With a passion for helping others, the Y Leadership staff is dedicated to strengthening our Island community and making a positive difference in the world. We work together to strategically align the Y’s goals and activities while fulfilling evolving community needs. Guided by the core values, caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, we strive to accomplish our mission and vision.
FROM Savannah, GA
ISLAND HOME Oak Bluffs
Don retired in June 2016 after thirty- five years of being a high school physical education teacher and a varsity football and softball coach.
The closest athlete.
The beach.
With my family and at the gym.
Weight training.
The Rock
Latin
Country
Disco
Tabata
FROM Boston, MA
ISLAND HOME Chilmark
The sense of community.
The Brickyard.
Watching Bravo. I mean reading!
Steam and Rhythm Rides!
EDM remixes of pop!
FROM Cambridge, MA
ISLAND HOME Edgartown
Margarita Kelly joined the fitness staff of the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA in early 2017. She works year-round as a fitness coach with individual clients and as a group instructor. Before coming to the Island, Margarita was a trainer in the Boston area, at both HealthWorks and Cambridge Athletic Club. She is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) from both the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers. Other certification and specialized training include: pre/post-natal, TRX suspension training, NASM corrective exercise and CPR/AED. Margarita’s main objective as a personal trainer is to “work together” with clients and member and to inspire and support them as they achieve their own goals. She emphasizes the joys of building strength and a “you can do it!” attitude. She has many pursuits that support her fitness: singing, dancing, birding, and exploring the walking trails on the Vineyard. Margarita earned an Associate Degree in Musical Theatre from Dean College and attended Berklee College of Music from 2008 to 2012. She was born in Paraguay, South America.
Strength training, athletes, corrective exercise, TRX suspension training, pre/ post-natal, weight loss, agility and cardio, Core training and strengthening. Boot camp and Water Aerobics.
Being able to be so close to nature.
The beach.
The porch of my family summer home "Easy Breezy".
I love body pump and performing exercises that look crazy.
Wonder Woman
FROM Romania
ISLAND HOME Oak Bluffs
In 2013 Raz graduated the Physical Education & Sports program at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi in Romania with a degree in Fitness & Body Aesthetics. Raz moved to the United States in 2014 and lives in OB with his wife. In 2019 he became certified as ISSA Personal Trainer, 2020 ISSA Certified Nutitionist.
Personal training. I love working with all age groups.
I love the Island for it's stress free environment, clean air, nature and that no matter where you live on the island, you are 10 minutes away from the beach.
It's hard to choose from so many places... I would say my favorite place is Great Rock Beach in Chilmark.
Working out in the weight room and swimming.
Eating well, sleeping well, training well.
FROM New Jersey
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
Barbara’s obsession with SoulCycle inspired her to become a certified spinning instructor and bring “dancing on a bike” to the Island. Her rocking playlists are designed to challenge, uplift and inspire. She believes great music and having fun are key motivators. Cycle Party is a challenging 45-minute high energy dance ride and full body workout. Barbara is also a certified early childhood educator. She resides year-round in West Tisbury with her husband Richard, son Benny, and their adorable 100lb Goldendoodle Charley.
Spinning
MV is a great place to raise kids!
MV Film Center.
Bermuda
Spending time with my family.
Gwen Stefani
“LOVE. Ft. Zacari” - Kendrick Lamar, Zacari
“Higher Higher” - Justin Timberlake
“So What’Cha Want” - Beastie Boys
“Timshel” - Mumford & Sons
“Born For Greatness” - Papa Roach
FROM Pennsylvania
ISLAND HOME Oak Bluffs
Jeannie has been certified with Madd Dogg since 2016. She is also certified through Schwinn as an indoor cycling instructor. Jeannie is a member of the Indoor Cycling Association and uses these programs to continue her education in spinning. Jeannie has also added American Red Cross lifeguard to her resume and can be found on the Y pool deck. Her real passion is on the road with her road bike she named Sil. Jeannie is a Type 1 diabetic and that is what drives her passion for fitness and health. She rides in the New England Classic Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association, a 150-mile ride over the course of two days. Jeannie is married, participates in Big Brother Big Sister on the island and is active with JDRF.
It all comes back to the bike.
The sense of community life, during both good times and bad.
My bike.
My bike and time with my family.
JFK Jr.
Entrain
Newsboys
Bruce Springstein
Petra
Michael Jackson
FROM NJ & NYC
ISLAND HOME Oak Bluffs
Judy was a dancer in NYC and a summer geek on Martha’s Vineyard. She found the Pilates Method when searching for answers to injuries. She became a Certified Teacher in 2004 and a Teacher Trainer in 2009. When she left NYC to move to the Island, she was thrilled to be able to share the benefits of the Pilates Method with people here at the Y.
