Meet the KidWorks Alum: Haide Gutierrez
August 19, 2026(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated… Continue Reading
Author: Bryanna Paz
Meet the KidWorks Alum: Haide Gutierrez
(Editor’s note: This is the first in a new series called “Meet the KidWorks Alum,” where you have a chance to learn more about the many successful students who graduated from KidWorks’ programs and have gone on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields. This story introduces Haide Gutierrez, Site Supervisor of our Townsend Street Center.)
When Haide Gutierrez arrives each weekday at our Townsend Street Center to lead our after-school programs, she pauses in front or the dozens of classroom chairs lined up in neat rows.
20 years ago, she sat in those same chairs as a kindergarten student.
Haide, center left, poses for a photo during her time in KidWorks programming.
“My family lived in an apartment not far from the center and I remember running at full speed from elementary school to get to the center before programs began at 4 p.m.,” Haide recalls. “I usually made it with a minute or two to spare!”
As it was during her childhood, the Townsend neighborhood is an underserved area of Santa Ana still prone to the negative impacts of poverty, crime and violence.
“Just as it was for me, KidWorks’ Townsend Center is a trusted, safe haven for families and their sons and daughters,” Haide says.
She adds, “Despite these challenges, the students continue to arrive each school day. We do our best to create a safe space for them, at least for the hour and a half that they are here. It’s a break from what may be going on outside. It’s a chance to learn and have a little fun.”
As site supervisor of Townsend Center, Haide brings joy to her students.
The Townsend Center is located within an apartment complex where one of the units has been converted into a KidWorks classroom.
“The parents are always so incredibly grateful for the resources we provide,” Haide says. “Most people would never guess that we are in the middle of dozens of apartment units, but that means we are just steps away from where those we serve actually live.”
Haide says the challenges in this neighborhood are real but is confident that she is helping to make a positive impact.
Haide builds strong relationships with her students both inside and outside the classroom.
“I have a student who’s in fifth grade who struggles with reading,” Haide says. “I’m really focused on helping her to read words; it’s a skill she simply must have to go forward successfully academically and in life. In these cases, KidWorks is doing our best to help these students catch up and not get left behind.”
For Haide, it also goes far beyond helping students learn the basics. She also wants them to set their sights on higher education and meaningful careers.
“Many of my students would be the first in their families to go to a university or college,” she says. “We work with the students and their parents to plant the seed that this is a realistic possibility and guide them to higher education.
“For example, one of my students plans to study medicine. This was a shift; only last year she doubted this dream was even within her reach. Now, she sees herself as a future nurse.”
Interestingly, that was also Haide’s story. As a youngster she had doubts that college was in the cards for her, yet a KidWorks teacher changed her mindset.
“My teacher at that time said, ‘Haide, you’re going to college.’ And I did!”
Haide graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2023 with majors in criminology, law and society.
Thanks to alumni like Haide, the future is bright for our students.
Haide says it best:
“KidWorks’ goal is that our students see beyond their circumstances and pursue higher education and a rewarding career. That’s why it’s so important that KidWorks continues expanding our presence into additional communities, helping children and youth realize their full potential.”
Haide Gutierrez, Site Supervisor at Townsend Street Center
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
Q&A with SLAY: KidWorks’ newest leadership cohort
It’s officially the start of fall programming at KidWorks. We’re welcoming new and familiar faces to our four sites across Santa Ana, but summer is still on our mind.
Summer programming at KidWorks brought exciting opportunities for student development with the launch of the Summer Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY).
In May, applications to participate in SLAY’s inaugural cohort opened to KidWorks’ students.
22 participants were selected for the program via a rigorous interview process with Maria Ruvalcaba, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator, and site supervisors across KidWorks’ centers, to explore students’ interest and capacity for leadership.
SLAY aimed to equip young leaders at KidWorks, from 7th to 12th grade, with the skills and confidence to make a positive impact in their communities and at KidWorks by supporting Kids Club, our K-5th summer programming. It’s a first step for youth to explore leadership and incentivize students to join leadership spaces at school, church, sports teams, or extracurricular activities.
