Bay Area
Post-Secondary Team
Meet the Post-Secondary
Bay Area Team
Transition Mentor (Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Anika Gillespie-Jones (she/hers)
Where are you from?
I grew up in Guerneville, CA and explored all of Sonoma County by bus!
What brough you to summer search/keeps you here?
I am an alumni of Summer Search which means that I went through the program myself starting back in 2013 and I graduated from High school in 2015. After graduating college, I really wanted to return to Summer Search and work for them as a mentor. I remembered how helpful it was to have one throughout high school to keep me on track with my goals and I knew that I wanted to do the same for other students.
What do you like to do in your free time?
On my free time currently, I am enjoying doing my own nails and learning how to do nail art but I am not a pro (YET!).
Share a fun fact about yourself!
Fun fact about me I am very huge on Well-being mentally and physically, LOVE Hello Kitty, and enjoy playing video games (PS4 and Switch mainly).
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
Because they enrich their mentors with new lessons while learning from their mentor at the same time!
Post-Secondary Program Coordinator
Carolina Torres
(she/hers)
Where are you from?
Newark, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
Being a first-generation Latina, I was grateful to have resources and support during my transition to college. As I've been involved in the education field for a while, I really liked being able to work with high school students. I believe it's important for students have strong support systems and I believe that's what Summer Search provides.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of work, I love to go to a local dance studio to release and have fun! I also love to travel when I can whether it's local or outside the country.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I am a small business florist.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
I love how Summer Search gives opportunities for students to utilize their summer with so many amazing opportunities both locally and abroad. I love how Summer Searchers have an open mind and are influenced by curiosity. They are determined to surpass any obstacles and are super involved in their communities.
Transition Mentor (Senior Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Aus Lim
(they/them)
Where are you from?
Fresno, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
I came to Summer Search and now stay here for the people in the org--students, participants, and staff!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I read, embroider, walk, do mutual aid, and play video games. And most of all spend time with my cats Mr. Pie and Opal!
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I've hiked up to Half Dome in the middle of the night to get to the top at sunrise!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?The people I work with constantly teach me new things, make me laugh, and challenge my thinking in ways that help me grow. I'm grateful to Summer Searchers for letting me be present for part of their journeys!
Transition Mentor (Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Josephine Guzman
(she/her)
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in East Oakland, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
Since starting in Summer Search, I have felt drawn to the strong sense of connectivity, comfort, and warmth within the community.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with her maltipoo Bella and loved ones.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I've hiked up to Half Dome in the middle of the night to get to the top at sunrise!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers? Additionally, I love our summer searchers because it brings me joy to see the upcoming strong generation of youth be so motivated and interactive with achieving their goals.
Transition Mentor (Lead Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Noemi Casillas
(she/her/ella)
Where are you from?
Napa Valley, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
My favorite part about Summer Search is working with incredible students and watching them grow and achieve their goals.
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What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend my free time cooking, watching movies, and playing with my dog.
Pathways Mentor (Senior Post-Secondary Program Coordinator)
Jocelyn Sanchez
(she/her)
Where are you from?
I’m from Queens, NY.
What brough you to summer search/keeps you here?
I was in search for the right career fit after grad school and Summer Search allowed me to combine my passions of youth development, social justice and building meaningful community, which is also what has kept me here.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time with my dog, Mila and friends.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I love(d) the traditional Oreo since I was a toddler and my mom worked at the Nabisco factory.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
I love how smart, funny, real and brave our Summer Searchers are.
Post-Secondary Program Manager
Gee Salas
(she/her)
Where are you from?
San Leandro, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
As a first-generation college-bound student, I encountered challenges with the college application process and faced various struggles during my undergraduate career. I’ve made it my mission to support first-gen students with their next step after high school whether that’s college, work force programs, etc. I am all about exploring different options and making space for students to make their goals a reality.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a proud dog Mom! I bring my Yuki almost everywhere with me. I love going on walks in nature and I’m always looking for the best coffee spots in the Bay.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I lived in New York City for six years before coming to Summer Search. I was the first person in my family to do this, and it was quite an experience!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
I learn something new from our Summer Searchers everyday!
Former High School Mentor & Post-Secondary Mentor (Director of Post-Secondary Programs)
SiMone Andrade
(she/her)
Where are you from?
Sacramento, CA
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
As a first-generation college graduate, I have felt personally inspired to support work that makes college and career path exploration more accessible. I stay at Summer Search because I am regularly inspired and in awe of the wonderful Summer Search community!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I looove to dance.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I try to go on a new hike at least once a month – there are so many spectacular hiking opportunities in the Bay Area!
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
I love how Summer Searchers have such a beautiful openness to trying new things, meeting new people, expanding their opportunities, and challenging themselves and the community around them with a thoughtful growth mindset.
Career Navigator and Internship Manager
Fernando Serrato
(he/him)
Where are you from?
I grew up in the South Bay, Morgan Hill, but most of my identity is first-generation Mexican American. My parents are both from a small town in Michoacan.
What brought you to Summer Search/keeps you here?
Supporting first-generation college students is what brought me to Summer Search. I was the first in my family to navigate the college and career journey.
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My time at Summer Search has focused on working with Summer Searchers after the High School program. The amazing relationships I’ve formed with Summer Searchers and Alumni keep me here, being able to partner with young people in their academic, professional, and social endeavors.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I appreciate Art, Music, Food, Running, Swimming, The Outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
I’ve completed the entire San Francisco marathon (26.2 mi). Running brings me peace and fulfillment. I also enjoy maps and travel/movement.
Why do you love our Summer Searchers?
Such a rich and welcoming community of inspiring individuals and journeys.