Welcome, Chris & Lina!

Please join The First Tee of Silicon Valley in welcoming Chris & Lina! Chris Moreno-Hunt joins us as Program Manager.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Pitzer College where he played on the golf team for four years, earning awards for First-Team All-League and the Jesse Clark Sportsmanship award. Prior to joining TFTSV, Chris was the Program Manager at the The First Tee of the East Bay for six years. He was also the Head Golf Coach for the Albany High School men’s and women’s teams coaching the men to their first league title in 45 years. Chris also taught golf at Tilden Park Golf Course as a lead instructor for their Nike Jr. Golf Camp, and Jr. Golf Academies. Learn more about Chris from the Q&A below. Q: Why did you get involved with The First Tee of Silicon Valley? A: In my six years with The First Tee I have enjoyed working with coaches, volunteers, and schools to deliver a unique program that promotes positive character development in ways that few other programs do. I am excited for the opportunity to continue delivering the First Tee curriculum and getting to know the Silicon Valley community. Q: What is your favorite Core Value and why? A: Courtesy.  Being polite and considerate of others should be something we do not have to think about–it should be an impulse. When we operate with inherent courtesy we create an environment of empathy.  Empathy will in turn help us understand each other and through understanding comes positive change. Q: What do you look forward most about your new role as Program Manager? A:  I look forward to building relationships and strengthening our partnerships with the Silicon Valley community. I have heard wonderful things about the community and I am excited to find new ways to expand our reach, particularly in underserved areas. Q: Do you have any hobbies? A: I play league soccer, indoor badminton, and enjoy plucking away at the Ukulele. Q: Is there anything else you’d like The First Tee of Silicon Valley community to know about you? A: When I was first introduced to golf I had no idea how much it would shape me as a person. I believe in the 9 Core Values and I try to live by them every day of my life. I care about others and would like nothing more than to help others experience the joy and the life lessons this game has offered me.   Lina Peña-Herrera joined our team as Operations Assistant in February. Lina habla Español.  She will be working closely with our outreach program and the Latino community. Learn more about Lina from the Q&A below. Q: Why did you get involved with The First Tee of Silicon Valley? A: Because we wanted our children to be involved in a youth program that combines not only sports practice but also the teaching of core values. After a long time asking for info on different sport programs, we found that TFTSV had just what we were looking for. Today, after being involved in this wonderful program for more than four and half years, we can state TFTSV was our best decision ever. Q: What have you learned about yourself while being a volunteer with our chapter? A: I found out that is very rewarding helping other participant families in TFTSV to fulfill their expectations of the program and, at the same time, get involved in my children’s activities. All of that makes me feel happier and more productive. Q: What is your favorite Core Value and why? A: Perseverance. Because I never stop working to achieve my goals and dreams. No matter what how difficult it is, I just keep moving. Q: What do you look forward most about your new role as Operations Assistant? A: I want to let my community know that through golf we can help our children develop their sport and life skills. Also, I want more children to come to our program, take advantage of the opportunity to share with other children, and understand through the game each value applied. Q: Do you have any hobbies? A: Crafting and travel to new places with my family. Q: Is there anything else you’d like The First Tee of Silicon Valley community to know about you? A: I enjoy teaching Spanish, volunteering at my church and working with the staff, couches and volunteers at TFTSV.