PASADENA: Exploring Solutions To Reduce Gang Violence

Steven Sneed was born and raised in Pasadena California. He graduated with his diploma from Pasadena High School in 1998. in 1999 Mr. Sneed accepted a position as a Instructional Aide for the Pasadena Unified School District working with special needs students. The following year Mr. Sneed was promoted to Behavior Specialist of Longfellow Elementary School. Although, Mr. Sneed managed suspensions and referrals, he also built long lasting relationships with families, students, and community members. Mr. Sneed held that position for ten years. Thanks to the mentorship of Peter Pannell, Yvette Montoya, Erica Ingber, and Tracy Fontenot Mr. Sneed acquire a degree. In the summer of 2010 Steven Sneed graduated for University of Phoenix with a bachelors in Human Services. After serving the youth for a dedicated 10 years Mr. Sneed sought after a new opportunity to grow and expand his knowledge and experience in youth intervention. In 2011 Mr. Sneed took on a position as a Youth Specialist with Hathaway Sycamore’s School Based Services. Mr. Sneed worked with the youth at Pasadena High School creating positive interventions for students who struggled with anxiety, social skills, anger management, time management, task completion, and much more. After four years of service, in 2016 Mr. Sneed was presented with an opportunity to become a district wide Intervention Specialist for Pasadena Unified School District. Mr. Sneed created behavioral support plans for at risk students, facilitated after-school mentoring groups at 4 elementary schools, conducted conflict resolution trainings to staff, and lead gang prevention presentations to over 140 middle and high school students. In the summer of 2017 Mr. Sneed was laid off due to budget cuts in the Pasadena Unified School District. In despite of the sudden devastation Mr. Sneed continued his journey to give back. Mr. Sneed joined the Violence Prevention Planning Committee for the city of Pasadena. After discussing Intervention and Prevention with some of Pasadena’s most influential Mr. Sneed was inspired to create a film on gang violence in Pasadena. The film will focus on exploring solutions to reduce gang violence by creating an open dialog, bringing people together, and hearing perspectives from those who’s voices are often left out of the conversation. Filled with inspiration, Mr. Sneed Joined Collaborate Pasadena’s Neighborhood Leadership Institute (PNLI). The 10 week 30 hour course was life changing. Mr. Sneed was introduce to many of Pasadena’s elite such as the Mayor, a supreme court judge, chief of police, the superintendent, and many other city officials. During the 10 weeks an unexpected relationship developed between Mr. Sneed and PNLI facilitator Brian Biery. Mr. Biery was intrigued by Mr. Sneed’s vision and came aboard as a associate producer to bring the film to life. The documentary titled Pasadena has officially begun production.