Anika Velasquez is mom to her two children Levi, and Jaxon and the Director of Monte Vista Kids Connection. She has been a mother for 19 years now.

Velasquez said she did not see herself as a mother when she was younger.

“I was that girl growing up that swore she would never have kids,” Velasquez said.

And now 19 years later, Velasquez shared how rewarding being a mother has been.

“The most rewarding part of motherhood for me is watching my young men grow into confident adults,” Velasquez said. “There is no greater reward than seeing them conquer all their fears and find their own way in this world.”

Velasquez says she was drawn to her current job at Kids Connection because of her children. She started working for the City’s Recreation Department as a coach and referee for the sports her boys played.

At the time, the Kids Connection needed extra help, so the Recreation Department filled in and Velasquez has been there ever since and is now the director of the program 9 years later. Here she works to provide children a safe place to grow and enjoy being kids after school and when they run their summer day camp program.

Velasquez said her favorite part of her job is its ever-changing environment.

“It’s a new challenge every day, every school year and every summer. You really never know what each day will bring,” said Velasquez.

Velasquez said that her career helping meet the needs of children at Kid’s Connection has been rewarding.

“I find my job rewarding in knowing that I am providing a place where children feel safe, enjoy coming to and even more that we have a community of parents that trust and appreciate the work Kids Connection is doing,” she said.

When asked what advice Velasquez would give about motherhood, Velasquez answered saying, “My advice to other mothers would be to remember what being a mother means. We are here to guide our children on their journey of life. In all of that remember you are walking next to them and growing with them on this adventure. Fight hard for them when they can’t, encourage them when they are struggling, embrace them when their hearts are hurting and give them the confidence to speak their truth. Make it a point to make them a priority in this busy world because you will never get the chance to experience those moments again with them.”

Velasquez said she had great role models.

“I was blessed with great role models in my life and my successes have grown because of their continued support,” she said. “Happy Mother’s Day mom!”