Paitra Sharp is a native of the Bay Area and recently received her master's degree in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from the Stanford School of Education. Prior to Stanford, Paitra worked with the California Conservation Corps, Springfield Public Schools' Public Relations office, and interned with the Refugee Specialist at Oakland Unified School District.

Paitra enhanced her passion for working with youth through her work teaching swimming, and teaching for the California Conservation Corps. Paitra is dedicated to working with at-risk youth, particularly by helping to forge stronger bonds between schools and communities. She believes partnerships between communities and schools provide youth with the skills they need for success.

In her spare time she enjoys cooking for friends and family, swimming, and staying connected to the outdoors.

Juan has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula since 2005. Previously, Juan worked as the Fifth Grade Academic Mentor for CNG @ Belle Haven Community School which was a very positive experience. His success at Belle Haven promoted him to be the Assistant Director for CNG @ James Flood Magnet School, continually inspiring kids.

Juan is currently attending Cañada College and is working on fulfilling his general education requirements. His goal is to complete all courses towards his Education major and become a teacher.

In Juan's spare time he enjoys dancing, swimming, movies, and spending time with his family and friends.

Reka Mathe brings more 14 years of experience in the field of non-profit.  She has served at Organizations whose primary beneficiaries were children and youth.

Reka holds a B.A. in Communications and plans to broaden her education by studying Sociology. She enjoys teaching Language Arts and History.

Her passions are: reading, dancing and the outdoors.

Mikeila McNack graduated from Woodside High School and is now attending Cañada College and currently majoring in Psychology. She works as a 3rd Grade Mentor for CNG @ James Flood Magnet School. Mikeila hopes to help her children succeed in life by teaching them responsibility and helping them improve academically. She loves working with kids.

Mikeila's other interests include reading, music, and shopping.

Lorenzo Garcia is a High School Prep Mentor who brings enthusiasm, determinism, and beauty to the James Flood CNG program. Lorenzo attended Palo Alto High School, Foothill College and Saint Mary's College of California. He aspires to be a successful entrepreneur and plans to retire on the Italian Riviera by the age of 30.

Lorenzo's favorite activities are knitting and playing bocce ball.

Sisley is the First Grade Mentor for the CNG program at @ James Flood Magnet School.  Before starting with CNG she worked at the Palo Alto YMCA on Ross Road.  Sisley graduated from Palo Alto High School in 2007 and plans to attend the College of San Mateo and plans to study Child Development and Sociology so she can further her success in working with children. 

Her main interests consist of creative writing, softball, basketball, and encouraging a bright future for children. 

Marian Alexander is honored to be working with Kindergarten students which she has been doing for three years. She has been with the Ravenswood City School District for twelve years and loves working with kids. She also enjoys teaching students about using music and dancing as an art. She has an inspiration for math and loves sharing it with her students. Marian has a strong passion in helping children to achieve their goals.

Frankie Drake graduated from the College of Notre Dame with a B.S. in Human Services. She has lived in the Bay Area all her life and attended Ravenswood City Schools as a child. Frankie worked as a Special Ed Para Professional at James Flood Magnet School for three years before becoming an Instructional Aide in the Sunnyvale School District. This is her third year as a CNG mentor, and she is happy to be moving onto third grade with the same students she mentored last year.

Frankie also volunteers, through her former sorority, with girls ages
11-18. The program focuses on tutoring, exposing the girls to math and science, and teaching etiquette.

Janice Jackson attended both Cal State Hayward and Cañada College . She previously worked for the Ravenswood City School District as a Special Ed Para Professional, and now works as an Instructional Aide for the Sunnyvale School District . This is Janice's third year working as a CNG mentor for the second grade.

At CNG, Janice hopes to help with her scholars' learning and development so that they can become productive members of their community. Janice enjoys giving back to her community. In addition to working for the school system, she has volunteered at Kaiser Hospital, and also works the poles during elections.

Janice also enjoys planning social events, such as BBQ's and family activities.

Marissa Opilas joined Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula in fall of 2009 as CNG's fifth grade mentor. She recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Psychobiology. She enjoys dancing and music and has previously taught ballet and tap dancing to aspiring young dancers. Marissa plan is to eventually attend graduate school and hopefully continue working with children. She enjoys reading, writing music, watching movies and eating great foods.