Stu Semigran, President
Stu Semigran has more than thirty years experience as an educator, developing and facilitating training programs for youth and adults in educational settings worldwide. He has trained thousands of youth, professionals, educators and parents in leadership development, dropout prevention, conflict resolution, violence prevention, teambuilding, self-esteem and service learning programs.
Mr. Semigran holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a California Lifetime Teaching Credential and Master’s Degrees in Theology and Psychology. He is Co-Founder and President of the EduCare Foundation. Mr. Semigran has developed education curriculum, including Making the Best of Me: A Handbook for Student Excellence and Self-Esteem.
From 1995-2000, in his position as EduCare’s President, Stu was instrumental in implementing school reform at over 70 schools and children’s centers through the Annenberg Project; LEARN Reform of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mr. Semigran also currently serves on LAUSD’s Take Action Campaign steering committee.
Frank Vitale, Program Director
Frank Vitale has 12 years experience working with at-risk students. Mr. Vitale is a certificated teacher, and much of his teaching experience was at Los Angeles High School with a brief tenure at the West Adams Prep High School before joining EduCare full time in 2008. In addition to teaching Life Skills classes, he was a high school football coach.
Mr. Vitale received his Secondary Teaching Credential at UCLA in 2003. In addition, he also has a Masters degree in psychology and has served as UTLA (Teachers Union) Chair, Discipline Committee Chair, member of the School Site Council and both ASB & 9th Grade Class Supervisor. Mr. Vitale has facilitated for EduCare since 2007. He uses his previous experiences as a teacher to create a lively, collaborative environment during the EduCare Professional Development Seminars. Mr. Vitale is also a “kid magnet” and brings a strong sense of humor, high energy, and fun to facilitating programs for both teachers and students.
Jill Jacobson, Finance Director
Jill Jacobson has 20 years experience in finance, legal contract management / negotiation, project management, strategic planning and development, and regulatory compliance and audit. In addition to all things financial, as Finance Director, Ms. Jacobson is responsible for EduCare’s legal contract review and management, as well as fundraising including grant writing.
Prior to joining EduCare, Ms. Jacobson spent ten years in the institutional trust department at Bank of America, then five years at the Capital Group Companies doing emerging international market research and strategic penetration, and most recently at IndyMac Bank managing the settlement of mortgage-backed securities. Ms. Jacobson has Bachelors Degrees in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and in Psychology from California State University at Long Beach.
George Hernandez, After School Programs Director
George Hernandez’s prior experience provides an excellent background for his current position, which is the overall management of the seven after school programs that EduCare operates. Before joining EduCare, Mr. Hernandez worked for the Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley for three years, creating and then managing the after school program at Canoga Park High School.
At Canoga Park High School, Mr. Hernandez had more than 400 students registered with his after school program by creating an environment that is educational, enriching and fun. Within months the program Mr. Hernandez created at Canoga Park HS had the respect of school administration and parents, and also served as a source of pride for the students. Mr. Hernandez believes that community development begins with the development of its youth, therefore it is critical that they become responsible members of society. The need for after school programming exists as it creates opportunities for youth development and challenges them to become better citizens. Mr. Hernandez graduated as a Merit Scholar from Whittier College in 2004 with a B.A. in International Business.
Katherine Hall, Operations Director
Katherine Hall has been EduCare’s Operations Director for the past six years. In addition to being responsible for the logistics for all the ACE Programs, Ms. Hall is responsible for the organizations operations, Human Resources and manages the large volunteer pool that keeps the ACE Programs running smoothly.
Ms. Hall has a BA in Education from USC, and taught elementary school. Ms. Hall has spent most of her career working with non-profit organizations. Prior to joining EduCare, Ms. Hall was the Operations Manager for Insight Seminars, and for 10 years the Director of another non-profit organization, the Institute for Individual and World Peace.
Malaika Mitchell, Special Projects Coordinator
A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Malaika is enjoying her new life in Los Angeles. Prior to joining the EduCare team as a Facilitator in Training and Project Manager, Malaika was the director of an LA-based fitness foundation. She has had a variety of leadership experiences in the private, government and non-profit sectors.
She obtained her Bachelors Degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. Her favorite past-times include practicing yoga, dancing and most importantly, spending time with her husband and new born daughter.
Kathleen Stevens, Finance & Administrative Coordinator
Kathleen Stevens has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Arizona in both political science and journalism. She joined EduCare in May of 2010 after volunteering in our office.
Prior to working with EduCare Ms. Stevens worked in the film and television industry as a Digital Restoration Artist. Ms. Stevens currently works as our Finance and Administrative Coordinator overseeing the daily operations.
Christie Batt, Event Coordinator
Christie Batt has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a minor in Journalism/Public Relations from Cal State University, Northridge and a M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
After spending fifteen years working in product development and design in the gift and toy industry, Mrs. Batt wanted more directly fulfilling work and joined EduCare in September of 2010. She attends most EduCare student program events and assists in developing and managing the operations and logistics leading up to these events.
Christopher Munch, Supplies Coordinator
Christopher Munch received his Associate’s Degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Blue, and a Bachelor’s Degree in political science with a minor in religion with a global emphasis from California Lutheran University. Mr. Munch is currently working towards a masters’ degree in public policy and administration.
Mr. Munch previously worked as an international chef prior to pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree. He also has previous experience in the construction field and has spent time building custom motorcycles. Mr. Munch joined the EduCare team as our Supplies Coordinator, packing and caring for supplies for our ACE Program, in February of 2012.
