Programs Available at All Clubs

“My favorite thing to do is play ping pong. I do all my homework here.
I just moved here and this is the best place I have seen.”

Morgan Gealta, 14

Debi Hite - Director, Camp Whittier

Originally from Atlanta Georgia, Debi Hite has lived in the Santa Barbara community since the early 1970's. She has successfully owned & operated a storefront business, and enjoyed a long career working with one of the finest Scuba diving operations in California, achieving her USCG Merchant Marine Officer’s License.  After starting a family, Ms. Hite began her education in early childhood development, eventually owning & directing a preschool in Santa Barbara & the Santa Ynez Valley that emphasized outdoor education. Ms. Hite has always been active in the community, serving as president of the Parent Teacher Club at Ballard School, and as Director of the Santa Ynez Valley Moms’ Club. Debi also served as Public Relations Director for the renowned horse trainer and author; Monty Roberts. Ms. Hite began working for the United Boys & Girls Club in 2003 and was named Director of Camp Whittier in 2007. In 2009, Ms. Hite was bestowed the honor of being selected Employee of the Year by her peers at United Boys & Girls Clubs. It has been Debi Hite’s mission to maintain the camp as a wonderful & safe place to enjoy, providing a unique outdoor experience for thousands of children each year, as well as many community organizations.

Rich Medel - Unit Director, Carpinteria Clubhouse

Rich Medel was born and raised in Carpinteria, California and educated locally for many years. Mr. Medel attended Aliso and Main Elementary, Carpinteria Junior High, and graduated from Carpinteria High School. Mr. Medel attended Santa Barbara City College, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation from Cal State, Long Beach. Mr. Medel has been recognized by his peers as a local leader in the Santa Barbara County publication, Latino Connection “Who’s Who” listing, and has been twice recognized as United Boys & Girls Clubs’ Employee of the Year. As a parent, Mr. Medel has been active in his children’s education as a member of the High School Booster Club, and has also served as President of the Carpinteria Elementary Parent Teacher Organization and as a Carpinteria School Board Member. Rich Medel has worked for the United Boys & Girls Clubs as a youth development professional for 36 years and makes time to volunteer with the Carpinteria Valley Lions Club.

Joe Roderick – Unit Director, Goleta Clubhouse

Joe Roderick began working with United Boys & Girls Clubs in 2001, when he moved from San Diego to Santa Barbara with his wife Kai, who is a Santa Barbara native. Mr. Roderick grew up in Imperial California and moved to San Diego, where he earned a degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. He fostered his career in recreation and youth development while working in varying capacities with Murphy Canyon Youth Center, in San Diego, and ultimately managed his own center. As a Day Care and Summer Camp Director for Carpinteria Boys & Girls Club, Joe excelled and was aptly promoted to Program and Athletic Director in 2002, where his dedication earned him recognition from his peers as United Boys & Girls Clubs Employee of the Year in 2005. He continued his focused work through 2008 when he accepted a position as Unit Director for the Goleta Boys & Girls Club. An active father of twins, Mr. Roderick leads with a quiet strength that yields confidence and respect from the youth and community he serves.

Dena Lara - Unit Director, Lompoc Clubhouse

A former Lompoc Board Member of United Boys & Girls Clubs from 1997-2000, Dena Lara was hired as Unit Director in 2000. Over the past eight years, she has lead the Lompoc Clubhouse though several renovations, and implemented significant changes. As a Unit Director, Ms. Lara has significantly increased community and business support. Prior to working as Lompoc Boys & Girls Unit Director, Ms. Lara worked with Valley Flooring and attended Santa Barbara Business College. There she earned a degree in Business Management as well as a Computerized Accounting Certificate. Under her leadership, the Club has grown the scope of their after school and daycare programs and added several new teen programs. Lompoc Clubhouse members have responded well to these Teen programs, including: Passport To Manhood, Money Matters, Teen Outreach Program and SMART Moves. Dena Lara believes that all youth are at risk and they all deserve the same opportunities, and as Unit Director her professionalism has positively impacted the Lompoc Clubhouse and its profile in the community.

Magda Arroyo - Unit Director, Westside Clubhouse

Magda Arroyo is a Santa Barbara native who attended Mckinley Elementary, Santa Barbara Junior High and graduated from Santa Barbara High School before launching a career in banking and the financial services industry. Along the way, she realized her true passion in helping the youth of our community.

Through her personal experience, she is familiar with the life that leads our youth into gangs and is strongly committed to change.

Magda has served in leadership positions with many local nonprofit organizations, including The Unity Shoppe, Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, Police Activities League and Girls Inc.  In 2005, she was named Citizen of the Year by the Santa Barbara Police Officers Association. She is a former Santa Barbara Foundation Katherine Harvey Fellow, Class of 2006-2008.

In September of 2009, the United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County appointed Magda as the Westside Unit director as well as the club’s Director of Development.

Magda's unique life and business experiences qualifies her well for this critical position in helping today’s youth achieve their full potential.