Celebrating Our Tenzie Team: 10+ Years of Impact
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin, we are lucky to have a group of extraordinary staff members who have dedicated more than 10 years to serving our youth and communities. Recently, we brought these dedicated team members together for a special Tenzie Club Gathering, where we celebrated their contributions, shared memories, and reflected on the journey that brought them here—and keeps them coming back, year after year.
The conversations that day were full of warmth, pride, and purpose. To capture their reflections, we asked each of our Tenzie staff to share their thoughts on what it means to spend more than a decade working at Boys & Girls Clubs, and what inspires them to continue this work. Here’s what they had to say:
Reflections from our Tenzie Team:
What stood out to you the most about the Tenzie Club gathering? What did that moment mean to you?
"I felt honored to be recognized and celebrated as an individual and as a group. It was also special just to have time together as a team and reflect on all we’ve experienced."
-Alicia Morales, Director of Program Services
"Being in a room filled with fellow 10+ year team members was both humbling and inspiring. It was a reminder of the shared dedication and passion that has kept us all here for so long. What stood out the most was the deep sense of camaraderie—we may have different roles and experiences, but we are all connected by the impact we’ve made on countless young lives."
-Carly Lynch, Regional Director
“Despite our different roles and experiences, we all share the same core values—we just express them in our own ways. That, to me, highlights the power of diverse perspectives. A strong organization isn’t built on everyone thinking the same way, but on people bringing different ideas and approaches while working toward a common purpose. Seeing that in the room made me appreciate this team even more.”
-Katie Elze, Interim Area Director
“Pride. It was wonderful to share a moment with some of the people that have had a huge impact on almost a generation of young people and to see how much they are still committed to our mission, our youth and their families.”
-Jason Weiss, Vice President, Youth IMPACT
“I felt incredibly connected to my colleagues and enjoyed sharing how this work & team have changed us. There was an abiding trust that we have with one another and that was evident from the first moment we were together.”
-Michelle Heery, Chief Strategy and Business Officer
After more than 10 years with Boys & Girls Clubs, how has your perspective changed? What keeps you excited to come to work every day?
"My perspective has definitely changed. I feel even more committed to the mission and fully realize the deep impact we have on our community. What keeps me excited is seeing our former members come back as employees—that full circle moment is so rewarding."
-Carly Lynch, Regional Director
"When I started, I focused mostly on running programs day to day. Now, I see the bigger picture—the ripple effect of what we do. It’s not just about today’s activities, but about shaping futures, building confidence, and showing kids their potential. The kids are what keeps me excited. Their resilience, curiosity, and growth make every day meaningful."
-Alicia Morales, Director of Program Services
“This work has taught me that growth is everything—both for the kids we serve and for myself. Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace change, keep improving, and help others do the same. There are so many ways to lead, and I’ve seen that leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about showing up, learning, and inspiring others to do the same. That mindset keeps me excited every day.”
-Katie Elze, Area Director
“I don’t know that my perspective has changed dramatically…young people still need the same thing they did when I first started with Boys & Girls Clubs, 35+ years ago, a safe-place to go with caring and supportive adults. The big difference is that the challenges for kids and families seem bigger and harder, which makes it more important than ever that our teammates who work with the kids have every “tool” they need to impact lives. If anything, the only slight change in my perspective, is as much as mentoring our Club kids is important, I think my role as a mentor for our Club staff is just as important, and they, as much as anything else, are the reason I come to work every day.”
-Jason Weiss, Vice President, Youth IMPACT, 35+ with Boys & Girls Clubs
“I’m as excited about this work today as I was 14 years ago. I see the way our efforts support kids & families. I hear their stories years later. This work matters and asks me to use my talents so our community works for all of us. There isn’t a more worthy way to spend my days.”
-Michelle Heery, Chief Strategy and Business Officer
What does being part of the Boys & Girls Clubs family mean to you, personally and professionally?
"It means everything to me. Professionally, I’ve built a career here and plan to stay for many more years. Personally, I just love my job. The people I work with make it a fun, supportive place to be every day."
-Carly Lynch, Regional Director
"Being part of this family is more than just a job—it’s a calling. It gives me a deep sense of purpose and pushes me to grow as a leader and mentor. It’s a family built on passion, teamwork, and a shared belief that every child deserves a great future."
-Alicia Morales, Director of Program Services
“It means being part of something bigger than myself. Personally, it’s given me friendships and purpose. Professionally, it’s pushed me to keep growing, stay open to new ideas, and help others find their own path. This team has shown me that leadership comes in many forms, and as long as we keep learning, we keep making a difference.”
-Katie Elze, Area Director
“At this point it’s everything…it’s the only career I’ve ever had, I met my wife doing this work, my kids participated, and most of my best friends and most important relationships have come from 35 years of working with Boys & Girls Clubs.”
-Jason Weiss, Vice President, Youth IMPACT
As we celebrate these incredible staff members, we are reminded that great futures truly start with great mentors. Their commitment and care help make our Clubs a place where kids feel safe, supported, and inspired to dream big.
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real difference—while being part of a supportive, passionate team—we’d love to have you join us. Explore open positions at bgcsonoma-marin.org/careers.
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the stories and journeys of the staff who make our mission possible every day.