Bella Evans
BGCC Youth Behavioral Specialist
After identifying the increasing need for more social-emotional support for local youth, BGCC hired an on-site Youth Behavioral Specialist.
BGCC is excited to introduce our Youth Behavioral Specialist, Bella Evans!
“The Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside is a great place for kids! My coworkers and I want to create a safe space for students, provide connection, and be caring and trustworthy role models. Our staff is an excellent resource for members and their families because everyone cares about the kids here!”
No one can learn until they feel safe…and that is where the BGCC steps in. Bella understands the importance of connection and trust in helping kids feel physically and emotionally safe.
Connection First
Building relationships takes time but yields more significant results than forced or surface interactions. Bella builds connections with the kids by talking to them daily, starting with simple greetings like ‘How are you?’. She reminds them, “You don’t have to tell me anything, but I’m always here to listen.” Sometimes, it can take months before students start talking. “Kids eventually start talking without us having to go digging. These kids have so much built-up emotion that they communicate readily once the trust is there,” observes Bella.
Do you want my advice or listen?
Another effective technique Bella uses is to ask students if they “want my advice or just need me to listen. And then I give them the floor.” Building relationships and trust is necessary to give members the outlet to “feel what they need to feel and allow them to work through them…so they can be kids.”
Why BGCC Matters
“BGCC is more than just an after-school program—it’s like a second family! Students use this safe space to get homework done, spend time with friends, and bond with staff who work hard to make sure every one of our members feels seen.” Bella firmly believes that staff’s connection with the students is critically important—and it’s what keeps the kids coming back every day!
Helping parents
Frequently, these young kids need someone to talk to about their experiences. Kids don’t want to burden their parents, so they keep these concerns to themselves. We help parents look for signs that their kids are struggling, such as lashing out, not caring, being very quiet, having big moods, or personality changes. If kids start spending less time on school and friends and isolating themselves from family, we want to step in and help.
About Bella
I have enjoyed learning about Half Moon Bay! Everyone is connected, and the close community supports the kids. Bella knows something about family. She is the oldest of three sisters in a close-knit and funny family. After graduating from Burlingame High School, Bella attended Washington State and received a B.A. in Human Development.
How do we know kids feel safe at BGCC?
Homework and “being a kid” can be challenging to manage alone at home. BGCC is an excellent way to help Members with homework, have fun, and step away from trouble for a few hours! They don’t want to leave! At 6 pm, we frequently have ten kids interacting with each other and Staff playing pool, ping-pong, or just talking on the couch.
Fun Fact
“I love to go to concerts! I have been to tons, but my three favorite artists I’ve seen perform are Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber, and Morgan Wallen!
Zitlali Huerta
Teen Center Manager
BGCC is excited to expand our Teen program with a dedicated Teen Center Manager. The position was created to manage two grants focused on supporting high school students’ academic achievement and college enrollment as well as preparing them for the trades and entrepreneurship.
You may already know our new Teen Center Manager!
Zitlali Huerta grew up in Half Moon Bay — attending Hatch Elementary, Cunha Intermediate, and HMB High School (Class of 2013). As a lifelong community member, she frequently knows at least one family member of “her” kids. Her connection with BGCC started in middle school as a Club Member and continued through her teen years as a Camp Counselor and during college as a Youth Development Professional.
A Relatable Journey
Everyone’s story is different, but Zitlali’s journey helps her relate to the kids at the Club. “I was raised by a single mother with little to no education, but my mother instilled the importance of education.” Zitlali graduated from Cañada College and transferred to California State University, Long Beach, earning a BA in Religious Studies, with a Minor in Chicanx & Latinx Studies.
As a first-time college graduate, she wants to give back to the community that helped her reach goals she thought were unattainable. She loves being a role model and youth mentor. Watching kids become more comfortable and confident in themselves is very rewarding!
What is special about the Teen Center?
Zitlali works hard to provide and foster a safe space for our high school Members, so they can feel comfortable enough to be their authentic selves. In addition to providing academic support and guidance, she encourages them to practice emotional self-regulation and increase their confidence.
“More than specific mental images from my early days at BGCC, I mostly remember how I FELT about being there. And I want to share those positive feelings with these kids.”
Zitlali adds, “I try to communicate well and encourage our students to do the same. I also teach our students accountability. I ask them to hold me accountable because I, too, can make mistakes despite being an adult.”
