About ProPhound Kids

Creativity is the CURE!

Our mission is to provide low-income youth between the ages of 10 and 17 residing in San Diego, CA with a history of abuse or neglect a safe space and community where they are free to express themselves through a variety of creative courses and team-building exercises.

Our Mission

ProPhound Kids promote healthy growth and development of at-risk youth in San Diego, CA through music and arts programs, community involvement, and related services. Many children withdraw from social activities and exhibit risky behaviors due to a history of child abuse or neglect (CAN) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Music and art play a multifaceted role in a child’s development, contributing to cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth.

According to Kidsdata.org (2019), 46% of households among San Diegan adults reported retrospectively that they had experienced 1-3 ACEs during their childhood. By providing children access to creative programs and mentorship opportunities, we are giving the tools to cope and heal from their trauma. As a community, we can prevent future public-health and equity issues, such as youth substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, and more.

In a 2021 review of research findings to explore the effects of ACEs and its relationship with substance use disorder (SUD), they found that the prevalence of ACEs is much higher among those with SUD and that there is a positive correlation between these factors (Leza et al, 2021). The more ACEs, the more likely you are to experience mental illness and chronic health conditions.

Our mission is to empower and inspire youth to seek healthier activities and reduce high-risk behaviors, as well as improve the overall quality of life for families in San Diego. With your help, we can expand our programs and services throughout the county to minimize the prevalence of youth substance abuse, homelessness, and mental and chronic-health issues in our community.

ACE Effects in San Diego County

%

Children with ACEs

2016 – 2019
(Parent Reported)
0 ACEs – 54.9%
1 ACE – 29.5%
2 or more ACEs – 15.6%

%

Childhood Hardships

2013 – 2014
(Maternal Retrospective)
0 hardships – 49.3%
1 hardship – 22.4%
2-3 hardships – 20.9%
4 or more hardships – 7.4%

%

Childhood Hardships

2011 – 2012
(Maternal Retrospective)
0 hardships – 51.9%
1 hardship – 24.6%
2-3 hardships – 15.6%
4 or more hardships – 7.8%

SOURCE: Kidsdata.org

The Impact

Music and art can have a profound impact on a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Research has shown that children exposed to music and art tend to perform better in subjects like math, science, and reading, as these activities enhance cognitive skills that are transferable to academic tasks. Children that explore their creative instincts through music and art foster imagination and creativity, which are valuable skills in problem-solving and innovation. 

 

Cognitive Development

Enhanced Brain Development
Engaging with music and art stimulates various areas of the brain, promoting the development of neural pathways associated with creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Improved Spatial-Temporal Skills
Exposure to music and art can enhance spatial-temporal reasoning skills, which are crucial for math and science learning.

Language Development
Music can help children with language development by exposing them to rhythm, melody, and lyrics, which can improve vocabulary and language comprehension.

Social Development

Teamwork and Cooperation
Group music activities, such as playing in a band or singing in a choir, teach teamwork, cooperation, and the value of working together to achieve a common goal.

Communication Skills
Participating in creative classes can improve a child’s communication skills, as they learn to express themselves and interpret the thoughts and emotions conveyed by others through artistic expression.

Building Relationships
Collaborative art and music experiences can help children build stronger friendships and social bonds with peers who share similar interests.

Emotional Development

Emotional Expression
Music and art provide children with outlets for expressing their emotions and feelings, helping them develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Stress Reduction
Listening to music and engaging in art activities can be calming and reduce stress and anxiety in children, promoting emotional well-being.

Empathy and Understanding
Diverse forms of music and art can promote empathy and an understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Physical Development

Fine Motor Skills
Activities like drawing, painting, and playing musical instruments require fine motor skills, which can improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Gross Motor Skills
Movement-based activities such as dancing to music or playing musical instruments can improve coordination and motor skills. Dancing involves rhythmic movements that help children develop better control over their bodies.

Sleep Patterns
Music, especially soothing and calming tunes, can help establish healthy sleep patterns. Quality sleep is essential for physical growth and overall health.

Our Instructors

Alexander Worth

Alex is a US Air Force veteran with a unique perspective and diverse skillset to inspire the next generation of visual storytellers. With a background in linguistics and marketing, he has a knack for understanding and connecting with bright minds. His passion for photography, honed through formal studies and freelance work, allows him to create engaging and memorable learning experiences when teaching the fundamentals of portrait photography.

Alexander Worth

Alex is a US Air Force veteran with a unique perspective and diverse skillset to inspire the next generation of visual storytellers. With a background in linguistics and marketing, he has a knack for understanding and connecting with bright minds. His passion for photography, honed through formal studies and freelance work, allows him to create engaging and memorable learning experiences when teaching the fundamentals of portrait photography.

Casey Poole

Casey is an abstract artist dedicated to teaching the community about inner creativity and the art of flowing with the process. Having healed through art herself, she now aims to help others find freedom and healing through abstract art.

Casey Poole

Casey is an abstract artist dedicated to teaching the community about inner creativity and the art of flowing with the process. Having healed through art herself, she now aims to help others find freedom and healing through abstract art.

Ali Benzerara

Raised by his mother and grandmother in the San Francisco North Bay, Ali grew up loving music, art, cooking, sports, and the outdoors. At a young age he found a passion for storytelling and has continued to carry it through his life, working as a freelance reporter, photojournalist and editor throughout college and his early career. Ali believes in sharing the importance of writing and its therapeutic elements with everyone, and is thrilled to be sharing his passion with the youth.

