About
Leaven Kids Learning Centers offers after-school tutoring, daily homework support, one-on-one tutoring, and mentoring for kids. 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 plants learning centers directly in high-risk neighborhoods and inside apartment communities, where 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 to break the cycle of poverty and violence by fighting for change with children. Reported outcomes from these neighborhoods include an average 53% drop in crime and 60% fewer crime calls, along with 83% of kids improving in language, 84% improving in math, 85% growing in confidence and emotional health, 90% building stronger self-esteem, and 80% growing in self-awareness.
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; Chief Ian Schmutzler, Treasurer; Melonie Flavin; Col. David Hammerschmidt; Frank Lizarraga, Esq.; Kristan Nowland; Josh Parker; Dan Sharp; and Robert Yarbrough. 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 and is a CFRE; and Marina Kovalev is a California-licensed CPA with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Last updated March 8, 2026.
• Ages: 5–11 years old
• Price: At no cost to families
Leaven Kids Learning Centers plants learning centers directly in high-risk neighborhoods and inside apartment communities, where 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 to break the cycle of poverty and violence by fighting for change with children. Reported outcomes from these neighborhoods include an average 53% drop in crime and 60% fewer crime calls, along with 83% of kids improving in language, 84% improving in math, 85% growing in confidence and emotional health, 90% building stronger self-esteem, and 80% growing in self-awareness.
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; Chief Ian Schmutzler, Treasurer; Melonie Flavin; Col. David Hammerschmidt; Frank Lizarraga, Esq.; Kristan Nowland; Josh Parker; Dan Sharp; and Robert Yarbrough. 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 and is a CFRE; and Marina Kovalev is a California-licensed CPA with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Last updated March 8, 2026.
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