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About Us
Turning Interest Into Action!

YAPA Kids is a community organization dedicated to inspiring academic curiosity in young students (grades 1 to 8) as a supplement to the education provided by elementary and middle schools. Our team consists of a group of highly passionate and qualified high school students who are looking to share their experience and skills with their students.

Meet Our Executive Team

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I love teaching, so it was very natural for me to start volunteering for YAPA Kids as soon as I heard about it. I love talking about things I'm passionate about, so it was natural for me to join an organization where I could not only talk about what I love (biology) but also help make others realize how great it is too. In all seriousness, I love seeing that lightbulb moment go off in my student's head, when they realize the magic of science, and this is the main reason I joined YAPA Kids.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

I have learned so much from my students and from working with the other exec members, and the community is incredible. I have loved my time here, and am excited for the rest of our time together!

Aadya Deepak

Director of Outreach

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

Working with students and volunteers from all across the country has allowed me to get to know so many new people.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

Through my time at YAPA Kids, I've learned the impact of small actions whether it be checking in with members within the organization or spending 10 extra minutes playing Kahoot with my students. Going that extra mile in the smallest ways possible can make a tremendous difference. I've enjoyed my time here, and I'm so excited for what's to come!

Ann Mary Thomas

President

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I like helping out YAPA Kids because the students who join YAPA Kids are highly motivated, interested, and enthusiastic. When they can't make class, they ask me to teach on another day that week. When they don't understand concepts, I have the opportunity to make those ideas click by connecting them to what they already know.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

From teaching at YAPA Kids, I've learned the importance of effective communication and hands-on experience. I've learned to teach with lots of energy and to connect with students past their classes, skills that were invaluable in landing me a job. I've also gained a sense of achievement that only comes from giving to others.

Roland Lee

Director of Operations

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I love helping out at YAPA Kids because it is an opportunity to give back to my community. I was once a student at YAPA Kids, and the positive environment and support I received from my teachers helped me grow incredibly as a student. I love helping students explore their passions deeper and discover their new interests.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

I learned the value of human connection and the privilege that education is. I've taught in a variety of programs, from sciences, to music theory, and business. Every class and every student teaches me about the value in connecting with students and provides an opportunity to further their learning and develop their own projects. I thoroughly enjoy the privilege to teach aspiring students and give back to my community.

Vibha Sriram

Director Of Operations

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I love giving kids an education out of school as all my life I’ve had a thirst for knowledge and want to be able to keep giving people this type of education. I attended yapa classes during covid and it really helped me pursue my want for more education and I want to be able to give back to yapa by giving a similar experience to others.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

I have learned how to lead a team and when to make the harsh calls that are necessary to move forward. I’ve enjoyed my time here and hope to continue leading this Non-Profit for the next 2 years.

Abhinav Chalasani

Vice President

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I love that YAPA provides classes in a variety of subjects that allow students to discover and foster a passion for different subjects. I think it’s really cool that I’m able to share my interests with my students and help them develop their own academic interests.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

Through teaching, I’ve learned the importance of communication and collaboration. It’s really important to listen to students and tailor classes to their interests and needs. I also learned how essential it is to collaborate with others and maintain strong communication in order to work efficiently and effectively.

Kayla Chea

Director of Human Resources & Operations

Why do you like helping out YAPA Kids? What motivated you to join this organization?

I like helping out YAPA Kids because I am aware of how much I myself would have appreciated a free learning opportunity as a kid. I regret not being able to have been on the receiving end of such a wonderful organization like this and I don't want that to happen to any other children, especially those who are in need of education like this. I also enjoy the advent of working with people from all over the world, especially as we all navigate this digital landscape and try to use it to our advantage.

What have you learned from teaching at YAPA Kids or otherwise contributing to the organization? Have you enjoyed your time here?

I have learned quite a few things from my career at YAPA Kids so far. My managerial and leadership skills, especially in an online setting, have developed quite a bit here at YAPA Kids. I have also learned how to work with people from various backgrounds, ages, and places all over the world. I have very much enjoyed my time here and look to have another wonderful here at YAPA Kids.

Sashank Iyer

Director of Systems

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