Our Staff

Naomi McSwain
Executive Director

Naomi 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 Los Angeles.
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Naomi received the United Way of Greater LA's first Power of Her Award in 2018. She is a certified trainer for the California School-Age Consortium.
Christelle Telesford
Associate Director

Christelle 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 Director
Victor Casey
Education Specialist

Victor 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.
Michelle Nguyen
Development and Communications Specialist
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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. 

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The following are our staff members and also individuals contracted to teach classes. Click on their photos above to learn more about each one.

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Staff

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Naomi McSwain, executive director

Christelle Telesford, associate director

Rick McGregor, program director

Christiane Townsend, education director

Victor Casey, education specialist

Jason Love, program specialist

Alexis Galvan, program administrator

Michelle Nguyen, development and communications specialist

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Contractors

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Keti Ciofassa, dance

Tanisha Hall, White Hall Arts Academy, music

Jennifer Lashley, South LA Robotics, STEM

“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