Staff Directory

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Phone: (858) 536-4900
Fax: (858) 536-8255

Volunteer / Enroll a Child – SignUp@SDBigs.org

General Inquiries –
Info@SDBigs.org

4305 University Ave., Suite 590
San Diego, CA 92105

Big Brothers Big Sisters staff is a compassionate and dedicated group of individuals, willing to do whatever it takes to help change children’s lives for the better.

Tina Rose

Tina Rose

Chief Executive Officer

A San Diego native, Tina has more than two decades of experience in the non-profit sector, with a focus on youth serving organizations. Tina independently opened a Foster and Adoption branch office in San Diego, and then conducted all facets of the marketing, certification/training and office management as the office grew. In 2004, she began her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. Tina started working in the Program Department, then in 2005 became the Marketing Director, in 2015 the Director of Marketing & Events and in 2017 the Vice President of Operations. Tina works diligently with the BBBS Board and the greater community to build awareness of the need for more mentors and funding to support the life-changing programs offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tina graduated summa cum laude from Vanguard University and was a scholar athlete, playing four years of collegiate volleyball. Tina is an active mentor and community volunteer. She supports various causes, such as the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital NICU, Voices for Children CASA program, Miracle Babies, The American Cancer Society and Flood Church.

(858) 746-9117

TinaR@SDBigs.org

Claudia Aldana Robles

Program Director

Claudia Aldana Robles is Director of Community Mentoring (CM) Programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County and joined the team in 2006. She has served in a variety of roles, including working directly with families and volunteers, cultivating partnerships within the community and developing special programs. She helped create and launch the Hermandad initiative and spearheaded several grant-funded projects. Prior to joining the team, Claudia began her career working with child victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. In her current role, she provides support, guidance, and leadership to the CM Program department. She ensures that all CM programs and initiatives comply with local and national standards. Claudia holds a B.A. in Sociology and Education from the University of California, Berkeley.

(858) 746-9145

ClaudiaA@SDBigs.org

Renee Patey

Renee Patey

Director of Finance & Operations

Renee joined BBBS of San Diego County in April of 2022 as Director of Finance & Operations (DFO). Renee brings over 13 years’ experience in nonprofit financial management and organizational effectiveness, and a dedication to children, youth, and families. As DFO, Renee provides management and oversight for all finance, HR, IT, and facilities functions for the Agency, as well as a leadership among BBBS staff and Board. Renee holds a B.A. in Human Geography from the University of Georgia and a M.A. in Political Science from Colorado State University. When not at her desk or working on a spreadsheet, you are most likely to find Renee combing the beaches of San Diego, listening to the latest podcasts, dreaming up her next great adventure.

(858) 746-9154

ReneeP@sdbigs.org

Mae Briseno

Mae Briseño

Program Manager of Match Support & Special Initiatives

Mae began her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters in June of 2007 as the Amachi Match Support Specialist, where she served children of incarcerated parents. She has had varying roles since then as an Enrollment and Matching Specialist, Lead Match Support Specialist and currently as the Program Manager of Match Support and Special Initiatives. Mae has studied abroad in France and has experience working with youth around the globe in countries such as Japan, Ecuador and Mexico. She’s conducted field research in Oaxaca, Tijuana and La Paz. She has an extensive background of over a decade practicing her education and training with the children of vulnerable populations. Mae holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Latin American studies with concentrations in both Cultural Anthropology and Religion from San Diego State University.

(858) 746-9166

MaeB@sdbigs.org

Mariela Nuza Cohen

Senior Program Manager

Mariela started her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County in July of 2007 as part of the Marketing Department. In 2012, she became a Program Manager and shortly after a Senior Program Manager, overseeing the enrollment and matching of all volunteers and children across the Community Mentoring programs. Mariela holds a B.A in International Business with an emphasis in Management and Spanish from San Diego State University and has studied abroad in countries like Mexico, Chile and Spain. She also served on the Board of a local non-profit, Amigos de las Americas from 2011-2015.

(858) 746-9146

MarielaN@sdbigs.org

Christopher Santos

Christopher Santos

Partnerships & Outreach Manager

Chris joined BBBS of San Diego County in April 2024 as the Manager of Partnerships and Outreach, leveraging over five years of sales and partnership expertise from the software industry. Since 2019, Chris has also served as a Big Brother and is excited to take his passion for helping the youth of San Diego to the next level! Chris spearheads volunteer recruitment and fosters vital partnerships in our community. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Operations and a minor in Africana Studies, complemented by an MBA from Binghamton University. When not out in the community trying to recruit Bigs, you will likely find Chris near the ocean or listening to music.

(858) 746-9168

ChrisS@SDBigs.org

Administrative and Development Team

Margie Freeman

Development Coordinator

(858) 746-9153

MargieF@sdbigs.org

Marie Thorsted

Bookkeeper

(858) 746-9164

MarieT@sdbigs.org

Gabriel Lopez

Customer Relations Specialist

(858) 746-9128

GabrielL@sdbigs.org

Ruby Flesher

Ruby Flesher

Events Lead

(858) 746-9163

RubyF@SDBigs.org

Program Team

Sara Beth Cooper

Sara Beth Cooper

Project Coordinator

(858) 746-9170

SaraBethC@SDBigs.org

Yiasemah Brunette

Senior Match Support Specialist

(858) 746-9149

YiasemahB@sdbigs.org

Madelaine Hernandez-Levin

Madelaine Hernandez-Levin

Enrollment & Matching Specialist

(858) 746-9151

MadelaineH@SDBigs.org

Kim Pham

Kim Pham

Program Coordinator-Operation Bigs

(858) 746-9156

KimP@SDBigs.org

Nicolette Minaird

Nicolette Minaird

Enrollment & Matching Specialist

(858) 746-9183

NicoletteM@SDBigs.org

Carmina Mireles

Match Support Specialist

(858) 746-9191

CarminaM@sdbigs.org

Desiree Nash

Desiree Nash

Match Support Specialist

(858) 746-9175

DesireeN@sdbigs.org

Cynthia Salgado Velazquez

Cynthia Salgado Velazquez

Match Support Specialist

(858) 746-9192

CynthiaS@SDBigs.org

Melissa Serrano

Senior Match Support Specialist

(858) 746-9157

MelissaS@SDBigs.org

Lauren Pressley

Lauren Pressley

Match Support Specialist

(858) 746-9177

LaurenP@SDBigs.org

Monica Whitelow

Match Support Specialist

(858) 746-9787

MonicaW@SDBigs.org

Alexa Ramirez

Alexa Ramirez

Matching & Program Specialist

(858) 746-9161

AlexaR@SDBigs.org

Vanessa Hewitt

Enrollment and Matching Specialist

(858) 536-4900 x221

VanessaH@sdbigs.org