The decision to introduce this program was a nod to KidWorks’ longstanding history of student leadership over the summer months.
16 years ago, the Teen Leadership Academy (T.L.A) was an opportunity for teenage youth at KidWorks to learn about leadership, support K-5th summer programs, and build kinship with their teammates.
As Maria notes, “SLAY was an opportunity to bring some of that old essence of KidWorks by having KidWorks’ youth volunteer in our very own summer programs for their younger peers, but through an educated and curated approach guided by three frameworks — Spirituality, Leadership, and Volunteerism.”
David Correa, Youth & Family Pastor, and Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager, worked alongside Maria to plan and oversee SLAY’s debut at KidWorks.
The team developed daily curriculum focused on providing youth with in-depth training on what defines identity, stewardship, and community through SLAY’s pillars of Spirituality, Leadership, and Volunteerism.
When speaking with David and Rachel, it was clear that SLAY created opportunities not only for students to grow in their leadership but to reflect and grow in their faith by receiving practical tools for classroom management, conflict resolution and teamwork.
Rachel mentions that students at the end of SLAY were also encouraged to continue their commitment beyond summer programs and become regular stewards during the academic year.
SLAY students sat down with KidWorks’ Marketing & Communications team to reflect on their summer with KidWorks. Read below to see what they had to say about their leadership experience:
SLAY’s inaugural cohort, nicknamed the “SLAYdies,” pose for a photo with the KidWorks team.
1. What does “leadership” mean to you?
Alondra G., 8th grade: “Leadership means to take responsibility for your actions and doing something even when you’re not told to.”
Amaris M., 8th grade: “Leadership means taking control and initiative, allowing others to bring out what they have to offer and play an important role by being inclusive.”
2. Why is it important for youth in your community to pursue leadership opportunities?
Yulissa R., 10th grade: “It’s important for youth in my community to get out of their comfort zone and create opportunities for other youth.”
3. Why did you choose to apply to the Summer Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY)?
Mia G., 9th grade: “I chose to apply to SLAY, because I really enjoy working with kids, especially younger kids. I wanted to have the opportunity to see if I wanted to pursue this career in the future.”
Genesis M., 7th grade: “I chose to apply to SLAY, because I wanted to learn about being a leader, and what being a leader means while working with others. I’m also exploring if I’d like to work with kids in the future!”
Fatima R., 7th grade: “I applied to SLAY to get out of my shell. I’m trying to be open-minded and working with youth seemed like a great way to do that.”
Sofia C., 11th grade: “I applied to SLAY, because I want to be a child psychologist. When I heard I’d be working with kids, I wanted to explore what it’d be like to work with youth before pursuing my career field in college.”
4. What has been your favorite part/memory of participating in SLAY?
Katelyn B., 9th grade: “Seeing the impact you have on the kids.”
Emily F., 9th grade: “Not just interacting with the kids but also becoming closer to the people I’m working with.”
Brianna I., 7th grade: “All the kids were excited for all the dances, songs, and games.”
Leslie G., 10th grade: “Connecting with the kids I volunteer with and making fun new memories with them.”
5. How have your leadership skills grown throughout your time in SLAY?
April G., 8th grade: “At the beginning of Kids Club, I was scared and nervous to talk to students, but I got used to interacting with students and playing soccer with them.”
6. In 3 words, how would you describe your SLAY experience?
Jeritzel M., 9th grade: “Fun. Educational. Hands-on.”
7. You are part of the inaugural cohort for SLAY, what does it mean to you to belong to this new group here at KidWorks?
Leslie G. 8th grade: “Being part of SLAY shows leadership and that you’re engaged in your community. We demonstrate communication skills and engage with students through activities like playing one-on-one.”
Yulissa R, 10th grade: “Belonging to this new group at KidWorks shows that you’re paying more attention to what you’re doing in your community. You practice compassion by helping students and by developing a passion in what you do.”
