Meet our Staff
Jack Fucci
President and CEO
jackf@wsymca.org
Kim Benzan
Chief Operating Officer
kimberlyb@wsymca.org
Kim was appointed Chief Operating Officer at the West Suburban YMCA in March of 2020. Before her promotion to Chief Operating Officer, Kim spent two years as the Y's Senior Program Director, during which she exceeded budgetary goals for all five program departments under her management and oversaw the implementation of several new initiatives including a girl's empowerment program, a free water safety event series, and a club model afterschool program. Prior to that, Kim served for three years as the Sports Director at the Y. In that capacity, she created both Adaptive and Inclusion sports programming for children and young adults with diverse abilities. In addition, Kim expanded the menu of sports offerings to include lacrosse (girls and boys), girls basketball, and pickleball, to name a few. She oversees the sports, aquatics, wellness, child care and creative arts departments.
A dynamic and effective collaborator, Kim has introduced partnerships with many local organizations while working at the West Suburban YMCA, including the Special Olympics, Second Step, Boston College, Jr. NBA, Deafinitely Dance Program, and many others.
Kim holds a BA from the College of the Holy Cross, an MA from Tufts University, and a JD from Suffolk University Law School. Prior to working at the West Suburban YMCA, she spent 13 years as an attorney at the firm Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glosvsky and Popeo P.C. A coach at heart, she also founded and operated a very successful club basketball program for several years.
Laura Snow
Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Administration
lauras@wsymca.org
Laura joined the West Suburban Y Team in 2008, bringing with her a broad range of professional knowledge that includes international work experience. As the Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Administration, Laura leads Human Resources practices and objectives that provide an employee-oriented; high-performance culture that emphasizes inclusion, empowerment, quality, productivity and standards; goal attainment and the recruitment and ongoing development of a superior and diverse workforce. She oversees the development and implementation of talent management/human resources policies, as well as plans and services including recruitment and onboarding, legal compliance, employee benefits, compensation, employee relations, diversity, equity and inclusion, employment practices and procedures, and employee communications and events.
Andrea Osterloh
Human Resources Associate
andreao@wsymca.org
Andrea (Andi) joined the Y community as the Human Resources Associate in Fall of 2018. She holds her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and Literature from the University of New Hampshire and worked for several years in aquatics safety and management before making the transition to recruiting and employee engagement. Before coming to the Y, she spent four years in the Newton Public Schools as the Human Resources Assistant. Andi is passionate about working for an organization that makes a difference in the lives of others and approaches her role with empathy and the drive to make a positive impact. When she is not working at the Y, Andi enjoys reading, sailing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Emily Flynn
Executive Assistant/Development Associate
emilyf@wsymca.org
Emily joined the Y in the fall of 2018 as Executive Assistant, providing clerical and high-level administrative support to the CEO, Board of Directors and the Senior Leadership Staff. She is an outgoing, friendly and positive presence at the Y, and she enjoys the outdoors, watching sports and practicing yoga in her free time. Prior to her arrival at the Y, Emily spent five years as the office manager for the women's basketball program at the University of Oklahoma. She earned her BA in sports management and MA in human development and family studies from the University of Connecticut, where she totaled six years working with the women's basketball team as a student manager and graduate assistant.
Finance
Chris Meyers
Chief Financial Officer
chrism@wsymca.org
Vadim Melamud
Payroll & Accounts Payable Manager
vadimm@wsymca.org
Vadim joined the WSYMCA in September 2014 after working for Whole Foods Market as the Accounting Department Team Leader for eight years. He graduated from the University of Odessa, Ukraine with a degree in Economics and Newbury College in Brookline, MA with a degree in Accounting and Business Management. Vadim is a Professional Driving Instructor in his spare time and enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and helping his teenage daugther with her school life.
Development
Sara Pollock DeMedeiros
Vice President of Mission Advancement
sarapd@wsymca.org
Sara joined the West Suburban YMCA in 2017 after holding leadership roles with non-profit organizations serving youth and families across the state. Sara is responsible for the planning, coordination, and management of all aspects of the association’s fundraising efforts, and aims to foster a culture of social responsibility that helps keep our Y open to all. Sara received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University and Master of Education from Harvard University. She is a Newton native and is thrilled to be serving her community.
