Editor’s note: The KidWorks Team is expanding and we’re delighted to introduce you to our newest team members. Each one looks forward to meeting our wonderful partners and supporters.
Cheryl Anderson, Manager of Grants
“I smile every day when I arrive at KidWorks! I look forward to seeing the students we work with and hearing their laughter and enthusiasm for life is infectious. It is gratifying to know that the work we do at KidWorks impact not only the lives of our students, it also impacts the community.” Prior to coming to KidWorks, I wrote grants as a consultant for a number of organizations in Southern California and have been in the non-profit community for 11 years. I am a self-identified Siamese cat lover. I love to travel, especially when it involves visiting countries with beautiful beaches.
Salma Galdamez-Valle, After-School Program Leader
“I’m especially excited to teach the students lessons about KidWorks’ ‘Four Pillars of Success,’ along with homework help. I’m already starting to develop wonderful relationships with the kids and staff. Each one is funny and genuine in their own special way. They help me to keep pushing forward in life, and I want to do the same for them. Before joining KidWorks, I worked at a community food bank called Love Community Outreach. My hobbies are playing guitar, working out at the gym, crochet and sports. I’m a psychology major at California State University, Fullerton and one day hope to become a high school psychology teacher.”
Brenda Garcia, Parent Engagement Coordinator
“Parents play such a vital role at KidWorks, and my duties include making sure they have the knowledge and resources they need to be leaders. I want to do everything I can to help the moms and dads actively participate in KidWorks and within their community. With the expansion of the Dan Donahue Center, there are even more opportunities to increase parent involvement. There is so much we can accomplish together in Santa Ana. I’m not entirely new to KidWorks. During the summer, I was in a temporary role as volunteer coordinator. I really enjoy reading and learning—which is what KidWorks is all about, too! In my free time, I also enjoy creative writing and painting.”
Melissa Garcia, Program Leader
“I first fell in love with KidWorks when I joined the volunteer department a few years ago and was on staff for two years. Now that I’ve returned, I know my purpose is to be in the classroom, working with students. As a program leader, I want to be source of encouragement. I recently got married! My husband and I met on the soccer field three years ago and we’re best friends. I love soccer and have been playing for 21 years. Last year, my husband and I completed an assignment in South Africa from September through November where we did missionary and discipleship work. We came back eager to see what God has in store for us back in our hometown of Orange County.”
Cynthia Gomez, Substitute Teacher
“As one of the after-school program’s lead substitute teachers, I’ll be stepping in as needed at any of the four centers. I’m excited to join the KidWorks staff, soak in everything KidWorks is about, and just to know I am part of a team that is investing in young lives. I am also a part-time nanny, and prior to that I was an independence facilitator for kindergarten through 12th grade students with special needs in the Capistrano Unified School District. I’ve done some traveling throughout Europe, including a high school field trip with my French class and a year abroad in Paris when I was in college. When not at work, I can be found in Disneyland or with my dogs, all three of them.”
Dori Dennis Moorehead, Chief Development Officer
“I am thrilled to be a part of the KidWorks team and look forward to working alongside a group of passionate professionals.” I grew-up in Fountain Valley and attended local schools with students from Santa Ana and Garden Grove at Fitz Middle School and Los Amigos High School (go Lobos). For the past 15 years I have served in various leadership roles within the non-profit sector, with an emphasis in fundraising for local non-profits in Orange County, Sacramento, and Texas. I enjoy spending time with my family, love to hike and swim, and cheer on my children at their water polo tournaments.
Dennis Nguyen, Program Leader, Cedar Evergreen Center
“I am very excited to be part of the magic that will happen at KidWorks this year! I am really looking forward to having a positive and encouraging impact on the students at the Cedar Evergreen Center. I’m anticipating lending a hand with the various community events, such as the 2018 Thanksgiving ‘Operation Gobble,’ which are such a vital part of KidWorks’ neighborhood outreach. Before joining KidWorks, I was a visitor experience representative for the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. As part of the Thai Students Association in college, I was part of the dance program during the annual cultural show. And I confess to having a very big sweet tooth!”