Our Team

Behind every BrightRoots program is a dedicated team of educators, advocates, and community builders who share a common belief: every child deserves a bright start. Our staff brings together decades of experience in early childhood education, family services, public health, and nonprofit leadership.

Leadership Team

Maria Santos, Executive Director

Maria has led BrightRoots since 2016, bringing more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and community development. A first-generation college graduate and the daughter of immigrant parents, Maria is deeply committed to removing barriers for families and creating pathways to opportunity. Under her leadership, BrightRoots has doubled its program enrollment, launched the Reading Buddies initiative, and secured multi-year funding partnerships with regional foundations. Maria holds a Master of Public Administration from State University and serves on the Governor's Advisory Council on Early Childhood.

Dr. Aisha Johnson, Program Director

Dr. Johnson oversees all BrightRoots programming, from curriculum design to program evaluation. With a doctorate in Developmental Psychology and a decade of research on play-based learning, Aisha ensures that every program is grounded in the latest evidence and responsive to the needs of the children and families we serve. She is a published researcher, a frequent conference presenter, and a passionate advocate for the power of joyful, child-centered education.

Tyler Chen, Education Lead

Tyler brings creativity and energy to every classroom he touches. As Education Lead, he manages our team of early learning facilitators, develops training materials, and pilots new curriculum initiatives. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and is a certified infant-toddler specialist. Before joining BrightRoots, he spent six years as a lead teacher in a Head Start program and is known for his innovative approach to sensory learning and outdoor education.

Priya Patel, Community Outreach Coordinator

Priya is the connector who brings BrightRoots into the heart of the community. She manages volunteer recruitment, coordinates partnership programming with schools and libraries, leads community events, and ensures that families who need our services know how to find us. Priya speaks three languages and is a tireless advocate for inclusive, culturally responsive outreach. She holds a degree in Social Work and previously managed family engagement programs at a regional health clinic.

Our Educators and Staff

BrightRoots employs a team of 18 full-time and part-time educators, workshop facilitators, family advocates, and administrative staff. Every educator holds at least a Child Development Associate credential, and many hold advanced degrees in education or related fields. Our team participates in a minimum of 40 hours of professional development annually, covering topics such as trauma-informed care, culturally sustaining practices, emergent curriculum, and family partnership strategies.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides strategic guidance, fiduciary oversight, and community connections that help BrightRoots grow and sustain its impact.

• Dr. Ellen Marsh, Board Chair -- Pediatrician, Riverside Children's Clinic
• David Okafor, Vice Chair -- Partner, Okafor & Associates Law Firm
• Lisa Tran, Treasurer -- Chief Financial Officer, Community First Credit Union
• Rev. James Holliday, Secretary -- Senior Pastor, Grace Community Church
• Carmen Ruiz -- Director of Family Services, Greenfield School District
• Michael Yee -- Retired School Superintendent
• Fatima Al-Rashid -- Founder, Little Hands Daycare Network
• Robert Blackwood -- Vice President, Regional Philanthropy, Harmon Foundation

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