Meet the Staff

Ashlyn Strahle – Branch Director: • Over 8 years experience working with youth. Employed with BGCLB for all 8 of them! • Studied abroad at Oxford University • Loves to travel all over the U.S. and enjoys going to concerts • A former club kid and Member of the Year 1993!
Monica Silva – Asst. Branch Director: • Over 10 years experience working with youth • Holds a BS in Child/Adolescent Development from CSUF • Loves to cook and is passionate about the environment • Is obsessed with Documentary films!
Lauren Landers – Program Coordinator: • 9 years of experience working with youth-3 of which for the BGCA • Currently working towards BS in Child/Adolescent Development from CSUF • Rowed at the National level for CSULB-lightweight crew and teaches swim lessons
Leland Tabares – Education Director: • Graduated Magna Cum Laude from UNC-Chapel Hill • Avid reader, writer, and tennis player • Runs our Power Hour program and loves to eat bizarre foods!
Ashlee Keding – Youth Development Professional: • Staff member working at TLC the longest… before the club was acquired by BGCA! • Currently working towards a degree in Child Development specializing in Special Education • Enjoys concerts and going to the beach
Christina Pellecchia – Youth Development Professional: • Over 2 years at TLC. Holds an ECEd Certificate and is majoring in Child Psychology • Played Basketball for 12 years • Was a past BGCLB member and Youth of the Year 2003
Natalie Adams – Youth Development Professional: • Graduate of University of Arizona-Majored in Family Studies and Human Development • Taught English to Burmese refugee orphans in Thailand • Loves to cook and runs our Garden Club
April Rath – Craft Director: • Holds a BA in Music and serves as Director for her non-profit “Brain Power” • Practiced music therapy for children with disabilities and taught piano • Has been Craft Director for the club for 13 years
Brennan Alvarado – Youth Development Professional: • Over 3 years experience working with youth and other Boys & Girls Clubs. • Completing an M.A in Psychology with a specialization in creativity from Saybrook University, then starting a PhD in Psychology this Fall 2012 • Grew up in Laguna and was a club kid!
Dalene Hamer – Youth Development Professional: • Holds an AA in Behavior & Social Science from Palomar College. 7 Years experience working with youth. • Is a social justice advocate and brings awareness on various issues especially youth homelessness • Has traveled all over the world; Africa, Thailand & Mexico are just a few.
Terry Olson – Youth Development Professional: • Holds a PhD in Curriculum/Instruction from University of New Mexico. • Has 17 years experience working with youth and is passionate about all outdoor activities especially extreme sports • Loves to BBQ and watches Extreme Couponing!
Nick Robitaille – IT & Web Development: • Maintains computers and website from TLC’s basement • Only contacted when something technical breaks • Anything with a plug is considered his “Area of Expertise”