The dedicated volunteers who guide our mission and growth.

Chair

Vice Chair

Treasurer

Secretary

Member

Board Emeritus
Every child deserves a place where they feel secure, respected, and free to be themselves. Children need the freedom to play and the freedom of choice to develop important life skills. We grow stronger together. Our programs bring children and families into connection with each other and with the neighborhoods we serve.
We believe in inclusive, diverse environments. Financial assistance is available to families earning low-income.
Originally from San Diego where he earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from UC San Diego, Ryan moved to San Francisco over 15 years ago in pursuit of a career in digital advertising. After a few years, Ryan left the tech sector to dive into nonprofit fundraising at Holy Family Day Home, a SF nonprofit preschool in the Mission providing early childhood education and family support services. He continued to fundraise as the Senior Philanthropy Officer at Safe & Sound, a SF based children’s advocacy organization focused on child abuse prevention. Prior to joining Mariposa Kids, Ryan served as Interim Development Director at Gateway Public Schools in SF.
In the community, Ryan sits on the Board of Directors of 18 Reasons and is a SFUSD appointed member to the SF Child Care Planning & Advisory Council (CPAC) co-chairing the Legislation & Policy Committee and council chair in 2026. Ryan is also an Mayoral appointee to the SF DCYF Oversight & Advisory Committee. Accepted to the Generation Thrive Bridging the Bay leadership series in 2026, Ryan is also a 2023 alumnus of Leadership San Francisco and a 2019 alumnus of the New Leaders Council – SF. Having served as chair of the Board of Directors of both Tandem – Partners in Early Learning and the Thomas Edison Charter Academy, Ryan currently belongs to their Emeritus Boards, and previously sat on the Board of Directors of Safe & Sound.
What makes Mariposa Kids special?
The learning opportunities of free play provide a well rounded environment for kids, while promoting local community. Mariposa Kids supports a dynamic and fun space that is not easy to come by in a busy city.
Why do I serve on the Board of MK?
I’m here to help foster and grow the principles of free play, and to support each individual child as a vital and burgeoning member of their community.
What makes Mariposa Kids special?
PLAY! Children need space to try, fail, succeed and try again. That starts and ends with play. At Mariposa Kids I see young people of all ages playing and growing together. And what makes Mariposa Kids special, is that the play is part of a carefully executed plan, designed to give young people a safe and loving environment to experiment and grow.
Why do I serve on the Board of MK?
I want to see Mariposa Kids’ unique brand of play expand to support more kids and families. Social justice starts with all children having access to safe environments to learn and grow. In joining the Board, I aim to support strategic growth, in order to reach more of our community.
What makes Mariposa Kids special?
Mariposa Kids allows kids to learn by exploring and playing, which are two areas that are difficult to find in today’s educational environments.
Why do I serve on the Board of MK?
I serve to help enhance social emotional learning development and to help foster the principles of play in a safe, nurturing, community environment
What makes Mariposa Kids special?
I love the focus on free play toward the development of social emotional learning. Free play was a big part of my (unprogrammed) after-school life.
Why do I serve on the Board of MK?
I serve on the Board of MK to invest in and engage with care spaces in the community. They are crucial part of our city and everyone that can should contribute to their success.
What makes Mariposa Kids special?Mariposa Kids goes beyond standard after-school care- it helps kids build confidence, communication skills, creativity, and a real sense of community. It’s a place where students feel supported, encouraged, and free to be themselves, and that kind of environment has a lasting impact.
Why do I serve on the Board of MK?
As a former latchkey kid, afterschool programs played an important role in my own life, so this mission is personal to me. I’ve seen the impact Mariposa Kids has up close, and I’m excited to support and grow a program that gives kids a safe place to learn, play, and thrive.
The Kids’ Co-Op, Inc. DBA Mariposa Kids’ programs, activities, and practices shall be free from discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression (including transgender status), domestic partner status, martial status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, height, weight ; or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Mariposa Kids fully and actively supports equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression (including transgender status), domestic partner status, martial status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, height, weight ; or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We consider candidates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, community building, and meaningful connection with a broad range of people and institutions.
Hi, my name is James Ives. I am a Recreation Leader at Mariposa Kids and I love working with children. I have traveled all over the country the last 5 years working with summer camps for children, enjoying the outdoors, going on lots of adventures, and making friends along the way. I graduated last fall from Principia College and studied education and studio art and hope to become a good teacher one day. As of now I live in San Francisco, I design and make my own paintings, and I love working for Mariposa Kids
Hi! My name is Paul from Vermont. I have many years of experience caring for children of all ages, from infants to elementary aged kids, I bring a patient, friendly, and flexible approach to learning. I have a college degree in environmental studies, but have worked in early childhood education for the past 3 years. When participating in childcare I enjoy playing sports, exploring the natural world, and promoting curiosity within children. I’m a firm believer in making learning fun, and helping guide children through their interests.
Hi, I’m Shelden! With over 10 years of experience in childcare and education, I’ve traveled across the United States, learning from diverse communities and cultures along the way. These experiences have shaped my approach to creating fun, safe spaces where children can explore, learn, and grow. I’m passionate about providing environments where kids feel valued, confident, and free to be themselves. My goal is to foster spaces that spark curiosity and creativity, helping little humans thrive and develop into their best selves.
My name is Ahminah Bailey. I have worked with children most of my life , whether it was day care, summer camps, dance studios, winter and or Holiday camps. I am currently studying Dance & Psychology at San Francisco State University. I’m am looking to become a dance movement Therapist for all ages. I enjoy lots of arts & crafts which fuel more of my creativity as a dancer!