CynDee Zandes, Executive Director
I am an educator who has had the opportunity to work in a variety of positions, I recognize the importance of supporting people, youth and adult, recognize the possibility of themselves and enrich not only their own lives but the lives of others.
As a teacher, I taught every grade, 1st through 8th grade and served as a visual and performing arts TOSA. I began my administrative career as a curriculum specialist, then became an elementary school principal.
As a principal I also was an adjunct professor at Cal State Bakersfield, working with the teacher credentialling program to support student teachers in learning strategies for effective reading and literacy instruction. I ended my formal education career as the coordinator of the Foundation for SUCCESS Expanded Learning program which included the After School Education and Safety Program, 21st Century Community Learning Center Project funding, a 72 Member AmeriCorps program, two preschools, three Community Policing Projects, and a demonstration program in Elementary Counseling.
My goal has always been to “level the playing field” for young people and the adults who work with them as role models and mentors. To secure balanced and diversified funding for these grant-funded programs, I invited community leaders to join in the formation of the Foundation for Success, a 501 (c) (3), non-profit to bring community investments to the after-school program. The SUCCESS After School Program was recognized as a Regional Learning Center (RLC), part of California’s Statewide System of Field Support.
Upon retirement I began consulting and supporting expanded learning programs throughout California. I served as the Chief Program Officer for THINK Together, a non-profit providing after school and educational services across Southern California in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties. I have had the privilege to work for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Ventura County Office of Education, Ocean View School District, Fontana School District as well as other schools around California. I have worked with the California Department of Education, Expanded Learning Division in support of STEAM Learning and help to facilitate the STEAM Hubs as they come together to ensure high-quality STEAM learning across the state.
I received my doctoral degree from the University of La Verne in Organizational Management and Leadership in 2002. My dissertation was a Delphi Study entitled “Where Are the Children?”, which engaged prominent afterschool leaders in forecasting the future of expanded learning programs—both the successes and challenges.
I am excited about Entrusted Legacy as I believe we are positioned to support, coach, and guide adults who desire and dream of maximizing their potential to benefit not only themselves and the people they love, but to make a difference in the world. I believe if each human being contributes 100% of what they can to the betterment of mankind, we can be triumphant.
