Meet the OST Award Nominees
Below, learn more about the nominees for ACT Now’s Out-of-School Time (OST) Advocate Award, which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to champion the importance and impact of out-of-school time programs. Whether through leadership, innovation, or unwavering support, these advocates play a vital role in advocating for OST programs, which enrich the lives of children and youth beyond the traditional classroom.
Vote for the Out-of-School Time Advocate by 9:00 a.m., October 14th, 2025.
Saul Flores
Director, Puente Del Pueblo
Why Saul was nominated: “Saul has worked with Puente del Pueblo for many years. [Puente del Pueblo] provides afterschool programming for students at three different schools attached to two different apartment complexes. He additionally provides case management and financial assistance to our students’ families. Saul has worked for many years to provide students with experiences that would empower them and inspire them to find a passion and a career. He is a champion of afterschool opportunities for students, supporting families with childcare, extra academic support, and social-emotional growth. He supports the needs of the whole child and embraces all cultures and backgrounds. Saul has worked tirelessly with his team to create safe spaces for students and has always partnered with [District 33] to provide the best quality programs for our community. He’s resourceful, compassionate, and committed. Puente is also funded through a faith-based organization called Outreach through Wheaton Bible Church. [District 33] are very fortunate to have such a partnership with them.”
Gerardo Cielo-Gallegos
Resource Coordinator, Family Focus
Why Gerardo was nominated: “Gerardo Cielo-Gallegos is a tireless and inspiring advocate for afterschool funding whose leadership has made a lasting impact on young people and families. This spring, he mobilized students to attend Advocacy Day in Springfield and quickly connected a mother and daughter to share their story at an ACT Now press conference, amplifying the voices of those most affected by funding decisions.
Beyond his formal role as a resource coordinator, Gerardo consistently goes above and beyond to connect students with transformative opportunities. Recently, he partnered with BUILD to bring youth into conversation with community leaders, exposing them to career paths and possibilities they had never imagined. His efforts ensure that young people not only have access to safe and engaging out-of-school time programs but also to mentors and role models who broaden their horizons.
Gerardo’s commitment stretches back years, including his work in Cicero schools where he built dynamic afterschool programs and even facilitated a writing workshop that guided middle school students in drafting and delivering advocacy letters directly to their legislators in Springfield. His ability to empower youth as advocates in their own right speaks to his vision for long-term change.
As a representative of the communities he serves, Gerardo embodies resilience and hope. He models for students what it means to persist, to speak up, and to fight for afterschool funding year after year. His dedication, creativity, and leadership make him an exceptional candidate for the OST Advocate Award.”
Elizabeth Cisneros
Resource Coordinator, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
Why Elizabeth was nominated: “Elizabeth is an amazing person! She is there for the kids no matter what. When there is a situation, she handles it right there on the spot. She follows up. The students love her. She builds a good relationship with the students as well as the parents. Funds were cut for afterschool programs and the program is still up and running. She does an amazing job! When it’s time for the kids to leave she makes sure the kids parents are there in order to let them leave. My child says she is funny, kind and always happy like she really enjoys her job.”
And “Last year, more than 100 students benefited from after-school programs, and thanks to Ms. Cisneros’ dedication, every spot was filled. She made sure that no child was turned away due to lack of space. She personally reached out to families who most needed these programs—whether because of work schedules, homework support, or simply needing a safe place for their children. She also ensured that students had snacks during those hours.
Over the summer, she organized opportunities for our students and families to experience enriching field trips to museums, the zoo, and other cultural sites. She extended this same care to parents and the wider community, offering classes and consistently sharing valuable resources. Personally, I’ve felt incredibly supported by her. Since I joined the school, Elizabeth has embraced parent ideas for events, advocacy, and projects, always encouraging us to be involved. Her commitment, compassion, and energy have made a real difference at Brighton Park, and I am grateful for everything she does to lift up both students and families.
This year, due to the cut of funding at CPS, she only could get 75 students for our afterschool program. Again! She made sure every spot was filled and if a student needs a safe place, she finds a way to give our students a space. Snacks were reduced too, but she requested help from the community and she got our students their favorite snacks.
Ms. Cisneros, is not only an employee of BPNC, she is COMMUNITY! She is part of our family. She indeed is an eagle and here at Brighton Park Elementary School are very grateful that she is one of us!”
Kathryn Holstlaw
Teen REACH Program Coordinator, Clay County Health Department
Why Kathryn was nominated: Kathryn was nominated “in recognition of her outstanding dedication and transformative contributions to out-of-school time (OST) programming and advocacy. Kathryn has been a tireless leader, innovator, and advocate whose work has significantly enhanced the quality, accessibility, and visibility of OST programs in our community. Kathryn’s commitment to youth development extends beyond program delivery—she is a driving force behind policy improvements and community partnerships that make lasting change. Her leadership in developing inclusive, enriching OST opportunities has directly impacted hundreds of children and families, especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities.
One of Kathryn’s most notable contributions has been her role in designing and expanding high-quality afterschool and summer programs that integrate academic support with social-emotional learning, arts, and STEM education. Under her guidance, these programs have not only improved student engagement and school-day performance, but also provided safe, nurturing environments during critical out-of-school hours.
What sets Kathryn apart is her unwavering belief that every child deserves access to high-quality OST opportunities, regardless of background or zip code. She is known for her ability to unite stakeholders—from parents and educators to civic leaders and funders—to build a shared vision for equitable youth development.
Kathryn leads with compassion, integrity, and vision. Her work continues to inspire others in the field and has left an indelible mark on our community. For her dedication, impact, and relentless advocacy, Kathryn Holstlaw is a truly deserving recipient of the OST Advocate Award.”
