Red Oak: Meet the Staff

Hi, friends! My name is Daiana, and I am the assistant lead at ROES. I graduated from UCSC back in 2015, and have been working with children ever since. A few of my passions include gardening with kids, teaching, and cycling! While working here, I hope to help build a program that builds compassionate and capable students.

My name is Kyleigh. I grew up in the Conejo Valley, graduated from CSUN, and am currently studying to become a paraeducator. I like to create things with my hands, whether it be through painting, drawing, or sculpting. On most days you can find me wearing fuzzy socks, practicing new recipes for stir-fry, and pretending I can predict the future.

My name is Amy Ballen. I live in Thousand Oaks with my husband Ron and daughter Zoe, who is a Senior at Thousand Oaks High School (soon to be attending Cal State San Marcos and play softball). My oldest daughter is at Chapman University in Orange, CA. My 3rd child is my dog Lillian, a rescue from Thailand. I attended Westlake High School and studied Graphic Communication at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo. I have worked in both Conejo Unified and Oak Park School Districts.

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Hi, my name is Sam Demello. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Education while working as a mentor for Club Oak Park at Red Oak Elementary. I have 4 years of experience coaching and teaching at various grade levels. I enjoy sports, reading, and mentoring young minds.

Hi! Thank you for the privilege of sharing your child/children's growth with us! I'm an OPUSD Special Education Instructional Assistant during school hours ...then after school I'm playing with, nurturing and teaching at Club Oak Park . Prior to OPUSD, I taught PE for several years in CVUSD, in addition to being a Campus Supervisor & PTA Mom at my daughter's elementary school. CONTINUED...

Hi, my name is David, and I am an aspiring teacher currently attending college. A few of my hobbies and talents include graphic design, videography, and photography. I enjoy learning new things, so i've spent a lot of time traveling the world. My goal is to someday use my experience and knowledge to inspire the same joy of learning in my future students.

My name is Giselle P. I grew up in Oak Park and attended OPUSD throughout my whole childhood. Currently I am attending Moorpark College studying Child development. My hobbies include hiking, dancing, spending time with family, and cooking. I enjoy being outside and living in the moment.

Hi my name is Faiza, I am a Kindergarten mentor at Club Oak Park. I love to work with kids. I have 2 of my own children, but they grew up so fast that I had to continue helping other people’s children. I enjoy dancing with the kids and teaching them about my culture! At the end of the day I am tired, but I enjoy playing with the children all day long!

My name is Lisa and I have 18 years of experience within education, teaching, tutoring and training. During the school day I work in the Learning Center for OPUSD. In my spare time I enjoy traveling the world. I am thrilled to be working at Club Oak Park and sharing my passion for enrichment with DK-5th graders.

My name is Courtney and I am the mother of four. I am a Tae Kwon Do Karate instructor for students aged 4 to 14. I love baking and including my children in all the things I do! I am excited to be a part of the Club Oak Park team because I adore children!

Hi, my name is Emma and I am a senior at Oak Park High School. I have loved every minute of working at Club Oak Park! I absolutely adore working with kids.

Hi, I'm Tyler! I've been working at Red Oak for three years and am now attending Cal Lutheran University as a Computer Science Major. In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and family and watch movies!

I just graduated from college with an English degree that I hope to apply to creative writing, specifically in comedy for television shows or and social work. When I am at Club Oak Park, I am co-captain of the Wonder Robotics League, head of the science club, and always looking for new fun ways to make the kids better human beings ready for whatever life throws at them. When I am not hanging with the kiddos, I spend most of my time outside, either rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking with my dogs, gardening, writing, or performing stand-up comedy. And on the weekends, you can find me cheering on my college football team, the Clemson Tigers.

Hello, my name is Alexis and I am a mentor at Club Oak Park. I was a swim instructor before this new opportunity to work here, and have always enjoyed working with kids. I hope to stay with this program until I finish school as I am currently a college student, as well. All the students and my fellow mentors have been great! Very happy to be here!

I am a mother of four children!. I am a Tae Kwon Do Karate instructor for students ages 4 to 14. I love baking and including my children in all the things I do. I am excited to be a part of the Club Oak Park team because I adore children!

Hi! I'm Chris and I go to Oak Park High School. I love comics and bike riding, and I have a lot of energy! I have a lot of energy and enjoy working with kids, so I am excited to be a part of the Club Oak Park team!

Hi! My name is Ava! I am currently a Junior at Oak Park High School. I am very excited to work with Club Oak Park and be able to support and help guide the children throughout their school year. My #1 goal while supporting the children is that they are safe... and of course having fun!

I have three daughters who went through the Oak Park school system. They have all grown up to be amazing women and I am honored to be a part of this organization. I look forward to working with the "little ones" again!

Hi my name is Daria and I’m currently a senior at Oak Park High School! I like to spend my time hiking, swimming, and having fun outside. I enjoy working with kids and I’m looking forward to having a great year at the club!

I've lived in Oak Park with my husband for almost 30 years and I am a proud mom of two boys, who both went through the Oak Park School System. I have two dogs (Milo and Stanley) what I absolutely adore! I love all sports, working out, and traveling. My favorite place to go is the beach. I am so happy to be working with all of the amazing people at Club Oak Park!

Hi, my name is Alexa and I am a college student. I am an alum of the Oak Park School District and I'm so happy to be back helping with the Club Oak Park team and the children. I am very excited to see what this school year brings for the program and can't wait to have a blast with everyone!

I attend California State University, Northridge, studying English Literature and Psychology. I was a student in Oak Park schools and graduated from OPHS in 2017. I am working toward a career in Education and am enjoying my time working with Club Oak Park!