Lenaya, joined the ACSF team in December just before the big Batizado & Workshops series! Jumping into the fire is an understatement. Now, a few months later she is starting to settle in and we are really glad to have her working as the Programs Assistant. Many members of the community have already met Lenaya, but in case not, we wanted to introduce her to the community and give folks a chance to get to know her a bit.
ACSF: What brought you to SF?
LENAYA: The pull of San Francisco can be like a vortex and after completing college in Santa Cruz back in 1999, I was sucked in. Drawn to the creative and vibrant energy of this city I have enjoyed nearly 20 years within the Bay Area. This city and the California north coast has become home.
ACSF: How did you come to find ACSF?
LENAYA: When my daughter, Sequoia, reached school age, I decided I was ready to get back to work. I cast a broad net among our school communities and one of our preschool parents passed on that ACSF was hiring. I was thrilled to discover what a great fit ACSF was! Having a school aged child in the Mission, it wasn’t long before I realized how many connections we already had with ACSF. Many of our friends and classmates have participated in ACSF’s capoeira classes and the reviews have all been glowing! I was instantly drawn to the values of the organization and it’s long history creating community and adding to the cultural wealth of the Mission.
ACSF: What things outside of ACSF are you involved with that you’d like to share with the ACSF community?
LENAYA: I’m really interested in the healing arts and wellness. I’m a birth and postpartum doula and continue to think and learn about the ways we can support expecting parents and create supportive and nourishing communities. I love plant medicine, nature therapy and finding more ways of practicing joy. Find out more at www.lenaya.com
ACSF: What is one of your favorite ways to spend your time?
LENAYA: Arts and crafts! I love making jewelry, I’ve taken a few metalsmithing classes and really I just enjoy making things. I collect sea glass and driftwood and love nature inspired creations.
ACSF: Have you tried any classes at ACSF?
LENAYA: I have! I’ve taken the Wednesday fundamentals class a handful of times, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I find it challenging and quite beautiful in many ways. I love the basis of community building that is so integrated in the ACSF classes and the capoeira practice. Sequoia has also really enjoyed taking the kids classes. I actually learn a lot from watching them!
ACSF: If you had one superpower, what would it be?
LENAYA: Oh, I love superpowers, so I’d love to be able to teleport, fly or breathe underwater. In these times though, I think it better to be a care bear that can put love into any heart, best kind of healing powers right there! I also wouldn’t mind being able to shoot rainbows out of my hands and ride over them on my Pegasus.