Michael Jones
Director of Program Services
Since 2005
In 2002, Michael Jones was the Associate Director of Programs for the San Francisco Conservation Corps. The San Francisco Conservation Corps Youth in Action (YIA) program is an intensive academic support, community service, and environmental education program serving 150 San Francisco middle school students ages 11-14, annually. Youth in Action goals are to provide participants with academic support and enrichment, opportunities to engage in meaningful community service, while learning about the relevance of urban environmentalism. Simultaneously, through a challenging combination of classroom activities and hands-on experience, participants develop basic job, social, and leadership skills, as well as an ethic of service that will help them succeed as students and active members of their community. YIA participants conduct community service projects in one of three project areas: Conservation & Recycling, Media, and Leadership.
In 2000, Michael was the Program Coordinator of Youth In Philanthropy. Youth In Philanthropy integrates two projects comprised by young adults, from San Francisco and Marin County, which actively partake in all aspects of funding youth oriented initiatives. This program introduces youth to the complex matrix of philanthropy ranging from such tasks as grant writing, oral presentations, and developing fiscal budget to enhancing social skills through developing a positive rapport with public officials and their community, at large.
Michael's professional career in youth development began with the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco. He has diligently worked with youth based organizations in the formulation and promotion of youth oriented projects. The impediment of tobacco sales to minors, awareness of environmental degradation, attention to rampant gun violence, and restoration of community alliances were issues in which, the advocacy and fortitude of youth, along with Michael's guidance, stimulated regionally/national projects. The efforts of these youth oriented projects have been widely recognized by public officials and other prominent citizens.
Michael's commitment to youth development is widely acknowledged by his peers within the non-profit sector, amongst community members and most importantly with the youth that he has closely worked with. In recognition of his efforts, Michael Jones has been honored with awards, gratitude and praise from his colleagues and youth. His pledge towards youth development remains steadfast and incessant.
Peter Pheap
Unit Director
Since 2002
Peter Pheap discovered his ear for music while playing guitar with friends during high school. At Oregon State University, he further developed his skills singing, playing and writing original music for rock bands around campus. After buying some equipment to record the groups, Peter decided to make a change and explore his interest in the recording arts. In 1999, he left OSU to enroll in The Art Institute of Seattle. Two years later, Peter graduated with a degree in Audio production. He moved to San Francisco to break into the fields of audio and video production. He applied for a part-time position at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula in Redwood City as a coordinator in the Club’s computer clubhouse. From scratch, Peter has created a recording and sound production program that draws teens from all over the peninsula. Members who study with Peter gain professional competencies in audio production on industry standard software such as Pro Tools and Reason. After hours, Peter continues to pursue his own music as a studio producer. Peter’s professional skill and experience not only gives him credibility with his students, but allows him to prepare them for working in the professional world of multi-media.
Denise Padilla-Alcala Program Assistant
Since 2005
Denise Padilla-Alcala began working for the Club in 2005 and was determined to accomplish anything that came her way. With the help and guidance of Michael Jones, Omar Assad, the Redwood City staff and the organization, she has grown tremendously. Denise is the Program Assistant at the Redwood City Clubhouse and is also known as the “the one who keeps things together."
Denise grew up in San Francisco, California and moved to the East Bay after graduating from high school. She is currently attending Las Positas College in Livermore and plans on getting her Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Psychology from San Jose State University. She aspires to attend Stanford University to receive her master's degree in the near future.
Denise's plans for the community is to continue to support the families along with her co-worker, Dalila Amezcua and to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that the Boys & Girls Club has to offer. A quote she always remembers is:
“You should always take advantage of opportunities that are rendered because that can lead you to the door of your destiny."
“Siempre hay que aprovechar de las oportunidades que se nos presente porque eso puede abrir las puertas de tu destino."
Diana Ramirez Health and Life Skills Coordinator
Since 2005
Diana Ramirez was born in Redwood City, California. She lived there for eight years and later moved to Menlo Park, California. She is the oldest of four children. At the age of ten, she began attending the Menlo Park Clubhouse. She attended mostly for the tutoring and the pool tables. After two years, she stopped attending to join her school's basketball team.
