The Rio Hondo Education Consortium, DBA LEARN, is an Educational Agency founded in 2004 to initially serve four districts and six schools through a federal Department of Education grant. Since that time, LEARN’s focus has grown to currently include districts in Whittier, El Monte, Rosemead, pico Rivera, and Pomona in both K-8 and high schools through various grants.
Our focus is to provide resources for underserved students and families to better navigate their educational journey and develop better post-secondary options by adhering to our Core Values. Our LEARN programs provide students with before school, in-class and after school enrichment Opportunities, Free Organized Youth Sports Leagues, Student Support Services, and college and career readiness.
To provide quality programing through proven strategies to keep students interested in school as active learners through high school and beyond.
To foster the belief that ALL children can learn through constant support and guidance of LEARN staff, strategic partners, children and their families.
To provide clearly specified benchmarks of success to achieve the highest quality of programming for students and families.
To provide a personalized and caring learning environment for students, parents and faculty to interact in.
To support rigorous and meaningful instruction for ALL students with applicable connections to the real world.
Working to Encourage a Culture of Learning
Robert Arellanes earned two bachelor’s degrees from UC Berkeley: one in Geography with an emphasis in Urban and Economic Geography, and another in Ethnic Studies. In 1991, he received a Eureka Fellowship for Leadership and went on to earn a master’s degree in Education from UC Santa Barbara in 1992. He also completed a certificate in nonprofit management from California State University, Los Angeles, in 2000.
Robert has more than 40 years of experience in education and the nonprofit sector. He taught elementary and high school for seven years before returning to the Bay Area to become the first director of the I Have A Dream Foundation in San Francisco.
Robert has taught community education seminars for new teachers preparing to serve in low-income, underserved communities through Teach For America Institutes at USC, California State University, Northridge, and UCLA. He has also worked with educational nonprofits, foundations, and youth and family agencies to help create what he calls a “culture of learning” among the families he has had the honor to serve.
Leslie Laine serves as LEARN’s Director of Personnel, where she attracts, develops, and supports a talented team dedicated to serving youth. She collaborates closely with leadership and staff to foster an engaged, positive workplace while overseeing the organization’s human resources functions.
Leslie joined LEARN in 2006 through the GEAR UP project, providing academic support and college exploration opportunities for middle school students. Over the years, she advanced through several roles, including Youth Leader, Site Coordinator, Supervisor, and Director of Programs, before assuming her current position. Her extensive experience across the organization gives her a unique understanding of employee needs and informs her people-centered approach to leadership.
Before joining LEARN, Leslie worked as a tutor, music instructor, and musical theater camp counselor. She earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, with an emphasis in nonprofit management, from Brandman University and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, with a major in music and a minor in Spanish, from Whittier College. As an undergraduate, she had the life-changing opportunity to study classical singing in Italy for a semester.
Passionate about supporting people and strengthening communities, Leslie remains active with Whittier College alumni organizations. In her free time, she enjoys live music, theater, travel, and creating memorable experiences with her family.
Rosario Medina is the Manager of Curriculum & Staff Development (PREP) for LEARN. Since joining the management team in 2021, she has overseen curriculum and staff development across 16 school sites in five school districts.
Rosario first joined LEARN in 2006 as a Youth Leader for the GEAR UP program after graduating from high school. In that role, she supported teachers and students in mathematics instruction and facilitated academic advising sessions for students. In 2012, she left LEARN to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at California State University, Los Angeles, and later earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Mathematics Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2016.
Following graduate school, Rosario taught mathematics at the community college level and spent five years as a high school math teacher at a private school in Glendora, California. When the opportunity arose to return to LEARN, she embraced it as a chance to give back to the community where her passion for education first began. Today, she is dedicated to supporting staff and strengthening high-quality learning experiences for students across LEARN’s programs.
Brenda Carrillo is a first-generation college graduate, daughter of immigrant farm workers, and proud Coachella Valley native who has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for underserved youth. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Occidental College, she discovered her passion for education through college access work with LAUSD students.
With 28 years of experience in youth programming, program management, budgeting, and school district partnerships, Brenda has held leadership roles with GEAR UP at Occidental College and Cal State LA, and the California Science Center’s Amgen Center for Science Learning. As a founder of the Rio Hondo Education Consortium, DBA LEARN, she served 12 years as Chief Program Officer, overseeing programs that served more than 5,000 K-12 students daily.
