OUR STORY
Oakland Leaf was founded in 2001 by a collective of East Oakland educators intent on empowering youth voice. At the time, Oakland was experiencing a surge in crime and violence, the country was about to enter a war, and many kids in Oakland didn’t have an outlet or a platform to examine and express their fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams. Oakland Leaf’s first program was the All Oakland Youth Talent Show. More than two decades later, we have evolved into a highly regarded leader in the fields of youth development and out-of-school time learning.
OUR TEAM
Administrative Staff
Melissa Mendez Ochoa
Executive Director
Isabel Gonzalez
Director of Programs
Kamilah Henderson
Director of Finance and Administration
Nayeli Melchor
Director of Development
Aaron Hill
People & Operations Manager
Jocelin Pulido
Development Manager
Cindy Mora
Associate Director of Programs
Ma-Rya Reyna
Associate Director of Programs
Ana Peña
Quality and Training Manager
Program Leadership Team
Nayely Jauregui-Hernandez
Ascend Afterschool Program Coordinator
Louis Ramirez
Bret Harte Afterschool Program Coordinator
Jake Tane
Cleveland Afterschool Program Coordinator
Alicia Alcala
EnCompass Afterschool Program Coordinator
Gildardo Berrospe
International Community School Afterschool Program Coordinator
Alana Reyna
La Escuelita Afterschool Program Coordinator
Dymon Turner
Think College Now Program Coordinator
Yesenia Aguilar
Roots Internship Coordinator
Oakland Leaf Board of Directors
Kim Bronson, Chair
Sourcing Manager, Genentech
Jose Luis Rodriguez, Vice Chair
Project Manager, Growing Together
Audrey Yang, Secretary
User Experience Research Consultant
Steven Tindall, Treasurer
Partner at Gibbs Mura LLP
Ash Casselman
Principal Consultant, Meter20
Charlie Dillingham
Director of Growth Marketing, Invisible Technologies
Christina McClain
Statistician, Oakland Unified School District
Maya Ravi
Founder, Hellenius Botanicals
Lindsay Williams
Administrative Director, UCSF Medical Center
Emeritus Board Members:
Debra Levinksy, Founding Board Member
Retired Medical Doctor, Private Practice
Stephen Walrod, Founding Board Member
Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
Melissa Mendez Ochoa, Executive Director
Melissa grew up in Napa Valley and moved to the East Bay to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Education. In 2020, she completed her MBA at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
As a first-generation college student, Melissa’s own experience navigating educational and systemic barriers shaped her deep commitment to educational equity and social justice. That passion led her to Oakland Leaf, where she has served in multiple roles before becoming Executive Director in Spring 2019. Throughout her tenure, she has focused on strengthening systems and leading with purpose to expand the organization’s impact.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys weekend getaways with her husband and their dog, Oreo.
Kamilah Henderson, Director of Finance and Administration
Kamilah grew up in Hayward and Oakland, CA. While working with youth in schools and various educational programs, Kamilah decided to earn a M.A. in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. Her experience in education and youth work for over 10 years drives her passion for Oakland Leaf’s community impact. As a mother and former after-school instructor, she knows how many families and youth rely on quality out-of-school time programming. When she’s not working, Kamilah enjoys road trips, beach days, and hikes on the Bay Area Coast.
Isabel Gonzalez, Director of Programs
Isa, an Oakland Schools alumna, first discovered her passion for out-of-school education and safe spaces through Oakland Leaf’s expanded learning programs. After graduating high school, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Feminist Studies from UC Santa Cruz in 2015. Isa then returned to Oakland, rejoining Oakland Leaf as a Program Assistant and later serving as Program Manager for six years.
In 2020, she enhanced her leadership skills by joining the CalSAC Leadership Development Institute for Emerging Leaders of Color. Isa completed a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mills College at Northeastern University in 2023. At Oakland Leaf, she is dedicated to providing vital resources to youth, empowering them as agents of change, and mentoring emerging leaders in youth development. In her free time, Isa enjoys spending time with her pugs, Peanut and Butter.
Nayeli Melchor, Director of Development
Ana Peña, Quality and Training Manager
Jake Tane, Cleveland Afterschool Program Coordinator
Ma-Rya Reyna, Associate Director of Programs
Before transitioning into the role of Associate Director, Ma-Rya served as an Oakland Leaf Senior Program Manager, Program Instructor, and Restorative Justice Facilitator. Born and raised in Oakland, she knows firsthand the critical importance of youth programs that provide a sense of safety and community and promote voice and leadership. Ma-Rya is an older sister to seven siblings and has always been driven to be a positive role model and advocate for young people. Outside of work, she enjoys being a mom, spending time with family, and getting outside, especially to places that are close to water.