Ali Benzerara

Raised by his mother and grandmother in the San Francisco North Bay, Ali grew up loving music, art, cooking, sports, and the outdoors. At a young age he found a passion for storytelling and has continued to carry it through his life, working as a freelance reporter, photojournalist and editor throughout college and his early career. Ali believes in sharing the importance of writing and its therapeutic elements with everyone, and is thrilled to be sharing his passion with the youth.

Our Board

Our talented team is dedicated to the ProPhound Kids mission and success of our youth members. Serving on the board is a fulfilling leadership committment that provides opportunities to learn, grow, and impact our community.

David Tillman

David is the founder of ProPhound Kids and former Director for the Competitive Edge workforce development program. He is currently a Project Administrator at Pro Energy Services Group and member of the Youth Committee of The County of San Diego’s Black Chamber of Commerce. David owns ProPhound Entertainment and is a talented musician and artist, releasing nearly 40 singles and an album under the name, D Tillz.

David Tillman

David is the founder of ProPhound Kids and former Director for the Competitive Edge workforce development program. He is currently a Project Administrator at Pro Energy Services Group and member of the Youth Committee of The County of San Diego’s Black Chamber of Commerce. David owns ProPhound Entertainment and is a talented musician and artist, releasing nearly 40 singles and an album under the name, D Tillz.

Jabria Howington

Jabria is District Leader at Perez Brokerage and former Western Regional Lead of the Attorney Resource Team at DLA Piper. She volunteered as a public-health specialist for the AI Justice Foundation, which spearheads the United Nation’s “A.I. for Good” Law Track, and serves on the D&I committee at DLA Piper. Her philanthropic efforts improve access to healthcare, justice and financial resources for low and middle-income families. Jabria is an accomplished model and lyricist, releasing two singles and an album under the name, Ella Siobhan.

Jabria Howington

Jabria is District Leader at Perez Brokerage and former Western Regional Lead of the Attorney Resource Team at DLA Piper. She volunteered as a public-health specialist for the AI Justice Foundation, which spearheads the United Nation’s “A.I. for Good” Law Track, and serves on the D&I committee at DLA Piper. Her philanthropic efforts improve access to healthcare, justice and financial resources for low and middle-income families. Jabria is an accomplished model and lyricist, releasing two singles and an album under the name, Ella Siobhan.

Chandra Peterson

Chandra is a Federal Public Defender in Portland, Oregon. She spent her first 7 1/2 years as a trial Attorney at Federal Defenders of San Diego. As a member of the public defender office, she represents indigent persons accused of federal crimes at all stages of their court proceedings and has extensive trial experience. Chandra, a.k.a. Alibi has a passion for music. She is a producer of electronic music and is a resident DJ at the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown San Diego.

Chandra Peterson

Chandra is a Federal Public Defender in Portland, Oregon. She spent her first 7 1/2 years as a trial Attorney at Federal Defenders of San Diego. As a member of the public defender office, she represents indigent persons accused of federal crimes at all stages of their court proceedings and has extensive trial experience. Chandra, a.k.a. Alibi has a passion for music. She is a producer of electronic music and is a resident DJ at the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown San Diego.

Reverend Craig Brown

Reverend Craig Brown is the founder and CEO of Five Strings Partnership, an organization that educates the public on the benefits of working with the mental health community and provides financial assistance to approved applicants that desire to partner with a mental health professional. He has extensive experience with nonprofits, finance and financial sales and specializes in promoting community partnerships and major events.

Reverend Craig Brown

Reverend Craig Brown is the founder and CEO of Five Strings Partnership, an organization that educates the public on the benefits of working with the mental health community and provides financial assistance to approved applicants that desire to partner with a mental health professional. He has extensive experience with nonprofits, finance and financial sales and specializes in promoting community partnerships and major events.

Melissa Logan

Melissa Logan is an IP Legal Ops Manager for a medical device company, with previous IP experience at several firms. Melissa is a foster parent who loves working with and advocating for children and their families.

Melissa Logan

Melissa Logan is an IP Legal Ops Manager for a medical device company, with previous IP experience at several firms. Melissa is a foster parent who loves working with and advocating for children and their families.

Monica Preston

Monica is a multifaceted design-industry leader with experience in energy, technology, healthcare, real estate, finance, fine art, e-commerce, luxury retail, and startup sectors. She owns San Diego-based web design and user-experience agency, California Exposure, volunteers for community organizations like the Design Forward Alliance and previously served on the board for AIGA San Diego.

Monica Preston

Monica is a multifaceted design-industry leader with experience in energy, technology, healthcare, real estate, finance, fine art, e-commerce, luxury retail, and startup sectors. She owns San Diego-based web design and user-experience agency, California Exposure, volunteers for community organizations like the Design Forward Alliance and previously served on the board for AIGA San Diego.

Jennifer Ravikumar

Jennifer is Chair of the Physical Education department at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and has her Masters in Education. She has extensive experience in high school education, curriculum development, and team leadership. With a passion for wellness education, Jennifer is also an instructor at CorePower Yoga and coaches teacher training.

Jennifer Ravikumar

Jennifer is Chair of the Physical Education department at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and has her Masters in Education. She has extensive experience in high school education, curriculum development, and team leadership. With a passion for wellness education, Jennifer is also an instructor at CorePower Yoga and coaches teacher training.

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