The Team
Claytoven Richardson
Recreation Center Director
Claytoven Richardson has been at the helm since November 2021, but he started with OPRYD in 2011 at the Digital Arts and Culinary Academy (now the East Oakland Art Center). There he helped with accomplishing their mission of giving participants opportunities to grow and build self-confidence through the learning of one of four components in their programs: Digital Audio Production, Digital Video Production, Culinary Arts, and Urban Agriculture.
Now his current mission, just as it was at the East Oakland Art Center, is to help youth, teens, and adults excel and create a better community for themselves and others. His ultimate goal is to help bring all types of enrichment into this amazing East Oakland community in which he grew up.
For more on Claytoven.
Imoteph "Imo" Mbwana
Recreation Leader II PPT
Imohteph Mbwana has been the PPT at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center since 2021. In 2008 he started off as a Recreation Leader I. His growth is evident in his ability to be facilitator of multiple programs including; sports, science, engineering and multiple forms of art. Teaching kid’s leadership and teamwork skills has also been his honorable mission; as wells as, striving to become an even better role model for his peers.
Though Imo (his nom de plume) is constantly growing in his position, his goals remain the same. Making sure that he’s dedicated to serving the community and ensuring a safe and positive place for kids to learn and play the Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Developement way…
Eric Flood
Recreation Leader I
Eric Flood was born and raised in Oakland, attended OUSD, and was a participant at Rainbow Recreation Center. He studied film production at Peralta Colleges and has a background in Multimedia. Eric worked for Health Initiative for Youth, his duties included outreach to teens and young adults and organizing teen events and leading activities. Eric has worked for Oakland Parks, Recreation and Youth Development in various capacities including, leading youth in programming activities, from gardening to crafts and STEAM projects for the last 9 years.
Marques Du Pree
Recreation Leader I
Marques has been with the center since March 2022. His main goal is to "piece by piece", help re-establish Arroyo Viejo’s (AVRC) presence in the community through Digital Video production and Music production. For the past 15 years he has developed his skills working in studios, grip & electric and through freelance projects along the west coast (The Bay, Seattle, LA), providing clients with media solutions to tell their story.
Currently he’s combining his skillset with the multi-talented Arroyo Park staff to provide a safe place for kids and community members, as well as create content about the programs and events available at AVRC.
Tahirah Jones
Recreation Leader I
Tahirah Jones is a Recreation Leader I, with an education in Vocal Music. She attended Oakland School for the Arts, but graduated from Berkeley High School. Tahirah has been with OPRYD for a year, supporting the community and children. She has gained important leadership skills and hopes to grow more with the Arroyo Viejo community.
“I love my job and helping my community. I’m very proud and passionate about helping others and, always ensuring safety for our kids and the people around me." Tahirah has become a valued part of the AVRC Team.
Dawn Samaniego
Recreation Specialist II PPT - Discovery Center (Arroyo Viejo)
Dawn Samaniego, oversees the Discovery Center now located at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center. She began working at the original Discovery Center location in Central East Oakland as a woodshop/science instructor. Dawn has collaborated with Bay Area community based hands-on science organizations to develop age-appropriate S.T.E.A.M based interactive projects and curricula for Oakland youth. Attended numerous professional development training on inquiry-based learning, such as the Exploratorium’s The Art of Tinkering. Dawn is a resident of Oakland’s Fruitvale District and attended OUSD schools. Received a BA in Liberal Studies, emphasis in Biology, from SF State University.
