Alexandra Perry (she/her) - Teaching Artist, Communications & Operations Coordinator
Alexandra is a visual artist and filmmaker with a Communication Design & Media Production degree from CSU Chico. After graduating she made her way up and through the Los Angeles Production Industry - producing, coordinating and managing for companies & networks such as Disney, A&E, Bravo, ESPN, and the NFL. After realizing her stronger passion for being behind the camera, she shifted focus and has grown her talents as Videographer/Photographer. She’s most drawn to documenting live events such as conferences, film festivals, life events & more.
Andy Nealy (he/him) – Teaching Artist
Andy is a passionate Visual Development and Storyboard Artist, Writer, and Director dedicated to shaping the next generation of filmmakers. Having experienced firsthand how filmmaking can open doors and foster meaningful connections, he is committed to mentoring and inspiring young creatives—just as his own teachers, mentors, and friends did for him.
Fun Fact: When he's not behind the camera, Andy indulges in his love for cars, often driving and filming them with friends.
Brittani Sensabaugh (she/her) – Teaching Artist
Brittani Sensabaugh, known as BrittSense, is a Documentarian and the owner of 222Media LLC. She launched her photography career at 19, starting in fashion photography. Originally from Oakland, California, BrittSense moved to New York City in 2010 and has since made her mark as a renowned photographer and artist. Passionate about giving back to her community, she aims to inspire Oakland’s youth to believe in themselves through love and art.
Fun fact: BrittSense loves oldies music and enjoys painting in her spare time.
Elizabeth Osborne (she/her) - Teaching Artist
Elizabeth Osborne is a video producer, educator, and mentor with a passion for storytelling and supporting young creatives. With over 15 years in video production, she worked extensively at PlayStation, specializing in video production operations and collaborating on marketing campaigns, in-game cinematics, and VR projects. A UC Berkeley Film graduate, she is dedicated to mentorship and serves as Board President at her cooperative preschool, fostering community among families.
Fun fact: Her first patent application was recently published!
Filomeno Tomas (he/him) - Teaching Artist, YB Pro
Filo, originally from Guatemala, has developed a deep passion for media since joining YouthBeat, where he honed his skills in photography, videography, and video editing. As a dedicated filmmaker, Filo enjoys mentoring youth, hoping to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and animators.
Fun fact: Filo’s first trip to Los Angeles was with YouthBeat, where he filmed a commercial with NBC Universal.
Gregory Collins (he/him) - Senior, Community Outreach Manager
Gregory is an experienced educator and leader who has been working with youth since he was 13. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University in 2011, he began his teaching career in his hometown of Camden, NJ, before moving to the Bay Area to attend film school. There, he honed his leadership skills while working with several nonprofits. Gregory enjoys working at YouthBeat because it blends his passion for mentoring youth with his love for content creation.
Fun fact: Gregory is a huge fan of anime and comic books.
Jake Schoneker (he/him) - Executive Director
Jake has worked with Youth Beat since its inception in 2010-- building YB's education programs and curriculum, creating community partnerships and helping produce 100+ youth-led media projects. He has led the organization as Executive Director since 2016, when founder Jeff Key retired. Jake has over 10 years experience working with inner-city youth, and his documentary film work has appeared on the PBS NewsHour, the AFP, MSNBC and other outlets. He holds a master’s degree in Journalism from UC Berkeley, where his work concentrated on youth media and multimedia journalism.
Jalil Butron (he/him) - Creative Director
Jalil is a Director of Photography with experience in commercial, documentary, and corporate filmmaking. After studying psychology at San Diego State University, he moved to Shanghai, where he transitioned from recruiting to video production, working with brands like Dyson, GQ, and Michelin. Now back in California, he serves as YouthBeat's Creative Director, dedicated to helping young creatives turn their passions into careers.
Fun fact: His favorite nicknames are Lito and Lili.
Josh Park (he/him) - Teaching Artist
Josh Park holds an MFA in Cinema from San Francisco State University and a BA in Film Studies from UC Berkeley. Based in the Bay Area, Josh is a writer, director, and videographer specializing in narrative films. After completing grad school, he was eager to continue his teaching journey and found a passion for teaching film and video to underprivileged youth.
Fun Fact: he’s a big fan of Garfield the cat.
