Meet the YMCA Staff
The Waterbury YMCA staff members are on-hand to answer your questions about programs, classes and the facility.
JIM O’ROURKE Chief Executive Officer
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Jim O’Rourke has been with the Greater Waterbury YMCA for the past 12 years in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer. Jim supports a management team of 11 staff directors at the Y. Support is a crucial component of Jim’s management style as he works closely with his team to help grow the Greater Waterbury YMCA into a cause-driven organization that fosters Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Through Jim’s unique leadership style, the YMCA has developed sustainable initiatives and programs that continue to promote health and well-being for the greater Waterbury area. The Waterbury YMCA is ranked in the top 5% of YMCA’s in the country.
Jim believes in getting his hands dirty. You might see him in a suit from time to time, but more often than not, you’ll find him in running clothes or sweats while he engages members in key wellness programming along with other YMCA program directors. He works tirelessly with his staff team to bridge the gaps in our community, whether it be with children that need something constructive and safe to do after school, or with people at risk for developing diabetes that needs guidance and regular exercise.
MIKE TEDESCO Senior Director of Operations
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About Mike
Mike Tedesco has spent the last fifteen years working for the YMCA, mainly focused in the realm of Day Camp and working in an Outdoor Center. In 2000 he started as a camp counselor and in 2004 embarked on the path to becoming a professional staff person within Day Camp and the YMCA. Most recently he was the Outdoor Center Director for YMCA Camp Mataucha. Mike was also responsible for all of the off-season camp programming offered at Camp Mataucha, including vacation camps, team building and property development.
Prior to working at the YMCA Mike grew up in the YMCA as a camper and a participant in after-school programs. Mike graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. He enjoys sports, the Yankees and is an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan. Mike enjoys spending time with his wife Sara, their three boys, Jeffrey, Brody, and Jase and long walks with his dog Napoleon.
Allison Reklaitis Development Director
About Allison
Allie comes to us from the Regional YMCA of Western CT with a background in fund development along with forensic science! Contact Allie regarding the YMCA Community Support Campaign, fundraising events (Annual Breakfast, Golf Tournament, etc.) and private and government grant writing efforts. Allie works closely with the Board of Directors, associated committees and task forces. She also helps coordinate capital projects at the YMCA and at Camp Mataucha.
Brandi Fitzgerald Finance Director
About Brandi
Brandi is responsible for the financial operations of the YMCA and works closely with the Finance Committee to ensure that the YMCA meets all 501(c)(3) non–profit requirements. She is also responsible for LAN Management and in-house Technical Support.
Brandi is a welcome addition to the YMCA family, she and her family are active in the Y's Triathlon Club, Running programs, and special events.
Tami Macary Human Resources Director
About Tami
Tami is responsible for the YMCA Human Resource department. Tami works closely with the Safety/Risk management committee to see that the YMCA remains a safe place for all who enter. Tami began her YMCA career at the Naugatuck YMCA in 1989 and has been with the Waterbury YMCA since 1996. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and finds small ugly dogs and adopts them.
Jazmone Tucker Head of Housekeeping (the Y) & Facilities Director (WYS)
About Jazmone
Jazmone joined the YMCA team on June 29, 2021. With a passion for community and wellness, she is dedicated to ensuring that all members, & participants have a positive experience at the facility. Jazmone is your go-to person for facility-related needs, whether arranging event spaces or addressing maintenance requests. She brings a commitment to excellence and a friendly approach to all interactions. For any facility needs, feel free to contact Jazmone.
Patti Flaherty Aquatics Director
About Patti
Contact Patti regarding swim classes, birthday parties, Barracuda Swim Team, Learn to Swim week, backyard swim lessons and senior swim program.
Patricia Flaherty has been the Aquatic Director since 1998. She is responsible for all youth, adult, senior, offsite, and competitive swimming programs. She is also responsible for all the staff first aid and safety training and is an American Red Cross volunteer instructor.