8. What is something you’ve learned from a SLAY mentor that impacted how you approach leadership?
Leslie M., 12th grade: “Something that I’ve learned from Ms. Maria is that we have what it takes to have an impact on ourselves, others, and our community!”
9. What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking of joining SLAY?
Kayleen E., 7th grade: “One piece of advice I’d give is to spend your time wisely, because one second, it’ll feel like you’re meeting a student for the first time, and the next, you’ll have a strong bond with them.”
10. How do you plan to practice leadership after your time in SLAY?
Emily Q., 10th grade: “I plan to practice leadership by being less shy and encouraging others outside of KidWorks to get involved in their community!”
KidWorks’ first summer with SLAY was a success. SLAY officially wrapped in July with a trip to the happiest place on earth…Disneyland!
The “SLAYdies” celebrate their summer at KidWorks with a trip to Disneyland!
Thank you to each SLAY student for their commitment to student leadership and their hard work during summer programming at KidWorks.
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you empower student-leaders to develop the skills to give back to their communities. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Coordinator
For a deeper understanding of the SLAY experience, hear from Youth Leadership Development Coordinator, Maria, as she shares about the SLAY day-to-day.
“It was such a pleasure to create, plan, organize, and lead the Summer Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY). I wanted the SLAY students’ experience to be one of learning, hands-on, and fun, therefore, I was very intentional in engaging other staff with this program. Youth were mentored by staff leading our summer program for K-5th grade students, Kids Club, and became fully integrated into the KidsClub program as key leaders in its daily execution. Through the three intensive training days prior to the start of KidsClub, the youth had the opportunity to get to know each other and learn more about themselves as leaders in their identity, stewardship, and community. Once Kids Club began, their “on-the-field” hands-on experience kicked in and they got an opportunity to get a taste of what it’s like to be in a classroom and lead programs, reflecting on their work and growth as leaders every day before and after KidsClub. Lastly, in our Friday Rewinds, youth had the opportunity to reflect on their challenges and learnings that week, share-out any funny stories or cherished moments of working” with the kids that week, and give each other shoutout affirmations and celebrations of their accomplishments that week.”
Read more about Maria as we celebrate 10 years of her service at KidWorks.
Maria Ruvalcaba: Inspiring Youth for 10+ Years
Social Media. AI. The pressure from “influencers.” Today’s youth—like most of us—face a daily onslaught of distractions.
That’s why for KidWorks’ youth a trusted resource like Maria Ruvalcaba is indispensable.
This year, KidWorks’ Leadership Development Coordinator celebrated her 10-year anniversary as a member of our team.
Over the past decade, Maria has been an “influencer” of the best kind: Instilling in our youth a full range of success-based characteristics that include faith, leadership, academic excellence, community service, responsibility, career-readiness, wellness and self-confidence.
Maria poses for a silly photo with KidWorks’ Youth Community Leaders
No one explains it better than our students. Here’s what 18-year-old Leyla Navarro says about Maria:
“Ms. Maria is a blessing. Her strong, independent mindset has inspired me to become a better leader by stepping up for my community, just as she has done.”
Leyla (who plans on becoming a Physician Assistant or an OB/GYN) adds:
“I met Ms. Maria halfway through my high school years and she has made a huge impact in my life by listening to my crazy stories or simply by asking how my day is going. I enjoy Ms. Maria because we share similar interests. Plus, whenever we talk, we are always laughing.”
Maria spearheads our Youth Community Leaders (YCL) team, currently comprised of 18 students from eighth grade through high school. It was formerly known as the Youth Leadership Team.
Under Maria’s stewardship, YCL encourages our youth to get involved in their city and become servant leaders in their neighborhoods through community service projects as well as networking with other youth in partner organizations.
