Volo Kids Foundation

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Meet our team

OUR STAFF

NAYLA BAUTISTA​

PRESIDENT

FAVORITE SPORT: ALL THE SPORTS!​

Play provides a fun and engaging way for people of all ages to learn, grow and connect. In addition to experiencing the physical and mental benefits of being active, we learn how to support others, compete respectfully and be on a team - the benefits of which continue long after the play session has ended.

- Nayla

JEN RIFKIN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FAVORITE SPORT: FLAG FOOTBALL

Play is so powerful for children because it gives them the opportunity to practice invaluable skills in a structured environment that they will carry with them through the rest of their lives. Simultaneously, it provides an opportunity to be active, be social, and have fun!

- Jen

AMBER WEINER

NATIONAL 
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

FAVORITE SPORT: SKEEBALL

Play is a universal language; it’s an experience that evokes our most inner child. It provides invaluable opportunities to connect with one another, explore personal interests, power our body and mind and nourish our soul. Play is the cornerstone to a healthy and active life, and EVERY kid deserves the access and opportunity to experience it.

-Amber 

KRISTEN OGLE

National Marketing Manager

Favorite Sport: Soccer

The opportunity to play is one of the most powerful things that a child can be introduced to. Play can give each child the ability to stay active, make friends, and learn the most valuable life lessons all while having fun! [kids] don't even realize they are building so much character - and that itself shows how powerful play is. Looking back, play has shaped me into who I am today!

-Kristen

NICK VOTTA

NATIONAL PROJECT MANAGER

FAVORITE SPORT: BASKETBALL

Play is so powerful because it allows kids to practice life skills that they will carry on as they grow older. Play gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and build relationships that could last forever.

- Nick

ERIC OWENS

BALTIMORE PROGRAM AND OUTREACH DIRECTOR

FAVORITE SPORT: FOOTBALL

Play develops character, it teaches leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Play gives you skills that will follow you for life. Play allows you freedom to explore your abilities to be your best and to reach your highest potential.

- Eric

KATI WOOD​

BALTIMORE PROGRAM AND OUTREACH MANAGER​

FAVORITE SPORT: VOLLEYBALL​

Children should get the chance to figure out what sports they like. Volo Kids provides the opportunity for children to explore all the sports and learn all new skills. These skills are also great for life and not just sports. Leadership and teamwork are big things learned on a sports field or courts and Volo Kids helps provide these important skills to all kids.

- Kati

JASMINE COBY

BALTIMORE STAFFING AND VOLUNTEER MANAGER

FAVORITE SPORT: LACROSSE AND FOOTBALL

To me, Play is power! Play builds character. Play teaches children discipline, self-awareness, resilience, team building and many other skills that will transfer later in many aspects of life while having fun, building lifelong relationships and staying active. Personally, play aided me tremendously in stepping out of my comfort zone and I believe it does the same for other children. Play is essential to every age

- Jasmine C.

DEVIN SCOTT

BALTIMORE PROGRAM AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

FAVORITE SPORT: BASKETBALL

Playing is a way to exert energy and strengthen imagination. This is important because the energy used to play is now turned into skills that is often needed for work and relationships later in life.

-Devin

JEFFRY PABON​

BOSTON PROGRAM AND OUTREACH MANAGER​

FAVORITE SPORT: FLAG FOOTBALL​

Play is an amazing, beautiful, and powerful aspect to any child’s development. Kids aren’t just learning how to dribble a basketball, how to throw a football, or pass a soccer ball. They are learning awesome life lessons such as how to work with others, how to become a leader, how to make decisions under pressure, and much much more!

- Jeffry

JENNY SAAVEDRA

D.C PROGRAM AND OUTREACH MANAGER

FAVORITE SPORT: VOLLEYBALL AND SOCCER

Play is so powerful to kids and adults. As an indoor kid, growing up, I learned by being in sport leagues as an adult that the power of play helps improve social skills, builds leadership skills and helps grow confidence in participating sports. Kids need play to gain valuable life lessons they will carry into adulthood. I am so grateful that Volo has provided me with a chance to love sports and give kids the opportunity to enjoy being outdoors and engage in sportsmanship.

- Jenny

CALLI PFAFF

D.C PROGRAM AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

FAVORITE SPORT: FOOTBALL

Play is important and crucial during both childhood as well as adulthood because it not only teaches individuals valuable lifelong lessons needed in order to thrive, but also gives them the opportunity to be social and have a healthy way to channel their energy and focus!

- Calli

KENZIE WILLIAMS

DENVER PROGRAM AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

FAVORITE SPORT: ANY AND ALL!

Play is so powerful for kids because it gives them a chance to start figuring out what makes them so happy in life. It's amazing to see how play and sports can teach kids other character traits that they will use for the rest of their lives; leadership, teamwork, respect. I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't have a coach who took the time to help me grow and believe in me.

- Kenzie

CHRIS TELLEZ

N.Y.C. PROGRAM AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

FAVORITE SPORT: FLAG FOOTBALL

Everyone has their own experience when it comes to play. It is beautiful to see how universal play is, and how many souls I am able to touch being that I now coach kids from all over the world living in New York. From my experiences, play has become very personal to me- it is making sure that no matter who you are, where you are from, or how much you have - you have the ability to play.

- Chris

JOSH HUESCA

SAN DIEGO PROGRAM AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

FAVORITE SPORT: BASKETBALL

All children should have the opportunity to play! Play is so impactful, and powerful because it teaches kids life values like selflessness, leadership, loyalty, tenacity and so much more! Play can also be used as an outlet for kids to escape and depress. Play has made me the person I am today and taught me so much that I am grateful for!

-Josh

NICOLE KAMAL

SAN FRANCSICO PROGRAM AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

FAVORITE SPORT: HOCKEY

Play is a crucial staple for youth development. It provides opportunities for character development, as well as, cognitive, social, physical and emotional well-being. Play allows kids to nurture relationships with both themselves and others while absorbing life skills and lessons that lead to confidence and a healthy self esteem. It is vital that kids are given time to be kids, that is the contribution I aspire to bring forth to our community. Play is the fuel for a happy and healthy future

- Nicole