Long Beach BLAST Team

Administrative Staff

Ray Thomson
Executive Director
ray@lbblast.org
Phone extension: 201
 
Ray became the Executive Director of Long Beach BLAST in November 2007. He brings over 30 years experience managing non-profit youth guidance agencies such as the Boys and Girls Clubs. His general duties include overseeing the day to day operations, resource development, marketing, board development, program and staff development, special events, and developing strategic partnerships to leverage new resources. Ray received his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). 

Kehau Fujikami
Director of Operations
info@lbblast.org
Phone extension: 200
 
Kehau Fujikami holds a B.S. degree in Business with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from California State University, Long Beach. 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, she bacame the full-time Programs & Research Assistant. Kehau oversees all office operations, and provides administrative support to all staff members.

Academic Mentoring Program

Leslie Keeney
Director of Mentoring Services
leslie@lbblast.org
Phone extension: 203

Leslie Keeney had 7 years experience with BLAST, in both volunteer and paid positions, prior to her appointment to her current Director position, first as a mentor, volunteer and paid intern, Volunteer Program Assistant and Volunteer Program Coordinator.  Leslie's current responsibilities include oversight of the Academic Mentoring Program, including the supervision of the Volunteer Program Coordinators, site liaisons, and interns. She also acts as the primary contact with college faculty.  Leslie has a B.A. degree in Human Services from California State University, Dominguez Hills.


Tina Cochran
Volunteer Program Coordinator
tina@lbblast.org
Phone extension: 204

Tina Cochran holds a B.S. in International Studies, with a minor in Political Science, from California State University, Long Beach.  She joined the BLAST team in September 2009 with a plethora of experience working with non-profits and marginalized populations.  Tina’s education has been enriched by many trips to East Africa where she has been able to experience international development and grassroots organizations in a proactive hands-on manner. She brings experience from working with teens in the foster system to helping community college students go on to earn their bachelors. Originally hired as an Operation Read literacy tutor, Tina has helped BLAST to expand and improve their services. Her dedication and unbridled efforts have brought her to the position of Volunteer Program Coordinator where she began working with the Academic Mentoring Program in the 2010 fall semester. 


Erin Nedza
Volunteer Program Coordinator
erin@lbblast.org 
Phone extension: 206

Erin received her M.S. in Anthropology from Bournemouth University in England and has more than seven years experience in the Education field. She has worked with communities on cultural preservation projects as far away as Australia and France, and was most recently involved as a volunteer with a community here in Long Beach. Erin’s involvement with BLAST began as a faculty partner at Long Beach City College during which time she began to volunteer as an Academic Mentor. Starting in July 2011, Erin joined the BLAST team as a Volunteer Program Coordinator.

BLAST After School Program

Karina Enriquez
Site Director
northpointeblast@gmail.com
562-531-7117 
 
Karina Enriquez holds a B.A. degree in Sociology and Chicano/Latino studies, with a minor in Education from University of California, Irvine. She joined the BLAST team in August 2007 as a Site Director. Karina currently directs the Northpointe Apartment Homes After School Program. She oversees the day to day operations, site Team Leaders, Technology Lab Supervisor, and mentors. Karina also provides administrative support to all staff members.

Christine Austin - Team Leader
Jason Jimenez - Team Leader
Brianna Pitts - Team Leader

Bridge to College Program

Caitlin Baker
Bridge to College Coordinator
caitlin@lbblast.org
Phone extension: 202

Caitlin Baker is currently pursuing a B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, from California State University, Long Beach.  Caitlin joined the BLAST team in October 2008 as an Operation Read literacy tutor.  Since then, Caitlin has worked with alternative education high school students in three school districts, and since January 2011 has been coordinating the Bridge to College Program at Reid High School. 

Brittney Olaes - Education and Career Consultant
Karena Agis - Education and Career Consultant
Stevin Ozier - Education and Career Consultant