I teach Pilates mat at the Y and teach everybody from 6-106. I feel especially well trained in dealing with people with lower back pain.
My favorite thing is beach access all year long.
Any Vineyard beach.
Pilates and strength training.
Janis Joplin
FROM Turners Falls, MA
ISLAND HOME Vineyard Haven
Todd grew up on a farm and has always loved sports and exercise. His father got him into lifting weights at 14 and he never looked back. After high school Todd worked and travelled across the United States, always keeping up with his training. He found the island is 2005 and has made it his permanent home where he is raising his family.
They YMCA is a family oriented facility. We strive for happy, healthy living. I am truly all about family and healthy living for all.
On the beach!
Caring about myself and making healthy choices. Eating healthy and exercising my body and mind.
Toss up between being at the beach and cooking.
FROM MV
ISLAND HOME Vineyard Haven
Julie is a mom to 4 beautiful and very busy children. Her journey with Zumba began when she started the DVD’s at home after the birth of her 4th child. She eventually became a regular at the Y classes and lost 30lbs through a combination of Zumba and healthy eating! Julie decided she wanted to share her love of Zumba with others and got her license! Her classes are geared towards everyone, all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. Zumba is a dance party where you can scorch calories and burn fat while feeling like you’re in the club dancing with friends. To Julie, Zumba is so much more than a workout, it has helped her cope with her husband's multiple deployments overseas and the stress that brings. Julie encourages everyone to give it a try! Ditch the workout, join the party!
I am a Zumba instructor but I have also taught Insanity and PiYo.
The community and the sports and the opportunities for my children.
Menemsha Hills
As a big Hockey and Lacrosse family (all 4 kids play); I love to try to be at all of my kids’ games to cheer them on and watch them do the things they love.
Jennifer Lopez
“Fogo” - Garmiani
“Machika” - J Balvin, Jeon & Anitta
“Tip Toe” - Jason Derulo
“Finesse feat. Cardi B” - Bruno Mars
“She Loves Control” - Camila Cabello
FROM Harwinton, CT
ISLAND HOME Edgartown
Leslie Smith has been teaching group exercise classes for 30+ years and has seen the fitness industry evolve. Although she still believes in the old school method for fitness, she is embracing the new. Keep moving❤️.
Bodypump
Community spirit.
Teaching a group class.
Bodypump
All seafood
FROM Manchester England
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
Sian has been teaching yoga almost 15 years and has completed 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training with Shiva Rea at Kripalu. Sian began her career by teaching yoga to kids through the YMCA After School program. During this time, she also started teaching Vinyasa, Prenatal, Core, Gentle, and her specialty, Power Yoga, at many Island locations. Sian was a runner for many years and has been into health and fitness most of her life. The yoga practice led her in a different, more spiritual path. Sian is a published writer and mother of 5, an avid kayaker, and dog walker. She has 2 dogs and 2 cats and has lived on the Island for 30 years.
I like all bodies but my favorite are those who allow the practice of yoga to open their minds and their bodies.
Such a creative bunch of characters
Costa Rica
Practicing Yoga
PJ Harvey
Music I’m Loving
“Fearless” - Pink Floyd
“Hallelujah” - Jeff Buckey
“Dreadlocks in Moonlight” - Lee Scratch Perry
“Rise” - Eddie Vedder
“Ramble On” - Led Zeppelin
Hometown Middleboro, MA
ISLAND HOME Vineyard Haven
The water and swimming have always been at the center of Christina’s life. Growing up she swam competitively at the Middleboro YMCA, which was made possible by the financial assistance outreach program. Christina swam competitively for 12 years and became a lifeguard and swim instructor on and off the island starting in 2005. Christina graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with her Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and her USCG License as a 3rd Assistant Engineer of Motor/Gas Turbine and Steam Engines of Unlimited Horsepower. Christina then spent the better part of the next four years at sea working all over the world for the US Navy and on Oil Drilling Rigs in the Gulf of Mexico advancing to a 2nd Assistant Engineer. Since returning to the island full-time in 2016, she has been able to pass her swimming knowledge and skills onto the community here at the YMCA as a swim instructor and substitute coach.
Swimming Lessons, I love teaching all ages and really love when I have an opportunity to substitute coach for the swim team. I also enjoy teaching new swimmers that did not have an opportunity to learn before.
The Island community is so compassionate and vibrant I enjoy looking in the newspaper for events to experience different things and learn new skills. There is always something to try!
I enjoy the vibe, feel, diversity and food of the Caribbean.