Alana Reyna, La Escuelita Afterschool Program Coordinator
Jocelin Pulido, Development Manager
Cindy Mora, Associate Director of Programs
Alicia Alcala, EnCompass Afterschool Program Coordinator
Alicia is a first-generation college graduate who earned both her Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science for Transfer (AS-T) in business and economics from Chabot College. During her time in college, she explored different career paths while knowing she wanted to one day own her own business and work in a school setting. Inspired by the teachers who supported and guided her throughout her educational journey, along with the influence of her family members who work in education, Alicia developed a passion for making a positive impact on young people. Her journey with Oakland Leaf began as an intern during the 2018-2019 school year, where she supported students with behavioral challenges. That experience confirmed her passion for working with youth and motivated her to pursue a career in education. During this same time, she attended an Oakland charter school, where she met a teacher who became an important mentor. As someone who was naturally shy and reserved, Alicia credits her mentor with helping her feel seen, encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone, and inspiring her to reach her full potential. That experience shaped her desire to provide the same encouragement and support to others.
After returning to Oakland Leaf, Alicia has spent nearly four years growing within the organization. She began as a program instructor in 2022 and quickly realized that youth development was the career she wanted to pursue. In 2024, she transitioned into the role of program culture leader, where she continued to build her leadership skills and confidence as an educator. Throughout her time at Oakland Leaf, Alicia has enjoyed creating positive, welcoming spaces where young people feel safe to be themselves, build confidence and use their voices. As the Program Coordinator at EnCompass, Alicia looks forward to supporting students, families, and staff while continuing to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for the school community.
Nayely Jauregui-Hernandez , Ascend Afterschool Program Coordinator
Nayely Jauregui-Hernandez, also well known in the ASCEND and Oakland Leaf community as Nelly. Nelly was born and raised in Oakland. Oakland Leaf has been a part of Nelly’s early years and adult life, from being an ASCEND Afterschool Program participant to working her way up to a Program Manager. Nelly is here to continue inspiring youth and the community to create better pathways for future generations and become change makers. Nelly enjoys her free time running her own lash business, and doing self care activities like painting and hiking.
Aaron Hill , People and Operations Manager
Aaron grew up in Los Angeles and East St. Louis. His upbringing in public schools and consistent involvement in after-school programs played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today. Participating in youth sports, Aaron learned discipline, accountability, and the value of teamwork. Those experiences and skills carried him into a collegiate athletic career. Balancing academics and athletics, Aaron earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Behavioral Sciences and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Business Management. Aaron takes pride in being a team player, building trust, and being consistent. Outside of work, Aaron is passionate about sports and providing the mentorship he received as a youth. He enjoys creating environments where youth feel supported, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Dymon Turner, Think College Now Afterschool Program Coordinator
Dymon Turner is from East Oakland and is deeply passionate about supporting and uplifting the communities that helped shape him. He has worked in expanded learning programs for many years, where he has enjoyed fostering student growth, building meaningful relationships, and collaborating with families, schools, and community partners. Dymon is excited to bring his experience, dedication, and enthusiasm to Oakland Leaf and looks forward to contributing to the TCN community while continuing to empower young people to reach their full potential.
Gildardo Berrospe , International Community School Afterschool Program Coordinator
Gildardo “Gil” has spent the past four years growing alongside Oakland Leaf, developing into the dedicated leader he is today. Committed to making the ICS Afterschool Program a vibrant space for Oakland’s youth and families, Gil strives to create programming that is safe, comfortable, and full of joy. A graduate of San Francisco State University, Gil is eager to share his knowledge with the community and deeply support youth throughout their personal and developmental journeys.
Louis Ramirez, Bret Harte Afterschool Program Coordinator
Louis Ramirez (“Coach Lou, Lou, Loui”) was born and raised in Oakland, where growing up in the public and charter school system and playing youth sports with Bay Oaks and school teams inspired his commitment to community and education. He earned his degree in Criminology and Criminal Studies from Sonoma State University, where he also gained leadership experience through his fraternity. His fraternity experience taught him the importance of kinship and brotherhood, values that continue to shape his work with students and colleagues. His studies gave him a deep understanding of how the system can create oppressive cycles for youth, and strengthened his belief that education, mentorship, and creative spaces are powerful tools in keeping young people out of the system.
For more than 10 years, Louis has worked as a coach, mentor, instructor, and academic advisor, including five years at Skyline and Fremont High Schools, where he supported students in preparing for college and life after graduation. Many of his former students successfully pursued four-year degrees and remain connected to him today.
Now serving as Senior Manager at Bret Harte, Louis is dedicated to helping the school community thrive, describing it as “HELLA RESILIENT.” Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, being with family, and caring for his two pugs, Peanut and Butter.
Yesenia Aguilar, Roots Internship Coordinator
Before starting with Oakland Leaf, Yesenia graduated in 2025 with her Masters in Leadership and Nonprofit Administration at the University of San Diego. She is a first generation Mexican American passionate about community and education in immigrant communities. She is originally from Santa Barbara, CA and moved to Oakland to pursue a degree in Fine Arts at California College of the Arts, and continues her art practice. In her free time Yesenia enjoys baking, reading, and being outdoors with her dog Hershey..
