2023 STAR AWARDS
ABOVE AND BEYOND.
For an employee who does exceptional work, and consistently goes above and beyond—in quality and quantity of their work—to elevate our members’ experience and to generate good will for the Y.
Lily Bloomingdale, Camp Mahackeno Office Manager
Lily has been instrumental in supporting all things camp, establishing SOPs, and providing professional and courteous interactions with 500+ camp families. She is always willing to do whatever is needed to ensure the children enjoy a memorable summer camp experience. Lily is a problem solver and team player. She works year-round to assist in the onboarding of 125+ counselors. We are beyond grateful for her work and effort to make Camp Mahackeno what it is.
COMMITMENT TO MISSION.
This employee makes every effort to include individuals of different backgrounds, abilities, and opinions. They work cooperatively with others, promote healthy living and well-being for all our members, and strongly support and empower children and teens through positive behavior and responsible choices.
Cindy Delaney, Digital & Creative Services Manager
Cindy consistently executes high quality work that helps to drive awareness and engagement of our programs and services and builds on our reputation with members and the community we serve. Her commitment to elevating the brand and improving the member experience shines through in everything she does. Cindy’s ability to listen and understand the needs of the organization allows her to create designs that evoke emotion and inspire action.
Kathleen Giglio, Childcare & Youth Services Director
Kathy’s commitment to the Y’s mission is evident through her dedication to inclusion, children’s safety, and learning. She has created a School Age curriculum that is impactful and fun. Kathy is working to reestablish our Special Needs programs. During the summer, she leads the highly successful Camp Hafaday program. Kathy’s continual improvement, attitude, passion and attention to detail is inspiring for all.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR.
For an employee with outstanding performance who, while understanding and working to achieve our mission, actively embraces new ideas and challenges, and develops strong positive relationships with staff, members and parents.
Patrick Juliani, Lead Teacher
Patrick brings his positive attitude and energy to all he does at the Y. He introduced a more engaging, hands-on curriculum for the school-age program, where the children can learn new skills and put them to use. Along with teaching social emotional learning skills, Patrick is helping to enhance a child’s ability to succeed in school, careers, and life. He embodies our Y values and demonstrates leadership skills through his work ethic, growth mindset and caring.
RELATIONSHIP CHAMPION.
This employee has developed outstanding member, volunteer, and staff relationships at the Y. They have also gone the extra mile to advance these relationships … retaining members, developing children, supporting peers, and consistently advancing inclusivity.
Vera Shanov, Membership
Vera’s positive and welcoming attitude has allowed her to establish meaningful relationships with everyone who comes through our doors. She gives informative tours and is a knowledgeable resource for all the different programs and services throughout the Y. Vera is always willing to chip in and cover shifts as needed as a Wellness Coach and in our Kids’ Club. Her energy and ability to connect with all members is legendary at the Y.
2022 STAR AWARDS
ABOVE AND BEYOND RECIPIENT
ANGI CUBI, Membership & Childcare
Angi is hard-working, upbeat, and the ultimate volunteer. Whether welcoming members at an opening shift, dressing up as Elsa for Kids Club, or leading interesting STEAM projects for children enrolled in our after school programs, she is an invaluable member of our Y team.
ABOVE AND BEYOND RECIPIENT
EZEQUIEL SILVA,Wellness Center
While Ezequiel mostly works in our Wellness Center, he regularly helps out across many departments at the Y. His positive attitude and commitment to delivering an excellent member experience is noteworthy.
COMMITMENT TO MISSION RECIPIENT
JUDY KLEIN, Health & Wellness Director
Judy’s genuine interest in others, her love of learning, and her desire to make the world a better place energized her to find ways to bring essential programs such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA to our Y. She’s a team player who inspires the same in those with whom she works.
COMMITMENT TO MISSION RECIPIENT
PAUL WATSON, Childcare & Kids Club
Paul is kind, warm, and welcoming of all he interacts with. He is wonderful with children of all ages and trusted by parents. He always volunteers to lend a helping hand and regularly encourages teenage members to volunteer or work at the Y.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT
ALISON LIGI, Dance Director
Allison has breathed new life into the dance program creating many joyful dancers and satisfied parents. She is self-motivated, creative, resourceful, and dependable, and always willing to take on new challenges. Her attitude and smile make her an easy person to work with and to learn from.
RELATIONSHIP CHAMPION RECIPIENT
JOSEPHINE ROJAS, Aquatics Director
Josephine embodies the Y’s values in action: caring, honest, respect and responsibility.
She listens with an open heart and strives to resolve all concerns seamlessly. It’s no surprise that she’s the employee who regularly and frequently receives the most number of complimentary emails from members.
WWFY EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
2021 | Brian Ference
2020 | Patty Kondub
2018 | Kristin Finnegan
2017 | Kathy Fagan
2016 | John Poppa, Jr.
2015 | Alex Kogstad
2014 | Ken Dickinson
2013 | Paul Watson
2012 | Michael Friedman
2011 | Steven Forlano
2010 | Jennifer Seirup
2009 | Cesar Vargas
2008 | Kelly Russo
2007 | Denise Stevens
2007 | Denise Hotch
2006 | June Glover
2005 | Ruth Sherman
2004 | Dalton Ghetti
2003 | Patricia Cavallaro
2002 | Nick Willett
2001 | Kim Ridley
2001 | David Cohen
2000 | Maura Kenney
2000 | Jessica Monda
1998 | Pru O’Brien
1998 | Patty Kondub
1997 | Pat Costanzo
1997 | Anitha Bellore
1996 | Donna Broomall Cain
1993 | Pam Crowley
1992 | Catherine Mulvehill
1991 | Bob Knoebel