Meet the Bounce Back Team
Director of Programs
Tova Hairston
As a longtime advocate for teens, I am thrilled to lead Bounce Back, Boomerang’s after school program, as Program Director! I think that brave out-of-school spaces are critical for adolescents to build the skills, resilience and connections they need to dream their wildest dreams, and to begin the work to realize those dreams. The trajectory of my own life has been deeply and positively impacted by high quality, grassroots community-based programs during my formative adolescent years, and am honored to be a part of that important, transformational work in service to teens here in Orange County.
To learn more about Tova, and how to contact her, click here.
Site Director
Safiyyah Elahi
I am elated to serve as Bounce Back’s Site Director! I believe that every young person has unique strengths and talents that should be nurtured and celebrated. That’s why I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where youth feel empowered to explore their interests and take on new challenges
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing the positive impact that our programs have on the lives of young people. Whether it’s helping them improve their grades, build meaningful relationships, or develop important life skills, I am constantly inspired by the resilience and creativity of the youth we serve.
To learn more about Safiyyah, and how to contact them, click here.
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
Kes Sarmiento-Fitzgerald
It is a great honor to work as a full-time staff member for Boomerang Youth. I love engaging with our students and getting to know their families. One of my greatest joys is being able to bring people together to create positive experiences and change. As someone with a deep love for my community and a background in branding and marketing, I am excited to be the new Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.
To learn more about Kes, and how to contact her, click here.
Student and Administrative Coordinator
Aysha Castro
aysha.castro@boomerangyouth.org
I am a mom of two small boys originally from FL. While visiting a friend in NC, I fell in love with the state and BOOM, my life changed. I convinced my family that I want to raise my kids here and that is exactly what we are doing. I recently have been given the chance to pursue one of the carriers I wanted growing up and it has been exciting. I am working towards my teaching degree and license. Within Boomerang Youth I look forward to learning and experiencing a different side of mentoring/teaching that you don’t learn from books and exams. My hope is to bring a different prospective to teaching into schools and encourage students to pursue their goals no matter what. I also hope to be great mentor in this program.