“YCL encourages youth to be respectful, responsible, accountable, challenge themselves out of their comfort zone, to try new things—and more than anything, to experience joy and passion in all they do.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Leadership Development Coordinator
Maria adds, “YCL creates that space for youth to learn the value of collaboration and to act. They are not on the sidelines standing idly by as they see the hardships faced by their families and neighbors. Instead, they are encouraged to work together to make a positive impact in their communities.”
All of this has led to meaningful results.
“Most of the new parks around Santa Ana have design elements that came about as a result of our youth collaborating with the city’s parks and recreation department and urban planners to speak into what elements should be included,” Maria says.
She adds, “In my role, I create the leadership lessons that the afterschool program assistants teach to students every Tuesday. I also support the afterschool program team at youth events, the college and career team with the college visits and engaging alumni who have benefitted from KidWorks’ programs.”
Maria and the Youth Community Leaders (YCL) team!
“Maria’s impact can be seen in the confidence, leadership and growth of the students she has mentored over the years,” says Gerardo Magaña, our Associate Director of Programs. “She has cultivated youth leaders who are not only engaged in their schools and communities, but who also understand the importance of servant leadership and giving back.”
Gerardo adds, “Maria leads with a relational, empowering and growth-oriented approach. She believes in giving students ownership and responsibility while walking alongside them with encouragement and accountability.”
“She has a natural ability to connect with young people, making them feel seen, valued and capable of more than they often believe possible for themselves.”
“Over the years, Maria has grown into leadership. Early on, her strengths in relationship-building and youth mentorship were clear. She has continued to expand her skills in leading teams. She has grown in her ability to empower others, delegate leadership and cultivate future leaders around her.”
Maria, behind the camera, snaps a picture of KidWorks students.
Erika Sanchez, our Senior Director of Programs, says:
“Maria’s style is focused on long term impact. She warmly welcomes young students into the fold and allows them to grow and flourish year over year.”
“She also has a deep commitment to walk with students even after high school. She gathers alumni and cultivates community. She celebrates their wins and walks with them during difficult seasons.
“She is deeply personal and challenges growth in our students. She communicates expectations and upholds youth to these standards. She creates learning opportunities and curiosity among her students.”
From baseball games to summer beach days, Maria is always looking for exciting ways to connect with KidWorks youth.
Maria knows from firsthand experience that engaging with youth in a way they can relate to is different today than it was 10 years ago.
“Youth have become a lot busier and tougher to engage with at times,” she says. “There’s so much taking up their attention now with social media and other pressures.
“This sometimes make it challenging to capture their attention, interest and level of commitment. However, they still want to be involved; we’re just competing for limited time in their busy lives. And I feel the results show we have been successful in doing that.”
Maria cites one example:
“We are offering more wrap-around services for the entire family through more robust college and career support, practical parenting workshops and youth leadership development opportunities in their communities,” she says.
As Maria begins her second decade of service at KidWorks, we are inspired by her humble reflection on what the journey has been like so far and invite everyone to join us in saying, “Well done, Maria!”
In her words:
“It’s been such a pleasure and honor to know that I’ve played a small part in someone’s young life and hope that they took away some learning, experiences, opportunities and memories from their time participating and serving on our youth leadership team.”
Maria Ruvalcaba, Leadership Development Coordinator
By Glenn Leibowitz, Volunteer Writer
When you support KidWorks youth with a financial donation, as a volunteer and in other ways, you are directly helping to provide a path forward for tomorrow’s leaders. Learn more. kidworksoc.org/donate
Meet the Preschool Alum: Jesse Cadena
Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part of his vocabulary. Over his 18 years with KidWorks, Jesse’s gotten more comfortable with the idea—thanks to the support of a special staff member!
Outreach efforts brought Jesse to KidWorks in 2008. The Cadena household received a letter via mail informing them of opportunities for early childhood education at our Dan Donahue Center (DDC). Located walking distance from DDC, Jesse’s parents chose to enroll him in preschool at KidWorks.
Jesse Cadena enjoying his time at KidWorks’ Preschool in 2009!
