Leaven Kids Learning Centers
Calms Learning Center, 91 Riverview Ter, Benicia, CA 94510
About
Leaven Kids Learning Centers offers after-school tutoring, mentoring, daily homework support, and one-on-one tutoring. The program includes STEAM education with hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, as well as activities in robotics and 3-D printing.
• Ages: 5–11 years old
• Price: At no cost to families
Leaven Kids Learning Centers states that kids in grades K–5 gain daily access to tutoring, mentoring, and encouragement. The mission of Leaven Kids is to bring the love and the help of Christ to marginalized neighborhoods through after-school tutoring and mentoring for kids, and it states that it exists to break the cycle of poverty and violence by fighting for change with children. Reported outcomes from the program include that 83% of kids improve in language, 84% in math, and 85% grow in confidence and emotional health, with 90% building stronger self-esteem and 80% growing in self-awareness.
Leaven Kids reports that its learning centers are planted directly in high-risk neighborhoods and are located inside apartment communities. Reported community impact includes neighborhoods seeing an average 53% drop in crime and sites reporting 60% fewer crime calls. Leaven Kids engages volunteers who tutor, mentor, support events, or lend a hand in the office.
The leadership team includes Mark Lillis, Chief Executive Officer; Renee Tadlock, Chief Operating Officer; Ida Somero, Chief Development Officer; and Marina Kovalev, Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors includes Chief Joe Allio, President; Gen. Maryanne Miller, Vice President; and Chief Ian Schmutzler, Treasurer. Mark Lillis holds a bachelor’s degree from Westmont College and a master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University. Ida Somero holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Loyola Marymount University, attended Loyola Marymount University on a full-ride athletic scholarship for Women’s Basketball, has over 18 years of development experience, and is a CFRE. Marina Kovalev is a California-licensed CPA and has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. General Maryanne Miller also serves on the Board of Directors of Bristow, is an advisor to New Vista Acquisition Corp., is a member of the Board of Trustees for Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York, and is a co-worker for St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity serving some of the poorest communities around the world.
Last updated June 7, 2026.
• Ages: 5–11 years old
• Price: At no cost to families
Leaven Kids Learning Centers states that kids in grades K–5 gain daily access to tutoring, mentoring, and encouragement. The mission of Leaven Kids is to bring the love and the help of Christ to marginalized neighborhoods through after-school tutoring and mentoring for kids, and it states that it exists to break the cycle of poverty and violence by fighting for change with children. Reported outcomes from the program include that 83% of kids improve in language, 84% in math, and 85% grow in confidence and emotional health, with 90% building stronger self-esteem and 80% growing in self-awareness.
Leaven Kids reports that its learning centers are planted directly in high-risk neighborhoods and are located inside apartment communities. Reported community impact includes neighborhoods seeing an average 53% drop in crime and sites reporting 60% fewer crime calls. Leaven Kids engages volunteers who tutor, mentor, support events, or lend a hand in the office.
The leadership team includes Mark Lillis, Chief Executive Officer; Renee Tadlock, Chief Operating Officer; Ida Somero, Chief Development Officer; and Marina Kovalev, Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors includes Chief Joe Allio, President; Gen. Maryanne Miller, Vice President; and Chief Ian Schmutzler, Treasurer. Mark Lillis holds a bachelor’s degree from Westmont College and a master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University. Ida Somero holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Loyola Marymount University, attended Loyola Marymount University on a full-ride athletic scholarship for Women’s Basketball, has over 18 years of development experience, and is a CFRE. Marina Kovalev is a California-licensed CPA and has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. General Maryanne Miller also serves on the Board of Directors of Bristow, is an advisor to New Vista Acquisition Corp., is a member of the Board of Trustees for Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York, and is a co-worker for St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity serving some of the poorest communities around the world.
Last updated June 7, 2026.
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