Chief Executive Director

sly@sidebysidekids.org

Born and raised in the small cotton-farming community of Lamesa, TX, Sly first attended Midland Community College with the help and encouragement of his high school journalism teacher, a man who demonstrated to him the impact an educator can have on the life of a student. Later attending West Texas State University and majoring in criminal justice administration, Sly followed a diverse career path for the next few years.

Prior to joining Side by Side Kids (Formerly CNS), he was the Southwest Vice President for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., where he helped develop advocate programs in Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Sly also worked for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and in Bastrop County as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Administrator.

After a period of traveling, Sly settled down with his family in Austin as the Executive Director of Side by Side Kids, a job he actively sought out as a way to make a difference in the lives of children. He approaches the Side by Side Kids’ mission with a passion for giving kids a better future.

He is married to Jeanette Guzman and they have two children. Sly loves to play golf, is a big fan of the Texas Longhorns and is a member of the East View High School Quarterback Booster Club.