Breakfast Club Blog

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is a curated space where bloggers from around the world contribute content on a continual basis about a variety of topics relevant to in and out-of-school time. The BOOST Breakfast Club blog is at the heart of an ongoing dialogue where expanded learning and education professionals share their personal thoughts and stories from the in and out-of-school time field. They also tell us what they ate for breakfast!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Enjoy the brain food.

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is Brain Food for In and Out-of-School Time Leaders!

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10 Things You Don’t Know About Kristen Gonzalez

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of how much we value and appreciate our TEAMBOOST partners. So to say THANK YOU to our incredible community we will be spotlighting our BOOST Bloggers, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members weekly through the end of December. We are continuing our BOOST Gratitude Blog Series with 10 things you didn’t know about Kristen Gonzalez, BOOST Leadership Team Member since 2018. I was an Art History major when I started working in the Out-of-Scho...Read More

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Becky Shultz

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of how much we value and appreciate our TEAMBOOST partners. So to say THANK YOU to our incredible community we will be spotlighting our BOOST Bloggers, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members weekly through the end of December. We are kicking off our BOOST Gratitude Blog Series with 10 things you didn’t know about Becky Shultz, BOOST Leadership Team Member since 2010. I chose to work in After School to be able to help more students stay s...Read More

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Melissa Perez

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of how much we value and appreciate our TEAMBOOST partners. So to say THANK YOU to our incredible community we will be spotlighting our BOOST Bloggers, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members weekly through the end of December. We are kicking off our BOOST Gratitude Blog Series with 10 things you didn’t know about Melissa Perez, BOOST Leadership Team Member since 2017. How did you get into the OST, expanded learning, or educational field?...Read More

Get ready for BOOST with the BLT!

This year’s Virtual BOOST Conference may look different than years past, but it’s still full of the fun, energy, and love you’ve come to expect at BOOST. Hear directly from the BOOST Leadership Team about what they’re looking forward to this year, and register to join us April 27-30 for a totally unique BOOST Conference experience! “As someone who has been a participant of the BOOST Conference to being able to lead my own Inspiration Station another year, I am so ex...Read More

Lessons From The Backseat

I love to drive. Cars, motorcycles, ideas, discussions-you name it. I, like so many, enjoy and thrive off of the ability to be in control of where I am going and how I am getting there. As a facilitator of learning, I am also very comfortable in the driver’s seat. I know the desired goals and objectives for each learning experience I am in charge of, either designing or implementing or both. And, like many others in the field of education, the thrill of seeing the outcomes of these experie...Read More

Building The Capacity Of Front Line Staff

Editor’s Note: Please welcome brand new Breakfast Club Blogger, Brandon Alvarez. Brandon is an experienced Expanded Learning practitioner. He is currently a Program Manager with Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, overseeing a robust high school ASSETs program. His other duties include participating in professional development leadership teams, local youth advisory boards, and managing the marketing and giving affairs for his agency. As an emerging leader in the field, Brandon asp...Read More

Meet the BLT: Stefanie Lawson

Stefanie Lawson Assistant Director, Early Education, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Thousand Oaks, CA Who or what inspires you? The children and families that I serve in my community inspire me every day. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Integrity. You will never go wrong with quality of character. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Why and how did this person impact your life? My father is the person who has ...Read More

Meet the BLT: Melissa Perez

Melissa Perez ASES Programs Supervisor, Child Development Services, Fullerton School District, Fullerton, CA Who or what inspires you? My family, my faith, and my culture inspire me. My homegirl Frida Kahlo inspires me to be the best woman I can be for all women and little girls… to fight and advocate for and live passionately. This picture is one of my favorites. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? “Paz y Amor.” (Peace and love.) What is one characteristic t...Read More

Meet the BLT: Lissa Tsu

Lissa Tsu Consultant, San Diego, CA Who or what inspires you? I am inspired by art and artists. The world would be a much less desirable and beautiful place if artists didn’t risk sharing themselves with the world. I admire both their capability to let us see into their soul and their artistic ability to create. I am always seeking out art and artist friends to ground myself. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? One quote that has gotten me through a lot of hard times is,...Read More

Meet the BLT: Marissa Serna

Marissa Serna Child Care Coordinator, Alta Loma School District, Alta Loma, CA Who or what inspires you? My family inspires me. I want to be the driving force for my children to do more than I ever have, as they have been my force to do more. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.” -Eleanor Roosevelt What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Communication...Read More

Meet the BLT: Jeanaah Sampson

Jeanaah Sampson Regional Manager, EduCare Foundation, Van Nuys, CA Who or what inspires you? My mom inspires me. She’s shown me how to be a strong, independent woman with focus. All I am today is a reflection of what I have been taught over the years. What would students be surprised to find out about you? That I can be shy and socially awkward at times. Whenever they see me I’m always so loud and talkative. They’d never think I was quiet and reserved. What is one characteristic that you believe...Read More

Meet the BLT: Frances Vasquez

Frances Vasquez Vice President of Programs, arc, Torrance, CA Who or what inspires you? Young people! They are incredible, resilient humans. I want to make the world better for them. I had a lot of opportunities growing up, and I want to be able to give them as many opportunities as I can. I had some incredible people in my life who poured so much love into me. I want to do the same for others. How do you encourage creative thinking within your organization? I have a sign in my office that says,...Read More