Our Board of Directors

 At just seven years old, Nate Gonzalez launched Nate’s Next Kid Up, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting children in foster care and underserved youth in his community What began as a simple Christmas toy and sports-equipment drive has blossomed into a full-scale charitable operation, distributing tens of thousands of gifts, expanding into education, arts, and sports, and opening a brick‑and‑mortar hub in Corpus Christi to better serve local kids and foster families .  Nate's leadership has earned him notable recognition:

• KRIS 6 Angel Award (January 2023) 
• Congressional Recognition from Rep. Michael Cloud for exceptional support of foster youth 
• Texas State Board of Education Student Hero Award, selected among 15 students statewide 
• Young Philanthropy Award from AFP Coastal Bend

Under Nate’s guidance, the nonprofit partners with organizations like CASA of the Coastal Bend, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, the Corpus Christi Hooks, and the Alamo Drafthouse to create year-round events—from toy and sports drives to youth field trips and health-focused programs like yoga and arts workshops In early 2025, Nate proudly unveiled the organization’s first physical location at 1524 S. Staples St.—featuring donation storage, a toy “shopping” area for foster children, and even free batting cages—realizing a dream built with the support of his family and community.

I am the proud mother of the founder of Nate’s Next Kid Up, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering foster children in our community and surrounding areas through sports, education, and the arts. As president of the organization, I am deeply passionate about supporting and growing our mission to inspire and uplift youth in foster care.

In addition to my role with the nonprofit, I am also a small business owner in the sports industry. My background in business, combined with my love for youth development, has fueled my commitment to seeing Nate’s Next Kid Up continue to expand its impact.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family—traveling, going to the beach, watching movies, cooking at home, and sharing meals together. Supporting Nate and helping bring his vision to life has become one of my greatest joys and priorities.

As a dedicated husband, father, and registered nurse with over 22 years of experience—including more than a decade in intensive care units—I bring a lifetime of service and compassion to everything I do. My commitment to healthcare has shaped my values around resilience, integrity, and the importance of advocating for those in need.

Now, as the proud father of the founder of Nate's Next Kid Up I am honored to support Nate's vision to make a meaningful impact in our community. I believe in the mission of this organization because I’ve seen firsthand the importance of showing up for others—whether at a hospital bedside or through nonprofit outreach.

I lend my support to this nonprofit not only as a board member but also as a parent who understands the power of purpose-driven work. My background in critical care has taught me how to act under pressure, work in diverse teams, and lead with compassion—skills I now contribute to the strategic development and operational support of our cause.

Together, our family is committed to creating lasting change and building a legacy of service that goes beyond our own walls.

 Lisa has worked in the sales and marketing field since 1997.  She started her career early in the theme and water park industry as a sales coordinator and eventually ending as the General Sales Manager. Lisa finds passion in event management, building relationships and creating unique experiences.  In 2020, Lisa took a position as the Sales and Marketing Manager for In The Game Funtrackers in Corpus Christi, Texas and was then promoted to Regional Director of Marketing in 2023.  During the time in Corpus Christi, Lisa served on the board for Youth Odyssey, and served as a Chamber Champion for the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce.  

 Amanda Castillo is a dedicated professional currently employed full-time with the Corpus Christi IceRays. Her journey with Nate's Next Kid Up began when she met Nate at a local event and was deeply inspired by his cause. As the nonprofit collaborates with the IceRays organization in various events, Amanda's passion for making a difference in the community grew stronger. Witnessing Nate's mission to help the local community firsthand during these events, Amanda found her calling and is now eager to be a catalyst for positive change. She is committed to supporting Nate's Next Kid Up in its mission to empower and uplift the local community. 

  Samuel Escalante is a Marketing Creative with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. From 2011 to 2020, he served on multiple Religious Non-Profit Student Camp boards, advancing from a marketing intern to a marketer and ultimately the Director of Public Relations. In 2024, Samuel founded SOTEX Media Company, a marketing firm, and has since been published in both digital and print magazines. He is married to Cinthia Escalante, and together they have one son, Samuel Escalante Jr. 

   I am Breanne Hallam. I am a mom of 3 (1 boy and 2 girls). My family and I moved to Texas in 2023 for my husbands job. I am very active in my kids lives and we are always on the go. When I met Nate I was instantly in love with his mission and drive to help his community in any way he can. Without hesitation I asked to help in any way possible. I felt that this was a great thing for my kids to get involved with as well and am very excited to see what the future brings for this amazing thing we are a part of. Let's be the change!