Petrona Garcia (she/they), High School Program Coordinator

Petrona first got involved with Kid City in 2016 as a high school junior in the College Bridge Program! In her time since then, she has been part of the Kid City community as a student, intern, coordinator, volunteer, and more. Outside of Kid City, she attended UC Santa Barbara (c/o 2022) where she received a dual degree in Sociology and Gender Studies. With her education and lived experienced as a first-gen, indigenous student, they strive to be a resource for Kid City's high school students! For fun, catch them sightseeing and appreciating nature!

Matthew Proft (he/him), Music Program Coordinator 

Matthew Proft joined Kid City in March of 2022 shortly after graduating from Azusa Pacific University with his Bachelor’s of Commercial Music Composition. As a musician, Matthew aspires to teach his students the joy of playing music with others and encourages them to explore multiple aspects of music-making. When he’s not teaching, Matthew is a composer for film and a freelance musician on bass and tuba. Matthew is committed to providing a safe space for students to explore music and be part of a loving community.

Alvaro Cuellar (he/him), Assistant Music Program Coordinator

Alvaro got involved with Kid City in 2015 in his senior year of high school when he was first applying for colleges, universities, and financial aid. He was accepted to Cal State Northridge and as a first generation college student he graduated with a Bachelors in Communication Studies. Alvaro always had an appreciation for music since learning guitar in middle school. He has been involved in the music industry both in retail with music equipment and playing live. Access to resources and a community was something that Alvaro grew to value and being able to give back in the same way mentors have done for him is something he hopes to share with everyone.

Kim Fabian (she/her), Program Manager

Kim Fabian joined Kid City way back in 2015! Her friends told her about the program and as a first-gen, low-income, student of color, she jumped at the opportunity of joining the KC community. As a student, intern, volunteer, and more, she found her love for education equity as she took agency over her learning within Kid City walls. She went on to receive a B.A. from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs in 2021 where she had the opportunity to explore education as a researcher, policy advocate, instructor, programmer, and more. A year after graduating, she decided to bring back her love and expertise to the place that started it all! She's thrilled to be a position where she can embody Kid City values and help students navigate the complicated education system. 

Whenever outside of Kid City, you can always catch her eating new food, traveling, or enjoying a good live show.

Anne Hawthorne (she/her), Urban Foundation Executive Director

Anne Hawthorne was the founding program director of Kid City, and in 2013 assumed the position of executive director of the Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation. She has a background in youth development and leadership, with a BA from Pacific Oaks College, and an MFA from Antioch University. Anne likes a strong cup of coffee in the morning, and has been entertained during the pandemic by two cats who like to bring June bugs into many a zoom meeting.