Who We Are:
Founders Bill Sparks and Sarah Garfield established Los Angelitos in 2008 after noticing the disparity between the "haves" and "have nots" within the community when their own children were young.
Their goal has been to reduce the cost of existing youth programs for low-income children in Encinitas so that, regardless of economics, all children can participate in healthy after school activities.
Board Members
Gabriella "Gaby" Beas
Gabriela "Gaby" Beas Love is a first-generation Mexican-American, the daughter of migrant farm workers, with roots in both Solana Beach and Encinitas. As the first in her family to pursue higher education, Gaby received an A.A. degree from MiraCosta College and was awarded the Latino HealthCare Professional Project (LHPP) fellowship at California State University Long Beach. During her time at CSU Long Beach, Gaby gained extensive experience in community advocacy while working to eliminate healthcare disparities. After completing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, she seamlessly integrated her healthcare expertise into the field of education. This fusion has allowed her to continue the long and passionate work of eliminating educational disparities, championing equality, and empowering communities.
Gaby credits her success to her time at MiraCosta College. “I had a mentor at MiraCosta who saw something in me, something I hadn’t yet discovered, and she had me apply for the fellowship. Because of her, a seed was planted, which later became the passion and purpose for my career. That is why I have returned to MiraCosta. I want to pass on the gift that I was given. I want to help guide others to find their passion so they too can discover their purpose.”
With more than 29 years of experience working with vulnerable communities, Gaby now finds herself in her dream job, working for School Relations & Diversity Outreach at MiraCosta College, the same college where her story first began. She is always looking for opportunities to help students and their families grow. Ms. Gaby once said, “I want my students to shine and be excellent in school, in their community, and in life, but I also want all of our community members to see how extraordinary these young leaders truly are now and will continue to be in the future.”
Gaby provides academic support, social services, and leadership opportunities for students and their families. She is dedicated to helping marginalized communities realize their potential, encouraging them to access higher education and discover all that is available to them via certificate and vocational programs, AA degrees, and beyond. With nearly 20 years at the San Diego County Office of Education, she has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Gaby also serves on the Board of Directors for the Mexican-American Educational Guidance Association, La Colonia Community Foundation, Nature Collective, and Los Angelitos De Encinitas. She has chosen to participate with these boards because of her passion for ensuring the Latinx community's representation in all aspects of San Diego County, including access to open spaces like parks and natural reserves, which are vital for community well-being and quality of life. She envisions a world where everyone experiences, connects with, and protects nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. Gaby is also committed to improving healthcare and mental well-being for disenfranchised communities, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive.
Janisse Quinones
Janisse joined Los Angelitos de Encinitas in 2012 after reading an article in the local magazine "92024". She had been looking for an opportunity to help her community and fell in love with this organization. Janisse was a past president to Los Angelitos and now supports the organization from afar (NE area). She is a strong advocate on diversity and inclusion topics in both her civilian and military careers. She is committed to motivating our future generations in STEM careers and the pursue of higher education. Janisse is the proud mom of Adriana and Ansel Martinez.
Bill Sparks
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Being bilingual is part of the job for Bill who is a Senior Vice President and International Wealth Manager at Merrill Lynch in San Diego. Bill works exclusively with Mexican investors who have relied and trusted his investment guidance for over 40 years.
This bilateral connection has deepened Bill’s own relationship with the local Hispanic community of Encinitas, California where together with his wife Sarah Garfield, they founded Los Angelitos de Encinitas in 2008. The focus of their efforts has been to serve their community, especially its low income and disadvantaged children and families.
Bill and Sarah have two children who have been a part of the Los Angelitos journey from the beginning.
John Earnhart
Living in Europe during his formative years, John gained an appreciation for soccer and the cultural connections it makes. John expressed his passion for the game as a youth soccer coach for many years. Off the field, John has spent countless hours in the last decade providing hands on assistance to the students of Capri Elementary School in Encinitas. A passion for soccer and education brought John to Los Angelitos de Encinitas, Inc. where he now serves as President. John is a Program Manager at Qualcomm. He lives in Leucadia with his wife and two sons.
Friends of Los Angelitos
Ronette Youmans
Ronette Youmans is a retired high school teacher who became a volunteer for Los Angelitos de Encinitas in 2014. She helped supervise an after-school reading program at Paul Ecke Central School, where high school AVID student volunteers would read with the elementary students. Since then, Ronette has been a volunteer for Los Angelitos whenever needed. She lives in Encinitas with her husband and 2 English Springer Spaniels.
Bob Ayers
Bob grew up and is still very happy to be living in Encinitas where he and his wife, Theresa, raised their two sons. Bob started with Los Angelitos near its first year as a soccer coach. Since that time, Bob's supportive role has expanded in scope and diversity. Currently, Bob spends most of his time trying to keep Bill Sparks from doing anything too crazy (more than once).
Josh Devall
Josh Devall began with Los Angelitos in 2009 as an assistant soccer coach. He has helped in registering kids to attend YMCA summer camps and swim programs, and assisted with Los Angelitos's After-School literacy program at Paul Ecke Elementary School.