2026 Awardees
Celebrating the 2026 Lights On Afterschool Awardees
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 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.
Tap the video to watch the hybrid awards ceremony. Below is a snapshot of our virtually participating community; scroll down to learn more about our incredible 2026 ExL Leadership awardees!
Cheers and Happy Lights On Afterschool!
Enrique Plascencia
Emerging Leader Award
Regional Manager, arc
Enrique, known as “Mr. E,” serves as a Regional Manager for arc in San Diego, CA, bringing over a decade of experience in youth development, community engagement, and expanded learning. He oversees multiple after-school programs across San Diego County, supports program quality, school partnerships, and staff development, and serves on the California Afterschool Network Leadership Team.
Kira Becker
Region 1
Partner Relations Manager, EDMO
Kira grew up in Northern California and went to school in Lake County. After serving with AmeriCorps and earning a BA in Psychology from Sonoma State University, she worked with afterschool programs and preschools through the Lake County Office of Education, and now continues to provide out-of-school time opportunities and resources through EDMO!
Rashell Brobst
Region 2
Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of the North Valley
Rashell Brobst’s journey in youth advocacy spans over three decades, driven by an unwavering commitment to supporting children in need. Throughout her remarkable career, she has passionately championed youth development, firmly believing in the transformative power of not giving up on kids. After devoting 28 years to the Boys & Girls Clubs, Rashell’s impact on countless youth is undeniable.
Sean McCartney
Region 3
Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County, Western Slope
Sean McCartney has been employed as the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County, Western Slope since 2009. Sean leads a team of 66 employees who serve more than 700 kids a day across five locations. He has overseen dramatic growth in attendance and funding at the Club over the past many years and helped establish it as the premier youth development program in El Dorado County.
Janerl Lampson
Region 4
Principal of Expanded Learning, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
Janerl Lampson is an accomplished education leader known for creating innovative, student-centered programs that expand opportunities and strengthen school communities. Throughout her career, she has served in teaching, district, and administrative leadership roles, always focused on helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Lupe Ruvalcaba
Region 5
Coordinator, Expanded Learning, Alum Rock Union Elementary School District
Lupe Ruvalcaba is a dedicated educational and community leader with over 20 years of experience advancing educational equity, youth development, and community partnerships. As Coordinator of Student Support Services for Alum Rock Union School District, she provides strategic leadership for Expanded Learning Programs, student support initiatives, and collaborative partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for students and families.
Tina Smith
Region 6
Director, Ignite Expanded Learning Programs, Stanislaus Union
Tina Smith has worked in expanded learning for over 23 years and has been with Stanislaus Union School District since 2008, serving as Director of IGNITE Expanded Learning Programs for the past nine years. Tina has committed to bringing the IGNITE mission to life: “to ignite hope by providing after-school experiences that students look forward to and families trust.”
Zach Cruz
Region 7
Director of Expanded Learning Programs, Los Banos Unified School District
Zach Cruz is the Director of Expanded Learning Programs for the Los Banos Unified School District, where he oversees before-school, after-school, and intersession programs across the district. With more than 25 years of experience, Zach has played an instrumental role in growing and strengthening the district’s expanded learning programs. Under his leadership, these programs have enhanced academic support and enrichment opportunities while increasing student access and enrollment.
Jennifer Davis
Region 8
Administrator of Expanded Learning, Fairfax School District
Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Jennifer Davis earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Bakersfield. Her passion for expanded learning began as an after-school art teacher at the local YMCA while she was in college.
Jennifer joined Fairfax School District in 2002 and taught first and sixth grade for 12 years.
Khristian Marmolejo
Region 9 - Imperial County
Program Coordinator, Ballington Academy for the Arts & Sciences
Students spend most of their time in school, so Khristian tries to provide a safe, fun learning environment. Khristian has worked at Ballington for 7 years and looks forward to many more years of opportunities to work with students, whether it’s talking with them about the current books they are reading or even just playing ping-pong with them.
Miguel (“Mike”) A. Limón
Region 9 - Orange County
Executive Director, Orange County Educational Arts Academy
Mike serves as the Executive Director of Orange County Educational Arts Academy (“OCEAA”), a TK–8 dual-language immersion and arts-integrated public charter school in Santa Ana, California. Founded in 2005, OCEAA serves over 650 students, fostering academic excellence, creativity, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
Katie Czerwinski
Region 9 - San Diego County
Area Manager, KLC Champions
Katie Czerwinski brings more than 15 years of experience in talent development and strategic leadership, with a passion for building strong teams and creating environments where educators and students can thrive. Since July 2023, she has served as an Area Manager with KLC Champions,
Geri Castro
Region 10 - Riverside County
Coordinator, Expanded Learning, Riverside Unified School District
Geri Castro serves as the Coordinator of Expanded Learning Programs for Riverside Unified School District (RUSD), bringing over a decade of dedicated district leadership as both a former Elementary Principal and Expanded Learning Coordinator. She champions high-quality, inclusive, equity-driven out-of-school time opportunities for all students. Under her strategic vision, RUSD’s Expanded Learning Program has
Ron Perez
Region 10 - San Bernardino County
Expanded Learning Manager, Colton Joint Unified School District
With 25 years of dedicated service to Colton Joint Unified School District, including 13 years in Expanded Learning, Ron Perez currently serves as the Expanded Learning Program Manager. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students beyond the traditional school day.
Alan Pantanini
Region 11 - Los Angeles County
Director of Expanded Learning Programs, Pomona Unified School District
Alan Pantanini has dedicated three decades to Pomona Unified, beginning as a classroom teacher in 1996 and growing into roles as Assistant Principal and elementary Principal at Golden Springs and Washington Elementary schools. In 2023, he became the district’s first Director of Expanded Learning Programs.