WHAT WE DO
Opportunities to learn, connect, and grow
Growing Greatness empowers youth, women, and families through bilingual, community-centered programs rooted in wellness, outdoor education, cultural connection, and experiential learning. We create spaces where people can heal, grow, build resilience, and become leaders in their communities.
Vision Statement
We envision thriving communities where all people , especially youth, women, and historically underserved families, feel connected, empowered, and valued as leaders and changemakers. Through relationships, nature, movement, cultural wisdom, and collective action, we strive to nurture a more just, compassionate, resilient, and interconnected world where everyone has the opportunity to grow, belong, and contribute to community wellbeing.
Growing Greatness cultivates leadership, wellness, belonging, and community transformation through culturally grounded experiential learning, outdoor education, relational organizing, and community-centered programming. Rooted in trust, connection, and collective care, we work alongside youth, women, and families to co-create bilingual and accessible spaces where people can heal, grow, build resilience, and develop the confidence and systems awareness needed to lead meaningful change in their communities.
Mission Statement
Our Frameworks for Community-Centered Transformation
Learn to Bike Ride:
Look where you want to go!
At Growing Greatness, we believe learning to ride a bicycle is about more than mastering a new skill—it is about discovering confidence, building resilience, and experiencing the freedom and joy of being outdoors. Our Learn to Ride program creates welcoming, bilingual, and culturally responsive spaces where children, youth, adults, and families learn at their own pace in an environment rooted in encouragement, belonging, and community.
Through experiential learning and supportive instruction, participants develop essential bicycle skills, including balance, braking, turning, helmet safety, and riding with confidence.Along the way, they strengthen problem-solving skills, build meaningful relationships, and discover their own capacity to overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. Every ride is an opportunity to connect with nature, improve physical and mental well-being, and experience the benefits of active transportation and outdoor recreation. Whether someone is riding for the first time or returning after many years, we celebrate every milestone as a step toward greater confidence, independence, and personal growth.
Our Learn to Ride program is free, bilingual (English and Spanish), and open to participants of all ages and abilities because we believe that when people experience belonging, confidence, and connection, they build healthier lives and stronger communities.
Meet the team
Our team is small but mighty. We are passionate about what we do. ¡Nos encantaría conocerte!
Kymberly Lacrosse
Kymberly Lacrosse was born in Watsonville where her heart will always reside. At a young age, Kym developed a love for the outdoors, adventure and nature. She lives a down-to-earth DIY lifestyle, and has a deep sense of community. She has been a community leader for the last 40 years. She served on her first Board of Directors at 15 and has lived a life of service since. Her formal education includes Cabrillo College, UCSC, SJSU, and the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is currently working on a PhD in Transformative Studies. Kymberly brings a heartfelt passion to social justice, experiential education and community engagement that is rooted in an undeniable commitment to see individuals and communities to be inspired, powerful and unstoppable. Her commitment to equity and justice drive her to work diligently to change the systems in place for a more equitable and thriving world. Her work has earned both local and national recognition. She is a also a non-profit consultant. She runs the non-profit she established in 2021, Growing Greatness. The organization’s work focuses on youth, women and families - connecting them to nature, local resources and each other. Kym loves to travel, work in her garden, sew, paint and craft. Most of all she loves her family which includes her two large doggos, Max and Bella.
Lucia Perez
I was raised in Watsonville, a spirited community built by hardworking immigrant families striving to create better futures. Growing up, I faced my share of challenges, especially during high school, where I often felt unsupported. But despite the obstacles, I became the first in my family to attend college. After high school, I started at community college, a time of exploration where I discovered my passion for helping others. When the opportunity came to transfer, I chose to continue my education at CSUMB, where I’m now pursuing a degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services with a concentration in Public Health. As part of the CHHS program, I began an internship with Growing Greatness, an experience that brought me closer to my roots in Watsonville. Working with the youth here feels deeply personal because so many of them remind me of a younger version of myself. Many struggle to find motivation and purpose, and I know how transformative even small opportunities can be. Growing Greatness gives these young people tools to thrive, from meaningful connections to empowering activities. Seeing the impact it has on their lives inspires me to continue this work. I want to dedicate myself to motivating and uplifting Watsonville’s youth, helping them recognize their potential and chase beyond their dreams.
Aaron Gaxiola
Aaron was born and raised in Watsonville, Ca, and has a deep appreciation for the community that saw him grow up. He comes from a single mother household, and was raised by his grandmother. His grandmother instilled in him a great faith; with it he learned the importance of being in communion with his community, and helping those that are less fortunate. He is also a Cabrillo College student, who is studying for a psychology degree. Furthermore, he holds a sense of appreciation for the many jobs he has had including: being a chocolate melter at Sunridge Farms, working at the library as a homework program coordinator and library page, selling shirts for “The Ville”, working at two farmers markets, working at a youth center, caretaking an RV park, serving at schools, and coaching soccer. These experiences have helped to shape my character, and to truly encounter ways to help others. Aaron now serves as program staff for Growing Greatness where he continues his transformation and growth journey.
Gina Gallino
My name is Gina Gallino. I grew up in the Pajaro Valley as part of an active, community minded and outdoorsy family. I’m grateful to have played lots of sports and learned to camp, ski, and ride bikes. I love introducing folks to nature based experiences.
