Meet the LMS ELO-P & Think Together Team

Anny Aponte

Position: District ELO-P Liaison, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, Val Verde Unified School District

Contact: aaponte@valverde.edu

Kristen Porter

Position: Site Program Manager, Think Together

Contact: kristen.porter@thinktogether.org

Nadia Herrera

Position: Program Leader, Think Together

Vanessa Verde

Position: Program Leader, Think Together

Rose Saname

Position: Team Lead, POW Athletics

Raymundo Meraz 

Position: Team Lead, POW Athletics

Hello, my name is Raymundo Meraz. I was born and raised in Chula Vista, California, and I currently reside in Riverside County with my wife and two daughters. Growing up, I played soccer and basketball, which fueled my passion for sports and inspired me to work with youth. I chose this field because I want to make a lasting impact on students, just as my high school basketball coaches did for me. They taught me life lessons through sports, and my goal is to be a positive role model for the kids I work with. I aim to help them navigate life’s challenges and view sports as a tool for personal growth. 

Justin Gonzalez 

Position: POW Athletics

Hi, my name is Justin Gonzalez, and I graduated high school in 2023. Throughout my four years, I played soccer and golf, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for sports' role in shaping young lives. As someone who attended the same schools as them, I know how important sports are in keeping kids engaged and out of trouble. I want to help students advance in their chosen sports, both in high school and beyond, while also being a role model. My goal is to teach them how to conduct themselves with integrity and to be someone they can turn to whenever they need support. 

Mariah Flores

Position: POW Athletics

Hi, my name is Mariah Flores, and I am currently attending Riverside City College, focusing on Child Development. I chose to work with children because of the immense joy they bring and the opportunity to be a positive influence in their lives. I strive to be a figure that children can trust and turn to, whether for academic, personal, or athletic support. My goal is to ensure that every child knows they have someone in their corner, ready to listen and help them through any challenges they may face.