Our Staff
Recreation Director Jose has more than 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including serving as teen center director for Boys and Girls Club of Burbank. He is currently pursuing a BA in liberal studies from University of Phoenix. He joined the Wooten Center as program director of recreation in July 2022.
Program Manager Victor has been a math teacher for public schools and youth centers for more than 13 years, including five years at the Wooten Center where he serves largely in private tutoring, homework assistance, tutor onboarding and STEM instruction. He has an AA in animation from Santa Monica College and is completing a BA in math at Western Governor University.
Program Specialist Marissa is currently attending Santa Monica College majoring in English to pursue a career as an attorney. She was a student at the Wooten Center for more than 10 years, including serving as a teen helper. The center hired her last year as staff while she attends school.
Executive Director Corey joined our Wooten family in December 2022 after a career spanning some 30 years in youth center administration, including 12 years as executive director at Challengers Boys and Girls Club in South LA. Corey has a BS in health and physical education/fitness from Cal Poly Pomona and an MA in sports administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Corey grew up in South LA and is committed to helping other students here achieve.
Program Specialist Jason is a current student at El Camino Community College where he is studying Psychology. Jason is a math teacher at the center and also helps engage students in fun and enriching activities in virtual playground.
Education Director Beverly has over 30 years of experience supporting educational and non-profit industries, including over 12 years as a professional development senior trainer and mentor for the out-of- school time workforce for California School-Age Consortium. Beverly is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy at Grand Canyon University. She has a bachelor’s in psychology from CSULA and a master’s in organizational psychology.
Family Outreach Specialist Rosie started working as our program administrator in 2014 when her daughter was enrolled in our afterschool program. Her daughter has since graduated from college while Rosie was promoted to her current position serving as our primary parent contact. Rosie studied interior design and has an extensive background in administration and business management.
Associate Director Christelle has a bachelor's degree in educational services management from CSU Long Beach. She oversees daily operations for our afterschool and summer programs, including supervising our staff, interns and volunteers and assisting our executive director with program development and administration. Christelle started as a volunteer tutor in 2011 and is dedicated to helping our students excel. She teaches our weekly world languages and culture with cooking class.
“We have high expectations for our students. We want them to have the best we can provide in every way possible. One of the best ways we can do this is by listening to them and partnering with parents
to understand and address the needs at hand.”
Naomi McSwain, Wooten Executive Director (ret.)
There are a lot of caring souls at the Wooten Center. All of our staff members are committed to helping our students achieve their best. They are also great at working together like family, being patient and instructive with our kids, always striving for that safe and nurturing environment our mission calls for. We appreciate everyone for their dedication for our students.
All Wooten staff members are college graduates or students engaging in continuing education and networking opportunities provided by agencies including the California School-Age Consortium/National Afterschool Association, LA County Office of Education, Center for Nonprofit Management, Compass Point, Southern California College Access Network, Grantmanship Center, LA County Public Health and others.
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To contact a staff member below, call our office at (323) 756-7203.
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Staff
Jose Alfaro, recreation director
Victor Casey, program manager/math teacher
Marissa Castor, program specialist
Corey Dantzler, executive director
Jason Love, program specialist/math teacher
Angelica Martinez, program administrator
Beverly Matthews, education director
Rosie Nyenke, parent outreach specialist
Fontae Smith, program specialist
Christelle Telesford, associate director