Now serving as LEARN’s Chief Operations Officer, Brenda leads the systems, processes, and strategies that support the organization’s mission and ensure LEARN continues to serve youth and families with excellence, equity, and purpose.
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Casandra Saldate is the Program Quality Supervisor (TK-8) for the El Monte City School District at LEARN, where she supports after-school programs by providing guidance, coaching, and operational support to help ensure high-quality experiences for students and families.
Casandra has been part of the LEARN organization for eight years, beginning her journey as a volunteer during her senior year of high school. Since then, she has grown through several roles within the organization, including Youth Leader, Site Coordinator, and Program Quality Supervisor. Through each position, she has gained valuable experience in program operations, staff support, and creating meaningful learning opportunities for students.
As a member of the El Monte community, Casandra brings a deep understanding of the students and families LEARN serves. She is committed to upholding LEARN’s mission and core values while supporting programs that help students thrive, achieve their educational goals, and develop skills for lifelong success.
Juan Carlos Medina, Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Education and Programs at LEARN, where he oversees more than 35 programs across six school districts throughout Greater Los Angeles.
Dr. Medina brings more than 18 years of experience in education, including nine years with LEARN. During his tenure, he has served in several leadership roles, including Site Coordinator, Program Quality Supervisor, and Manager of Data and Evaluation. In addition to his work at LEARN, he has experience as a credentialed classroom teacher, university lecturer, and teacher education supervisor.
Throughout his career, Dr. Medina has been committed to creating equitable opportunities for youth and empowering students through culturally sustaining practices in both community-based programs and traditional classroom settings. His passion for supporting young people as they discover and pursue their interests, while creating environments that foster their holistic development, continues to guide his work.
Education
Angel Conde is the Manager of Curriculum and Staff Development. He supports LEARN’s mission and core values by guiding instructional practices across programs and leading the development and selection of high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum that is both rigorous and engaging for students.
To support learning in LEARN’s expanded learning programs, Angel designs, facilitates, and supports ongoing professional development for program staff, helping ensure they have the tools and skills needed to provide high-quality learning experiences.
Angel approaches his work through the lens of an educator, with a strong commitment to equity and social justice. He is dedicated to creating programs that families can trust and students can thrive in.
Since joining LEARN in 2016, Angel has served in several roles, including Youth Leader, Site Coordinator, and Coordinator of Curriculum and Staff Development, before being promoted to his current position in 2026.
His Gallup CliftonStrengths are Restorative, Relator, Ideation, Achiever, and Strategic.
Wilian Pineda is the Manager of Program Quality and Compliance for LEARN. A former participant in LEARN programs through the El Monte City School District and El Monte Union High School District, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resources from California State University, Los Angeles.
Wilian began his journey with LEARN as a high school volunteer while attending South El Monte High School. After graduating, he joined the organization full-time and has served in a variety of roles, including Youth Leader, Program Coordinator, Site Coordinator, and Program Quality Supervisor, before being promoted to his current position. His experience at every level of programming provides him with a comprehensive understanding of expanded learning programs and helps him support staff in delivering high-quality services to students and families.
With more than 16 years of experience in expanded learning, Wilian oversees program quality and compliance across all LEARN programs. He ensures programs adhere to organizational policies, funding requirements, and state and federal grant guidelines to maintain compliance and support continued funding. He also leads efforts to strengthen program quality through staff training, program evaluation, and continuous improvement, helping ensure LEARN delivers exceptional experiences for the communities it serves.
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Marisol Habana is a Program Quality Supervisor at LEARN, where she supports program teams in creating high-quality learning environments that help students grow and succeed.
Marisol brings more than nine years of experience in education and youth development. She began her career as a Lead Teacher at a private school before joining LEARN, where she has grown professionally over the past five years. During her time with LEARN, she has advanced through several roles, including Youth Leader, Assistant, Site Coordinator, and Program Quality Supervisor.
Marisol is passionate about working with children and creating positive, supportive environments where students can reach their full potential. She is committed to supporting staff, strengthening program quality, and ensuring students have meaningful experiences that encourage growth and success.
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Matthew Brown is a Staff Accountant at LEARN, where he supports the organization’s day-to-day financial operations, including payroll, purchasing processes, reconciliations, reporting, and other financial activities. He also assists with budget tracking and helps ensure financial information is accurate, organized, and up to date. Working alongside leadership and team members, he plays an important role in supporting the financial operations that help LEARN achieve its mission.