Adam Dubois Outdoor Center Director
About Adam
Adam is the Director of YMCA Camp Mataucha in Watertown and is no stranger to the camp world! Adam grew up at YMCA Camp Sloper, graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in Community Recreation and Youth Development, and has been a Y professional for over 4 years. Adam loves rock climbing, the New York Giants, and eating Chex Mix only after it's been organized properly by best ingredient. More
Kristen Jones Child Development Director
About Kristen
Kristen has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport. Kristen began working at the YMCA in 2004 at the before and after school programs. Since then she has been our School-Age Director collaborating with families to bring a new level of quality and enrichment to the before and after school programs. Kristen currently serves as our Child Development Director overseeing all of School Readiness and Before/After School programs.
Alisa Brown Assistant Child Development Director
About Alisa
Alisa has been with the Greater Waterbury YMCA since 2019. Alisa Detushev has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an expected graduation date of December 2021. She has been in the ECE field for ten plus years working as a classroom teacher and as a Child Development Site Director. Alisa’s passion in her career includes promoting the essence of social-emotional learning and engagement across the range of children to adults.
Shavonne Arline School Age Childcare Director
About Shavonne
I was born, raised, and educated in Waterbury, CT. I earned my bachelor's degree in Human Services from Post University in 2011 which laid the foundation for my career.
For 12 years, I dedicated my time and expertise as a preschool teacher at the Greater Waterbury YMCA nurturing children's young minds to foster intellectual growth. Recently, I achieved a well- deserved promotion as the School Age Childcare Director where I continue to shape children's minds, but in a broader capacity, For Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility!
I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those I encounter.
Phyllis Lucas-Coleman Child Development Site Director
plucascoleman@waterburyymca.org
About Phyllis Lucas-Coleman
Phyllis Lucas-Coleman has worked in the preschool area since 2003. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Studies from Post University. Phyllis loves working with children and helping families. This year Phyllis became a Child Development Site Director.
ALEX CAPALDO Health & Wellness Director
About Alex
Alex was born and raised in Waterbury and attended Kennedy High School. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2010 with a Liberal Arts Degree with minors in Exercise Science, Studio Art, and Business. She began working at the Greater Waterbury YMCA in 2013, starting as a Yoga instructor. In 2021, she took on the Wellness Advisor Coordinator role and worked alongside Meghan in the Wellness Center, developing and running the Lose it! competition, training clients, and teaching classes. She teaches various classes, including Yoga, Balance & Flex Together, Silver Sneakers Classic, and MX4. With a passion for exercise, she credits the Y for the transformations in her health and wellness journey over the past few years. She is excited to step into this role and help improve the lives of the members, as the Y has done for her.
Rubi Gil-Lopez Membership & Marketing Director
About Rubi
Rubi has been with the Y since 2015 and oversees the Membership Department, including or Financial Aid Program Open Doors. Rubi fine-tunes our YMCA brand daily and provides the YMCA Members an opportunity to belong to the Y at a low cost.
Contact Rubi with questions regarding Membership, Financial Aid- Open Doors, & any Marketing questions!
Edna Walton Teen Director
About Edna
Edna Walton has been working for the YMCA since 2010, she has worked in Before and After School, YMCA Camp Summer Sunshine, and Camp Mataucha. At the YMCA, she has been building relationships with children and their families. Also, Edna is a proud Waterburian and has volunteered in areas around the Greater Waterbury Community. She is passionate about mentoring our youth with her experiences.
Edna feels good when she sees a lot of her returning after school kids as teens, who then remember her as their after school teacher. Edna currently oversees the Youth & Teen Department, Berkeley Center, and 21st Century Program the runs in a few of the city public schools. Contact Edna with any questions you may have!
Rachel Walker HR Assistant
About Rachel
Rachel has been with the Y since 2007 and handles administrator office operations, reporting and pretty much anything else that is thrown in her direction with a smile. Rachel fine-tunes our YMCA wheel on a daily basis and provides the Y with endless important data that allows us to provide services to as many people as possible.
Lucy Szendy Accounts Payable
Lucy has worked for the Regional YMCA of Western CT since 2007. In 2021 Lucy joined the Greater Waterbury YMCA. She is Responsible for Accounts Payable for both Greater Waterbury and Regional Y of Western CT
Lucy enjoys her family, cooking, and all outdoor activities “all four seasons.”
Tammie Lee Camp and Child Care Registrar
Contact Tammie about registration for all Child Care Programs as well as Care4Kids!
Zoraida Torres Camp & Child Care Assistant Registrar
About Zory
Contact Zory about registration for all child care programs and camp.
