Huckleberry Staff

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is supporting young people, whether the impact is big or small. Every bit of help can make a difference. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Being a mother is what makes me happy. I love my son the most. Cats or dogs? Dogs. Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about? I love to bake. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me... In the house with my son enjoying a lazy Sunday.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? Throughout my interview process the more I learned about HYP the more I felt it aligned with the work I want to do. When I came to visit I felt so welcomed and felt so excited about working with a dedicated team! What do you do with friends in your spare time? Bar trivia, game nights, dancing, themed dinner parties and just yapping! What are three of your pet peeves? People not using their blinker, not wringing the sponge when done, spending money on bad food.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? Facilitating conversations that center queerness, bodily autonomy, consent, and pleasure in a patriarchal and heteronormative world. What publications do you regularly read? I don't read them but I listen to these 2 podcasts: @sexedwdb is my holy grail of sex ed content!! & @secondnature which explores how we can live sustainably in an unsustainable world. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? Exploring Japan with my partner 🙂

What's the most inspiring part of your job? 1. Getting to work with some of the kindest and most inspiring people everyday 2. Bringing donors to the frontlines through authentic storytelling centering integrity of our youth and communities. What would be your personal motto? The only people worth impressing: my 5 year old self and my 85 year old self.  My favorite word that has no direct English translation is... Blobbing! A made up word originating from 'blob': in a relaxed, lounging state, almost becoming one with the couch.

When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [job/profession] when I grew up. Veterinarian

How do you think your colleagues would describe you? My colleagues would describe me as a person who lights up the space with my authentic energy. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? What makes me happiest when I'm not working is dancing and being with my loved ones, family and friends. It brings me great joy to dance with my community group Loco Bloco and to be part of the SF Carnaval and other community events. Sharing quality time with my family and friends makes me feel grounded and forever loved. Cats or dogs? I am a dog mom and I am happy to have three doggies. Toby, Mia and Vanilla may drive me crazy sometimes, but each one has their own sassy personality that I love.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry?I work at Huckleberry because of the important, impactful work that is done here. What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is talking and connecting with the youth. Understanding who the youth is beyond how they ended up in the current situation. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is, "Don't say I can't do it. Say it's hard, but I'll try my best." If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? I would be in the Bahamas on a yacht with a cocktail.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part about working at Huckleberry House is witnessing the transformative moments when our youth begin to believe in their own resilience and potential for healing during moments of crisis. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? I'm happiest when I'm in nature accompanied with loved ones and music.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I chose to work at Huckleberry because it allows me to work in the community I grew up in. Having the chance to support young people in very similar ways that I was supported by adults in this community is such a privilege! What do you want to make sure you do before you die? Complete my search for the world's best breakfast burrito! In another life, I'm pretty sure I was... a reality tv star

What's the most inspiring part of your job? I am most inspired by Huckleberry's incredible team! Each Huckleberry staff member demonstrates, through their creativity, a deep passion for youth, their personal growth, and social equity. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? When not working, I love engaging with music - all types of music. "If music be the food of love, play on." In another life, I'm pretty sure I was...  somebody else.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? Huckleberry's history of helping underserved youth in the community. Name a few of your daily habits. Jogging, Yoga, learning from others. My favorite word in the English language is... resilience.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I first heard of Huckleberry through a staff member working with the ACE Academy. They explained how Huckleberry prioritizes supporting youth by meeting them where they are, and offering guidance and resources to help them grow and excel in school and life. This approach really resonated with me, as I value being part of a company creating an impact in our community.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? The things at that make you different are also your greatest strengths. None of the youth we work with are the same and the things that set you apart might be the things that help you connect with the families we serve. If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be...  An artist! A circus performer! A novelist! My life could have turned in any direction towards my endless interests, but I'm so thankful it has led me here. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? Singing karaoke with my partner and friends, keeping the beat with my great tamborine skills!

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I chose to work at Huckleberry because I feel called to community work that centers youth. I believe that it is our collective responsibility to look out for the young people in our communities. Name a few of your daily habits. I love my morning routine of either going to a yoga class or taking my dog Frankie for a walk in Golden Gate Park. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be?  My grandparents' house in Mendocino County.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? Huckleberry is different than other programs, we don't only strive to advocate for youth. We want to give them the tools to empower themselves. Every member that I encountered in the organization is in here because we are passionate about or job. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is... it is okay to fall because only then we learn who we are. That we are a puzzle that is made of ALL of our experiences in life, one moment can change us but not define us. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up. I was 100% sure that I was going to be the president.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? I would say that the most motivating aspect of my job is teaching others how to love and accept themselves. I feel inspired when other's are able to be vulnerable and honest with their emotional and mental health. Name three words that describe you. Gentle, Empathetic, and considerate. In another life, I'm pretty sure I was... a honda drift driver