With more than seven years at LEARN, Matthew has gained valuable experience as part of a collaborative finance team. Throughout his tenure, he has taken on additional responsibilities, supported system updates, assisted with annual audits, and contributed to maintaining reliable and efficient financial processes.
Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He later earned his Master of Business Administration from California State University, Monterey Bay. Currently pursuing his Certified Public Accountant credentials, he remains committed to professional growth, continuous learning, and supporting LEARN through accurate and dependable financial practices.
Jesus Tellez is an Accounting Coordinator at LEARN, where he supports the organization’s financial operations. He manages accounts payable processes, ensuring payments are accurately recorded, and assists with financial organization, record keeping, and vendor and staff payments.
Jesus began his journey with LEARN two years ago as a Youth Leader at California High School, where he facilitated clubs and supported students with coursework. He later transitioned to El Rancho High School as a Math Tutor, helping students strengthen their skills in Algebra and Geometry. Through these experiences, he developed a deeper understanding of the importance of providing students with consistent support and meaningful opportunities to succeed.
Before joining LEARN, Jesus worked as an instructor at Caledonian, a vocational school, where he developed lessons, supported student learning, and helped individuals build new skills. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics with a minor in Social Media Marketing from California State University, Los Angeles.
Jesus brings his background in education, mentorship, and finance to his role at LEARN and remains committed to supporting the organization’s mission and the communities it serves.
Kristina Barragan is the Program Quality Supervisor (TK-8) at LEARN, where she oversees and supports multiple TK-8 after-school program sites in the El Monte City School District. She provides guidance and support to program teams to help ensure high-quality programming and positive experiences for students.
Kristina has been part of the LEARN organization since 2016, beginning her journey as a student who participated in LEARN programs and gained valuable opportunities to develop professional skills. Throughout her time with the organization, she has grown through various programming roles, gaining hands-on experience in expanded learning operations, staff support, and program development.
Kristina is passionate about serving the community and creating meaningful opportunities for students. She is committed to supporting programs that encourage children to grow, build confidence, and become the best versions of themselves.
Adrianna Ortega is the PREP Program Quality Supervisor for the El Monte Union High School District and Pomona Unified School District. Promoted to her current role in 2025, she supports Site Coordinators and Youth Leaders by providing guidance, coaching, and operational support to ensure high-quality after-school programming.
Adrianna began her career with LEARN more than 10 years ago as a Youth Leader at LeGore Elementary School, where she worked with fifth-grade students. Throughout her time with the organization, she has served at multiple school sites and has experience supporting both TK-8 and high school expanded learning programs. Her hands-on experience in program planning, staff development, and team leadership has prepared her to support program quality across multiple school communities.
LEARN was Adrianna’s first job while attending Rio Hondo College. She entered the field with little experience in expanded learning but quickly discovered a passion for creating meaningful opportunities and expanding access to resources for underserved communities. Today, that commitment continues to guide her work in supporting students, staff, and families.
Jordan Franklin is the Enrichment Coordinator at LEARN, where he supports enrichment programming across the organization. His responsibilities include coordinating Enrichment Fridays and providing scheduling support for substitute Youth Leaders across LEARN sites.
Since joining LEARN, Jordan has enjoyed being part of a supportive and collaborative team environment. He brings experience from various roles in education and youth development, including coaching, training, teaching, and serving as a Site Coordinator with the Pasadena Unified School District.
Jordan earned his degree from the University of California, Davis, where he also competed as a Division I football student-athlete for five years and served as team captain. His experiences in athletics and education have strengthened his passion for leadership, teamwork, and creating meaningful opportunities for students.
Originally from Pasadena, California, Jordan enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as playing and watching sports. He is committed to using his experiences to support students and help create engaging enrichment opportunities through LEARN.
Stephanie Zetino is the Payroll & Operations Coordinator at LEARN, where she supports both payroll and recruitment operations. In her role, she manages payroll processing for employees, helps ensure accurate timekeeping and compliance, and supports the onboarding process for new hires.
Stephanie has been part of the LEARN organization for five years, gaining experience across multiple departments and developing a broad understanding of organizational operations. Prior to joining LEARN, she built professional experience in the banking industry, where she worked for four years.
Stephanie earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources and is passionate about supporting employees and strengthening organizational processes. One of her proudest accomplishments has been balancing full-time work, motherhood, and completing her graduate degree program. Her journey reflects her belief that dedication, perseverance, and commitment can make achieving personal and professional goals possible.