Jaimee Jones
East St Louis School District 189
Why Jamiee was nominated: Jamiee was nominated “because she never stops working. She is always educating herself on all the updated things that will help educate the children and she loves what she does. She’s at all the teacher conventions with a listening ear and she brings it back to her students. She also works at a Battered Women’s Center overnights. Her work is never ending and she loves what she does and on Sunday she is front and center at Church giving thanks to our Father for her many blessings Mrs. Jones is the true definition of a go getter and loving her job and the children that she teaches, giving back, buying lunches and clothes for the students, making them all feel loved and fussing when they do wrong like a mother. She is one of a kind.”
Daniel Francisco Matamoros Viquez
Center Director, Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers
Why Daniel was nominated: “Today, I am honored to nominate myself for the OST Advocate Award in recognition of the work I have done this year to raise awareness of the importance of afterschool mentorship programs in support of Hispanic and migrant communities at both the national and community level.
As a member of the Illinois Advocacy Group, working in partnership with the National Mentor Organization, I had the opportunity to participate in a Hill Visit earlier this year in Washington, D.C, where I was able to engage in direct advocacy with the offices of Congressman Mike Quigley, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Senator Dick Durbin. During these meetings, I was able to share personal and impactful stories of how Afterschool Mentorship Initiatives provide essential guidance and opportunity for students, especially during trying times, affirming that lawmakers have a responsibility to protect and fund these spaces for critical equity-minded work to continue. During each of my conversations, I specifically emphasized that Afterschool Programs are not just extra add-ons but a critical part of building and sustaining equity, while creating a sense of belonging and affiliation for young people.
During my time in D.C. I was also invited to speak at the Kennedy Caucus Room, where I addressed the impact immigration raids have had on migrant communities in Chicago. Many families currently live in fear and hesitate to access the services they need based on the environment in which we find ourselves, so I did my best to highlight the critical and historic importance of supporting afterschool programing in response to these pressures. In my speech, I made it a point to outline how afterschool programs serve as a bridge in moments like these, by offering safe, welcoming spaces where students are free to grow, learn, and thrive, while experiencing a supportive and caring community, despite the broader environments and circumstances they might find themselves in.”
Desiree Nelson
Community School Specialist, East St. Louis School District 189
Why Desiree was nominated: “Since becoming a part of Officer Elementary School, she has introduced many new opportunities for others. She has also brought a much-needed brightness to our environment. With her poise and positive attitude, she inspires others to get involved.”
Amy Rasmussen
Executive Director, Chicago Arts Partnerships for Education
Why Amy was nominated: “Amy has been a powerful supporter of OST for many years and very active in Chicago’s community schools movement. She has trained her staff to be involved and worked closely with Sen. Robert Peters to support his engagement in advocacy. I can’t say enough good things about her character, leadership, and contributions!”
Talisia Temple
Teacher, East St Louis School District 189
Why Talisia was nominated: Talisia was nominated for “her commitment and compassion not just on her work but beyond it. She does her job well and extended hands to those who need it. I can see her also working beyond school hours without any complaint. She does it always from the heart.”
Miranda VanCleve
Director of Academics, The Academy by A Bigger World
Why Miranda was nominated: Miranda was nominated “because of her tireless efforts to improve the educational outcomes for students in Waukegan. The Academy is an afterschool and summer program for middle and high school students based on three pillars- education, basketball, and exploration. Miranda leads the academic programming pillar of the program and continues to develop curriculum that helps middle school students develop the habits needed to be successful students, improve their literacy, and develop confidence in their ability to learn new things. Each student receives a personal binder that Miranda creates that contains daily grade-level reading and vocabulary, grade tracking sheets, writing prompts, and additional resources to help students. The binder is completed each day, and through the routine of checking grades, reading at grade level, and spending 5 minutes writing, our students develop habits throughout their three years of middle school that not only help them get up to grade level, but also prepare them to be successful high school students.
During the summer time, Miranda has developed a behavioral and academic intervention-based program so that our students use the summer months to work toward achieving grade level scores, but also developing intrinsic motivation. The social-emotional learning and behavioral interventions help students express their emotions in a healthy and positive manner, and she guides students into becoming self-advocates for the tools they need to succeed in school.
The academic outcomes of The Academy’s 2024–25 academic year reflect the skill and passion with which Miranda plans and leads. These outcomes reflect not only Miranda’s skill and passion for education, but also the relationships and trust she has built with students, parents, staff, and school leaders. Our students and parents trust her to guide them in their education and to provide resources outside of school time so that they can bridge the educational gaps. Miranda provides ongoing training and coaching to our teachers and staff so they can be effective classroom leaders. And she works with school administrators and teachers to provide individualized plans for the students who need them.”
Eric Werge
Executive Director, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Community Schools Initiative
Why Eric was nominated: “Eric Werge has been the Executive Director of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Community Schools Initiative for about 15 years. From day one, he has been committed to ensuring each of his students are provided with quality and engaging programming. He does whatever it takes to achieve that goal. He has created a very positive and hardworking team committed to their students and schools. Over the course of the past two years, Eric committed himself to advocating for funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers by making many trips to Springfield to talk with lawmakers, engaging his families in calls to action, attending rallies, and taking part in press opportunities. Eric has been dubbed by many as “The Nicest Man in America” and stops at nothing to make sure everyone reaches their full potential. I can think of no one more committed to ensuring that Act Now achieves their goal of afterschool for all than Eric Werge.”
Descriptions of each nominee were provided by the person who nominated them. Descriptions may have been edited for clarity or length.
