psychology from CSULA and a master’s in organizational psychology.

Executive Director Naomi has more than 30 years in nonprofit management, including over 20 years as a youth center executive director. She has a BA in journalism and marketing from CSU Northridge and an MA in intercultural studies and children at risk from Fuller Theological Seminary where she wrote her thesis on gang prevention in LA. ​ Naomi received a nonprofit certificate from USC in 2020 and the United Way of Greater LA's first Power of Her Award in 2018. She is a certified CalSAC trainer.

Parent Outreach Specialist Rosie started working as our program administrator in 2014 when her daughter was enrolled in our afterschool program. Her daughter has since graduated from college while Rosie was promoted to her current position serving as our primary parent contact. Rosie studied interior design and has an extensive background in administration and business management.

Education Specialist Isidra Person-Lynn has a BA in English from Union College and an MA in journalism from USC. She formerly worked on air as public affairs director for KACE radio and as a professor teaching English and journalism at West Los Angeles College. She most recently worked in communications at Charles Drew University, where she retired. Isidra is currently our lead English language arts teacher.

Program Specialist Fonte is a science teacher at Soleil Academy and has multiple years in coaching both football and basketball. Fonte graduated from California State University, Northridge with a bachelors in Africana Studies in 2021

Associate Director Christelle has a bachelor's degree in educational services management from CSU Long Beach. She oversees daily operations for our afterschool and summer programs, including supervising our staff, interns and volunteers and assisting our executive director with program development and administration. Christelle started as a volunteer tutor in 2011 and is dedicated to helping our students excel. She teaches our weekly world languages and culture with cooking class.