Jasmin Cisneros-Ruiz
Hello, My name is Jasmin Cisneros-Ruiz. I have started my journey with Growing Greatness as an Intern. I picked this site because it suited the requirements for my major, CHHS (Collaborative Health and Human Services). Not only does Growing Greatness provide services and events for the community in Watsonville, it also has activities that I'm passionate about plus more. I have been passionate about hiking and camping so that got my attention, riding bikes was a big plus. In just one year, I learned so much from them. I lived, I laughed, I traveled, and so much more. I liked the times when I got to bring my camera and take photos on the trips I went on with them. While I'm no longer an intern, I'm happy to continue working with Growing Greatness in other ways that I can and hopefully welcome new members the same way I was welcomed when I started.
Jose Granados Lopez
My name is Jose Granados Lopez. I was born and raised in the city of strawberries, Watsonville, California. I am currently a senior attending California State University, Monterey Bay. I am passionate about helping out my community and making positive changes no matter if it’s small or big. I believe that even simple acts of kindness and service can have a lasting impact on the people around us. I am always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways. Through my education and experiences, I hope to develop the skills needed to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Sarra Huerta
Sarra Huerta was born and raised in Soledad, California. She interned with Growing Greatness through her degree program at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), where she supported community outreach efforts and created Cultura y Confianza. She continues to support Growing Greatness through outreach and community engagement and believes that mindfulness, connection to our roots, and a strong sense of community create opportunities for growth and healing. In her free time, Sarra enjoys spending time with her family, especially hiking and exploring the caves at Pinnacles National Park.
Melanie Esteves
Hi my name is Melanie. I was born and raised in Watsonville and am currently in college. I have worked here since 11th grade in high school which sums up to about 5 years here. I really enjoy being outdoors in any way I can and being able to breath in some fresh air.
Silvia Austerlic
Silvia Austerlic is an intercultural facilitator and experiential learning designer who has spent more than two decades helping individuals, teams, and communities cultivate the human capacities that allow people to thrive. She is the founder of Senti-Pensante Connections www.sentipensante.com - a Santa Cruz–based practice that integrates cultural humility, experiential learning, neuroscience-informed coaching, and relational leadership to help people reconnect with themselves, one another, and their shared humanity. Silvia is also the creator of Growing Our Shared Humanity (G.O.S.H.), an experiential framework that cultivates self-awareness, emotional resilience, empathy, courageous dialogue, and meaningful collaboration across differences. She is passionate about designing transformative learning experiences that strengthen individuals, enrich relationships, and help communities flourish. Silvia is honored to bring this work to Growing Greatness in support of youth, families, and the broader Watsonville community.
Stephanie Caldera
Stephanie Caldera is a student at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) with a passion for serving and uplifting her community. She enjoys giving back, building meaningful connections, and making a positive impact wherever she can. Through Growing Greatness, Stephanie is grateful for the opportunity to support others, inspire growth, and help create stronger communities. She believes that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Terry Williams
Terry Williams, PhD, is an adventure-based educator, leadership coach, and Founder of Children Are Our Future. For more than four decades, she has helped people discover their strengths through nature, experiential learning, and community. Grounded in Transformational Leadership and Positive Youth Development, Terry believes that love, belonging, and meaningful connection create the conditions for healing, resilience, and positive change. She is grateful to collaborate with Growing Greatness and partners throughout Santa Cruz County to help people and communities thrive.
Samantha Cruz
Sam is a communications specialist dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations focused on environmental justice and community development. As a web and graphic designer with a specialization in marketing, she is passionate about creating digital strategies and experiences that connect people with causes that make a positive impact. She enjoys collaborating with projects centered on the arts, community well-being, organic agriculture, and purpose-driven organizations—those committed to protecting the planet, transforming food systems, and building a more just and sustainable future for everyone. Outside of work, Sam enjoys staying active, taking long walks, drawing, and listening to music. Nature is her greatest source of inspiration and the foundation for many of the ideas that shape her creative work.
Adriana Flor
Adriana Flor is a current student at California State University, Monterey Bay, raised in the valleys of Salinas, California—famously known as the "Salad Bowl of the World." Driven by a deep sense of pride in her hometown, her mission is to stay grounded, connect with nature, and leverage her education and voice to make a meaningful impact in her community.
Teresa Lopez Munoz
My name is Teresa, born and raised in Monterey. I am bilingual [Spanish and English]. I’m a blessed wife and a happy mama of four. I have just accomplished a major milestone in my life by getting my Bachelors degree! I began working with Growing Greatness as my internship began, and happily continue working with the team. In my free time, I love watching movies with my kids and getting out into nature. I’m also eager to return to multimedia drawing, a long-time favorite hobby of mine. I hope to continue connecting with the humble and loving Watsonville community as I continue to work with Growing Greatness. Peace, love, and prosperity to you all!
Michelle Tapiz
Michelle Tapiz is Growing Greatness's bike mechanic, bringing technical expertise, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to helping every rider feel safe and confident on two wheels. With years of hands-on experience building, repairing, and customizing bicycles—including BMX bikes—Michelle has a gift for making bike mechanics approachable and empowering for riders of all ages. As the founder of Treat Me Right Cookie Company, a mother of four, and a community builder, Michelle combines craftsmanship, patience, and positive energy in everything she does. Whether she's teaching someone how to fix a flat, tuning a bike for a first ride, or mentoring youth through hands-on repair skills, she believes bicycles create opportunities for confidence, independence, and connection. Michelle is passionate about sharing practical skills that last a lifetime. Through Growing Greatness, she helps ensure every bike is safe, every rider is supported, and every participant leaves with the knowledge and confidence to keep rolling. Her enthusiasm, encouragement, and mechanical expertise make her an invaluable member of the Growing Greatness team.
