LA

David Joseph, Executive Director

David Joseph transitioned into the Executive Director position in 2007 after 5 and a half years with America SCORES LA. In 2002, David co-founded the America SCORES LA program (with then Executive Director Alejandro Soschin) and served as its Program Director from the programs inception here in Los Angeles in 2002 until becoming the Executive Director in 2007. During that time he oversaw the growth and development of the SCORES program as it moved from 80 students to over 400 per year and grew to incorporate Middle School students and High School Alumni. A recipient of the John Henry Hobart Fellowship for Ethics and Social Justice, David is a graduate of Hobart College and the University of Southern California’s Master of Professional Writing Program, where he served as Poetry Editor for the Southern California Anthology. A Dufree Scholar at Hobart, he was awarded the William Prall Prize for Literature in 1995. His poems have been published in Doubletake Magazine, the Pittsburgh Quarterly, Valpariaso Poetry Review, and other literary magazines and journals. His first book of poetry, The White Pigeon, was published in 2002 by Galt Art House Press. He has taught at Pepperdine University and at Harvard University, where he received a Derek Bok Award for Distinction in Teaching. A two-sport athlete in college, David was an Academic All-American and 3 time captain, and he has participated in team athletics as a player, teacher, and coach. David lives in Los Angeles, CA with his wife Karen and their sons Jackson (9) and Cassius (7).

Efrain Andres “Dre” De La Peza, Program Director

At the beginning of 2010, Dre was hired to succeed Amy Fleischauer as the Program Director for America SCORES LA.  A tireless worker, Dre spent 2008-2009 as an Americorps VISTA helping SCORES build capacity in a number of ways.  These included building the America SCORES LA website, creating our first ever blog and facebook pages, developing marketing materials, researching grant proposals, planning special events, and strengthening our volunteer corps through community partnerships.  But beyond these accomplishments, Dre built strong relationships with the kids and families of America SCORES LA, and today he has become a trusted community leader for our organization.  Prior to joining America SCORES LA, Dre worked for Public Counsel in Los Angeles.  A cum laude graduate of Santa Clara University, Dre worked for the Center for Unemployment Training and Bellarmine East Side Heroes during his time in college.   In addition, Dre was a varsity soccer player at St. Francis High School and is a member of the National Society for Collegiate Scholars.

Oscar Gonzalez, Program Coordinator

Oscar has been an educator in urban Los Angeles for over 10 years. He has taught in the public school system at Palms Elementary School and has worked with students at every grade level. He has also worked extensively in special education classroom. In addition to his teaching, Oscar has run summer programs for the Beverly Hills Parks district, coached multiple athletic teams, served as a playground supervisor, and been a member of the America SCORES LA Score Corps for 4 years. A native of Los Angeles, Oscar received the City of Los Angeles Award of Merit in 2006 for his dedication to the Palms community. Oscar grew up in South Central Los Angeles and attended Jefferson High School where he played soccer and basketball before attending college at the California State University, Northridge.

Armond Richards, Coach Across America

Shannon Huang, Development Associate/Americorps *VISTA