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? Clear communication, organizational skills, intentionality, empathy, joy and PLAY! How do you want people to remember you? As someone that made them safe, feel seen, heard, validated and accepted for who they are as they are. My favorite word in the English language is... kismet, because it conveys a sense of wonder, mystery, magic and intrigue.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I am a health educator because I’m reminded of the healing power of education. It’s a chance for me to provide information I wish I had as a young person – a safe space where curiosity can thrive, questions can be answered without judgment, and a path to self-discovery and acceptance 🙂 What do you want to make sure you do before you die? Visit all the Latin American countries.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? It is such a treasure to talk to program staff about the work they do with youth in our community; their dedication, compassion, and creativity never fail to inspire me. Writing about and sharing their stories is what I love most about my job and what makes me hopeful for the future. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is... The best piece of advice I've ever been given is to "turn toward it," and that "even if you're afraid to turn toward it, turn toward it... see what it has to teach you" (The Midnight Gospel, "Mouse of Silver"). When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a world-famous pop star when I grew up.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is the people! Our staff is incredible and hearing from the youth and families with whom we partner at events is incredibly inspiring. What do you do with friends in your spare time? I attend a lot of concerts in the Bay Area. I'm usually out at a show (at least 2 or 3 a month) and I love music. Cats or dogs? Dogs

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is to see how staff work collaboratively and creatively with young people and their families. The passion that drives all HYP employees is magically to see day in and day out. If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be... a referee in the NBA. My favorite word in the English language is... My favorite word in the English Language is eluthromania. It's origin is Greek and it means "intense desire to be free".

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I’m passionate about providing basic needs support to unhoused youth as well as case management, advocacy, and counseling services. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? I enjoy crafting and creating art of a variety of mediums, including photography, writing, sewing, embroidery, ceramics, and metal work. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd start a [BUSINESS TYPE] company. And, you know, keep working here. guinea pig far.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? When it gets stressful always remember every effort is for the sake of uplifting our youth. They are flowers and we guide them to the sun. Name a few of your daily habits. Duolingo for French, cooking dinner and writing fiction. My favorite word that has no direct English translation is... Venceremos, it means "we will overcome". It makes me think of Cuba, the Zapatistas and, now, Gaza.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I chose to work at Huckleberry because they have cultivated a space for young people where they can feel safe and supported and gain access to services that are normally very inaccessible. The staff are dedicated, compassionate and resourceful and are constantly going above and beyond to meet the needs of their clients. I am proud to be a Huckleberry. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? When I'm not working, you can usually find me doing a crossword puzzle. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? If I could be anywhere other than here, I would be in the Panhandle with Izzy & Bagel sitting on a patch of grass in the shade.

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I think the best skills that I bring to my job are curiosity and follow through. Curiosity because it keeps me engaged and asking questions and follow through because it's how I keep tasks and projects moving forward! Name three words that describe you. Curious, determined, playful.  If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd start a [BUSINESS TYPE] company. And, you know, keep working here. If I won the lottery tomorrow I would invest in my personal styling business, dux styled. And I'd keep working for Huckleberry, of course!

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is working with newcomer youth. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing their strength and resilience as they navigate and overcome challenges with such positive energy. Despite learning to adapt to a whole new world, they often end up teaching me just as much. What would be your personal motto? Believe you can and you're halfway there. My favorite word that has no direct English translation is...  estrenar, which means to wear or use something for the first time!

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I bring experience, compassion, and a lived voice. I bring equality and change. The best piece of advice I've ever been given is... Never be afraid of who you are or where you come from. You can't choose your past, but you can control your future. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me... Cleanin' up too sunday blue's like my ancestors, and getting ready for SOULful food.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I chose to work at HYP because of the warmth you instantly feel when you walk into the office. I love the staff and the youth are amazing! What would be your personal motto? Always have a cat! If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my talent. I would show everyone that I know how to make a balloon animal. I can only make a dog FYI!

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? Working at Huckleberry House can be a frontline job but the results can be very rewarding on helping the community, especially youth. Go Huckleberry House!! What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? I love to try and get some rest but also make memories with my family and all in my life. I want to make better connections with everyone in my life, it brings me great gratitude and appreciation in life! In another life, I'm pretty sure I was...  a mermaid in the tropics on Earth! P.S. By the coral reefs 🙂

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is supporting our managers and staff that provide amazing support to our youth. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? When I am away from work I am happiest in nature- hiking and birdwatching. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up. When I was five, I beleived I would be an Olympic Ice Skater because I was so into roller skating

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? Like other folks, I left Huckleberry to pursue other professional development opportunities and returned back to the organization. The most important reasons I returned are: the culture and commitment to youth. I feel safe and supported coming in to my work spaces everyday and that makes my job a lot easier. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Things that keep my hands and brain busy. I enjoy doom scrolling, crocheting and knitting a million different projects, reading, and learning all about the Housewives and 90 Day Fiancé couples. Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Pediatric Cardiologist. I guess being a Director of a youth Health Center isn’t toooooo far off!

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I chose to work at Huckleberry because we serve the communities I grew up being a part of. What would be your personal motto? Everything happens for a reason. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? Somewhere warm, at the beach !!!