Sailing
Grace Potter
Hometown New Jersey
Halley has over 25 years of experience in wellness and body conditioning. Whether it’s a spin class, a yoga class, a reiki session, or working with the weights. Having a clean consistent diet rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and nutritional foods is key. Each one of these modalities and living a healthy lifestyle is an integral part of my life. I’ve always been amazed at the human body’s immense power to function, heal, and thrive. I live what I teach and believe in what I do.
Whether training (NASM CPT, CES certified; C.H.E.K Holistic Lifestyle Coach), teaching meditation, spinning (Mad Dogg certified), yoga (E-RYT 500, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Breast Cancer), I am devoted to the path of healing, harmony, and vitality. Knowing that what I do might actually enable someone to live a longer and healthier life is an honor.
Beauty is everywhere.
Anywhere on my bike.
Learning and making jewelry that move people.
The one behind the scenes.
Depends on the moment, too many to choose.
HOMETOWN Chicago, IL
ISLAND HOME Edgartown
Growing up, Leslie’s family was always very active in all types of sports, in both the summer and the winter. Leslie has fond memories of learning how to swim in the ocean. Leslie went to college at the University of California Santa Barbara and majored in History and Anthropology. After college Leslie worked in retail for ten years and this career brought her to Boston. When her son was born Leslie wanted to give him the gift of swimming but couldn't afford lessons. As a result, she started volunteering as a swim teacher for under privileged and special needs kids at the local Jewish Community Center. During that time, she also became a certified Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor. Through her volunteer work Leslie was able bring her little boy along so he could participate. After moving to the Island, Leslie was able to continue teaching all levels of swimming. After 20+ years on this beautiful island and swimming in the YMCA pool, her swimming journey continues.
Anything in the water, competitive swimming, aqua fitness, aquatic therapy synchronized
It is tranquil and peaceful but at any time you could meet someone from halfway round the world. It is not some backwoods isolated place.
Underwater
Swim workout with the adult team Martha's Vineyard Masters.
The underwater creature from The Shape of Water.
“Another One Bites The Dust” - Queen
“The Harder They Come” - Jimmy Cliff
“SOS” - Abba
“Uptown Funk ft. Bruno Mars” - Mark Ronson
“Just My Imagination” - The Temptations
HOMETOWN Califon, NJ
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
After receiving her Red Cross certification, Suzanne worked as a swim instructor, lifeguard, and in search and rescue through college. After college, she became a YMCA Aquatics Director in Connecticut and a YMCA Aquatics Outreach Program Director in Boston. Suzanne began her professional career in interior design and project management in the USVI, where she also started a local beach swim clinic. Upon moving to Martha's Vineyard, it has been her great joy to teach swimming and aquatics safety to the children of this community.
My area of expertise is in children's swim instruction.
I love our tight knit community, with its people of all different backgrounds and nationalities, living in a naturally beautiful place.
I am most happy sailing and swimming in the Caribbean, or the Mediterranean.
Southside beaches in Chilmark.
Reading as many books as possible. Preferably at the beach, even in winter.
FROM North Adams, MA
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
Asil graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. He has been an elite master trainer since 2005 and with the Y since 2010. Asil married his high school sweetheart and they have two wonderful children. Asil is driven to reach the goals of his clients and help all members to achieve a lifestyle that is wellness based.
Asil works at the Y because he loves the fitness culture that it has brought to Martha’s Vineyard. He sees the Y as really bringing people together and it has changed the activity level in our community.
On the Basketball Court.
Oak Bluffs Basketball Court.
All soul food.
Oscar Robinson
Hometown Stow, MA & MV
ISLAND HOME Oak Bluffs
Jen spent 8 years on the island teaching elementary school before combining her love of teaching with her love of fitness into a full-time career. Jen’s certifications included: YMCA Swim Instructor, USMS Swim Coach, USMS Adult Learn to Swim Instructor, USAT level 1 Triathlon Coach, USAT race director, and ACE Fitness Personal Trainer. Currently, Jen spends her days helping others achieve their swimming and fitness goals. Jen is highly a competitive age group multisport athlete in the aquabike (swim then bike) event, ranking 6th in the country in 2017. She is excited to have qualified for the Multisport World Championship again in 2018. Jen became the Aquatics Director is the summer of 2022.
Swimming at any level from non-swimmers to highly competitive. I also have a lot of experience teaching and coaching swimmers with special needs and physical challenges. Teach Aqua HIIT.
All the beautiful places on the island.
When I am out on my bike or swimming in an outdoor lap pool on a sunny day.
Swim practices with the Masters.
Training and competing in Aquabike, swimming, cycling, and strength training.