Diana graduated from Woodside High School in 2002. After high school, she attended Foothill College where her goal was to pursue a career in Business Administration. While attending Foothill College, she developed an interest in Sociology after taking a course in the subject. Sociology has changed her perception of how and why people interact the way they do in our society. Apart from her interest in Sociology, she also developed an interest in Criminology. Her interest is specifically why youth engage in at risk behaviors and how our society can works with our youth to change their attitude in becoming law abiding citizens.
After attending Foothill College and finishing her general education, she transferred to San Jose State University where she currently attends. She is pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology. She is the first person in her family to attend college.
In 2005, Diana started to work as the Front Desk Receptionist at the Redwood City Clubhouse. After less than a year, she became the Social Education Assistant and later the Academic Assistant. Currently, she works full-time as the Health & Lifeskills Coordinator where she runs the SMART Moves Program. This program provides youth with skills to prevent engaging in drug, alcohol or gang activity. They also discuss youth issues ranging from self-image, self-esteem, healthy nutrition and exercise, and conflict resolution.
Outside of the Clubhouse, Diana enjoys freshwater fishing, watching movies, drawing, and playing pool.
Gladys Gudino
Academic Director
Since 2008
Gladys Gudino was born in Los Angeles but moved to Mountain View, California with her mother and older sister when she was four. She graduated from Mountain View High School in 2003 and went on to attend college in Southern California. She knows that without the help of teachers and mentors in accordance with her family's unconditional support she would not have made it. In 2007, she was the first in her family to graduate from college, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in History and minors in Spanish and Chicano and Chicana Studies from UCLA.
While in college, she facilitated English classes to Day Laborers, taught Spanish to African American students in South Central Los Angeles, mentored incarcerated youth at Camp Kilpatrick in Malibu, and tutored middle school students in math. In addition to working in the schools, she participated in fair labor law campaigns, women's rights movements and student protests to demand affirmative action be used in college admissions. Upon graduation she had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain and Morocco and went on to travel around Italy and France.
Gladys knows the importance of getting an education and coming back to our communities to serve as role models and help the younger generations. She is passionate about motivating youth to excel in school and to follow their dreams. Drawing upon the cultural wealth and sense of solidarity in our communities, she wishes to create a college culture in every kid she meets and reminds them to rely on their hard work and dedication to achieve greatness in life.
Gladys plans to pursue graduate studies in the field of education and continue working to change the status quo. In her free time she enjoys cooking, dancing, and going to the park with her little sister and niece.
Alfonso Oseguera
Computer Clubhouse Manager
Since 2000
Born in Redwood City, California, Alfonso, better known as Poncho, was raised in the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula. As a high school student in 1996, Poncho first worked in the technology field on the assembly line for Lodan West Inc. By 2001, he graduated from OICW's Cisco Academy Program and was working for Lodan as a quality control technician. Poncho immediately took his skills back to his community to spearhead the BGCP's technology initiative as director of the new Intel computer clubhouse in EPA. A year later, Poncho moved to the RWC Clubhouse to build another clubhouse for his home town. For the past three years, he has built a program introducing the vast world of technology to thousands of members from the BGCP's communities. Poncho's members are exposed and gain skills in IT, digital graphics, web design, robotics, digital audio and music.
In CNG, Poncho is involved in every grade, dropping into every classroom to offer his assistance. He works closely with the seventh graders, teaching them about respect, integrity, and responsibility. He ensures that each student's number one priority is homework completion via a quiet and productive atmosphere.
During his free time, Poncho DJ's community events, exercises, and spends time with his family.
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Dalila Amezcua
Social Education Director
Since 2003
Dalila Amezcua was born in Palo Alto, California, and grew up in Mexico. Whe she was thirteen, she returned to the United States to pursue her education. She attended Sequoia High School where she graduated in 1997. Dalila was the first person in her family to attend college and to graduate in the USA. She attended both San Jose State University and San Francisco State University receiving a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Spanish and a double major in Math and Child Development.
While attending college, Dalila volunteered her time at the Boys & Girls Club. This experience motivated her to pursue a career in youth development. Years later she was offered a part-time position as the SuccessMaker Mentor at the Boys & Girls Club, and then as the SuccessMaker Manager. She is currently the Social Education Director at the Mervin G. Morris Clubhouse.
Dalila enjoys spending her time outside the clubhouse with her two children Diego and Samantha, as well as volunteering at her son's school and helping the community whenever she can.