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I speak and act from my heart. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Cuddles with my child by the ocean making offerings & praying. My favorite word in the English language is... Fuck.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry?I wanted to contribute to something meaningful and help youth who don't have the opportunity to get this type of support elsewhere. What's the most inspiring part of your job? When young adults reflect their insight given where they were when we first started to where we are now. It is so rewarding to see their growth and their resilience is truly inspiring! What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? I'm happiest when I'm out in nature, whether that be in the mountains or in the ocean 🙂 Cats or dogs? DOGS!!

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of my job is seeing my clients achieve their goals! I love to support them in whatever ways I can! Name three words that describe you. Caring, Sarcastic, Ridiculous. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? Back in bed.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? Huckleberries genuinely love teens! We also view families as a potential source solution rather than source of the problem. How do you want people to remember you? I want people to say they felt truly seen and heard by me. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? As I'm answering this it is unseasonably hot. I would like to be jumping of the side of a houseboat into a cool lake.

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I humbly take pride in building rapport with the youth and their families. I make sure they feel heard, seen, validated, and empowered. Name a few of your daily habits. Prayer 5 times a day. It keeps me at ease, grounded, connected, and humble. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? I would be backpacking in Bali right now, making new friendships, enjoying the breath taking nature, and eating some good food.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I used to be a participant of the ACE program in Marin when I was in high school and felt so loved and supported by the Huckleberry community. I wanted to take the opportunity to be a safe adult for youth, just like the staff were to me. What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year? My goal is to be a licensed marriage and family therapist by the end of next year! On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me... at church with my family 🙂

What's the most inspiring part of your job? I thrive on the belief that I am able to make my coworkers' jobs easier so that they can focus their time and energy on the young people we serve. What do you do with friends in your spare time? I love playing card and board games with friends or family. Shout out to anyone who knows what Euchre is! If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? Snorkeling! I can float around for hours looking at fish--it's definitely my happy place.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? Working directly with youth and the little "wins"! What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Spending time with my daughter, my grandson and my dog! If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? Santa Cruz

How do you think your colleagues would describe you? I think my coworkers would describe me as lighthearted, approachable, and someone who loves frogs. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Skating! I play with Bay Area Derby (go Oakland Outlaws, yeehaw!) If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? On a warm beach in Mazatlan.

Why did you choose to work at Huckleberry? I chose to work at Huckleberry because I have a passion for working with youth and love the many communities San Francisco is home to. Name three words that describe you. Extroverted, dedicated, passionate. Cats or dogs? Cats 1000%

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The youth and families resiliency. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Spending time with my family. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me... walking and drinking coffee.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of the work we do is the amount of collective energy that goes into supporting youth and their communities. As well as the amount of ways we can provide a safe and validating space for young people to thrive. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? I enjoy spending time in communities that bring me joy. I also love running, listening to live music, and relaxing in parks with a good caffeinated beverage. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up. I wanted to be a teacher. My family is full of educators, and growing up I loved to play with their school supplies & teach my stuffed animals.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? The sweetest huckleberries on the branch are those that genuinely care about the work they do and the growth they impact. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? I find joy in connection and creation. Thrashing to silly techno beats, building worlds through endless conversation, doodling on BART, playing with my pet rats: these are a few of my favorite things. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd start a [BUSINESS TYPE] company. And, you know, keep working here. Made-to-order sustainable hyperniche upcycled cluttercore coquette.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of being a therapist is having the privilege of being able to work alongside newcomer youth and witness their growth. Name a few of your daily habits (other than a shower and brushing your teeth). Playing with my dog Chewy 🙂 Cats or dogs? Dogs 🙂

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? Me best skills that bring to my job are precise and time management, this is critical to my position in finance department. As a finance staff, it is important to present the financial statements accurately and timely as we are liable to various parties that need the financial statements. What do you want to make sure you do before you die? To travel as many countries as I could, to learn other countries' culture When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up. My mother told me that when I was 3, I grabbed $5 from my mother's purse to go out to buy snacks. I am sensitive to money and know how it works even in my young age. This encourage me to work in accounting professional.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? Being able to partner with our incredible staff to ensure our HR practices are human-centered, equitable and foster a sense of belonging. How do you want people to remember you? That I made them feel seen and heard, that I never stopped fighting for liberation, that I learned to be as tender as I am tough. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me... hiking, doing a puzzle or gardening - often all three!

What's the most inspiring part of your job? Knowing that you're changing the lives of youth and their families! What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Cuddling my dog Mango and eating yummy food with good company, On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me... Hanging out at my local farmers market after brunch with an iced coffee in hand.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? What inspires me most about my job as a restorative justice manager is the opportunity to create transformative programs that empower youth, offering them alternatives to the traditional justice system and fostering real change in their lives and communities. Seeing young people grow and heal through these initiatives fuels my passion every day. How do you want people to remember you? I would want people to remember me as someone who had a positive impact on their life, brought them happiness and support, and made a difference in my community. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up. Professional dancer.

What's the most inspiring part of your job? Working with our young people and helping them realize their true potential. What do you do with friends in your spare time? We love to play Dungeons and Dragons. Cats or dogs? CATS