Executive
Kevin Amann
Operations Director
Kevin Amann
Operations Director
What do you do at Family Connections?
I help maintain the facility, infrastructure (phones, computers, etc.) and general operations of the agency. I also help back up the Finance, HR and Development departments. I work with the Directors Team as well on developing long-term strategy and policy.
What do you like about working here?
I like being the behind the scenes person that keeps the place ticking and the administrative and program staff working efficiently. I take pride working at a place that helps bring the community together.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We like to travel together, play music together and just hang out and watch movies together.
Paul Olsen
Development Director
Paul Olsen
Development Director
What do you do at Family Connections?
My role is to raise awareness of the organization and what it does, ensure we have the resources to continue serving the community, and to build and sustain relationships of all kinds as Family Connections strengthens families and communities.
What do you like about working here?
Family Connections Centers does a tremendous job working with children and families interactively. We not only support the children, we provide knowledge and resources to parents and caregivers so that they have the tools they need to better support their children. Added to that is the incredible staff at Family Connections. It's more of a family than a team, with everyone working together to ensure we do everything we can to fulfill our mission.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We love to travel. It can be as simple as a drive to rural Marin to check out cheeses, or a cruise that touches on multiple ports in multiple countries, allowing us to get just a small idea of how other people live. Regardless of the destination, we have found that we have more in common with people than we have differences, and we need to better understand and respect those differences so we can build on the similarities.
Tam To
Finance Director
Tam To
Finance Director
What do you do at Family Connections?
I have over 40 years working in accounting and finance. I started my career after my graduation at Cal State to work for a commercial insurance company. I then moved on to work for the government, Federal Deposit Insurance Agency (FDIC in banking), and then moved into Investment banking. And finally, after working for for-profit companies and government agencies, I have spent the last 15 years working for nonprofit agencies and have been with FCC since 2017. My current role is Finance Director. Besides English, I speak and write Vietnamese fluently. There are so many memories that I have with the kids at FCC, they’re so dear and near to me.
What do you like about working here?
I love that the staff is so dedicated to the mission and works to support kids, families, and the community. Although my role is dealing with numbers, payrolls, and budgets, my favorite time here at FCC is to greet and meet all the kids that come for Pre-K classes or Homework Club.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My favorite ways to spend my time outside of work are baking and cooking. They’re very therapeutic for me and at the same time, I can share my baked goods and my specialty foods with family and friends.
Tina Tam
Education Director
Tina Tam
Education Director
What do you do at Family Connections?
I work with teachers to oversee and support the licensed preschool and school-aged programs. I work closely with the leadership team to support grants, partnerships, and the daily activities at the Portola center.
What do you like about working here?
I love that there is something new happening here every day. It brings me so much joy to see the children, caregivers, and teachers all working together, learning, and having a great time.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My family and I enjoy traveling to experience different cultures and trying different food.
Yensing Sihapanya
Executive Director
Yensing Sihapanya
Executive Director
What do you do at Family Connections?
I work with an amazing team to oversee programs, finances, fundraising, operations, partnerships and the general running of the agency.
What do you like about working here?
I love talking to the kids, parents, grandparents, staff, and all the other great people that come to Family Connections. I learn something new every day here.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My family and I love to hike and camp. We are lucky to live near so many great forests in the Bay Area.
Administrative
Hannah Hanssens-Reed
Communications and Grants Manager
Hannah Hanssens-Reed
Communications and Grants Manager
What do you do at Family Connections?
My role with Family Connections Centers is to share the incredible work that happens in our Centers and to help new families find our programming. I work closely with the full Family Connections team to highlight upcoming events and workshops and celebrate the stories from our classrooms and support groups.
What do you like about working here?
My favorite part of this position is working for an organization that is dedicated to meeting the needs of its community and adapting our programs to best support our families. I love seeing the impact that the Family Connections staff have on the people that walk through our doors (and participate virtually).
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My family loves to spend time outdoors, hiking and gardening, and family gatherings are always large, loud, and full of delicious food.
Je'Meshia Wade
Communications Associate
Je'Meshia Wade
Communications Associate
What do you do at Family Connections?
I am the Communications Associate. It is my job to create and maintain external communication strategies to increase visibility of our organization to our participants, community and general public. All of this will be done through work on updating the website, creating captivating social media content, newsletters and other outreach strategies our communications team develops along the way.
What do you like about working here?
I like that from day one everyone has been supportive and welcoming. In addition, I am passionate about youth programming and Family Connections Center provides programs for not just children to be successful but for the entire family unit to thrive.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My family & I enjoy cooking, dancing and playing with our pets.
Lupe Alvarez
Administrative Coordinator
Lupe Alvarez
Administrative Coordinator
What do you do at Family Connections?
