Staff & Board of Directors

Kristen has been part of the YMCA community since 2004, beginning her career in Before and After School programs where she discovered her passion for working with children and supporting families.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport.

Over the years, Kristen has grown into several leadership roles at the Greater Waterbury YMCA, including School-Age Director and Child Development Director, where she led early childhood and school-age programs and worked closely with families, staff, and community partners to strengthen program quality and create spaces where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

Kristen now serves as the Associate Executive Director, helping to guide the organization’s programs and operations while remaining connected to the families and staff the YMCA serves every day. She is deeply committed to building strong relationships, supporting working families, and ensuring the YMCA remains a welcoming place where the entire community can thrive.

About Tami

Tami began her YMCA career at the Naugatuck YMCA in 1989 and has been with the Waterbury YMCA since 1996.  Tami serves on the CEO’s Senior Leadership Team and oversees all human resources functions, including employee relations, wage & salary administration, employee safety, workers’ compensation, benefits management, ensuring compliance with all State and Federal regulatory agencies and policy administration.

Tami works closely with the Safety/Risk Management Committee to see that the YMCA remains a safe place for all who enter.

About Olivia

Olivia Dudley is a dedicated and accomplished human services professional, born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut, with over a decade of experience in youth development, youth advocacy, and nonprofit program leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Program Operations at Waterbury Youth Services (WYS), where she oversees agency-wide programming, supervises team leaders, and ensures that all services align with the organization’s mission and the evolving needs of the greater Waterbury community. In this role, she leads quality assurance efforts, strategic planning, and reporting for funders, while also maintaining key relationships with local partners and stakeholders.

Before assuming her current leadership position, Olivia served as the Positive Youth Development Team Leader at WYS. During her tenure, she provided oversight and coaching to program managers, coordinated trainings and workshops, led community outreach efforts, and played an instrumental role in strategic and operational planning. Her collaborative approach helped strengthen the agency’s presence in the region and improve outcomes for youth and families.

Olivia’s commitment to community engagement extends far beyond her professional role. She actively serves in leadership and advisory capacities across the region and State of Connecticut, including:

• First Vice President, Greater Waterbury Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Board Member, Connecticut Youth Services Association
• Chair, Human Services Committee, Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Leadership Greater Waterbury 
• Board Member, Waterbury Exchange Club
• Board Member, Bridge To Success
• Advisory Council Member, Racial Justice Institute, Urban Community Alliance
• Steering Committee Member, United Way of Greater Waterbury Women United

Olivia earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Victimology from the University of New Haven, along with a certificate in Applications in Psychology. She has completed extensive training in youth mental health, trauma-informed care, and independent living skills, and she is certified in DCF’s Learning Inventory of Skills Training (LIST).

Throughout her career, Olivia has remained committed to creating opportunities, building partnerships, and promoting the well-being of youth and families in Connecticut, especially the youth and families in Waterbury. Her leadership is marked by integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of the systems that impact underserved communities.

About Jazmone

As the Facilities Director, Jazmone brings over a decade of comprehensive maintenance and asset management expertise to the Greater Waterbury YMCA. She operates on a foundational philosophy: a meticulously maintained facility is the cornerstone of an exceptional member experience. Since joining the Y team five years ago, Jazmone has championed this vision daily.

She prides herself on her proactive leadership and behind-the-scenes dedication, frequently going above and beyond standard operational scopes to ensure our environments are safe, inclusive, and impeccably presented. This tireless work ethic is second nature to Jazmone; as a mother of three, she is a master of multitasking and thrives in high-motion environments where seamless coordination is key.

For Jazmone, facility management extends far beyond routine maintenance and cleanliness—it is about stewardship, operational excellence, and protecting the place our community calls home.

About Adam

Adam is the Outdoor Center Director and calls YMCA Camp Mataucha his home! He is no stranger to the camp world, having started in summer camp programs as a 3 year old camper in 1992! Over the course of his Y career, he has worked in multiple departments including: School Age Child Care, Teen Programs, Membership, and of course, Camp!

Adam is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in Community Recreation and Youth Development. He started with the Greater Waterbury YMCA in 2017 and has grown into a major figure in the CT camping community- serving on the Connecticut Camping Association Board of Directors and as the Peer Network Leader for the Connecticut and Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs.

