HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM BAY AREA
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Sonemani Bitna (they/them)
High School Mentor (Senior Program Associate)
Where are you from? Memphis TN
What brought you to Summer Search? I love 1:1 youth mentorship, I also saw myself in this program and wanted to be a part of the work that they do in getting folks outside and providing enriching summer experiences.
What do you like to do in your free time? Fight! BJJ, jujitsu and MMA. I also love to be outdoors and explore new places. I particularly love summitting high peaks. I also really love kickin it with my chosen family and friends! (Even if it's through zoom!
Share a fun fact about yourself! I ran 3 marathons and 1 was international in Bangkok, Thailand.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love the opportunity to co-create spaces together and support Summer Searchers in gaining ever expanding opportunities to grow into themselves.
510-601-2134
Jen Tribbet (any)
High School Mentor (Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? All Over. The Midwest and the Atlanta Metropolitan area mainly.
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? When Whitney Houston said, "I believe children are our future," in her hit song Greatest Love of All, I felt that deeply and I committed to working with the young people who would be shaping the future with their contributions. What keeps me here is having built a sense of community with students, staff, parents, and even donors.
What do you like to do in your free time? So much. Mostly my life revolves around my dog Xikkon. Outside of being a dog caretaker, I'm an avid anime and manga fan, hobby sewist, and amateur home cook. I also really like to talk about being anti-capitalist with anyone who is willing to dream of solutions to societal ills outside of the motivation of making a profit.
Share a fun fact about yourself: I once wrote for National Public Radio (NPR) and 14 million people heard my voice, which I think is kinda neat.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?: They're finding out every day who it is they want to be in the world and putting actions behind their dreams and aspirations. They're open to growing, expanding their views, and maturing in ways that are true to themselves.
510-601-2158
Carly Solberg (she/he/they)
High School Mentor (Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? Napa, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? I love that I get to know so much about my students-- like what makes them laugh, what makes them angry, and what gets them really excited!
What do you like to do in your free time? You can usually find me going down random rabbit holes on Youtube for hours. I also love reading comic books and graphic novels.
Share a fun fact about yourself! I used to scoop ice cream at Ben & Jerry's in high school (so fun) and used to give all my crushes free ice cream :)
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love our Summer Searchers because they always inspire me to be a more honest and thoughtful person in my own life!
909-643-5288
Julia Barbano (she/her)
High School Mentor (Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? I was born in New Mexico but have spent the majority of my life in California.
What brought you to Summer Search?/What keeps you here? I’ve always loved working with and hanging out with our youth. They’ve got the best ideas, have a fearlessness about them and are fresh in their way of thinking. Being a Mentor gives me the opportunity to have thoughtful conversations with these awesome humans as we share and grow together. I love it!
What do you like to do in your free time? Anything that brings me joy! That often involves some combination of nature, friends, family, music, food and chillin out. Some of my favorites; starfishing in my bed until late morning and swimming in tropical water.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? Because they are learning about who they are and who they want to be…just like me!
510-601-2150
Liz Carey (she/her)
High School Mentor (Senior Program Associate)
Where are you from? I was born in foggy San Francisco and grew up living in Japan, China, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
What brought you to Summer Search? or What keeps you here? Instead of teaching youth to build ships, I believe it is more valuable to share a love for our oceans. I love the way Summer Search promotes diversity and access in outdoor spaces in ways that are culturally responsive, inclusive to our youth, and honor their personal values and decisions. I hope to instill confidence and provide support to Summer Searchers as they navigate their own sense of self and belonging in the outdoors.
What do you like to do in your free time? I am most happy exploring nature, eating snacks, and sharing moments of rest with friends.
Share a fun fact about yourself! One of my favorite pastimes is meandering through the aisles of Costco, trying samples, and sharing reviews. I never leave without a churro!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I love learning from youth and am ever inspired by their openness to try new things, follow curiosities, and find new passions in their own unique ways.
510-601-2156
Jason Baker (he/him)
High School Mentor (Senior Program Coordinator)
Where are you from? East Oakland
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? I value the importance of exposure, being exposed to mentoring, getting out of your comfort zone, and traveling are experiences that can shift your perspective of life.
What do you like to do in your free time? Travel & Food
Share a fun fact about yourself! I went to Skyline High School
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? Our participants willingness & follow through towards their goals is something that always inspires me.
510-601-2144
Zavi Smith (she/her)
Senior High School Program Manager
Where are you from?
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Share a fun fact about yourself!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
510-601-2157
John Poole (he/him)
High School Program Manager
Where are you from? Born and raised in Louisiana (New Orleans and Baton Rouge)
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? When I looked at the mission and vision behind Summer Search, I was immediately hooked. I was a part of an organization called "Young Leaders Academy" in Louisiana and it had such an impact on me socially, emotionally, and physically. Being in the education field for several years, I've seen the impact on students when they have a strong support system and what happens when they don't. I look forward to doing everything I can to help everyone define and pursue their own level of success through high school and beyond (whatever that looks like for you).
What do you like to do in your free time? I am not native to California but from the South meaning I'm always ready to throw down in the kitchen. Love performing slam poetry and singing. I love water (my last name is Poole lol) so swimming is super relaxing and my way of getting into nature, but I've never been to a beach before. Outside of that I love anything horror related (if you have any recommendations or looking for someone to go see the recent one out, I'm always here) and I'm an avid gaymer.
Share a fun fact about yourself: I have been on the Oprah Winfrey show (twice) to receive awards for community service, and I have performed Slam Poetry for former President Barack Obama in a competition in Louisiana.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? Why not? You all are amazing! The courage and bravery that you have when it comes to not only advocating but living your life to the fullest is truly admiring! The landscape has changed so drastically, and you all are dedicated to coming out on top. You've created new job markets, challenged the status quo, boldly stand up for what you believe in, and you have the world at your disposal. Keep growing and you will be the change we need to see in the world.
510-601-2149
Anceline Eustache (she/her)
Former High School Mentor (Director of High School Program)
Where are you from? A little bit of a lot of different places. I was born outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, lived in a few different towns throughout PA, New Jersey, and England until I was 14. Then, moved out west to Las Vegas, Nevada. Spent some time in SoCal outside of San Diego, went back east to PA for college, lived in Massachusetts for a year, spent some time in rural northeastern NV, and finally landed in the Bay Area, where I've stayed for the past six years.
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here? Summer Search seemed like an organization that genuinely cared about its students and the impact it was leaving in the world.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to be outside with my dogs and my daughter. I like to draw portraits and do home renovation projects with my partner when I have the energy. I love reading and learning. I used to travel a lot and I still enjoy it, but it's a little harder to do now so I try to get out and discover new things locally.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? I find Summer Searchers to be incredibly genuine, thoughtful, and reflective people! I am very appreciative to be part of their community.
707-774-8187
