Meet the BLAST Team

Leslie Keeney, Volunteer Program Coordinator A-K
Leslie Keeney became a BLAST mentor in 2001. In 2003, she returned to BLAST as a volunteer intern. After completion of her volunteer internship, Leslie was offered a temporary paid internship. In March 2004, Leslie applied for and received the part-time position as our Volunteer Program Assistant. In December 2004, Leslie was promoted to the Volunteer Program Coordinator. Leslie's duties include overseeing all aspects of the volunteer program including volunteer recruitment, screening, placement, and support. She is also the primary contact for collaborating after school programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kehau Fujikami, Programs & Research Assistant
Kehau Fujikami began with BLAST in the Fall 2001 semester as a volunteer for one of her CSULB courses. A year later she was hired as the part-time Administrative Assistant for BLAST. Soon afterward, in January 2003, she bacame the full-time Programs & Research Assistant. Kehau maintains the BLAST website and volunteer, site, and course databases. She also oversees office operations and provides administrative support to all staff members.

Amanda Stemen , Volunteer Program Coordinator L-Z
Amanda Stemen first joined BLAST in August 2005 as a Site Director for a year. She has since rejoined the team as a Volunteer Program Coordinator in January 2008. She earned a B.S. degree in Psychology with minors in Recreation and Athletic Coaching from Central Mischigan University. She will also have completed a M.S. in Recreation Administration from CSULB in May 2008. Amanda has worked for a number of after school programs, as well as taught elementary school. Amanda will work alongside the other Volunteer Program Coordinator to effectively support the growing number of BLAST mentors and collaborate with partnering after school programs.

Veronica Rodriguez , Operation Read Coordinator
Veronica Rodriguez holds a B.A. degree in English Education with an emphasis in Literature from California State University, Long Beach. She has experiences working with youth through an education internship at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and as an assistant site director for a summer camp dedicated to serving underprivileged, at-risk youth. Veronica is responsible for the recruiting, supervising, and support to BLAST's Operation Read tutors.

Karina Enriquez , Site Director
Northpointe After School Program
Karina Enriquez received her Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Chicano/Latino studies from UC Irvine. She joined the BLAST team in August 2007. Karina currently directs the Northpointe Housing Community After School Program. She oversees the site Team Leaders, Technology Lab Supervisor, and mentors.