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Amber Hesleph is a Utah native who recently graduated from the University of Utah. While there she was the recipient of the 2014 Tanner Human Rights Center scholarship. She studied child psychology, sociology, and criminology and this, in turn, lead her to obtain two B.S degrees - Psychology and Sociology. Previous to joining the Dream Academy she worked at Volunteers of America in their childcare department, aiding children who had mothers recovering from addiction. Before that, she interned at an all-girls rehabilitation facility.
Gianfranco Fernandez-Ruiz – Mentor Coordinator Gianfranco is from Boston and is excited that the Pats took home the Superbowl this year. #PatsNation. He has worked in the education field since graduating from BYU. Gianfranco has a degree in English and loves building curricula for students. More recently, he worked in sales at BambooHR, and made the decision to do something more impactful by joining the US Dream Academy. In his off-time, Gianfranco loves to watch movies and writes.
One of the DreamKids’ recent activities ended up providing two beautiful pieces of art – and one of nature -- in a project with local partner Molina Healthcare, whose mission is to provide quality healthcare to those receiving government assistance. The Dream Academy and Molina Healthcare teamed up to provide painted flower pots for an upcoming community awards event hosted by Molina. DreamKids channeled their inner Van Goghs to adorn two flower pots, one of which went to Molina for the awards event, and one they kept for themselves.
After decorating the flower pots they planned to take home, DreamKids planted herbs and flowers in them. The Dream Academy encourages students to engage in gardening and learn valuable lessons on patience (as they wait for plants to grow) and responsibility (taking care of growing plants).
In Salt Lake City, the US Dream Academy is located at the Dual Immersion Academy, a new charter school, established in 2007 southwest of downtown. The school houses approximately 350 students in grades K-8. The instructional program features a two-way bilingual education model with the aim of developing bilingual bicultural children. Content is taught in both English and Spanish to all children. Classes are constituted with approximately 50% native Spanish speakers and 50% native English speakers. The Learning Center in Salt Lake City earned the “Center of the Year” honor in 2008.
Dual After
Dual Immersion Academy
Hogal Zoo Pals
Paint Mixer
Sallie Mae
ShareTiks
St. Stephens Episcopal Church
Thayne Center and Salt Lake Community College
Utah After School Network
Utah Jazz
Utah Women’s Lawyers Group
Washington Federal Credit Union
Everfi
Monlina Healthcare
Utah Food Bank
