By Stacey Buenavista, Director of School Partnerships

For more than fifteen years, UE HEART and Brenkwitz High School have shared something truly special: a partnership built on trust, shared purpose, and the unwavering belief that every young person deserves a path forward. 

Brenkwitz High School, Hayward Unified School District’s dedicated credit recovery school, has long been a home for students to rewrite their stories. It’s a place where second chances aren’t just offered — they’re expected, nurtured, and honored. Over the years, UE HEART has been privileged to walk alongside these students and the incredible Brenkwitz staff, offering support that goes far beyond academics. 

A Partnership Rooted in Real Support 

Since day one, the relationship between UE HEART and Brenkwitz has been grounded in mutual respect. Brenkwitz educators bring heart, grit, and a deep understanding of their students’ journeys. UE HEART meets that energy with social-emotional resources, restorative practices, and wellness-centered support designed to uplift young people holistically. 

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Fifteen years later, that combination still works — not because it’s flashy or new, but because it’s intentional, consistent, and built on our shared commitment to student success. 

With UE HEART embedded on campus, students receive: 

• Space to process emotions and stress 
• Tools to rebuild self-belief 
• Coaching through personal and academic barriers 
• Encouragement to embrace their strengths and goals 
• Support that celebrates growth, not perfection 

The Team Behind the Impact 

What makes the Brenkwitz–UE HEART partnership powerful isn’t just the programs — it’s the people who show up every day with patience, compassion, and a belief in each student’s potential. 

Inside the classroom, Mr. Estill sets the tone with a commitment to giving students the space and structure they need to rebuild their academic momentum. Alongside him, Rachel Williams, the school-based therapist, provides a safe and grounding presence for students navigating emotional challenges, always meeting them with understanding and care. Mental Health Counselors — Salem Lein, Divya Gillespie, and Leo Torres — bring their own blend of warmth, creativity, and individualized support. Whether they’re coaching students through tough moments, celebrating wins big or small, or offering restorative tools to help them reset and refocus, they’re there in the ways that matter most. 

Together, this team creates a classroom environment where students feel seen, supported, and respected — a place where healing and learning can happen side by side. Every student who walks through those doors benefits from a circle of adults truly invested in their growth.