The OST Professional
Working in Palm Beach County Afterschool Program Inspired Practitioner to be First Generation College Graduate While Making a Difference in the Lives of Children
Ezequiel Buenanueva-Vila began his journey working in afterschool more than three years ago when he began working as a counselor and now an activity leader at Heritage Elementary Afterschool Program. Every professional working in afterschool or summer programs has a purpose for being there. Ezequiel loves working with youth because he enjoys connecting with them.…
Read MoreAfterschool Professional Pursues her Education to be the Best Version of Herself for Youth in Her Program
An afterschool professional since 2015, Sara Cabrera loves working in afterschool because she is able to incorporate creativity into learning, provide extra assistance for children and allow them to have a safe place. Sara has fond memories of the afterschool program she attended as a child. “Afterschool was my favorite part of the day.” – Sara Cabrera,…
Read MoreAfterschool Professional is Awarded $4,000 for Her Commitment to the Out-of-School Time Field
Assistant Afterschool Director Kamille Bailey-Anderson at Forest Hill Elementary Afterschool Program has loved working in the field for the past four years because each day brings something new. From the start of her career in afterschool, Kamille knew that she wanted to continue working with children. “The youth at my program always keep me laughing, smiling and on my toes at all times. The…
Read MoreYouth in Afterschool Program Sets His “Eyes on the Prize” and Two Years Later is Rewarded through Prime Time Incentive
Youth who participate in afterschool programs in Palm Beach County and beyond know that these programs are home to rewarding experiences, as they are able to develop their social and emotional skills, explore new interests and grow into their true selves. For children and youth at Clifford O. Taylor Kirklane Elementary Afterschool Program in Lake Worth, Florida, these rewarding experiences go one step further. Here, youth…
Read MoreAfterschool Professional at City of Greenacres Uses Prime Time Resources to Receive Higher Education and Make Greater Impact on Youth
Once a youth attending the City of Greenacres, Adam Mohammed (pictured right) now an afterschool professional says being an afterschool professional affords him more life lessons than he could imagine. Now, five years working in afterschool, Adam enjoys being able to watch the youth at the City of Greenacres grow and help guide them along the way. “It doesn’t matter what age they…
Read MorePrime Time Resources Help Long-time Afterschool Professional Reach Her Educational Goals
Prime Time would like to take this opportunity to recognize Jamora Matthews, director at Sacred Heart Afterschool Program, for her educational achievements. An 11-year out-of-school time professional, Jamora Matthews uses opportunities provided by Prime Time Palm Beach County to reach her educational goals. Jamora started taking classes in the college credit pathway through Prime Time’s…
Read MoreAfterschool Practitioners Learn, Share and Grow Through Communities of Practice
Written by: Jennifer Jones, Professional Development Manager, Prime Time Palm Beach County Large smiles appear on the faces of training attendees as they see their colleagues and discuss excitedly about how the last few weeks have gone personally and professionally. Showing up to the second training session of three in the series, they have already…
Read MoreThrough Career Advising and Scholarships, Afterschool Professional Makes Advances in Her Career and Education
In the spring of 2021, Delmi Mauricio, an eight-year afterschool professional currently working at My First Steps Preschool, successfully completed the coursework for a Director Credential to allow her to move into a leadership role when working at any afterschool program. “The benefits in obtaining my education is a better position at work, but most importantly I have better knowledge to help…
Read MorePrime Time Training Offers Practitioners the Tools to Help Youth Spark Deeper Connections
The Power of Circles in Out-of-School Time (OST) Prime Time Palm Beach County empowers out-of-school time (OST) practitioners to create safe, supportive and welcoming environments, encourage positive social interactions and engage youth through many offerings, one being professional development trainings. In a recent training offering, entitled The Power of Circles in OST, Prime Time’s training facilitators showed attendees, how to facilitate meaningful circles with youth…
Read MoreOut-of-School Time Practitioner Turns Her Love for Children into Purposeful Career
Ashley Pierce has always had a love for children. In August 2017, she was working in the school cafeteria at the Conservatory of North Palm Beach where she knew everyone by name and would use her break time between meals to entertain the children because she enjoyed seeing them smile. It was easy to see the impact Pierce was making the lives of the youth attending. Ashley…
Read More