Samantha Campbell serves as LEARN’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator, where she leads the organization’s marketing and communications efforts to increase community awareness, engagement, and support for LEARN’s programs. She develops and executes integrated marketing campaigns, manages LEARN’s website, social media platforms, email communications, and digital advertising, while creating compelling stories that highlight the impact of students, families, and staff.
With more than six years of experience in marketing and communications, Samantha specializes in digital marketing, content strategy, branding, SEO, graphic design, and event promotion. She is passionate about using creative storytelling and data-driven strategies to strengthen community connections and advance LEARN’s mission of encouraging a culture of learning.
Samantha earned her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of La Verne and enjoys creating meaningful campaigns that inspire, inform, and make a lasting impact.
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Ernesto López is the Program Quality Supervisor for LEARN’s PREP programs serving the Whittier, El Rancho, and Norwalk-La Mirada High School Districts. He supports program quality by ensuring LEARN’s programming aligns with the organization’s mission and core values while meeting the unique needs of the communities served.
Ernesto focuses on supporting staff in creating welcoming and engaging environments where students and families feel supported, valued, and empowered to learn and grow. With a degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Government and more than 10 years of experience in education, he brings a strong commitment to expanding access to resources and opportunities for students and families.
Prior to joining LEARN, Ernesto worked as an Assistant Counselor for one of the Los Angeles Community College District’s special student programs, where he supported students from diverse backgrounds and gained firsthand insight into the impact that access to resources and supportive environments can have on educational success.
Through his work with LEARN, Ernesto is committed to serving communities, supporting staff, and helping create programs where every student has the opportunity to thrive and pursue a brighter future.
Gerardo De La Torre is the KidsPlay Coordinator at LEARN, where he supports students through engaging sports and enrichment programming. Since joining LEARN, he has been passionate about creating opportunities for students to experience the positive impact of athletics, teamwork, and healthy competition.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Soka University in 2022. Prior to joining LEARN, he pursued a professional soccer career in Spain, an experience that shaped his passion for athletics, mentorship, and youth development. Through his background in sports, he brings valuable leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills to his work with students.
He is committed to providing high-quality programming that encourages students to build confidence, develop new skills, and discover the many benefits of sports and physical activity.
Joseph Zaragoza is an Accounting Coordinator at LEARN, where he supports financial operations across multiple contracts and grants. He manages accounts payable and receivable processes, supports accurate financial reporting, and helps ensure compliance with funding requirements. Joseph also contributes to improving internal processes by developing Excel-based tools that streamline invoice reconciliation and enhance operational efficiency.
Since joining LEARN in March 2025, Joseph has gained valuable experience in financial reporting, audit preparation, cash flow management, and maintaining accurate financial records. He supports the review of financial activity across multiple funding sources, verifies coding accuracy, and contributes to maintaining reliable financial processes that support LEARN’s mission.
Joseph is continuing to develop his expertise in business and finance while preparing to transfer to a four-year university to further his studies. He is passionate about building a strong foundation in financial markets and analysis, with the goal of pursuing a career in wealth management. His background includes participation in business organizations and professional development programs focused on finance and leadership. Outside of work, Joseph enjoys training in boxing and Krav Maga, as well as bouldering and surfing.
Nicasio Salerno, Board Chair
Nicasio Salerno earned his B.S. degree and teaching credential from Cal Poly Pomona and his M.A. and Administrative/Pupil Personnel Services credentials from Azusa Pacific University. He has served as an instructor in the Educational Administration Credential Program at Cal Poly Pomona and has supported the University’s Teacher Intern and Single Subject Credential Programs.
Throughout his career, Nicasio has served as a teacher, coach, counselor, principal, and district administrator for the El Monte Union High School District. Under his leadership, the district was recognized by The College Board as the mid-size National Advanced Placement District of the Year prior to his retirement in 2014.
Lourdes Ochoa, Treasurer
Lourdes Ochoa earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance from California State University, Los Angeles, and her Certificate in Lending from California State University, Fullerton. She brings more than 35 years of experience in banking, with expertise in commercial and residential lending, sales, project management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning.
Throughout her career, Lourdes has developed expertise in serving high-net-worth and community lending segments, with a strong commitment to financial literacy and expanding access to financial resources for underserved communities.
Lourdes has also served as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club chapter in her native Boyle Heights community. Her experience in finance, community engagement, and strategic leadership supports LEARN’s mission and strengthens her role as Treasurer on the Board of Directors.
