Happy CANniversary to our CAN Team Staff!
February 2026
February is an entire month of multiple CAN Staff Work Anniversaries, called ‘CAN’niversaries. Our team is a collective of humans who hold various roles to support the work of CAN and the Expanded Learning and Out-of-School-Time fields.
This month, we are celebrating Bill, Malia, Leslye, Melissa, and Jeff!
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Happy 4th CANniversary, Bill Fennessy!
February 7, 2026
February 7th is Bill’s CANniversary! Bill joined the CAN team in 2022 has almost three decades of experience working in education. Lovingly called Tio Memo, Bill supports our Workforce Development and Apprenticeship work.
Thank you for being incredibly passionate about the work we do every day, we appreciate you!
Learn more about Bill in our Staff Directory.
Happy 3rd CANniversary, Malia Villarreal!
February 13, 2026
Malia marks her 3rd CANniversary on February 13! She joined the team during the week of our Long Beach Symposium in 2023 and has been making an incredible impact ever since. Malia supports CAN’s Policy and Advocacy work and strengthens our Strategic Communications by bridging the intersections between policy and all areas of our work. Her thoughtfulness, insight, and collaborative spirit shine through in everything she does.
We are so grateful to have Malia on the team. Thank you for all that you do!
Learn more about Malia in our Staff Directory.
Happy 5th CANniversary, Leslye Lugo!
February 22, 2026
Leslye celebrates her 5th CANniversary on February 22 and joined the CAN team in 2021 on the same day as Melissa Perez, making them our second-ever set of “CAN Twins.” Leslye plays a key role in CAN’s Data and Research work, including authoring the State of the State of Expanded Learning and supporting the Research, Evaluation, and Strategy Committee (RESC) behind the Data Snacks. She also contributes to our Policy and Advocacy efforts and is deeply passionate about ensuring the field is recognized and celebrated for the incredible work happening every day.
Thank you, Leslye, for your dedication and impact!
Learn more about Leslye in our Staff Directory.
Happy 5th CANniversary, Melissa Perez!
February 22, 2026
Melissa marks her 5th CANniversary on February 22 and joined the CAN team in 2021 alongside Leslye Lugo, making them our second-ever set of “CAN Twins.” As the driving force behind CAN’s events, Melissa brings organization, creativity, and expert project management to every statewide convening and communication effort. Her work keeps everything running smoothly and looking great.
Five years in, and we’re so grateful for the energy, leadership, and dedication you bring to the team. Thank you, Melissa!
Learn more about Melissa in our Staff Directory.
Happy 19th CANniversary, Jeff Davis!
February 28, 2026
February 28th is Jeff’s CANniversary! His journey with CAN truly goes back to the very beginning. Since 2006, Jeff has worn many hats, from Program Coordinator to Executive Director, each one leaving a lasting impact on the organization and the field. Over the years, Jeff has played a key role in shaping quality across Expanded Learning, including helping to develop foundational frameworks like the California Afterschool Program Quality Self-Assessment Tool and the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California.
Thank you for leading with love, Jeff! We’re grateful for your leadership, insight, and long-standing commitment to the field!
Learn more about Jeff in our Staff Directory.