Jesse and his mom had an easy commute; they walked over to the preschool’s lively classroom each morning. But navigating school wasn’t the easiest for Jesse.
Learning was often a solo experience—one-on-one math drills with his father at home. Preschool, on the other hand, urged Jesse to learn alongside his classmates and share new experiences.
Idalia Galdamez, Preschool Director, worked with Jesse to deepen his relationships with peers and encourage his academic prowess in the classroom.
“I was Jesse’s lead teacher and the site supervisor at KidWorks when he attended preschool. Jesse had lot of potential to be a leader. He loved to help organize around the classroom and guide other students, despite being a bit shy. His peers followed, as he was everyone’s most liked friend. By the end of the year in 2009, Jesse was also a whiz at math and the top of the class. He knew all his colors, shapes, letters and identified 101 numbers without error. Jesse truly excelled in everything he did!”
Idalia Galdamez, preschool Director
With Idalia’s guidance, Jesse created lasting memories during his time in preschool. One, however, stands out above the rest.
Preschool graduation was Jesse’s first academic milestone, an achievement he shared with the two most important people in his life. Both of his parents were present as he walked across the stage in his blue robes. Jesse’s father even took a day off from work to attend—a rare occurrence in the Cadena household and one Jesse fondly remembers.
On that special day, Jesse recalls feeling celebrated and encouraged to pursue his dreams for the first time. This support motivated him to excel throughout his K-12 education.
“Going to preschool at KidWorks gave me a headstart when I started going to school. I was ahead of other kids when it came to my academics and most importantly, I was excited to learn.”
Jesse smiles holding a baby chick — one of his many fun experiences at KidWorks!
Jesse was an honors student throughout elementary and middle school. However, social dynamics at school grew more complicated each year. Soon the throes of Jesse’s pre-teen years became impossible to ignore.
He knew he needed a support system, but Jesse didn’t know where to start his search. That was until 7th grade, when he met a special staff member at KidWorks that changed his life for the better.
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Manager, extended her support to Jesse soon after joining the KidWorks team in 2015. With her bubbly personality and commitment to ensuring student success, Rachel provided a safe space for Jesse to share his day-to-day anxieties.
“When I met Jesse as a quiet, thoughtful seventh grader, I knew building trust would take time. At the time, I was a young Program Assistant in the Afterschool program learning how to support students. Jesse taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: the power of consistent presence. Year after year, in different capacities, I have had the privilege of walking alongside him, and I’m so grateful that our relationship has continued long after he graduated from KidWorks. Jesse has become an incredible young man. He has shaped the way I care for others and continues to remind me why relationships matter so deeply.”
Rachel cervantes, volunteer manager
Rachel and Jesse have built an unshakable trust in one another—something that allows them to tackle difficult topics, such as mental health, interpersonal relationships, and academics.
“Rachel is like a mother figure to me. Even after graduating from KidWorks in 2022, she’s kept in touch with me and provided essential support. Even after long periods of not talking, Rachel makes sure to ask how I’m doing. I know she’ll always be in my life.”
Jesse is now a Quality Controller at Oakley with dreams of retiring his dad before he reaches his 67th birthday—there’s also hopes of a 10-car garage in his future.
As he reflects on his time at KidWorks, he’s grateful to have built a strong support network. He hopes his younger brother, Aiden, builds a bond to similar to his friendship with Rachel, because everyone deserves to have a Rachel in their life.
Jesse concludes our preschool’s 20th anniversary celebration with a piece of advice for any parents thinking of choosing KidWorks for their child’s early childhood education:
“Parents should enroll their students at KidWorks because they’re going to get a lot of support with academics and advice. Everyone here is very welcoming. They treat you like family!”
Jesse cadena
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you encourage students, like Jesse, to build meaningful relationships with KidWorks students and staff. Give today at kidworksoc.org/donate.
Preschool enrollment is now open! Find out more about how you can register your child today at https://kidworksoc.org/registration/
By Bryanna Paz, KidWorks Marketing & Communications Assistant