Kristina Carroll
Development Assistant
kristinac@wsymca.org
Kristina joined the WSYMCA team in November of 2021 as the Development Assistant. In this role, she provides administrative and logistical guidance to support the growth of fundraising efforts across the organization. She joined us with 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and new business development throughout a variety of industries. She has a passion for helping others achieve success and thrives in contributing to the Y whose mission and values are in alignment with her own.
Marketing & Communications
Katie Sopcik
Director of Marketing & Communications
katies@wsymca.org
Katie Sopcik joined the West Suburban YMCA in May 2022 as the Director of Marketing & Communications. Katie is responsible for creating and implementing activities associated with the annual Marketing & Communications Plan and tying all marketing activities back to organizational goals for membership, camp, programs, and mission advancement. Katie brings over fourteen years of experience in marketing, communications, and business development for nonprofit organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Florida, with a Minor in Business Administration, and has been awarded the IOM designation for nonprofit management through the four-year program from the Institute for Organization Management.
Member Services and Wellness
Jane Carroll
Senior Director of Association Member Engagement & Wellness
janec@wsymca.org
Paige Nitardy
Membership Director- Church St
paigen@wsymca.org
Paige joined our team as Membership Director, Church Street in December 2022. In this role, Paige works to ensure successful operation of the Membership Department including staff supervision and development, superior customer service, community relations, collaborations, budgeting and financial results. She works to implement new procedures and methods to achieve strategic membership goals for the Association. In addition, she leads recruitment efforts of new members and retention of existing members. Paige joined us with having a variety of YMCA work experience, most recently being the Aquatics Director at the Charlestown YMCA. Prior to that role, she worked for Greater Boston at the Wang YMCA as the Associate Membership Director. Other roles at the Y have included Lifeguard, Head Lifeguard, Assistant Camp Director, Membership Desk Representative and Swim Instructor. Paige is no stranger to the YMCA, as she grew up attending Y programs and camps.
Jordan Cloutier
Director of Membership - Wells Ave
jordanc@wsymca.org
Jordan joins us with operations and supervisory experience from a variety of different gyms, including the Operations Manager of LA Fitness and Assistant Manager of Orangetheory Fitness. He is no stranger to the fitness world, as he also has sales experience as an account manager at Gym Source. Jordan has successfully maximized sales with excellent customer service, product knowledge and on-going post-sale support. His outgoing personality enables him to build authentic relationships with clients/members, as well as colleagues. Jordan grew up going to the Capital District YMCA in Troy, NY. He holds his Bachelor of Art degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Sport Management from Mt. Ida College where he was also a student-athlete. We are excited to have him join our team!
Brad Stocklin
Assistant Director of Membership- Church St.
brads@wsymca.org
Brad joined our team as the Assistant Membership Director, Church Street in November of 2023. In this role, Brad works With the Membership Director to ensure successful operation of the Membership Department including staff supervision and development, superior customer service, community relations, collaborations, budgeting, and financial results. He assists in the implementation of new procedures and methods to achieve strategic membership goals for the Association. Brad joined us with a variety of YMCA work experience, most recently being the Section Head at North Woods Camp. He holds his Bachelor of Science degree in Youth Development and Education.
Michelle Gagne-Borque
Health & Wellness Director
michelleg@wsymca.org
Michelle has been on our Y team in a part-time capacity since March of 2017 as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. Michelle enjoys working with people of all ages and likes to infuse her solid base of yoga practice with cardio and strength training, a method she titles ‘Yoga Strength Fitness’. She has years of experience designing classes and personal training sessions that are safe and effective for every BODY, while also demonstrating a thorough understanding of how to connect with her clients in a meaningful way. If you have crossed paths with her, you have seen how her positive attitude inspires others to be happy and live a healthy lifestyle. Michelle’s past experience includes managing a Yoga & Wellness Center in Seattle, WA where she was responsible for marketing and communications, the daily operations and facility, program creation and managing/supervising a team of people. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM, a Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Certified Group Exercise Instructor through ACE, as well as a Certified Body Pump Instructor through Les Mills.
