Our Leadership

Staff and Leadership

Sofia Viruly

Middle School Educator

Adali Flores-Mendoza

Community Engagement Coordinator

Nate Dixon

Secondary Program & College Access Educator

Adriana Lopez

Administrative Assistant

Aidee Arocho

Elementary Educator
Grades 3-5

Parisa Naini

ECFE
Coordinator

Allison Burns

Director of
Youth Programs

Anelise Watts

Elem Educator (K-2) &
Program Coordinator

Linda Nunez

Executive Director

Lourdes Quiterio Zavaleta

Operations
Associate

Maricruz Arocho

Family Program
Coordinator

Victor Panora

Kitchen
Staff

Youth Employment Program

Banyan high school and post-secondary youth, many of whom have long-term relationships with Banyan, serve as staff working part-time as Program Assistants to support program activities in after school and summer programs. Our staff participate in ongoing professional mentoring and leadership development opportunities and meet regularly with supervising staff for direction and feedback regarding their performance and participate in regular staff trainings to help develop skills in the best practices of youth development. Youth staff quickly earn the trust and respect of elementary youth at Banyan because they have grown up Banyan and serve as positive role models in the next generation of Banyan youth.

“I love how Banyan supports families and kids. My kids really enjoy coming here and the educators do a great job.”

Banyan Parent

“I am so grateful for Banyan. I trust Banyan and the staff here with my children, which is very important to me.”

Banyan Parent

“Sometimes I think of moving to the suburbs due to the drug and homeless issues but, then I think of Banyan and my neighbors, friends and family and I say – I CAN NEVER LEAVE PHILLIPS.”

Community Council Member

“I’m glad I came to Banyan this summer or else I would just be at home bored watching TV instead of doing fun things like crafts.”

Banyan Youth

“I’m thankful that we have had Banyan to guide us through this college process. We have never done this before, and don’t know anything about college or financial aid. It was good to know that our son had Banyan to help him understand things and explain the steps.”

Banyan Parent

“Banyan teaches you to stand up for what you know is right, to handle the situation in a respectful manner.”

Banyan Youth

“I give to Banyan because I know that my gift will go a long way both in impact with the community as well as effectiveness with a well-run organization.”

Current Donor