Bridget Gordon-Johnson
Carson/Douglas Mini-Network Co-Chair
Affiliation:  Carson City School District/Carson High School

I have worked in many areas of the OST field throughout my career.  As a special education teacher, I worked in afterschool tutoring and interventions.  I then worked with the Mentor Center of Western Nevada supporting youth through community mentoring, and worked next as the Director of Teen Services for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada.  presently, I am the Carson High School 21st Century Site Coordinator working with teens in afterschool tutoring, enrichment and support opportunities throughout the year.

What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
OST programming for teens is often challenging and requires great creativity and flexibility.  My passion for engaging teens in afterschool opportunities is driven by my desire to see every teen succeed.

TeQuia Barrett, M.Ed.
SLT - Statewide Advisory Member
Affiliation:  Nevada Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers

I am the State Director of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program at the Nevada Department of Education.  I am a former classroom teacher and 21st Century Program Director with over 15 years of experience in education.


​What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
I am dedicated and passionate to work in the OST field.   I wholeheartedly believe in the important of OST afterschool programs in the lives of students and in support of families.  The OST field plays a significant part in developing the whole-child, as well as, provides additional supports for positive growth and achievement of youth educationally.  This type of support and community collaboration is necessary to advance education throughout the state.

Melissa McCarriston-Rolands
SLT Member - Co-Chair Clark Mini-Network
Affiliation:  Clark County School District

I have been an educator for the past 19 years beginning my career as a special education teacher in Maine. I received my master’s degree in special education from Salem State College in Massachusetts. After moving to Nevada 11 years ago, I began working for the Clark County School District. There, I became involved with after school programming and am currently the Project Facilitator for Clark County's 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant. I have the opportunity and privilege to serve children that are in most need of programs and services. I am excited to serve as a member of the Network this year.

What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
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I bring empathy and compassion. I am dedicated to ensuring that students in Clark County receive high quality out-of-school-time programming.

Denise Benson
SLT Member - Co-Chair Washoe Mini-Network
Affiliation:  Washoe County School District

Education is my life’s work and my passion!  My education journey began as an aspiring tennis teacher to youth when I was in high school.  This experience sparked my interest to work with students of all ages in education.  As a classroom teacher, I created a positive learning environment that was exciting, challenging and rewarding! I have also been fortunate to provide professional development and coaching to teachers in grades K-12. As a Federal/State grants manage, I oversaw funding at multiple levels including Title I, Title I C, Title IIA, Migrant, Title III LEP, Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools, SB185 Grants, Career and Technical Skills Grants, Carl Perkins Grant, and served as the Career and Technical Skills Coordinator. After school programs are at the heart of my current role as the 21st Century Community Learning Center Coordinator for Washoe County School District.  #AfterSchoolMatters!
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What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
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My most important quality I will be bringing to the Network is my ability to bring forth valuable stakeholders, resources, and partners to OST.

Wendy Weisbart
SLT Member - Past Statewide Leadership Team Chair
​Affiliation:  Communicate, Collaborate, Celebrate!!!

I have spent 20+ years creating the best path of success for all students! I have served as a classroom teacher, 21st CCLC facilitator, district administrator. educational sales, professional development, and management on the national level. I have multiple masters’ degrees: Arts in the Curriculum, and Leadership and Administration. My focus is creating collaboration through effective communication. I have presented nationally on: Quality Programming, Community Involvement, Student Engagement, Grant Writing and Creative Solutions in Education. I am extremely passionate about enjoying the purpose of life, establishing value.

What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
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Coming Soon!!!

Sarah Chvilicek
SLT Member – Statewide Partner, Cooperative Extension
Affiliation:  University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 4-H Youth Development Programs

As a University of Nevada Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development professional I have worked in 4-H and AfterSchool field for over twenty years. I have coordinated numerous AfterSchool Programs in collaboration with Local 21st Century Learning Programs through the school district as well as several public non-profit organizations. I have co-trained, authored and presented on Positive Youth Development and STEM based learning environments. My latest work is in revisions to a professional development training curriculum entitled Tools of the Trade I … Giving Kids a Lifetime Guarantee.  This curriculum is designed as a train the trainer guide to help AfterSchool staff develop skills in best practices for after school youth workers. I have trained over 1000 trainers and line staff nationwide. I have presented at the National Afterschool Association, Beyond School Hours and numerous national, regional and local 21st Century Learning Conferences.

What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
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​My years of experience working in non-formal education environments and specifically in OST with the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Kayelynn M. Ogden, M.Ed.
SLT Member - Washoe and Clark Mini-Networks
Affiliation:  The Children's Cabinet

I have been a trainer in the field of out-of-school-time for the past 8 years. I have been trained in various out-of-school-time curriculum and love instilling new ideas to out-of-school-time sites statewide.

​What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
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I am well-versed in OST quality standards and have learned ways to reach OST providers and help them implement ideas in a collaborative way.

Shauna Nelson
SLT Member - Co-Chair Washoe Mini-Network
Affiliation:  Sparks Parks & Recreation Department

I am a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Sparks Parks & Recreation Department. As such, I oversee approximately 16 before and after school program sites, three of which are TEAM UP 21st Century partner programs.  I began working in parks and recreation before and after school programs in 1990 so I have about 27 years of experience working in the field in California and Nevada.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Leisure Services, a certificate in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Business.  I’ve been in my current position in Sparks for approximately 12 years.  My previous positions were with the Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District, the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the City of Piedmont.  I am a native to Nevada and appreciate the opportunities that NAN brings to the profession in our state.  


What is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
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I work with and around children on a daily basis. I am in direct contact with the families that use programs in our community and understand their expectations from out of school time programs. I also work well with many of the other service agencies in our community.  

Leslie Estrada, MPA 
SLT Member – Co-Chair Clark Mini-Network
Affiliation:  City of Las Vegas Safekey Program

Since 2004, I've worked with OST programs in Oakland, CA and Los Angeles, CA where I was responsible for providing oversight and leadership of 21st Century grant-funded programs.


What do you feel is the most important quality you bring to the Nevada Afterschool Network and the field of out-of-school-time programming?
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While I bring multiple years of experience from my work in California, I'm excited to be a part of the OST programs here in Nevada.