Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! Let’s keep the series going, and Get To Know BOOST Leadership Team Member, Kristen Gonzalez (she/her/hers).
Thank you, Kristen, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Leadership Team Member Kristen Gonzalez (she/her/hers)
Kristen is the Program Manager for Harmonium, Inc. in San Diego, CA.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration.
One thing that motivates me is training and mentoring the next generation of Expanded Learning professionals. I have been blessed to have had amazing mentors, sounding boards, and colleagues in my career. I want to make sure the next generation continues to do the work to the best of their abilities and talents.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I have a 14 year old puppy named Klondike. He loves walking on the beach, taking a good nap, and hunting for lizards. I adopted him when he was 6 weeks old based off a picture I saw of him on Craigslist. When I saw him in person I knew he was my puppy.
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night?
My go to Karaoke song? Well, I don’t think anyone wants to hear me sing!
Share any unique hobbies or talents. 
I have a strange talent that if you tell me the school district in San Diego County, I can tell you who provides their after school program. I’m not sure why or how I developed that talent… maybe I have been working in the field for too long.
Favorite animal noise?
I love a good elephant sound.
What is your most treasured book to read?
I received a copy of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein right after my mother passed away when I was 7, and I still have it even though the cover is tattered. It remains one of my favorite books to read to children. I ask them why they think I keep the cover on even though it is tattered, and we have a talk about keeping things that are close to your heart.
I’m not currently reading anything…have recommendations for me?
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” – Marian Wright Edelman
If you could be any person for a day, who would you be and why?
Brene Brown – for the ability to public speak like she does, and to be an agent of change for the way people interact with each other.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
To ignore what people say or think of you, put your head down, get good grades, and apply to those dream colleges.
If you really knew me you would know that… 
I am a huge sports fan! I love watching baseball (Go Padres!), college football (Oregon State Beavers), and hockey (Go Kings Go).
Today for breakfast I had…
Coffee and frosted flakes.
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Kristen, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!