Kimi Lent has spent decades dedicated to serving youth and adults ensnared in the Criminal                    Justice System in South Los Angeles. She pioneered one of the first wrap-around services                          programs within an alternative high school that focused on the most neglected populations. Her              experience working with gang involved youth lead her to her work within the Criminal Justice                    System.
Kimi's community work today includes; social/emotional health services, gang/violence prevention/        intervention, court advocacy, mentorship, workforce development, along with providing youth with new and engaging opportunities.
Kimi is a Certified Gang Intervention Specialist and a well established Court appointed Gang Expert.
She is the Founder, Creator, and Program Director of the Big Dogg Academy.
                                                   



Dimitri "Budda" Gales suffered from abandonment and neglect as a child growing up in Compton and  South Los Angeles. His struggles to survive in the treacherous environment lead him to gangs and criminal activity. As a youth Budda received a lengthy Adult prison sentence. Although he had a rough beginning, Budda began reinventing himself while  incarcerated.
He found and brought to fruition his special gifts and talents and worked on becoming his best self.        Budda was instrumental in helping to birth the first prison dance group that became a powerful              healing experience and great escape to the grim realities of prison. A documentary of the dance group's journey, Dancing in A-Yard, has been featured in numerous film festivals.
Budda received an early release due to his extraordinary transformation and is  giving  back to the          youth by joining the Big Dogg team. He is a Lead Facilitator. Relevant Mentor, and the Creator and Coach of our Big Dogg Sports program. Budda is a true inspiration and a Top Dogg in serving our youth.




Genea is a re entry gem who came from the same harsh environment growing up as our students. Her passion and knowledge in agriculture and how it relates to wellness and healing is a perfect fit as our Workforce Development facilitator and Cook. She is dedicated to youth development and is a Relevant Mentor.
Genea provides hands-on instruction in gardening, nutrition, and culinary skills.
By teaching the process of growing, preparing, and transforming food into healthy sustainable products our students learn the correlation that connects to their own lives.