Elizabeth Calderon (Liz) graduated from San Jose State University in May 2010 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Mexican-American Studies. Wanting to give back to her community and be a positive role model for the youth, Liz decided to work at the Center for a New Generation after school program at Hoover School, where she became the Assistant Director and the 8th grade mentor. Liz is now the Director of the CNG After School Program at Belle Haven Community School.

She loves helping children, understands the importance of education, and definitely encourages all the students in the program to make the most of the many educational opportunities they are given. In addition to providing academic enrichment for the 8th graders, Liz has lead several discussions and activities that are meant to prepare our CNG 8th graders for high school and help them understand the differences between public and private schools. The children and their families as well as the community are very important to her because she feels as though she can help change the future of both.

She lives by a quote from Aristotle, which states:

“We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act but a habit.”

Outside of school and work, Liz loves outdoor activities such as walking, camping, and water rafting.

Jackie Garcia has been with the organization for Four years, she started off as a tutor. She is a Native of East Palo Alto and is passionate bout our youths development. She knows that it is possible for all youth to graduate with a plan after high school. She has her Sub-contractors Licence in stucco and will be transferring to San Jose State next Fall.

She dreams that one day she will be an elementary school teacher and give back to the communities she wishes to see a change in. She has a baby named Scarlett is very happy to be a new mother.

Edward Peck grew up near London, England and graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2006. He moved to the Bay Area in 2007, and never ever wants to leave. His hobbies include writing and playing music, yoga, tennis, karaoke and scrabble.

Demetrius Hill graduated from Sacred Heart Prep in 2009. Demetrius is a former CNG student, who enjoys working with kids. While in High School he spent his summers working as CNG teen staff. Demetrius is now a kindergarten mentor @ Bell Haven.

Elizabeth Melton was born and raised in Southern California.  She moved north in 2003 to attend San Francisco State University, where she graduated with a degree in Philosophy.  She has worked with children of all ages, and is enjoying her second year at CNG with Belle Haven's 4th graders.  Elizabeth is passionate about her electives and hopes to share her love of art with her students.

Lisa Tapia has a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Spanish from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her Master´s degree in Social Anthropology from la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. Her favorite subject to teach is Around the World since she enjoys learning about different cultures. She plans to pursue a career in museum education or interpretation.

Geovanny Gil is Guatemalan, Italian and Mexican.  He is 23 years old and lives in San Mateo.  Geovanny went to Hillsdale for high school and the California Culinary Academy for college/university. Upon graduating with a degree in culinary arts he obtained his current job at a 5-star restaurant in San Jose as the Executive Sous Chef.

Geovanny used to work for the Boys and Girls Club in San Mateo from 2001-2005.  He rejoined the BGCP this year at Taft School for the CNG program, which he is excited about. He is looking forward to mentoring and teaching a cooking elective.

Jatinder Sandhu is am from San Jose, CA.  I graduated from UCLA with a degree in English and Film, and I currently work as a freelance news reporter and tutor.

Lilly Espinoza, 23 years old, has been a CNG mentor since August 2008 and is attending college in the East Bay. She is majoring in Teaching and hopes to be a positive, motivating, example for the kids she comes in to contact with. She enjoys music, running and eating good food.

She loves working with the future little scholars of the world.

Kei-Che Randle is an alumni of the Boys and Girls Club of America. She was the 6th/7th grade Academic Mentor at James Flood Magnet School. Currently, she is the 8th Grade Academic Mentor at Belle Haven. She instructed science, poetry, and American Sign Language classes as electives of Center for New Generation from grades K-8th. Kei-Che hails from the Midwest. She attended University of Northern Iowa with the major of Health Promotion and an emphasis in Women’s Health. She also worked for Classic Upward Bound program in Waterloo, Iowa for 2.5 years as a clerical assistant and peer mentor for high school scholars.