On the Trail with Knisha ‘knash’ Nash: Explore the Path We’ve Traveled

Life is an Adventure. Let’s Explore the Journey Together!

In education and expanded learning, we often take the path less traveled – the unpaved trail that leads to exploration and adventure! The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is excited to spotlight the journeys of the BOOST Leadership and BOOST Ambassador teams in the Fall 2025 Collaborative Blog Series – Share Your Career Journey: Explore the Path We’ve Traveled. Thank you to these important BOOST partners for adventuring into the unknown for the betterment of our youth and communities.

Are you ready for some time on the trail with Knisha “knash” Nash (she, her, hers)? Let’s go! Thank you, knash, for inviting us to join your journey! We appreciate you!

Explore the Path We’ve Traveled with BOOST Leadership Team Member, Knisha “knash” Nash (she, her, hers)

knash is the Director of Program Training & Development for Think Together in Riverside, CA, and a proud member of the BOOST Leadership Team.

What is your career path journey? How did you get involved in the out-of-school time, expanded learning, and/or educational fields?

My career path in the out-of-school time journey began right after my undergraduate studies when I opened a new elementary program as a Site Coordinator. Over three years, I built a strong foundation in program management, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade and learning firsthand what quality expanded learning looks like in action.

Driven by a desire to strengthen program impact, I transitioned into a Quality Assurance Coaching and Training role. Over the next seven years, I supported multiple sites. Coaching staff, elevating program quality, and ensuring meaningful student experiences across elementary, middle, and high school programs. My leadership continued to grow as I became a Program Development Specialist for Older Youth, where I led the redesign of youth programs, developed engaging curricula, and cultivated partnerships that brought learning to life.

My passion for developing people led me to become a Learning and Development Manager, where I guided a team of trainers in onboarding and professional growth for staff at all levels. Today, as the Director of Program Training & Development, I lead organization-wide training initiatives empowering staff through learning, development, and leadership growth. My journey reflects a deep belief that investing in people is the key to transforming programs and shaping brighter futures for youth.

What part of your career path has surprised you most?

What has surprised me most in my career is how deeply I’ve become invested in the out-of-school time field. I originally thought I wanted to become a classroom teacher, but once I stepped into expanded learning, I realized this was where I was meant to make an impact. Through this work, I discovered the powerful role that out-of-school programs play in supporting families and strengthening communities. It gave me a sense of purpose and belonging that I hadn’t anticipated during my undergraduate studies, and it continues to inspire the work I do every day.

Who has supported you on your journey as a mentor, colleague, or friend?

My journey has been supported by so many wonderful leaders in the field. It would be difficult to pick just one. So…I’ll go with my family. My family sees my heart and passion for this work. I did not take the path most followed by those in my family, but they get me. They understand why this work is so important to me and what keeps me happy each day. 

What keeps you in the field?

What keeps me in the field is the difference that out-of-school time makes in the lives of students and families every day. Out-of-school time offers the chance to help young people develop confidence, leadership, and curiosity in ways that traditional classrooms often can’t. Seeing a student grow, try something new, or feel like they belong keeps the work deeply meaningful. 

As you continue on the journey, what areas of leadership are you developing in yourself?

With my passion for training and development, I am positioned to become a field influencer and knowledge builder. I design and share innovative training models that elevate adult learning in OST; contribute to conferences, panels, or publications (statewide or national) on leadership development, staff retention, and program quality; and mentor emerging leaders to strengthen the OST talent pipeline.

What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this field?

There are so many skills that are crucial to succeeding in this field. If I had to pick…I’d say people and relationship building, vision and strategic thinking, communication and advocacy, continuous learning and innovation, just to name a few.

What would you recommend others pack in their “career backpack”? Why are those items important?

If I could only pack one thing for my journey, it would be a compass. It’s a reminder to always know your “why.” When you’re clear about your purpose, everything else begins to align just as it’s meant to. Your path unfolds with intention, and even when challenges arise, that compass keeps you centered. Knowing your “why” reminds you that you belong and that you’re here to make a difference, to uplift others, and to keep moving forward with purpose and heart.

Tell us about your BOOST adventure? When did you get started?

My journey with BOOST began as an attendee. I participated in several BOOST Conferences before officially joining as a BLT member in 2022. Now in my second year on the BLT, it has been an incredible experience collaborating with a passionate group of individuals who share the same dedication to out-of-school time as I do. Being part of the BOOST family has not only deepened my commitment to the field but also reminded me of the power of connection, shared purpose, and collective impact.

What is the best mistake you have made in your career? What did you learn from it?

I don’t like to think of anything in my career as a mistake. Every challenge, misstep, or setback has been part of my learning journey. I’ve failed, I’ve fallen, and I’ve gotten back up each time stronger, more self-aware, and more grounded in my purpose. Those experiences have shaped how I lead, how I support others, and how I continue to grow.

Today, for breakfast, I had…

Breakfast? What’s that? LOL I rarely eat breakfast, so…Breakfast for me was starting the day with a big bowl of gratitude!