Edwin Alvarado, Board Member
Edwin serves as the President of Cath Lab Staffing and brings extensive experience in healthcare services and business leadership. He earned a Certificate in Radiologic Technology/Science-Radiography from Maric College and has built a successful career in the medical services field.
Having grown up in Los Angeles’ inner city, Edwin understands the importance of access to opportunity and education. Through his professional work and community involvement, he is committed to supporting families as they navigate the educational system and has been a strong advocate for underserved communities. Edwin is a generous supporter of LEARN and shares the organization’s commitment to creating opportunities for students and families.
Dr. Vann Priest, Board Vice Chair
Dr. Vann Priest holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He brings more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, teaching, STEM program development, and grant-funded initiatives to LEARN’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Priest served at Rio Hondo College for more than 20 years, holding various roles including Dean, Interim Dean, Professor, and Associate Professor. Prior to his time at Rio Hondo College, he held faculty appointments at Whittier College, the University of Missouri–Columbia, Kansas State University, and other institutions.
Throughout his career, Dr. Priest has led and supported STEM education initiatives, served as Principal Investigator for National Science Foundation and Department of Defense-funded projects, sponsored the MESA program, and consulted on science education for early childhood and elementary programs. His experience in education, grant management, student success, and institutional leadership provides valuable expertise that supports LEARN’s mission and strategic goals.
Jazmin Chavez-Diaz, Board Member
Jazmin Chavez-Diaz earned her bachelor’s degree in Comparative Cultures from Whittier College, her Master of Education from Claremont Graduate University, and her Administrative Credential from Cal Poly Pomona. She currently serves as the Director of Secondary Education for the El Rancho Unified School District and brings more than 20 years of experience in education.
Throughout her career, Jazmin has served in various leadership roles, including elementary school principal, high school vice principal, and Dean of Guidance and Discipline. Her experience in educational leadership, student support, and school improvement provides valuable insight and strengthens LEARN’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students and communities.
Erika Morales, Board Member
Erika Morales earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with an emphasis in Latin American Studies and Political Science. She is a founding partner of Morales + Morales Inc., a government relations and public affairs firm specializing in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and community engagement for public and private organizations throughout Los Angeles County and Sacramento.
Erika brings more than 20 years of experience developing and executing complex government and public affairs strategies, legislative advocacy efforts, community organizing initiatives, and fundraising campaigns. Her expertise in relationship building, civic engagement, and strategic leadership strengthens LEARN’s mission and commitment to serving communities.
Salvador Limon, Secretary
Salvador Limon earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University. He currently serves as Vice Principal at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools and brings more than 15 years of experience in education.
Throughout his career, Salvador has served in various roles, including Educational Specialist, English as a Second Language Teacher, and Special Education Coordinator. His work has focused on supporting students, expanding access to educational opportunities, and creating inclusive learning environments.
Salvador has also been actively involved in community service and student support initiatives through organizations such as Hermanos Unidos, the Latino Pre-Law Society, the Raza Recruitment and Retention Center, and the Berkeley Cooperative. His commitment to education, equity, and community engagement strengthens his service as Secretary on LEARN’s Board of Directors.
Robert Bell, Board Member
Robert Bell earned his bachelor’s degree in General Communication from California State University, Long Beach. He brings more than 30 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations and community agencies to develop, fund, manage, and implement programs focused on education, mentoring, community health, wellness, and sports initiatives.
Throughout his career, Robert has served in various leadership roles, including Project Director, Manager of After School Programs, Community Development Strategist, and Manager of Grants and Contracts. He is committed to addressing the social and educational needs of families and communities by expanding access to meaningful resources and opportunities.
Arthur Ealba, Board Member
Arthur Ealba is a decorated United States Air Force veteran and a graduate of the Air Force NCO Preparatory School. He also holds a Clean Power Professional Certificate from Imperial College London. Arthur has more than 35 years of experience as a senior executive in the petrochemical and grid modernization sectors.
He currently serves as Founder and CEO of Ursus Victor, LLC (UV), a minority- and veteran-owned energy infrastructure consultancy based in California. UV delivers solutions in large-scale electric vehicle charging, energy storage systems, microgrids, and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.
Arthur is a strong advocate for STEM education and youth development. In addition to serving on LEARN’s Board of Directors, he serves as a board member for the East Los Angeles College Foundation.