I provide administrative and financial support for our programs. I am bilingual in Spanish and English, which helps me to support our Spanish-speaking families. I also have the privilege of helping to organize and host our community events.
What do you like about working here?
I love having the capability to assist families with our numerous programs, being able to witness families grow, and seeing a smile on their faces brings me joy. I also love working with an amazing team of staff.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
I love to spend my time with my family. I especially enjoy traveling and discovering new places to eat.
Stephanie Lee
Custodian
Stephanie Lee
Custodian
What do you do at Family Connections?
I am the custodian at Portola Center. I work closely with staff and programs to maintain spaces clean so it is safe and ready for the kids and families each day.
What do you like about working here?
It's amazing to be able to work with an organization that supported my children's education. All of them were able to attend classes at FCC and grew and learned through the programs they attended here. There's always endless support in this heartwarming community.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
Outside of work, I love hiking, exercising, and gardening, and taking my dog on walks with my family. Although I love exploring new places in the city, I also love going back home to visit Taiwan with the rest of my family.
Tong Nguyen
Administrative Manager
Tong Nguyen
Administrative Manager
What do you do at Family Connections?
My official role at FCC is Administrative Manager, and I will be working out of both the Portola and the Excelsior Centers. I am excited to be an additional help in communicating with our Vietnamese families and participants to meet their needs.
What do you like about working here?
I am honored to be a part of a team that helps support staff who work directly with families and programs. The goal is to allocate more time for staff to focus on the quality of their programs by providing additional Administrative support to the staff.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
I enjoy spending my time outdoors when I am not at FCC. Some of my favorite outdoor activities include fishing, crabbing, camping, and biking. Another hobby I really enjoy doing is videography. I enjoy the whole creative aspect of filming, editing, and putting a storyline together.
Early Care and Education
Elsa Wan
Teacher
Elsa Wan
Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
I have the pleasure of teaching infants and toddlers in our Early Childhood Education programs, including First Steps and Pop-N-Play.
What do you like about working here?
I love to play with the children and see their development and growth over time.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We enjoy trips to different amusement parks. One of our favorite places to go is Disneyland. We also love trying different foods.
Jessica Zatarain
Teacher
Jessica Zatarain
Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
I work as a teacher for the morning program first steps and Homework Club.
What do you like about working here?
I like working at Family Connections because it has helped me expand my knowledge on Child Development.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We like to go on hikes!
Julyann Fu
Teacher
Julyann Fu
Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
I was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to San Francisco in 1976. I speak Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. In 1997, I began my career as a teacher, working both as a Chinese Instructor at a private school and in Family Connections Centers’ in our early childhood program. I am currently one of the teachers in our K-5 Programs, working with students in Summer Academic Enrichment and Homework Club. I enjoy singing and meditating with the children. I am happiest when students who age out of our program return to say hello, and I can see their growth over many years. I am surprised that they remember me from so long ago.
What do you like about working here?
In the more than two decades that I have been a part of our team, I have worked with the First Steps program, the Pre-K program, and our K-5 programs. I enjoy working with the kids and the families because I can see them grow over time, and I love assisting children with their homework, as it helps them to build their confidence and self-esteem.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and meditating. My favorite thing to cook is a vegetarian lasagna and Chinese dumpling. Fun Fact: I've been a vegetarian for 20 years.
Katryna Shek
Lead Teacher
Katryna Shek
Lead Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
I get to work playing with children ages 3-5 years old teaching them how to share, build their independence skills, and get them ready for kindergarten.
What do you like about working here?
I love working with the children, families and staff. I like that we can provide so many resources to all the families.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We like to take trips and go shopping at Target.
Kristina Alvarez
Teacher
Kristina Alvarez
Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
As a child, I attended many of Family Connections' programs, including First Steps and Homework Club. As a student in middle and high school, I returned to Family Connections and supported Homework Club and FCC's education programs as a volunteer. After graduating from City College in 2019 with an Associate of Science, I returned to FCC as a teacher, working in the Homework Club program.
What do you like about working here?
As a previous participant in our summer and school-year programs, I love how I can bring that perspective into the program as a lead teacher. I enjoy creating a space and environment for children to express themselves through a wide range of outlets, such as dancing and art.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
What I enjoy most is traveling and spending quality time with my family. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, spending time with family, car rides, and cooking.
Samantha Vaing
Lead School Aged Teacher
Samantha Vaing
Lead School Aged Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
I've been a teacher with Family Connections for almost three years. I've had the pleasure of working in multiple programs, including First Steps and Next Steps, and I am currently the Lead School Aged Teacher. I love that the students return to our program for consecutive years because we can see their growth throughout their time with us. It allows us, as teachers, to create a deep and genuine bond with the children.
