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. It has been her mission to keep the camp a wonderful & safe place to enjoy, providing a unique outdoor experience for thousands of children each year, as well as many community organizations.

Anne Vierra - Unit Director, Goleta Clubhouse

Originally from Upstate New York, Anne Vierra studied at the University of Bridgeport Connecticut and then pursued a double major in Education and Psychology at the State University of New York in Plattsburg, (SUNY) gaining valuable background in child development. Ms. Vierra moved to Santa Barbara in the early 1980s and was hired to develop a Summer Day Camp for the Goleta Clubhouse. As Daycare Director, Anne Vierra built a well-attended summer program and also developed a highly successful after school program that has grown from a handful of young people to 125 members now served at the Goleta Clubhouse and at a University of California, Santa Barbara location.  Ms. Vierra now serves as Club Director and has served as an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an educational service organization, for the past six years. She has invited other Delta Kappa Gamma members to assist with a new volunteer-led “Reading Program” at the Goleta Clubhouse to develop literacy and analytical skills for youth members 5-12 years old.

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. After high school Mr. Medel went on to Santa Barbara City College to pursue a higher degree and then earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation from Cal State, Long Beach. Rich Medel was recognized by his peers as a local leader in “Who’s Who” a listing in the Santa Barbara County publication, Latino Connection.  Rich Medel was recognized twice by UBGC as 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 still finds time to volunteer with the Carpinteria Valley Lions Club.

Dena Lara - Unit Director, Lompoc Clubhouse

A former Lompoc Board Member of United Boys & Girls Clubs from 1997-2000, Dena Lara was hired in 2000. Over the past eight years, she has lead the Lompoc Clubhouse though several renovations, and implemented significant changes. As a Club Director Ms. Lara has significant increased levels of community and business support. Prior to working as the Club Manager, 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. Teen programs that Lompoc Clubhouse members have responded well to include Passport To Manhood, Money Matters, Teen Outreach Program and SMART Moves. Dena Lara believes that all youth are at risk and they deserve the same opportunities and as Club Director her professionalism has positively impacted the Lompoc Clubhouse and it’s profile in the community.

Lindsey Leonard - Unit Director, Westside Clubhouse

Lindsey Leonard moved to Santa Barbara from Santa Cruz, California to attend University of California Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. While serving as Program Director Ms. Leonard attended school and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from National University. Lindsey Leonard’s professionalism has been recognized from her first days working with the United Boys & Girls Clubs at Westside Clubhouse. She was honored as the United Boys & Girls Clubs Employee of the Year, subsequently promoted from Program Director to Club Director in 2002. Lindsey Leonard has a fantastic rapport with club youth and has traveled and studied in Spain as part of her B.A. degree. As a leader in the community, Ms. Leonard has chosen to participate in Rotaract, a service club for young men and women interested joining a Rotary Club.  Rotaract is sponsored by numerous Santa Barbara County Rotary Clubs and is a vital resource for community service and networking.