Staff
Don Anderson Jr.
Co-Founder,
Vice President & Program Director
Don is an artist.
Jim Tetreau
Founder,
President & Project Director
Jim is a writer.
Ana Brito
Student Instructor
I have faced many barriers and struggles since moving to the United States. Having grown up in South Los Angeles, I know the characteristics of this community make it very difficult for the children and their parents to succeed. Every student in this community has faced at least one obstacle. My challenge has been lack of adequate explanation on school work from my teachers at school. This is just one of many reasons why I chose to work at Strive. I want the kids to excel in their academics and in their personal lives.
We are all surrounded by good and bad options, but for some of these kids it is hard for them to recognize the good options. I believe we are making an impact at Strive helping our kids become better prepared for their own future.
Some of the things I love to do are read and write. This is why I encourage our children to do their best in their assignments, not only doing it well but learning to enjoy doing it.
Lucy Carrillo
Student Instructor
Hello, my name is Lucy Carrillo. I am a High School graduate preparing to go to college later this year. My favorite subjects are Mathematics and Reading. I first came to Strive I as a volunteer, then I moved on to office work and data entry. Now I am a student teacher. As a member of the Strive staff my job is not only to tutor, but to offer guidance to our students in need. Strive is special because there are not many programs like this in the inner city. Strive is a safe harbor for children in this community. We help children stay away from gangs and drugs. Our focus is to assist the children academically while instilling good morals. I believe this then fosters high self-esteem.
Working at Strive is gratifying. It has helped me realize the career I would love to pursue. I am now going to study to be a teacher. “The bond that links true family is not one of blood but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” Richard Bach. This is what makes Strive unique. Everyone at Strive are members of one big family who day by day strive for the best.
Susana Cuautle
Lead Instructor
Hello my name is Susana Cuautle. I have been an instructor at Strive since June 2009. On June 2008 I received my B.A. in English and Psychology from the University of California, Davis. I am currently working towards my multiple subject credentials at Cal State Long Beach. After that I plan on pursuing my Master’s degree in Education or Social Work. Ultimately, I want to continue working with children and serve them educationally and socially.
I first encountered Strive one summer day after work. My adolescent brother (who has attended Strive for a year) would sometimes tell me about Strive, so I was curious to find out more about the program. I was pleasantly surprised when I first entered Strive. Besides having multiple classrooms and ample courtyard space, Strive is extremely polished and welcoming unlike any other After-School facility in South Los Angeles. Since I was looking for a job, I inquired about a position and a few weeks later I was hired. Working at Strive has been both challenging and rewarding. I have learned much from the staff and diverse students. Most importantly, working at Strive has allowed me to grow as an educator and spur my passion for children.
I grew up five blocks from Strive, so I understand the problems and violence that plague our community. When our students enter Strive they know they are safe and in an environment that inpires them to grow into successful community members. We teach our students to rise above community challenges and barriers and to not be victims. I am not just an After-School instructor, but a mentor and role-model for our students, especially the Middle School & High School students with whom I work at Strive.
My goal at Strive is to teach my students the following: With the right support system, motivation, and hard work they can achieve anything. I hope my students will learn from me as much as I have learned from them. I hope they can someday explore and live outside of South Central Los Angeles yet be inspired at some point to give back to this community. I lived in Davis for 4 years and even though it is much quieter and safer, I knew my calling was to return home and give back to my community, which both horrified and inspired me as I was growing up here. I know that by helping our youth succeed I am improving our community one child at a time.
Tatiana Hernandez
Lead Instructor
I was born and raised in South Los Angeles, and because of this I understand the everyday challenges children and their families face living in this neighborhood. Growing up, my main motivation was my mother and the many wise words she gave me. I’ve known for awhile now that if I wanted to change the ongoing tradition in my family of being under-educated, it was going to take hard work, persistence and determination. I believe I was able to overcome the violence, gangs and negativity surrounding me as I grew up due to the support of my family and teachers.
My goal at Strive is to motivate the children to make a change in the world, but most importantly in their lives. I enjoy working with the children at Strive not only because they are wonderful children, but also because they show me something new each and every day. This helps me better understand them and provide the help they need.
I am attending college and will be the first one in my family to earn a degree. I am currently studying computer networking systems, but my time at Strive and inspiration from the children have helped me find another calling. I now want to become a teacher.
Cynthia Martinez
Lead Instructor
Hello, my name is Cynthia Martinez. I have been an instructor at Strive for two years. I am currently attending East Los Angeles College and Los Angeles City College. I plan on transferring to either the California State University of Long Beach or Los Angeles to major in liberal studies. My hope is to one day become a teacher and continue serving children in South Los Angeles.