“Unstoppable” - The Score
“Higher and Higher” - Jackie Wilson
“Ain’t , No Mountain High Enough” - Marvin Gaye
“Great Balls of Fire” - Jerry Lee Lewis
“River” - Bishop Briggs
FROM MV
ISLAND HOME Edgartown & Oak Bluffs
Jenn was born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard. She has an extensive background in banking but left that world to pursue her childhood dream of working with horses. Recently, she became a certified Massage Therapist for Equines. The Y has given her a chance to get back into the work world away from horses and learn something new. She has been with the Y since 2016 and this place quickly became like a family to her. She continues to pursue her passion of equine massage work as well.
The Y is a great place to work and the facility is beautiful. I enjoy all the relationships I have made here and I love the motivation to workout! I give to the Y because it impacts people of all ages, it has a little something for everyone. I think it's important thing for our island to offer.
The sense of community.
Love Florida, Juno Beach.
I work out and enjoy running, hiking, Y Classes and riding horses.
Larry Bird
FROM Indiana
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
Jess was born and raised in Indiana and moved to the Island after completing her degree in Health and Human Services at Purdue University. Jess has a long history with the Y having attended summer camp for 10 years as a child and working at 2 Ys before coming to the Vineyard. Jess got here start at the YMCA of MV in 2014 as a summer camp counselor. Jess lives in West Tisbury with her husband Anthony and their pup Reggie.
I have always had a strong love for the Y beginning when I was a camper at Camp Tecumseh YMCA. I made lifelong friendships there that grew around the Y’s 4 core values. As an adult working at different Y’s, I have still felt that wonderful connection and those friendships grow. When you enter a YMCA, you know you will meet genuine people that care about you. I want to help grow the YMCA into the best organization it can be and strive to be my best too.
any beach!!
Tashmoo Overlook
Asil's ab class
FROM New York
ISLAND HOME Vineyard Haven
Jill is married to Silas Blake Axtell, she has 3 daughters, and 2 stepsons. Jill moved to Martha's Vineyard in 2009. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1986. Her YMCA career began in 1986 at the YMCA of Metropolitan Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. She continued her Y work at the YMCA of Greenwich, Greenwich CT., Wilton Family YMCA, Wilton CT., Old Town-Orono YMCA, Old Town Maine, and now the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard 2009- Present.
I decided to make the YMCA a career when I was hired as a Fitness Director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Mobile in 1986. I loved inspiring and encouraging others to grow, change and be better than they imagined they could be. I realized that the Y was a about both personal and community development. My favorite part about working for the Y is creating opportunities to enrich the lives of many different types of people. Every day is a new opportunity to touch the life of someone in a new way. I feel grateful to have the ability to offer people ways to be brave and courageous, to find the power within themselves and their community to have a fulfilling and healthy life.
I donate to the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard so that we can continue to offer financial assistance to those individuals and families that cannot afford the many services and facilities that are available. I often have people stop by my office to say, "I don't know what we would do here without the Y. Thank you for making it possible for me to be here." Personally, I could never give too much money to the Y. I hope someday I will have the ability to be much more generous. I have firsthand knowledge of the impact the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard has made on the island in the last 8 years.
The ocean beaches of Martha's Vineyard and Mexico.
Next to the YMCA, my favorite place is watching the full moon and stars on a clear night on South Beach.
I take group exercise classes at the Y and walk my Great Dane, Harley.
Michael Jackson
FROM South Boston
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
Joan started her adventure with the Y as the volunteer Board Treasurer back in 2004 when the YMCA was just a concept on paper. Her full-time job at that time was as President and CFO for an International Service organization. When the Y opened its doors in 2010, Joan chose to transition her work life to the island as well.
It has been a great experience participating in the progress of the organization from just an idea of a small group of individuals to a community gathering place.
My perennial garden.
Kayaking off Lamberts Cove Beach.
Running and kayaking.
Gardening
FROM Carmel, NY
ISLAND HOME Edgartown
Kelly first moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 2008 right after graduating from UVM. It did not take long for her to absolutely fall in love with this magical island. When the Y opened in the Spring of 2010 Kelly started working as a lifeguard and swim instructor with little knowledge of what life had in store. She quickly moved into the position of Aquatics Coordinator and never looked back. She now leads the Aquatics and Summer Camp departments and has built a wonderful life on MV with her loving husband, son and daughter.
I work at the Y because I know the work that I do truly impacts my community and neighbors. I love walking through the grocery store and seeing familiar faces and feeling like I am connected to so many people here. I hope that I can continue to work hard to serve my community and ensure that the Y is a true community center for all. The Y is a place that brings people together and togetherness is what we all need. The Y has been a source of wellness for many island families and individuals. Being part of the Y is a lifestyle that has brought people together and lead to the forming of new communities and friendships.
