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College student Brianna Lopez knows what it’s like to suddenly be forced to put one’s dreams on hold. Earlier this year, she was accepted to attend the University of California,… Continue Reading
David has served as KidWorks’ Executive Director/CEO since 2015, leading the organization’s mission to empower youth and families in Santa Ana through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Under his leadership, KidWorks has expanded its programs, deepened its community partnerships, and strengthened its role as a trusted anchor institution in the city.
David brings decades of experience in civic leadership and community advocacy, including his time as a Santa Ana City Councilmember, where he championed issues of equity, youth empowerment, and neighborhood revitalization. His heart for the community and collaborative leadership style continue to shape KidWorks’ vision and impact.
Fun fact: David started his career as a KidWorks intern three decades ago. He loves spending time with his blended family. Two of his four kids were once KidWorks preschoolers, now young adults. On some weekends you might catch him riding up PCH on his Harley Davidson.
John serves as KidWorks’ Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, where he oversees the organization’s finance, human resources, IT, and facilities functions, helping ensure that strong infrastructure supports KidWorks’ mission to serve youth and families in central Santa Ana. His leadership also drives strategic initiatives such as leadership development, succession planning, and major capital projects.
John’s journey with KidWorks is a full-circle story: he grew up in an immigrant, single-parent household in under-resourced neighborhoods, and benefited from organizations much like KidWorks. That experience fuels his passion for empowering the next generation through education and community development.
Fun fact: John loves gardening, envisioning and designing spaces, and—believe it or not—finds doing laundry relaxing.
Gerardo serves as KidWorks’ Senior Director of Programs, helping guide strategy, partnerships, and day-to-day delivery of initiatives that support youth and families across our sites. His leadership focuses on belonging, leadership development and measurable outcomes leading to felt impact in the community.
Raised in the Los Angeles Harbor Area projects, Gerardo’s connection to KidWorks is deeply personal as it was individuals and organizations, similar to KidWorks, that helped him reach his dreams and goals. Over the years, he’s witnessed KidWorks from nearly every angle, as a community member, non-profit partner, and now a senior leader. That full-circle journey shapes the heart he brings to his work each day. Gerardo is passionate about creating spaces and opportunities where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired to fulfill their God-given potential.
Fun fact: Gerardo and his family are Disney fanatics. He’s known to show up with big energy and an even better music playlist.
Preschool Director
714.834.9400 ext. 154
Family & Community Engagement Manager
714.834.9400 ext. 116
Associate Director of Programs
714.834.9400 ext.
College & Career Director
714.834.9400 ext. 110
Volunteer Manager
714.834.9400 ext. 115
Director of Philanthropy
714.834.9400 ext. 126
| Last Name | First Name | Title | Work Email | Extension | Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | Cheryl | Senior Grants Manager | cheryl.anderson@kidworksoc.org | 112 | Philanthropy |
| Arenas | Esther | Family & Community Engagement Program Assistant | esther.arenas@kidworksoc.org | 104 | FCE |
| Barrera | Arminda | Early Learning/Admin Specialist | arminda.barreravargas@kidworksoc.org | 118 | Preschool |
| Cruz | Briseida | Cedar Evergreen Site Supervisor | briseida.cruz@kidworksoc.org | 657-210-4346 | Programs |
| Cruz | Jason | Volunteer Coordinator | jason.cruz@kidworksoc.org | 115 | Volunteer |
| De Loera | Salma | Family & Community Engagement Program Associate | salma.deloera@kidworksoc.org | 128 | FCE |
| Flores | Karina | Associate Site Supervisor at Dan Donahue Center | karina.flores@kidworksoc.org | 122 | Programs |
| Gutierrez | Haide | Site Supervisor at Townsend Center | haide.gutierrez@kidworksoc.org | 714-834-9429 | Programs |
| Halbert | Lizvette | Operations Manager & HR Generalist | lizvette.halbert@kidworksoc.org | 111 | HR |
| Hassanein | Mirhan | Accounting Manager | mirhan.hassanein@kidworksoc.org | 148 | Finance |
| Hassanein | Ro | Executive Assistant to the CEO | ro.hassanein@kidworksoc.org | 108 | Admin |
| Hernandez | Jacky | Site Supervisor at Dan Donahue Center | jacquelynn.hernandez@kidworksoc.org | 119 | Programs |
| Magaña | Alma | Early Learning/Family Specialist | alma@kidworksoc.org | 118 | Preschool |
| Markus | Connie | Program Administrative Coordinator | connie.markus@kidworksoc.org | Admin | |
| Martinez | Leslie | College & Career Coordinator | leslie.martinez@kidworksoc.org | 109 | College & Career |
| Moore | Abigail | Donor Relations & Outreach Manager | abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org | 129 | Philanthropy |
| Rivas | Isabel | College & Career Associate | isabel.rivas@kidworksoc.org | 120 | College & Career |
| Ruvalcaba | Maria | Youth Leadership Development Coordinator | maria.ruvalcaba@kidworksoc.org | 106 | Programs |
| Saavedra | Rachel | Marketing Coordinator | rachel.saavedra@kidworksoc.org | 105 | Marketing |
| Sabbag | Kim | Philanthropy Assistant | kim.sabbag@kidworksoc.org | 113 | Philanthropy |
Board Chair
ECM Management
Board Member
KidWorks Parent Advisory Council
CBRE, Retired
Donahue Casey Realty Advisors
Frome Family Foundation
U.S. Bank
PAC is made up of dedicated parents and community members whose mission is to create leadership through education, personal development, and self-improvement for a united, healthy, and safe community. PAC builds parent leadership capacity, helps enhance KidWorks programs to better serve the needs of students and families, and promotes program awareness and outreach.