I believe that a program such as ours at Strive is a wonderful source of education for our children, because many do not learn the importance of an educational or work ethic anywhere else. In my opinion these kids are extremely special because even though they are surrounded by negativity, they are still able to smile and enjoy their youth. I intend to show them that there is a whole world out there aside from South Central. Growing up in South Los Angeles, I am familiar with what these children go through on a daily basis. There are all types of distractions that keep them from being engaged with their school work. Every day these children learn lessons from myself and the other teachers at Strive that help them see that growing up in this environment does not mean that they cannot succeed in life.
I consider myself a role model to these children simply because there aren’t many people they can look up to. I hope they look at us instructors and realize there are many opportunities for them to take advantage of, just as we are doing now. One of those opportunities is Strive itself. I’m glad parents care enough about their children’s futures to push them to pursue their studies. I am pleased to work with children who are growing up in the same environment I did, because I feel that I understand them on a deeper level than just as a teacher.
I try to teach our children something new everyday, but they are not the only one’s learning — they are also helping me learn new things every day. Through them I am able to keep a positive attitude. They brighten up my day simply because they show up everyday. Something as simple as their steady attendance lets me know that they want to better their situation and become something in life. They can easily stay at home and play video games like so many other children do, but instead they come to Strive. The fact that these children voluntarily choose to be here, rather than on the street, makes me want to help them as much as I possibly can. I am here to help those children that need and want my help and I hope to continue doing so for many years to come.
Julio Padilla
Lead Instructor
My name is Julio and I was raised in South Central Los Angeles. Becoming aware of the good and bad habits around me, I learned to stay away from certain things while becoming involved in activities that would bring productivity to my life. I am currently attending East Los Angeles College. I plan to transfer to California State University-Los Angeles and earn a Bachelor’s degree. There is something new to learn every day at Strive. I’ve learned to improve my tutoring skills and to help kids feel more confident in their own abilities. It is a great joy to be a part of seeing our kids improve their academic skills, as well as their behavior.
Araceli Reynoso
After School Instructor
My name is Araceli Reynoso. Being raised in South Central Los Angeles has helped me understand the value and necessity of education. Like many in this community, I have faced many challenges along the way. However, life has also taught me that the worst thing that I can do is give up. One of the major challenges I faced was getting the best education in an environment where many believe that’s not important.
When I was a high school student, I saw many of my friends being dragged down by bad influences. At times, these negative influences were very close to me, but I had a supportive family that guided me every step of the way. I graduated high school with honors and I am currently attending East Los Angeles Community College. My main goal is to major in psychology. I would like to help kids in this community successfully overcome challenges, including but not limited to drugs, violence, gangs, prostitution and dysfunctional families. I also want to emphasize an understanding of the value of education.
Working at Strive has strengthened me to better achieve my goals and has provided me with multiple opportunities to help so many kids.
Ramiro Sanchez
After School Instructor
I was born and raised in Los Angeles by parents who spoke only Spanish. Since English was my second language, it was a challenge for me in school. On top of that, I had no one to guide me down the right path through my my entire school career, but managed to graduate from high school with a GPA of 3.0.
Working by myself was a personality trait I developed, since I had tremendous energy and enjoyed playing sports. After graduation, I wanted to challenge myself by aiming high and becoming a professional baseball player. I had to learn to let go of my fears, which were reading, writing and speaking English. In college, I chose to major in psychology, so I have no choice but to improve my English and work harder.
Growing up, I wish I had a program like Strive that could have helped me with my schoolwork. I reinforce to the kids to be grateful to have Strive, because they can get the assistance they need. I enjoy working with our kids because many of them deal with the same complications I did. Strive is a positive environment and gives students the opportunity to develop the good manners, positive habits and confidence they will need. Their chances for success in life are now higher.
Edwin Verdugo
Student Instructor
My name is Edwin Verdugo. I have encountered many barriers in my life, like moving to the United States at the age of 11. Because I moved here not knowing English, getting an education in South Central L.A. has been tough. I understand how community distractions make this a barrier for other students.
Because I have lived this experience, my main goal right now is to become a teacher. I would love to teach students who have had the same struggles with English that I did. These struggles helped me become a dedicated and responsible man who thinks anything is possible if you work hard for what you want. Working at Strive is giving me a greater chance to share my experience with the students and help them understand the same possibilities.