When Adam is not at camp, you can find him rooting for his favorite sports teams: The New York Giants and the New York Yankees!

About Maria

Maria Rodriguez is proud to call Waterbury her hometown and has been part of the YMCA family since 1999. Her journey with the Y took her to Pennsylvania, where she spent 12 years at the Blair Regional YMCA, honing her customer service skills and deepening her commitment to the Y’s mission. Now back home at the Greater Waterbury YMCA as Membership & Wellness Director, Maria is dedicated to fostering Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility in our community. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family and friends.

About Alisa

Alisa Brown has been an integral part of the Greater Waterbury YMCA since 2019. With an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and both a bachelor’s and master's in Psychology, Alisa brings over a decade of expertise to her role. She’s held positions as a classroom teacher, Assistant Director, and Child Development Site Director, allowing her to impact children’s lives at every stage. Alisa is deeply passionate about fostering social-emotional learning, collaboration, and championing a sense of belonging for children and adults alike. Her career is driven by a commitment to creating environments where every individual thrives.

About Phyllis Lucas-Coleman

Phyllis has been a dedicated professional in the Early Childhood Education field since 2003. She earned her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2012 and went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Studies from Post University in 2018.

In 2022, Phyllis transitioned into the role of Child Development Site Director, using her extensive experience as a teacher to support and empower other educators. Her ability to relate to teachers and foster their growth has made her a valued leader. Phyllis’s true passion lies in helping children thrive—whether it’s guiding them to find their voice, building their confidence, or ensuring they succeed as they navigate the world around them.

About Shavonne 

Shavonne was born, raised, and educated in Waterbury. Earning her Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Post University in 2011, her education laid the foundation for her career.

For 12 years, she dedicated her time and expertise as a preschool teacher at the Greater Waterbury YMCA, nurturing young minds to foster intellectual growth.

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 currently oversees the Youth & Teen Department, Berkeley Center, and 21^st Century Program.

Jerome is a former NFL player turned Wellness Coordinator, with a career built at the intersection of elite performance, leadership, and long-term well-being. After competing at the highest level of professional football, Jerome transitioned from the field to a mission-driven career focused on helping individuals and organizations with their fitness goals. Unlocking their full potential physically, mentally, and professionally.

Throughout his career, Jerome has held leadership roles in health, fitness, and wellness programming, where he has designed and led initiatives that improve performance, increase engagement, and build sustainable habits. As a Wellness Coordinator, he oversees comprehensive programs that serve diverse populations, from youth athletes and everyday gym members to high-performing professionals. His background as a professional athlete gives him a unique edge, and he understands what it takes to perform under pressure, recover effectively, and lead with accountability.

Jerome is driven by a core belief that wellness is not a luxury, and it lays out the foundation for success. His approach centers on discipline, consistency, and education, with a strong emphasis on mental resilience, teamwork, and long-term health over quick fixes. He values integrity, relationship-building, and empowering others to take ownership of their growth both inside and outside the gym.

Outside of work, Jerome remains deeply connected to athletics and community impact. He is passionate about mentoring youth athletes, developing innovative fitness programs, and continuously learning in the areas of leadership, business, and human performance. When he’s not working, you’ll find him training, coaching, planning new initiatives, or spending time with family.

Donald grew up in Waterbury and spent much of his childhood at the Waterbury YMCA, swimming and competing with the Barracudas swim team. That early connection to the water turned into a career — he's spent his life in aquatics, from swimming and lifeguarding to managing full aquatic facilities, and brings deep expertise across every part of the trade.

Donald also serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Naval Aircrewman and C-130 Loadmaster, moving cargo and personnel around the world. Most of his aquatics background comes from lifeguarding and training lifeguards in both pool and open-water settings. Before joining the Y, he worked for CT DEEP as a Beach Director, overseeing the lifeguard program across eight Connecticut state parks — recruiting, training, managing equipment, and responding to emergencies of every kind.

Donald is excited to bring that experience to the Y as our new Aquatics Director. His goals: grow the swim team, raise the bar on lifeguard training, and expand swim lessons so more people in our community learn to swim — a skill that can save a life.

About Rachel

Rachel has been part of the Greater Waterbury YMCA since 2007, taking on various roles over the years before stepping into Human Resources in 2015. She became full-time in Human Resources in 2022.