In her new role, she aims to expand students’ horizons and show them endless possibilities for their future. We accomplish this by taking them on field trips, offering workshops, and inviting guest speakers. This requires a team effort — including my colleagues, our students, and the community
“BGCC helped me find my way….as a member, a volunteer, and an employee. Now, I want to pay it forward to my community.”
Her extensive experience and intimate community knowledge will serve BGCC well in this role. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in her new role as Teen Center Manager.
Rolando Madrid
Senior Program Director
“I have dedicated my life to ensuring that all children have the opportunity, confidence, and knowledge to be great and follow their dreams.” – Rolando Madrid
The Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside is excited to introduce our newest staff member, Rolando Madrid, our new Senior Program Director.
Rolando has 30 years of experience in the afterschool space! Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Programs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County for several years. He held numerous positions in New York, Atlanta, and Chicago before moving to the West Coast.
In these roles, he helped develop, implement and evaluate programs to ensure positive academic, physical, and social outcomes. He is described as humble, passionate, and optimistic.
He is a first-generation Latino — and was raised by his working-class widowed mother. His father died when he was 9, but he followed his father’s lasting advice: “Do something you love.” And he is.
“I really love being in the room when a child discovers their gift. To me, that is priceless. And to know you had a hand creating that environment is the ultimate.” says Rolando.
Executive Director, Jill Jacobson, is thrilled to welcome another seasoned professional to the team. “With Rolando’s extensive experience, I think there will be a significant increase in what BGCC can do for the community through our Club. I am so excited to partner with him to deliver on our vision.”
Rolando will manage everything related to programs.
Please contact him if you would like to:
- Learn more about BGCC
- Volunteer
- Visit our Clubhouse
- Become a Mentor
- Know someone who wants to join our Team
- Introduce new program ideas into the Strategic Growth Plan
David Aliamus
Operations Director
The Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside (BGCC) is pleased to introduce our new Operations Director, David Aliamus.
The Operations Director is a new role for BGCC. In this position, David will help facilitate our multi-faceted partnership with Cabrillo Unified School District (CUSD). Currently, we partner with CUSD to offer Remote Learning Pods for middle and high school students and manage facilities, including the Cunha Soccer Complex and the Event Center.
David will also assist with the re-launch of the after-school Cunha Athletics program, which BGCC agreed to manage last year after the program was cut by CUSD. David will support Jill Jacobson, BGCC Executive Director, and the Board of Directors to craft a long-term vision and structure for Cunha Athletics that is robust, inclusive, and sustainable.
Before joining BGCC, David served Coastside youth for more than 25 years. Most recently, he was the Site Director for Coastside Children’s Programs at Hatch Elementary School. His extensive experience in working with young people in both formal and informal education settings and his knowledge of youth program implementation are key strengths he brings to this new role.
Jacobson commented, “We are so excited David is joining our team right now as BGCC is expanding and strengthening our programs. David is well known in our community. He has collaborated with the school district over many years. He will be able to bring value to our organization from day one.”
In addition to his professional work, David is a Court Appointed Special Advocate in San Mateo County and has volunteered for Half Moon Bay Little League, Second Harvest, and Mariners Church. David and his wife, Debbie, live in Half Moon Bay, and they have an adult son named Bryan. David’s nephew, Dr. Anthony Aliamus, recently started his dental practice in Half Moon Bay.
David begins his new role on March 8, 2021. He can be reached at david@bgccoastside.org or 650-712-9710.
Sandra Sarbia
Cunha Site Manager
The Boys and Girls Club of Coastside is proud to announce the promotion of one of their own. Sandra Sarabia is the new Site Manager at Cunha Intermediate School. We are thrilled to have Sandra on our team!
As a former student and part-time staffer, she knows the importance of staff and how one individual can really impact a kid’s life. Sandra recalls how her own experience in the BGCC program was critical to her education, self-esteem and social life – and that really motivates her to give her all to the kids today.
We support academics.
“When I was in middle school, I really struggled with math. I was always worried about not finishing my homework and turning it in. Sometimes I would get so frustrated because I couldn’t understand the math concepts,” says Sandra. “My parents only spoke Spanish and were not academically educated. They only completed a first grade education.”
Sandra gratefully acknowledges that “the staff really supported me. They helped me get my homework done and turn it in. I felt great relief to know my work was not wrong – and it was not incomplete. I was not intimidated to ask for help. And I thank my mentor, Crystal, for demonstrating the difference one person can make by helping kids feel welcome and encouraging kids to ask for help without being embarrassed.”