What do you like about working here?
Through my experience in working with youth and being in an afterschool program in my childhood, I learned many different things. The two most important things I’ve learned are the importance of building a family with members of your community and incorporating a fun and inviting space for children. I've made it my goal to implement these values within my career.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My family enjoy having get togethers, whether it is bbqing, watching a sports game or family game night. We also take annual summer camping trips.
Sherry Xie
Teacher
Sherry Xie
Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
I teach in the Saturday Chinese School program.
What do you like about working here?
I enjoy spending time teaching the children. Their smiles bring me happiness.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
During my free time, I enjoy hiking with my family and friends. I love nature and flowers.
Teresa Palomares-Gray
Teacher
Teresa Palomares-Gray
Teacher
What do you do at Family Connections?
I am the Pre-K Teacher. I support the Lead Teacher in the classroom. I teach children ages 3-5 years old and prepare them for kindergarten and also support their families.
What do you like about working here?
I like how everyone at Family Connections supports one another, the families and the children by providing services to have a healthy life-style.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My family and I like to spend time together eating, shopping, going to the park and reading books.
Family Support
Ally Duong
Lead Family Support Coordinator
Ally Duong
Lead Family Support Coordinator
What do you do at Family Connections?
I plan, implement, and facilitate workshops, support groups, community events, and other family support programs. I also provide customer service at the front office for families who speak Cantonese and Vietnamese.
What do you like about working here?
I like to work with parents and children and see how they grow together.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We like to cook and garden in our free time.
Cheryl Au
Family Support Coordinator
Cheryl Au
Family Support Coordinator
What do you do at Family Connections?
Being a Family Support Coordinator, I plan, design, and execute activities for families, particularly our Chinese participants. I also advocate for families to access basic needs, providing emotional support, and being a liaison to conduct referrals and outreach. Throughout the day, I perform in-house translation to bridge the gap and tackle language barriers.
What do you like about working here?
After graduating from university and completing multiple internships at nonprofit organizations, I was determined to join the social service industry, serving children, families, and new immigrants so they can thrive in America.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
Outside of work, I love drawing and painting, in which I created my platform for posting food illustrations. It is a moment of peace when I can stay focused and engaged.
Derek Mui
Family Support Coordinator
Derek Mui
Family Support Coordinator
What do you do at Family Connections?
After growing up in South San Francisco, I moved down to San Diego for my undergraduate education at UC San Diego. I graduated with a B.A. in Human Developmental Sciences and a minor in Psychology. I moved back to the Bay Area during the pandemic and started my position here with Family Connections. I provide support to families in the community by facilitating workshops and support groups, connecting them to resources, and planning community events. As a bilingual speaker, I am able to support our Chinese-speaking families. I also work alongside my Family Support Team to provide quality support for our families. I enjoy being able to help our community members while learning and growing with my team.
What do you like about working here?
I enjoy being able to help out our community members while learning and growing with my team.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We enjoy quality time together and love watching TV shows, eating good food, and going on walks. Outside of work, I love to explore nature and try new foods.
Eleazar Martinez
Family Support Manager
Eleazar Martinez
Family Support Manager
What do you do at Family Connections?
As the Family Support Manager, my role is to manage, implement, and supervise the family support programs, including our workshops, support groups, and community events. I also work closely to manage the outreach and parent volunteers and work with our community partners to expand services.
What do you like about working here?
I like working at Family Connections Centers because I enjoy the work that is being done with families in the community.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family and going on random adventures.
Samantha Del Castillo
Family Support Coordinator
Samantha Del Castillo
Family Support Coordinator
What do you do at Family Connections?
My role at Family Connections is the Spanish-speaking Family Coordinator at our Portola Center. My favorite part of this position is the opportunity I have to interact with our wonderful and diverse families. I help provide case management, where I work one-on-one with individuals. As a bilingual speaker, I can support our Spanish-speaking families and ensure they feel heard, understood, and are left with a sense of community.
What do you like about working here?
At Family Connections, I get to work closely with different communities and connect people with one another. I enjoy helping others and becoming a part of their journey to success. It is my goal to create meaningful change and provide the best support and care to all our families.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
My favorite activities outside of work are hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Yadira Ortega
Family Advocate
Yadira Ortega
Family Advocate
What do you do at Family Connections?
I co-teach the First Steps, Next Steps, and Pop-N-Play classes. Additionally, as the Family Advocate, I run one of our weekly Latinx Family Support Groups, provide case management services, and host the Excelsior's Parent Advisory Board program.
What do you like about working here?
I love that I have the opportunity to help our families to connect with resources available in this city, in order to better support themselves.
What do you like to do with your family for fun?
We enjoy family time by playing board games, watching soccer games together, and having barbecues in the backyard.