Contact Tammie about registration for all Child Care Programs as well as Care4Kids!

About Zory

Zoraida has been a valued part of the Greater Waterbury YMCA for 12 years, bringing warmth and efficiency to everything she does. As the Administrative & Child Development Assistant, she plays a key role in processing Financial Assistance and supporting families with registration for all child care programs and camp.

Fluent in Spanish, Zoraida ensures that all families feel welcome and supported as they navigate YMCA programs. Whether handling paperwork or assisting with families in need, she is always ready to help with a friendly smile.

About Amy

Amy Miele brings 19 years of experience to the Early Childhood Education field, having started her journey in 2006. She earned her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Naugatuck Valley Community College in 2002 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University in 2005. Amy’s career began as a Head Teacher at the Greater Waterbury YMCA Child Development Center, where she quickly advanced to the role of Director, and later, Student Support Specialist. Amy is deeply passionate about supporting children with special needs, dedicating herself to creating personalized education plans for their success and growth. Her unwavering commitment to helping every child thrive makes her a trusted advocate in the field.

About Holly

Holly has been a valued member of the Greater Waterbury YMCA Child Development Center since 2012. After earning her associate’s degree in 2013 and completing her bachelor’s degree in 2019 from Charter Oak State College, Holly’s dedication to Early Childhood Education has spanned an impressive 23 years. In the last two years, she transitioned into a new role as a Family Engagement Specialist, where she has been able to make an even greater impact on both families and students. Holly’s passion lies in meeting families where they are, addressing their unique needs, and supporting their growth and success. Her commitment to building strong, meaningful connections is at the heart of everything she does.

Kerry has dedicated more than 16 years to supporting children and families impacted by sexual violence through advocacy, counseling, and trauma-informed care. She spent over 14 years at Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, where she provided sexual violence advocacy, case management, and counseling services to children and their families.

In January 2025, Kerry joined the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Waterbury full-time as CAC Coordinator and was later promoted to Program Director in October 2025. In her current role, she continues to provide trauma-focused treatment and support to children who are victims of sexual violence, as well as to their family members. Kerry is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI).

Kerry earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and her Master of Science degree in Human Services with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Post University. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the field of child abuse prevention and advocacy, and she remains deeply committed to serving children and families in need.

About Rasheeda

Rasheeda Wright, LMSW received her BSW from SCSU and her MSW from UCONN. She is the Youth Diversion Team(YDT) Leader at Waterbury Youth Services and has worked with the organization for 5 years. Fun fact, Rasheeda participated in summer youth employment as a youth in the past and even interned at the agency before being hired in 2020. Rasheeda also chairs the Racial and Ethnic Disparitites Meetings that is held quarterly at the agency, is the Region 5 Youth Diversion Team Director and had chaired the agency's PromProject event for the last 4 years. Rasheeda supervises case managers in the Youth Diversion Team Program, formely known as Juvenile Review Board(JRB) and the Truancy Prevention Program. She provides supervison, trainings and evaluations for these staff. Part of her role as the Youth Diversion Team Leader is to submit reports to funders,faciliate YDT panels, process referrals, track trends and client feedback and recruit and provide oversight to volunteers. Rasheeda has recently graduated from the Waterbury's Regional Chamber Leadership of Greater Waterbury Class of 2024 and serves as a steering committee member. Rasheeda has a passion for working with youth and looks forward to gaining new tools to guide youth to achieve success.

About Dominiqua

Dominiqua Garry is the Positive Youth Development Director at Waterbury Youth Services. Inspired by her devotion to giving back to the community she was born and raised in, working in Waterbury has always been at the forefront. Through her background in Education and Behavioral Analysis, Dominiqua is dedicated to Positive Youth Development across all levels. Overseeing the Linking Academics to Life Afterschool Program, R.E.A.L. Rising Up Mentoring, SMART Recovery, and Workforce Development, Dominiqua ensures all youth who come through the organization are seen for who they are and are given the opportunity to discover their unique talents and passions. Dominiqua has been with the organization for 3 years and prior to her current role as PYD Director, she was the Head Facilitator of the REBOOT Out of School Suspension Program at WYS, winning the Program of the Year Award in 2023.