Paulo Valencia
Physical Education Assistant
Since 2003
Paulo is a native of Mexico but was raised in Redwood City from the age of seven. He has been active in local basketball, soccer and football teams from an early age and currently plays in recreational leagues. His passion and devotion for the Boys and Girls Club began at an early age when he joined the Club in fourth grade. He was an active member throughout middle school. He returned to the Boys and Girls Club as a Senior at Sequoia High School and began volunteering for the athletic department as a coach. He was offered a part-time position over the summer after his Senior year in high school and his role at the Club has been growing ever since.
Paulo is currently attending San Jose State University and pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology. He plans to receive his teaching credentials as a P.E. teacher.
Francisco Espinoza Social Education Assistant
Since 2007
Francisco Espinoza is currently attending Foothill College. He plans to transfer to a state college to pursue his degree in architecture and in music. He was a Youth of the Year nominee for the Mervin G. Morris Clubhouse in 2007. He enjoys singing, writing songs, and playing piano. He is here for the experience because experience can help in the long run.
Gabriel Lomeli
Peapod Coordinator
Since 2009
Gabriel Lomeli, grew up in Stockton, California and graduated from San Jose State University in 2008 with a major in Social Science and a minor in Psychology. He is now the Peapod Coordinator for the Mervin G. Morris Clubhouse. He was previously a CNG youth mentor at Hoover Elementary School. Gabriel taught his students the importance of maintaining good study habits, developing the right attitude towards school, and respecting themselves and others. His passion for youth development has grown exponentially as he has continued to help more young people cope with the daily challenges they face in school, at home, and in their community. His interests in film, editing, and music has also allowed him and other mentors to jumpstart a multi-faceted media program that teaches youth how to make and edit their own films, documentaries, and soundtracks.
After receiving professional training from the Adobe Youth Voices program, Gabriel has successfully assisted kids in the filming and editing of several clubhouse events and youth development stories. Gabriel chose to work with the Boys & Girls Club after college because he truly believes in the importance and value of making a positive influence in the lives of young people. He loves working with kids and continues to be a great role model for the many youth who look up to him.
Clarisa Ontiveros
SuccessMaker Manager
Since 2007
Clarisa Ontiveros currently attends Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California. She has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula since she was seven years old. She started volunteering in 2006 at the Mervin G. Morris Clubhouse and was then hired on as a member of the teen staff.
As she gained more experience and knowledge in working with young people, Clarisa has since been promoted to SuccessMaker Manager, a position in which she can continously further her skills in helping young people stay motivated and focused.
Cynthia Pineda
Teen Staff
Since 2007
A rather shy young lady, Cynthia has definitely came out of her shell in the last several years. With the help of several club staff, she has been given free range of her artistic talents and is currently a member of the Teen Staff at the club. Cynthia Pineda is a junior in high school and aspires to attend CSU Stanislaus or CSU East Bay to study Sociology or Psychology. Despite obstacles at home, Cynthia has taken on the "nurturing sister" role for many of the younger teens. Always willing to give advice and relate to the students, Cynthia has won over many of the freshmen students. She is a star employee and uses every available opportunity to grow and mature. When not at work or school, you can find her buried in the Twilight Book Series, writing poetry, listening to her iPod or hanging out with her friends.
Martin Martinez
Assistant
Since 2007
One of Martin's biggest achievements is going from a quiet, bashful club and community school member to a driving force in The Boys and Girls Club's athletic department. After spending nearly a year in community school, Martinez persevered and forged his own path back to Carlmont High School. Martin started at The Club as a volunteer leading activities for the kids during the Fall 2007 programs. His contributions evolved from coaching the 4th and 5th grade boys basketball team to overseeing all gym operations and daily programming as an athletic assistant.
He was selected as the September “Student of the Month” during his time in community school for his hard work and academic progress. He was also selected as part-time staff of the spring 2008 quarter. Martin currently attends the College of San Mateo.
Manuel Contreras
Assistant
Since 2007
Talia Ontiveros
Assistant
Since 2007
Although she has only been a member of our club since the summer of 2008, Talia Ontiveros has demonstrated her potential in a short time by being promoted from member to volunteer to Teen Staff. Despite her academic struggles, she persistently and gradually continues to improve in the academic sector. She can always be found socializing with members and staff delighting them with her bubbly and easy going personality. Her hobbies during weekends (besides coming to the club) are sharing time with family, listening to music and reading.
Her plans for the future are to graduate from high school and attend a community college to pursue a dental assistant certification.