I feel like I am part of something special just by simply living here.
My screened in porch.
Spending time with my family.
Mac & Cheese
FROM MV
ISLAND HOME Oak Bluffs
Nina was born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard and was lucky enough to return to make a home for her family because of the Y! She grew up trying to mimic her parent’s strong work ethic, working side by side with them and her siblings at the Chilmark Store. Nina’s education took her off the island to attend Tabor Academy for boarding school and Fairfield University for college. After living and working in Boston for 5 years post college, it was time to return to the island as her heart was drawn back home and to that island life! Less than a year after moving home and working for the Town of Chilmark, she took a tour of the Y facility under construction at one of the open houses. The pool was an empty concrete shell and the Health & Wellness floor was a blank slate. Nina remembers standing in awe imagining when the facility was complete what an asset it would be to improve the wellness of the community. A few short months later she was hired as the Membership Director 6 weeks before opening to the public in May 2010. She lives in Oak Bluffs with her best friend and husband, Dana Kiendzior, who is an electrician. They have 2 rambunctious and adorable boys, Abel and Crew as well as an adorably needy dog named Crosby.
I work for the Y to be a part of making our community stronger. Working at the Y is nothing short of hard work but the connection to how the Y positively impacts the community we serve and the positive nature of adding to the health and wellness of our island makes it worth the challenge. Thanks to the ever-changing needs of our members, program participants and community, we are always evolving and trying to improve our processes, services and facility to meet those needs. Everyone comes to the Y for a different reason, but it is my goal to make sure everyone feels welcome and well served when they are here. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to work with the staff team at the Y over the years and helping make the Y the organization it is today.
I donate to the Y every year because I think it is important to give back to an organization that gives so much to help the community by keeping membership and programs affordable and offering financial assistance.
Being able to see the ocean every day.
The beach.
My house! Jetty Beach is a close second.
Steam class.
FROM Canaan, VT
ISLAND HOME Vineyard Haven
Ryan attended Lyndon State College in Vermont. During his time there he met his wife and after college they moved to Martha's Vineyard, where she was born and raised. Once here Ryan began pursuing his passion of making his community a better place and began working at Martha's Vineyard Community Services in February of 2011. He worked in several different departments until deciding to make the change and move to the YMCA in March of 2017 to become the new Director of Alex's Place Teen Center. Ryan is an avid sports fan and support all things New England sport related. He enjoys spending time with his wife, son and daughter.
I work for the Y because I want to make my community a better place. I enjoy my role supporting and mentoring the teens that come into Alex's Place. My favorite part about working at the Y is the time I get to spend with the teens that come into the teen center and being a part of a team that provides a space that is safe and free for all island teens.
I feel that they Y programs benefit all ages on MV. We provide support and services for every age group. From the Afterschool program to the Teen Center and all the way to the elder services we provided. I feel that everyone has a space at the Y for them to come and be.
Being surrounded by a caring and loving family and community.
I enjoy the forest and being in nature.
Pizza
Post Malone
FROM West Tisbury
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
Dan was born and raised on the island, and moved away after college. He moved back with his wife Nancy and son Emmett to take the job as Programs and Operations Manager for the YMCA at the Arena. He grew up playing hockey at the arena when it first opened and there was no roof, much different from today’s facility. Prior to moving back to the Vineyard, Dan lived and worked in Norfolk, Virginia as the Operations Manager of a race management and timing company. He has worked with many non-profit groups helping organize and time their events, including trips to the Vineyard each Summer to help Camp Jabberwocky with their Run for Jabberwocky each August.
The YMCA and the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena are tremendous parts of the community. During the colder, darker months on the island the arena, much like the Y, is the heartbeat of the island. It was a place I learned so much in while growing up and look forward to continuing its tradition.
Quansoo and The Camp.
Playing hockey, walking, and Morning Motivation at the Y with Margarita.
Kenny Chesney
FROM Florida
ISLAND HOME West Tisbury
Jessey was born in Florida and raised on Martha's Vineyard. She became involved with the Y 11 years ago as a summer camp counselor. After graduating from Mitchell College with a degree in Family and Children’s Studies, Jessey began working for the Y fulltime as both a Summer Camp counselor and classroom lead in the After School Program. In 2017 she became the Assistant Director for both the After School Program and summer camp. Jessey says her Y family has pushed her to grow in ways she would have never imagined and have made her a better leader, wife, mother, and human. In 2022, Jessey became the Youth Program Director at the Y. Jessey lives in West Tisbury with her husband and son.