We're known for our leadership team

Maya Shimizu

For the past five years, Maya has served as an instructor for the student-focused Daion Taiko group, while concurrently spending four years as a Yo! Camp counselor.

Paul Goodman

For over 15 years, Paul has been a counselor, staff member and leader across dozens of different community organizations throughout LA and Orange County. When not volunteering, Paul is a Director and Editor in the film industry.

Sarah Ando

Re-founded the Young Adult Buddhist Association at Orange County Buddhist Church, and a decade-and-a-half experience in camp counseling including (all) five years at Yo! Camp.

Erin Hayashida

Over a decade of experience in working with youth in Little Tokyo and summer camp programs including (all) five years at Yo! camp.

Craig Ishii

Origin story at Orange County Buddhist Church. Founder of Kizuna. Decades of experience in youth organizations and summer camps including (all) five years at Yo! Camp.

Tyler Chung

Bringing five years of basketball coaching experience from Orange Lutheran High School, he is excited to join the program this season and looks forward to fostering teamwork, community, and togetherness among all participants.

Madeline Sugimoto

Passionate about investing in the next generation through mentoring youth, advocating for AANHPI mental health, and staying deeply involved in the Japanese American community she calls home.

Brandon Takahashi

Experienced youth counselor with Yo! Camp and the Children’s Skin Disease Foundation, passionate about connecting students to their roots while preparing them for the future.

Ally Yamashita

A four-year Yo! Camp counselor with over eight years of youth work experience, dedicated to strengthening community and helping students build confidence in their identities.

Tomi Okuno

An artist and early childhood educator with over ten years of youth camp mentorship experience. Her involvement in the Japanese American community includes Nisei Week, JACL, and the Pasadena JCI.

Kyle Okazaki

Kyle has worked with students through summer programs, scholarship programs, and mentorships, and is passionate about helping young people connect their experiences to their unique voice and art.

Kamryn Uyeki

4 years of counseling experience and 2 years of coaching high school athletes. Passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health, building community, and so much more!

Marisa Katsuda

Marisa is a middle school math teacher and longtime Japanese American community leader who is passionate about empowering youth to connect with their culture, community, and one another.

Nicole Oshima

Has been involved with camp counseling and high school leadership programming for the past 11 years. She is passionate about community care and sharing her love of Little Tokyo with the next generation.

Sam Strand

With nearly 10 years of experience supporting students in classrooms, sports teams, and a community taiko group, she looks forward to helping the youth feel more involved in their culture and community.

Iris Hirata

Has been involved with community youth activities for over 8 years, including 4 years (and counting!) at Yo! Camp. Iris is passionate about community empowerment and fostering the next generation.

Julia Tonai

After years of working with Yo! Camp, a community taiko group, and various other youth programs, Julia is dedicated to helping students connect with their community and each other!