Difference Maker: Nayeli Loera, Jessica Velasco & Jessica Pinela

By Michelle Hartel, Executive Director

For many folks, traditional tutoring programs bring visions of dry literary practice and monotonous math exercises. Students, parents and tutors of the Tu Guía program describe their experiences very differently. A spirit of connection,

creativity and fun filled the Edwards Fieldhouse during the recent school-year graduation celebration while students, siblings, parents and caregivers savored reflections and accolades from tutors. This mighty collection of high school and college students serving as tutors deserves to be honored in making significant differences in the lives of local students and families. 

Diana Loera, a local kindergarten teacher and part-time Mountain Youth program coordinator beams as she describes the program and impacts she has witnessed. “As a full-time educator it is a true pleasure to also coordinate Tu Guía, a tutoring program where high school and college students support elementary and middle school students both academically and social emotionally,” Diana describes. She continues, “Throughout the school year, tutors provide targeted help weekly in the areas each student needs most, while also developing into independent, hard-working and compassionate individuals.” Diana has supported the program since its inception in the Spring of 2020, an exceptional season for student learning. The original foundation of Tu Guía was conceptualized when two local high schoolers recognized the need for familial support for younger students while home-based learning replaced classroom engagement during the early stages of the COVID pandemic, especially for families who speak a home language other than English. Tu Guía tutors help grow academic performance with younger students while engaging parents and caregivers, empowering and building skills for the entire family. The unique inclusion of social emotional support is critical as well; if students are struggling with communication, social skills or problem solving, they will be more limited in their ability to excel academically.  

Fast forward five years and Tu Guía has evolved into a vibrant and robust program. In the 2024-2025 school year, Tu Guia served 26 students matched with 18 tutors. Of the 26 students, 90% are Hispanic/Latino, and of the 18 tutors, 85% are Hispanic/Latino. In experiencing the recent graduation ceremony, it was apparent that the impact of the program is directly connected to the passion and drive of the tutors. “This year, I had the honor of working with tutors who are organized, responsible, patient and empathetic young people who consistently go above and beyond. I also had the joy of collaborating with families and students who are loving, flexible and united in their commitment to growth and learning,” Diana reflects. 

Among the 18 tutors is the quiet and compassionate Nayeli Loera, a fresh high school graduate and recent alumni of Eagle Valley High School. Nayeli is wrapping up her third year tutoring the same student. When considering her role as a tutor, Nayeli smiles and shares, “There are so many things I love about being part of the Tu Guía program. My absolute favorite has definitely been creating connections, not only with my student and her mom but also having the ability to connect with others in the community. Having the opportunity to make a change in the community has been my biggest dream. This program has helped me realize that the connections we make can have the biggest impact and help us grow as a community.” Nayeli has seen tremendous growth in her students’ academics over the years, citing progress in homework and test scores. Nayeli explains that the growth has stretched beyond academics and the classroom, “She has grown in the social and emotional aspects in her life. From being shy to being more outgoing, sharing her thoughts and feelings and expressing herself- it is so amazing to see how much she has grown and how confident she now is. I’m truly honored and grateful to be a part of that journey she is creating for herself, and I know she is going to continue to do great things in life,” Nayeli concludes. It is deeply apparent that this growth is a direct reflection of the time, attention and intentional impact that Nayeli puts forth. During her Tu Guía involvement, Nayeli has decided to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Health & Human Services, which she will begin working toward with classes launching this summer to enable her to continue giving back to local youth and families. 

Jessica Velasco and Jessica Pinela are two other core Tu Guía tutors. Similarly, they proudly reflect on their student's growth, shifting from struggling and confused to relieved at their understanding of the topics. They describe their favorite parts about being a tutor as being able to help out local kids and see the student’s confidence grow as they master skills.  

Mountain Youth is honored to have dedicated and empathetic young leaders like Nayeli, Jessica and Jessica as Tu Guía. They believe in the potential of younger students, and are helping to pave a brighter, more hopeful path in Eagle County.