Email:

melissar@akronymca.org

Phone:

330-724-1255

With the Y Since:

March 2000

Experience:

I grew up going to Y camps in Pgh. After college I briefly worked as a SACC Director in Canton. In 2000 I started at the East Akron YMCA, I initially taught English and Special Education. I then served as Teaching Coordinator and eventually, Principal of Phoenix and Associate Executive Director. After 6 years I was promoted to Medina as the Executive Director where I worked with the Phoenix program as one of my top priorities along with expansion of the many other quality programs such as the Supervised Visitation Program and School Age Child Care and Day Camps.  After 3 years I became the Executive Director of the Firestone Park YMCA.  Having been an active member at this branch through various fitness, sports and parent child programs which affords me a unique perspective which I can utilize in my new role.  I have also been involved with the PWY Spirit Committee, Staff Development Committee,Parent Child Program Team, Diversity Initiative and most recently Teen Leaders Program Team.  My teaching certificate in secondary education has also given me an opportunity to be an in-house trainer while also serving several terms as Membership Co-Chair of Association of YMCA Professionals. 

Qualifications:

Bachelor degree in English and writing from Mt. Union College. Secondary teaching certification, and ongoing education in theology and behavior management & education.

Hobbies:

Reading, Sports, Crafts and spending time with my family

 

Email:

micheleg@akronymca.org

Phone:

330-724-1255

With the Y Since:

May 2001

Experience:

I started  at the Canal Square YMCA in 2001. Then transferring to Firestone Park  in 2002 becoming the Membership Director in 2007

Hobbies & Talents:

I enjoy fishing and time with my family

 

Email:

denicob@akronymca.org

Phone:

330-724-1255

With the Y Since:

October 2004

Experience:

I began with the Akron Area YMCA as a Youth Sports Coordinator of the Canton Akron YMCA, where I created new programs including Safe Summer with Sports and Tiny Tots Basketball. Then I moved to a sports director and fitness coordinator at the Firestone Park YMCA.

Qualifications:

I have my B.S. in Sports Management from Malone University. I minored in Coaching & Business and coached the football team at Malone.

Hobbies:

Football and spending time with my 18-month old son, Denico Jr.

 

Email:

mailto: jeanpatel@akronymca.org 

Phone:

With the Y Since:

Experience:

Qualifications:

Hobbies and Interest:

I love to spend my extra time reading and with my family.

Email:

Phone: (330)-724-1255

With the Y Since:

November 2008

Experience:

I began my career in education as a volunteer in the public school system starting in 2001.  I have worked my way through the child care setting starting as a substitute when I was home from college on school breaks.  I was an assistant teacher in the Toddler, Pre-School and Pre-K classrooms in a Child Development Facility in Pittsburgh.  Then, I was promoted to lead teacher after graduation from Penn State University and worked in then Pre-Kindergarten classroom for a year and a half.  I decided to progress my career and moved to Cleveland where I became the Assistant Director and Curriculum Director for an Early Learning and Child Development Center in Twinsburg, OH, where I was employed for a year before coming to the Firestone Park YMCA.

Qualifications:

4 year degree in Elementary and Kindergarten Education from Penn State University

State of Pennsylvania Teaching certificate

Certified in First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse, Communicable Disease and have an additional 40 educational hours in Child Development, Management of Child Development Facilities, Sanitation and Safety Practices. 

Hobbies & Interests:

I love the outdoors; camping, hiking, skiing, bike riding...

I am also crafty and make my own jewelry and home decorating crafts.

I love to read suspense novels and poetry.

I like to attend and watch sporting events and playing softball and volleyball.

Being from PA I am a proud Steelers fan and Penn State Nittany Lions fan.