Stephanie Sobieraj
Member Systems & Financial Aid Manager
stephanies@wsymca.org
Stephanie began working in the Y's Membership Department in late 2016 and in October 2019 she was promoted to the full time Membership Coordinator position. Stephanie is a familiar face at the front desk, providing excellent customer service for members, guests, volunteers, and fellow employees. When she's not working, you can frequently find her on the fitness floor or in a TRX class at the Y. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Lake Forest College.
Ronald Cohen
Member Services Coordinator
Ron was recently promoted to Member Services Coordinator. He is no stranger to our Y, as he has been a member of the WSY community for many years. Upon retirement from the Federal Government after 41 years in September 2018, and after spending several months cleaning out his garage and attic, Ron began his second career at the Y as a Member Services Representative. Since then, Ron has become a familiar and welcoming face at the membership desk in the early weekday morning hours. Although he misses sleeping late in the mornings, his loss of sleep is more than made up for by the many new friends he has made at the Y. Ron is looking forward to working at the Y for many more years (or until his garage and attic need cleaning out again.)
Kelly Barker
Director of Association Aquatics
kellyb@wsymca.org
Kelly started working at the WSYMCA in April of 2014 when she was hired as Assistant Director of Aquatics. In June of 2022, Kelly was promoted to Director of Association Aquatics, responisble for the Aquatics programming at both Church Street and Wells Ave locations. She is passionate about teaching life saving skills to youth and adults alike, as well as coaching swim teams. Kelly has also worked determinedly over the years to build upon the Y's adaptive swim programs.
She has been a lifeguard and swim instructor for 17 years. Kelly has been certified under USA Swim for over 13 years and has been a lifeguarding Instructor for 5 years. Kelly started playing in her grandparent’s backyard pool as a baby and has been swimming ever since. She started swimming on her local town team at 8-years-old and started on a club swim team at age 10. Kelly continued swimming competitively through high school, but had to stop in college due to a knee injury. As soon as she was old enough she began working as a lifeguard and swim instructor at her local recreation department, where she stayed until she joined the Y's team. When she is not working at the Y, Kelly enjoys spending time with my family, traveling and going to the beach.
Jack Hegarty
Asst Aquatics Director - Church St
jackh@wsymca.org
Jack started lifeguarding at the WSY in June of 2022. In September of 2023 Jack was promoted to Asst Aquatics Director at the Church St YMCA. Jack is energetic and very excited to meet new members and staff any chance he gets. Jack has 4 years of aquatics experience as a Swim Instructor and Lifeguard. He is eager to bring his knowledge and experience to the table as well as learn as much as the YMCA can offer!
Paul Radomski
Assistant Director of Aquatics - Wells Ave
paulr@wsymca.org
Paul joined the YMCA family in time for the 2023 summer programs hoping to continue fostering growth, safety, and community. He has been a lifeguard and swim instructor since 2015 and is a lifelong swimmer. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Florida. From 2016 to 2018, he volunteered for AmeriCorps and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance as an Environmental Steward where he taught 3rd and 5th grade classes environmental science and worked to restore local parks and beaches. After his service years, Paul was hired by the Choctawhatchee Basin alliance as an Education Technician to create new curriculum and train the next batch of AmeriCorps members. Since moving to Massachusetts, Paul worked as an Outdoor Educator for the Manice Education Center and managed a local business.
Evan Giles
Assistant Director of Aquatics
evang@wsymca.org
Evan started as Assistant Director of Aquatics in September of 2021. He grew up a swimmer, and has worked in aquatics since 2014, when he started his career as a beach lifeguard in his hometown of Barnstable, Massachusetts. Evan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from the University of South Carolina, and Master of Science degree in Sports Administration from Boston College. Evan is passionate about developing the next generation of athletes and increasing youth sports participation.
Colin Spensley
Lifeguard Manager
Colin started lifeguarding at the WSYMCA in December of 2015. He has been the regular weekday opener since January of 2016. In June of 2021, Colin became certified to teach Lifeguarding, and in August of 2021 was promoted to Lifeguard Manager. Colin is looking forward to training the next generation of Lifeguards.
Colin first became certified as a lifeguard back in 1999. He then spent several summers lifeguarding at two camps in Pittsford, Vermont, which is also where he grew up! Colin has an Associates degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in American Studies. In his free time Colin likes to spend time both at home and outdoors that include hiking and of course swimming!
