Maria Leanos has a strong background in child development and education, holding a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University-Dominguez Hills and an Associate's degree in Psychology from Marymount California University. Currently, Maria serves as a Senior Site-Based Program Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire, a position held since September 2021, after previously working as a Site-Based Program Specialist. Prior experience includes serving as an Instructional Aide at Prairie Vista Middle School from October 2017 to August 2020, as well as working as a Waitress at Ocean Diner from December 2015 to July 2020.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire
Big Brothers Big Sisters believes every child is born with potential. Yet, one-third of the nation’s youth are growing up without a mentor who can help them overcome challenges such as poverty, unstable housing, absentee parents, and lack of access to educational resources. Since 1958, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire has provided youth facing adversity with professionally-supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. We tackle society’s issues head-on by delivering prevention-based, solution-focused mentoring programs that provide pathways for disconnected youth to achieve their educational dreams and succeed in living wage careers. With a caring mentor in their corner, youth are able to strive for long-term success and achieve their full potential. Our 4,000 volunteers, 4,000 children and families, staff, board of directors, and donors have chosen to invest in the future of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Together, we empower youth. We inspire change. And we ignite potential. All through the power of mentoring.