Our Staff
Victor Casey
Education SpecialistVictor oversees our daily homework and tutoring, including serving as our math and SAT-prep teacher. He came to the center with more than nine years experience as a math teacher and tutor for two charter schools. A Washington Preparatory High School graduate, Victor served for two years there as a volunteer assistant debate coach. He has an AA in animation from Santa Monica Community College and is completing his bachelor's degree in math at Western Governor's University.
Jason Love
Education SpecialistJason is currently enrolled at El Camino Community College with his degree major in Psychology. He oversees our daily homework and tutoring sessions and dedicates his time to ensure that our students suceed in achieving their goals.
Naomi McSwain
Executive DirectorNaomi has more than 20 years in nonprofit management, including over 15 years as a youth center executive director. She has a BA in journalism and marketing from CSU Northridge and an MA in intercultural studies and children at risk from Fuller Theological Seminary where she wrote her thesis on gang prevention in LA.
Naomi received a nonprofit certificate from USC in 2020 and the United Way of Greater LA's first Power of Her Award in 2018. She is a certified CALSAC trainer.
Isidra Person-Lynn
Education Specialist, English language arts lead teacherIsidra Person-Lynn has a BA in English from Union College and an MA in journalism from USC. She formerly worked on air as public affairs director for KACE radio and as a professor teaching English and journalism at West Los Angeles College. She most recently worked in communications at Charles Drew University.
Celeste Ponce
Program & Outreach SpecialistCeleste is our Public Allies Los Angeles intern. She has her bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Chicana Studies from CSU Dominguez Hills. She is currently attending Santa Monica College to obtain her certification in Child & Adolescent Development. Celeste facilitates our latest video series "Create With Me".
Christelle Telesford
Associate DirectorChristelle Telesford has a bachelor's degree in educational services management from CSU Long Beach. She oversees daily operations for our afterschool and summer camp programs, including supervising our staff, interns and volunteers and assisting our executive director with program development and administration. Christelle has served at the center since 2011 and is dedicated to helping our students excel in their academics and life.
Christiane Townsend
Education DirectorChristiane is a principal and former school teacher working part-time as our education director, particularly guiding our student assessments. She has a BA in English from UCLA and an MA in Education from Cal State Northridge.
Maria Palaroan
Program AdministratorMaria is our Public Allies Los Angeles intern. She facilitates the coordination with our volunteers. Maria recently graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Education. During her time there, she led various youth mentorships, and cultivated her passion for education work. She hopes to one day be a caring and accessible academic counselor for youth who need support.
“We have high expectations for our students. We want them to have the best we can provide in every way possible. One of the best ways we can do this is by listening to them and partnering with parents
to understand and address the needs at hand.”
Naomi McSwain, Wooten Executive Director
There are a lot of caring souls at the Wooten Center. All of our staff members are committed to helping our students achieve their best. They are also great at working together like family, being patient and instructive with our kids, always striving for that safe and nurturing environment our mission calls for. We appreciate everyone for their dedication for our students.
All Wooten staff members engage in continuing education and networking opportunities provided by agencies including the California School-Age Consortium/National Afterschool Association, LA County Office of Education, Center for Nonprofit Management, Compass Point, Southern California College Access Network, Grantmanship Center, LA County Public Health and others.
To contact a staff member below, call our office at (323) 756-7203.
Staff
Naomi McSwain, executive director
Christelle Telesford, associate director
Christiane Townsend, education director
Victor Casey, education specialist
Isidra Person-Lynn, education specialist
Jason Love, program specialist
Celeste Ponce, program & outreach specialist
Maria Palaroan, program administrator