Jeramiah Rosas
Aqautics Coordinator - Wells Ave
Jeremiah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Fitchburg State University. Beyond his professional credentials, he's a trilingual dynamo, fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. And when he's not in the water? Last winter, he took to the slopes, learning to snowboard, and he's eager for the upcoming season. Jeremiah swam competitively for three USA Swim Teams over a span of 12 years, starting when he was just 7. He's also shared his passion and expertise as a swim instructor at various local rec centers for four years and has safeguarded swimmers as a lifeguard for the past five years.
Camping Services
Keri Wood
Director of Camping Operations
keriw@wsymca.org
Gus Noriega
Camp Frank A. Day Director
gusn@wsymca.org
Gus started his camping career in 2011 as a summer counselor at YMCA Camp Roger in Utah. He quickly grew a love for camping and programing. Orignally from the Massachusettes. He moved to Utah and became there Summer Camp Director in 2015. Since then he has lived at Ymca Camp Sequoia Lake in California as thier Youth Prgram Director over seeing a skate boarding camp and a resiential camp. Then YMCA Camp Kern in Ohio as their Summer Camp Director. He has now comback to his home state with his wife and 2 boys. He is excited to be here and ready for all that YMCA Camp Frank A. Day has to offer. Gus belives that camp has the power to change the world and that every child should have the opetunity to expeiracne the magic of camp!
Natalia Martinez
Camp Chickami Director
nataliam@wsymca.org
Natalia is a passionate educator who has spent her career doing work that supports and builds communities. She has over ten years of experience in staff management, program development and administration. She started her work supporting youth and families working with the Boston Public School district in different capacities. She has also worked at the Cambridge Public Health Department and various non-profits who service and support children and families. Natalia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Emmanuel College. She loves the outdoors and being in connection with nature.
Marie Minardi
Camp/Childcare Registrar & Community Events Manager
mariem@wsymca.org
Marie left a successful position with a private company to pursue a career that would employ her passion for supporting youth and families along with her strong background in office management. As our Camp/Childcare Registrar, she is the main point of contact for all camp and childcare registration needs. Marie holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Business Management from Franklin Pierce University.
Child Care
Heather Porder
Director of Preschool & Family Services
heatherp@wsymca.org
Heather Porder has joined the WSYMCA family as our Preschool and Family Services Director. In this role, Heather leads the Preschool, Out-of-School and Kids’ Corner programs in administering and delivering high quality curriculum in the areas of child care and youth development. Heather brings over twenty years of experience to the WSYMCA with her extensive knowledge of early childhood development & growth. She has a Master's Degree in Education with an Individualized Focus on Special Education, and a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. She is committed to genuine relationship building and delivering high-quality member services and is thrilled to apply her passion and strong knowledge of early childhood and school age licensed programs to the WSYMCA.
Seamus Bruno
Out-of-School Time Director
seamusb@wsymca.org
Seamus has worked at the West Suburban YMCA in many capacities since September 2017, including work as a sports instructor, personal trainer, Out-of-School Time (OST) staff, and most recently as the Assistant Director of OST and Teen Programming. In September of 2021 he was promoted to Out-of-School Time Director. In addition to working at the Y, Seamus has experience working with youth at a summer camp and coaching AAU basketball. Seamus holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Stonehill College.
Jason Gutu
Family Services Administrator/Group Leader
Venda Mercer
Lead Preschool Teacher
Venda rejoined the WSYMCA team as a lead preschool teacher in September 2021. Venda is passionate, creative, driven, caring, organized, patient, flexible and energetic teacher who is dedicated to creating and implementing play-based lesson plans filled with art & crafts, STEM & sensory activities, as well as great books and fun fine and gross motor skills activities. As an educator Venda strives to meet the social, physical, intellectual, creative, cultural, and developmental needs and interests of all children, and to build strong relationships with parents and colleagues alike by maintaining open communication. Her biggest joy as an educator is to watch children’s curiosity, wonder and excitement when learning and exploring and the sparkle in their eyes when they realize “I did it!” Venda has a Bachelor's Degree, and received her Certificate in Early childhood education from UCLA Extension. Prior to teaching at the WSYMCA Venda taught at preschool in Ashland, MA for a few years. Outside of work you can find her at hockey arenas, soccer and lacrosse fields cheering on her boys. In her free time Venda loves staying active with her family and their dog Bodi, traveling, making photo books and spending summers with her family in Czech.
