Engage Blog

We’re happy to introduce Nate, Megan, and Lakshmi!

Nathaniel Hall, Regional Programs Director and Free Food Program Coordinator (L.A.) – Mr. Hall’s background is in social work. He has been employed by the WLCAC/ GRYD Program in Watts, CA, as a Case Manager/Counselor working with at risk young teens from ages 12-16; at Shields for Families in Compton, CA, as a Case Manager working with children whose parent or parents are housed at an inpatient drug treatment facility; and at El Nido Family Service in Carson, CA, as a Case Manager supervising a caseload of 30-35 minors receiving county Aid. He has an AA degree Interdisciplinary Studies from Los Angeles Southwest College and is currently completing studies for a BS degree in Administrative Justice at Cal State University, Long Beach.

Megan Hocking, Arts Programs Manager – Ms. Hocking has worked in non-profit and municipal recreation programming for over 10 years. She earned her degree in Recreation Administration at the California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo where she specialized in Special Events and Business Marketing. Megan is an accomplished event planner and instructor. She has been volunteering and working with seniors for most of her life and enjoys offering her unique brand of fun and energy to EngAGE programming.

 Lakshmi Jonnada, Regional Programs Director – Ms. Jonnada is responsible for implementing innovative programming and maintaining the quality of programs provided by EngAGE. She has 12 years’ experience in the human services field. She worked as a Community Liaison for The Hawthorne School District, linking families to community resources and implementing lifelong learning programming to bring families together. She has been recognized numerous times for her success in keeping high rate attendance and participation rates. She organized and presented many times at conferences held by the Los Angeles County of Education – Even Start Family Literacy, No Child Left Behind, and the Nutrition Network. She worked as a Resource Coordinator with seniors with mental disabilities and built strong relationships with networking partners to secure generic resources. She has volunteered for non-profit organizations such as Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Operation READ program, YMCA Silver Sneakers, and Lake Ave. Community Foundation Homeless Programs. Ms. Jonnada holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix.