2025 Awardees
2025 Lights On Afterschool Awardees
On October 23, 2025, CAN — alongside the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and the System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL) — hosted the annual California Expanded Learning Leadership Awards.
A heartfelt congratulations to this year’s awardees. These leaders represent the very best of our expanded learning community, championing children, youth, and families across California with dedication, vision, and heart.
Click here to access the PDF slides.
Leina Dingle (Emerging Leader)
Region 9
Expanded Learning Admin Intern, Whittier Elementary School, Newport Mesa Unified School District
Leina Dingle was born in Hawaii to immigrant parents and raised in the town of Waianae. She moved to Las Vegas, where she earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education, focusing on Curriculum and Instruction and Education Administration. In 2016, she joined Newport Mesa Unified School District in Orange County, teaching kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade, and as a reading specialist.
Sandoz McCovey
Region 1
Director of Expanded Learning, Del Norte Unified School District
Sandoz has been working in the field of Expanded Learning for over 15 years. During this time she ran a successful middle school program for 10 years. She has now moved into the director position.
Bobbie Wion
Region 2
After School Program Coordinator, Redding School District
Bobbie’s educational career began as an Instructional Assistant with Sycamore School in 2004; eventually moving up to become the After School Program Site Intervention Facilitator at Cypress School, followed by being an Account Clerk III and then became the current After School Program Coordinator for Redding School District and oversees the PROMISE Program at six school sites: Bonny View, Cypress, Manzanita, Juniper, Sycamore, Turtle Bay and Sequoia Middle School.
Callista Galliher
Region 3
Youth Workforce and High School Development Coordinator, Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center
Having experienced the benefits of a high school internship program, I prioritized bringing this opportunity to students as a site coordinator. My passion for youth voice and leadership led me to help pioneer the TRUSD youth workforce initiative. Leading this effort has been one of my greatest honors, allowing me to expand opportunities across K–12 programs and support our community in ways I once only dreamed of.
Claudia Medina
Region 4
Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs, Coordinator, Alameda Unified School District
Claudia Medina has worked for Alameda Unified School District’s After School Program for 13 years. Over time, as a seasoned practitioner, she has learned to navigate the educational system. She is passionate about supporting working families and immigrants, and has a soft spot for single parents who benefit from after school enrichment for their children.
Daric V. Jackson
Region 5
Director, Instructional Leadership and Intervention, Cupertino Union School District
Daric has served for many years as an educator, district leader and representative of the Association of School Administrators (ACSA), Region 8. He currently serves as ACSA’s Vice President of the Legislative Action Committee.
Sargina Yonan
Region 6
Director of Expanded Learning Programs, Linden Unified School District
Sargina Yonan, Director of Expanded Learning Programs at Linden Unified School District, is a servant leader, innovator, and advocate for students, families, and staff. Beginning as a Recreation Leader in Turlock and later a Site Lead at Stanislaus Union School district, she now leads districtwide programs with compassion and vision. Sargina creates inclusive spaces, empowers staff, and champions equitable opportunities that uplift communities.
Angela Ruiz-Alvarez
Region 7
Recreation and Enrichment Coordinator, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District
Angela Ruiz-Alvarez has worked on the Cutler-Orosi School District team for over 20 years. Prior to the district, Angela worked for a local organization, CSET, helping families find resources to improve hard circumstances. In 2005, Angela joined the district as a program director assistant, expanding her reach to students. It was about 2014 when Angela stepped into the director’s role. Her expertise and character have opened up many doors to collaborate within and beyond her district and community.
Kim Gaspar
Region 8
Director of Expanded Learning Programs, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District
Kim Gaspar, born in San Diego, earned her Child Development degree from Cal Poly SLO. After moving to Paso Robles 31 years ago, she raised two children and dedicated herself to education and community service—volunteering, leading the Measure T bond effort, and managing the Camino Scholars Learning Center. For 14 years, she has directed ASES and Expanded Learning programs and now serves as Director, continuing her passion for student success across Region 8.
Vanessa Cass
Region 9
Quality Programs Coordinator-Training and Development, YMCA of San Diego County
Vanessa Cass, Training & Development Coordinator for YMCA Expanded Learning in San Diego, has served for over 16 years. She began as a parent and became a dedicated leader—first at Harborside Elementary, then in staff development across Chula Vista, San Ysidro, and National City. Vanessa empowers teams, strengthens programs, and creates spaces where both students and staff can thrive.
Laurie Jimenez
Region 9
Coordinator, Expanded Learning, Tustin Unified School District
Laurie Jimenez is the current Coordinator for Tustin Unified School District, overseeing ASES and ELO-P grants and programming since 2013. With a background in elementary education, she has also served as an instructor at Saddleback College for special needs adult vocational classes. Her prior roles include managing a residential mother-child reunification program for Social Services and developing special needs programs for Saddleback Valley Unified and the City of Fullerton.
Antonio Marquez
Region 9
Theatre Director, Lincoln Elementary/ El Centro Elementary School District
Antonio Marquez has been teaching Performing Arts at Lincoln School for 3 years in the EXL program. Lincoln is a Title I school; because of this, one of his goals is seeing performing arts assist in propelling student academic and personal successes. He believes the arts foster a sense of responsibility, work ethic, and community. Since establishing the Performing Arts Program, student ELA test scores, confidence and behavior have improved. He believes every student deserves the chance to fly.
Kaylee Bunyea
Region 10
ELOP Coordinator, Rim of the World Unified School District
Vanessa Cass, Training & Development Coordinator for YMCA Expanded Learning in San Diego, has served for over 16 years. She began as a parent and became a dedicated leader—first at Harborside Elementary, then in staff development across Chula Vista, San Ysidro, and National City. Vanessa empowers teams, strengthens programs, and creates spaces where both students and staff can thrive.
Amber Gascoigne
Region 10
Director, Expanded Learning, Palm Springs Unified School District
Amber worked 8 years as an elementary school teacher and 7 years as an elementary school principal. This is her 4th year as Director of Expanded Learning. Amber completed her Doctorate in 2024, focusing on low-income, African American families and barriers they faced around preschool enrollment. Amber loves creating experiences for students who often don’t leave the Coachella Valley. And personally loves spending time with family and friends. Amber enjoys being outside, working off stress at the gym, and running Spartan races!
Deidre Corwin
Region 11
Director, Glendale Unified School District
Deidre Corwin, Director of Child Development & Child Care Programs at Glendale USD, has 25+ years of experience in early childhood and expanded learning. She oversees preschool–high school programs serving 6,000+ students with a $50M budget, ensuring equity, compliance, and quality. A state-level trainer, author, and award-winning leader, she is recognized for advancing child-centered, inclusive programs that empower students, support families, and build community.