Elin Viol
Lead Preschool Teacher
Elin is a caring and motivated educator with over 8 years’ experience which includes a Preschool & Kindergarten teacher in Shanghai, as well as a Care Coordinator in Cheltenham, England. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Education from the University College of Denmark. Elin is committed to creating a classroom atmosphere that is inclusive, stimulating and encouraging to children.
Robin McPhail
Lead Teacher, Preschool
Robin joined the Y in December 2022 as our afternoon lead teacher in the preschool program. She holds a Bachelors degree in political science/psychology and comes to the Y with over 14 years experience in the childcare field. She is a highly motivated, enthusiastic educator who is committed to creating and maintaining a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating and encouraging to children while creating lesson plans, activities and projects designed to promote physical, intellectual and social development for children. She is an avid sports enthuist who enjoys football, basketball, UFC martisl arts, working out, swimming and going on vacation to exotics places.
Sports
Joshua Downes
Director of Association Athletics
joshuad@wsymca.org
Josh joined the West Suburban YMCA in December of 2017 and has moved his way up in the organization, first serving as the Sports Coordinator, then as Assistant Director of Sports, and was promoted to the Director of Sports and Recreation role in August 2021. In June 2022, Josh was promoted to Director of Association Athletics, responisble for the sport programming at both the Church Street and Wells Ave locations. Josh is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, expansion and evaluation of youth and adult sport programs. He works hard to build impactful and meaningful relationship with members and program participants. Josh has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Springfield College, where he played Division III Basketball for four years. He recently earned his Masters of Education with a Sports Management concentration frrom University of Texas at Austin. His experience as a coach includes coaching high school varsity and junior varsity boys and girls basketball, as well as boys soccer.
Paige Willis
Assistant Director of Sports and Recreation
paigew@wsymca.org
Paige recieved her BS in sport management at UMASS Amherst. She has been working with kids ever since she graduated, first being a lead site coordinator of a before and after school program with the Old Colony YMCA then becoming a Sports Coordinator and Coach for the Greater Boston YMCA. She has also been coaching for about 3 years. Paige enjoys working at the Y because sports were a big part of her life growing up (she played soccer, basketball, tennis) and she wants to be able to help provide the opportunities that she had!
Marc Navarro
Sports Coordinator
marcn@wsymca.org
Marc assists in overseeing the development and operations of sports programs. He supports in the orientation and training of new sports staff members. As well as aid in the development and implementation of high quality, member-focused YMCA sports programs. Marc is a part of the leadership staff for the Wells Ave camp during the summer. Marc comes to us with sport, customer service and camp experience. He has years of experience as a basketball referee and continued his passion for sports as an intramural athletic board supervisor at Providence College. His favorite sports are football, basketball, and baseball. He is a Newton native and attended Newton South High School. Marc studied History and Classics, as well as Spanish, at Providence College where he recently earned his Bachelor of Arts degree.
Michael Cornish
Sports Coordinator-Wells Ave
michaelc@wsymca.org
Michael joined our team as the Sports Coordinator at Wells Ave. In this role, Michael assists in overseeing the development and operations of sports programs as well as aid in the development and implementation of high quality, member-focused YMCA sports programs. Michael will also be a part of the leadership staff for the new Wells Ave camp this summer. Michael comes to us with sport, customer service and camp experience. His most recent experience includes work as an assistant at Emmanuel College Athletics’ Department and Volvo Sports Boston. Michael holds his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management with a concentration in Sports Management. We are excited to have him join the WSY family!
Maintenance
Wildreen Montano
Director of Facilities
wildreenm@wsymca.org
Wildreen has ten years of experience in managing facilities, as his previous job was at the Bridge House in Framingham, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations regarding the infrastructure and grounds. Prior to managing facilities, Wil worked as an EMT where he performed routine assessments and basic trauma support in 911 situations. He is familiar with YMCAs, as he and his family have been a member of the MetroWest YMCA, where his children participate in programs, camps and swimming.