Kana Azhari (she/her) - Program Coordinator
Kana is a filmmaker, youth educator, and community organizer from Oakland and South Berkeley, CA. She is passionate about empowering young people to tell their stories through media, leadership, and creative expression. With a background in social movements and multimedia arts from UC Santa Cruz and Berkeley City College, she has spent over a decade working in media arts, performing arts, and community organizing across multiple cities.
Fun fact: Kana loves all things play—including surfing, dancing, laser tag, and extreme walking!
Kevin Cuenca (he/his) - Teaching Artist
Kevin graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in broadcast journalism and spent nearly 15 years as a sports reporter and anchor, earning an Emmy Award and covering major events like the NBA Finals, World Series, and Super Bowl. Inspired by his mentor, Daryl Hawks, Kevin is passionate about helping young people discover endless opportunities and master the art of storytelling through multimedia.
Fun fact: Kevin has traveled to 11 countries and plans to explore many more.
Kristal Raheem (she/her) - Development Manager
Kristal, an Oakland native, brings a passion for community service and youth development to YouthBeat. With a background in education, non-profit programming, and journalism, she aims to empower Oakland youth as future storytellers. An alum of the Oakland Voices program and a KALW Audio Academy fellow, Kristal holds degrees in Sociology and Education Policy. A proud graduate of the Oakland Unified School District, she values the importance of arts and media access for youth.
Fun fact: Kristal is also a poet who began writing in high school and has performed on notable stages, including Yerba Buena Gardens.
Meru Sharma (she/her) - Teaching Artist
Meru holds a Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Studies with minors in Film and Gender Studies from DePauw University and a Master’s in Social Documentation from UC Santa Cruz. Passionate about the power of media to shape our world, Meru is dedicated to supporting artists and uplifting young creatives through her work with YouthBeat.
Fun fact: Meru has loved wearing Crocs since childhood and still rocks them today!
Osiris Harden (he/his) - Teaching Artist
Osiris Harden is a narrative filmmaker from East Oakland, CA, passionate about storytelling that uplifts youth and his community. He holds a BA in Film Studies from Sacramento State and has worked as an Assistant Camera, Video Specialist, and Production Assistant. At YouthBeat, he mentors students in developing their creative voices.
Fun fact: He used to make music before
Luis Arnold (he/his) - Teaching Artist
Luis holds a BA in Motion Pictures and Television and joined YouthBeat to empower and inspire youth to take creative risks while enjoying the art-making process.
Fun fact: Luis has an Oreo milkshake addiction that fuels his creativity!
Riley Lockett (he/his) - Teaching Artist
Bio coming soon
Sagesse Graham (she/her) - Education Director
Sagesse has dedicated her life and career to youth empowerment through the arts with a focus on video and audio production. Skilled in interdisciplinary learning, creative facilitation, and curriculum design, she has great passion for developing and crafting programs that emphasize emotional and multiple intelligence, as well as teaching to all learning styles. Her programs speak to young people and engage them on many levels. Sagesse has worked with world renown organizations such as The Power of Hope, Partners for Youth Empowerment and The Riekes Center. She holds a BA from the Evergreen State College.
Spencer Smith (he/him) - YB Pro
Spencer has been with YouthBeat for five years, starting as a freshman in the Filmmakers 1 class, where they discovered a passion for filmmaking—both in front of and behind the camera. Now part of the YouthBeat team, they continue to refine their skills and push their creative boundaries.
Fun fact: They have a collection of around 200 Monster Jam trucks (not to be confused with the new Hot Wheels versions!) and are always on the hunt for more.
Stephan Jeanpierre (he/him) - Post Production Supervisor
Stephan is a Post Production Specialist and Cinematographer who joined YouthBeat to give young people opportunities he never had. Passionate about teaching, he enjoys sharing his expertise in a field he loves.
Fun fact: Stephan grew up snowboarding and still loves hitting the slopes!
Zachary Sweet (he/him) - Teaching Artist, Producer
Zachary is a biracial artist dedicated to empowering his BIPOC students to let their creativity shine, especially within his own neighborhood. Known for his unique blend of monsters, creeps, and anxiety-filled characters, Zachary’s paintings and illustrations bring a whimsical twist to dark, macabre themes. His work balances playfulness with satire, capturing the madness of the human condition. Passionate about storytelling, Zachary believes every student has a story to tell and is honored to help them find their voice.