We give hope.
Kids need support with school — and their emotional needs — to help them develop into their best selves.
“When there is a problem, we don’t shame the kids. If they are missing too many assignments, kids can just give up. So first we acknowledge the problem and find out why they are struggling. Then we work on a plan to make the work up — one assignment at a time.” outlines Sandra.
She continues, “We offer different ways to inspire learning. We push the kids, support them and offer structure to do the work. “I’m not looking for straight As. I want to empower these kids to do the best they can – and build life skills to face the challenges in their lives. I was there once, so I understand.”
She continues, “I want them to find their best self. We remind they that they are “never not smart enough. It is about facing challenges, asking for help and finding solutions. We want them to work hard, little by little and be proud of their improvements they themselves have learned. We want them to be happy with their accomplishments.”
We help kids feel connected.
Sandra firmly believes that EVERY child benefits from the program. Her unique perspective empowers her to remind these kids that this is not a babysitting program. She remembers “how nice it was having a place where I felt special — because I did not play any sports and I was not part of anything. In my job now, I try to make a space for everyone to fit in. It’s important for everyone to feel special. Because everyone IS special.”
Sandra recognizes that “kids need love and attention. Unfortunately, parents these days are stretched thin trying to support their families financially so they might not have time to listen as they might otherwise do.”
Sometimes the small gestures can make a huge impact. She recalls,“I remember being very excited about the computers that we had at the club because I didn’t have one at home. I played games and had a great time because I was not able to at home.”
Sandra also remembers how “I enjoyed the candy bars! The staff would sell them for $1 after homework time! It was the best thing and I looked forward to it since I had a long day in middle school and I was hungry!”
These days we “greet each student daily when they turn in their cards – and check on them throughout the day. Whether it is the independent, self-directed child in the corner or the struggling student, she encourages staff to reach out and make those all-important connections.” Sandra simply loves to see kids happy.
“I remember having a place where I could hang out with my friends and be myself. We would laugh, play, and have a good time.” reminisces Sandra. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with this community of kids….they are the future.”
What do the kids teach her? A Lot!
These wonderful kids have helped me change my perspective.I realize that whatever is going on in their lives matters tremendously to them, even if it doesn’t seem important to outsiders.
I’ve also learned a lot of patience. I try to listen – without judgment – when kids are expressing themselves and sharing stories about homework (and their social life.) I take their concerns seriously and try to cheer them up. We work on goals to improve things and then track their progress.
I have learned to be more open-minded. Social media is new to us – but it is impacting our kids significantly and it very hard on them. We look to educate ourselves more so we can offer support in this area. For example, we teach them that anything they post on social media will be there forever and to be responsible.
What advice do you give the kids?
Encourage kids to get off their phone – and do something.
Explore different interests.
Ask how someone’s day is going.
Show compassion and patience for each other.
Be open-minded.
That’s good advice for all of us.
Three things you might not know about Sandra….
- She loves tacos – actually anything with corn tortillas! She actually ate 22 in one seating. Her favorite brand is “Finca”.
- She loves to dance!When she was young, she dreamed of being a hip hop dancer while she practiced in front of the mirror.
- She enjoys reading in her free time.
Intro:
This former student started as a part-time staffer and is now the full-time Site Manager at Cunha Intermediate School. “I know the importance of the staff and how they can really impact a kid’s life. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with this community of kids….they are the future.”
We strive to provide a place where the kids can be themselves. This isn’t a place to babysit. This is a place to be themselves – to enjoy, grow and find their best self.”
Jill Jacobson
Executive Director
Jill Jacobson, the Boy and Girls Club of the Coastside Executive Director, is a professional educator with a background in non-profit and small business management.
Jacobson, a Coastside resident for more than 25 years, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan and master’s degree and secondary teaching credential from San Jose State. Her experience in youth development includes directing the Youth Community Service Palo Alto/East Palo Alto program and serving as Deputy Director of the Service Learning 2000 Center at Stanford University. She served as the Associate Director of Development at Charles Armstrong School.
Locally, Jacobson volunteers on the Board of Directors for Senior Coastsiders and previously served as Treasurer of the Half Moon Bay High School Foundation and President of the Hatch Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization.
Jacobson can be reached at jill@bgccoastside.org