 David Marks, CEO For over 23 years, David has served as Director of Camping Services in Pittsburg, Seattle, Rochester, Buffalo, and Detroit before arriving in the beautiful Pioneer Valley in 2002 to reopen Camp Norwich. In 2003 David was asked to take over as CEO of the Hampshire Regional YMCA and to spearhead its revitalization. The father of 2 boys, he enjoys raising his children in such an intellectually, artistically, environmentally, and spiritually vibrant community. David and his staff are dedicated to creating a Y that provides vital services to members of all ages – whether getting your physical health together, learning to swim, looking for a great summer camp, or taking gymnastics classes. Prior to working around the country at Jewish Community Centers and YMCAs, David made his living as a professional jazz musician. He holds a B.S. in Marketing and Environmental Science.
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Pamela Powers, Associate Executive Director Born and raised in Western MA, Pam, her husband and three children moved to Florence in 2001. Since that time Pam has been very active in the community in leadership roles working with children. She is currently Co-Leader for the Parent Teacher Organization at Leeds Elementary School as well as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Her former position as an Education Support Professional afforded her the ability to advocate for the needs of children in the classroom. Prior to joining the YMCA, Pam worked as a Quality Control Manager and then as a Customer Service & Distribution Manager for a major manufacturing company in Western Mass. Her leadership, organization, and project management skills were further developed while earning her MBA from Western New England College. Pam enjoys spending time with her three children, ages 9, 8 & 6, being outdoors, and crafting. |
 Christie Emerson, Aquatics Director Before accepting the position of Aquatics Director, I taught water
aerobics classes here at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. During that time, I also held many fun and challenging positions including: Family Events Coordinator, Youth and Family Services Director, Member Services Director, and Camp Norwich Registrar. A jack-of-all-trades, I have worked for the Y for almost six years. I am a certified Lifeguard, a certified YMCA Arthritis Program Instructor, Water Aerobics Instructor, Pool and Spa Operator, CPR Instructor (responsible for having all our staff certified), and I also help organize the Swim Team! Currently, I live in Florence, MA with my two active sons, Nate who is 15 years old and Ben who is 13 as well as our beloved dog Loti and cat Snickers! I love to work in my yard, decorate and exercise.
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 Lynn LaFountain, Member Services Director I became the Director of Member Services in early 2006. I love the busy pace and comaraderie of the Y. Seeing old friends and class mates, and all our wonderful members, has made this a very enjoyable transition for me. I bring over 17 years in Retail Management and Customer Service to the job as well as first-hand knowledge of the community. As a kid growing up in the area, part of my regular weekend thing was hanging out at the Y! In fact, my two children, Josh and Annie (both of whom are now grown) learned to swim at the Y. I reside in Cummington with my significant other Shaun, our dog Charlie and cat Gus. Cooking for family and friends is my favorite thing to do. I also love to be out on my motorcycle or snowmobile (depending on the season). I enjoy making jewelry and other crafts for gifts, and one other little known fact – I am a licensed Esthetician!
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 Marion Jordan, Gymnastics Director I was born in Northampton and lived in the Valley my whole life. At 17 years old, I started coaching gymnastics at a dance studio in South Hadley. I began coaching part-time at the Y in 1999 to help pay for my schooling. During that time, I was also Assistant Gymnastics Coach at Hampshire Regional High School for 2 years, and then Head Coach for 2 more years. Also in 1999, I started our competitive HRYMCA gymnastics team with a mere 12 gymnasts! Now we have about 40 competitive gymnasts and are going strong. I graduated from Westfield State College in 2004 and now live in Belchertown with my husband. I am first aid and CPR certified and hold a USA Gymnastics Safety certification. I have trained Nationally-ranked YMCA gymnasts all the way down to our tiniest new 2-year-old gymnasts! In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, shopping, fashion, and traveling.
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 Pat Monska, Health and Wellness Director I have been in the fitness industry for over 30 years, with particular interest in Older Active Adults and Circuit Training. In that time I have been teaching classes throughout the valley as well as here at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. My certifications include Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, Stability Ball, Kickboxing and I am certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. I especially enjoy spending time with my two children Chrissy, 19 and Greg, 16. Other interests include cross country skiing, biking, hiking, rollerblading or any outside activity. |
 Hannah Reilly, Child Watch Director Hannah Reilly has over 35 years of child care experience. She also has Pre-School and Infant Toddler teacher certifications as well as being certified as Director Level One. She has also received Certifications from the National Association for Family Child Care as both a child care provider and evaluator of home-based child care centers while operating her own successful home-based business for over twenty years. She has certifications in several life-saving methods such as First Aid and CPR, and is qualified as a SIDS instructor. She uses these certifications as well as her teaching experience at the preschool and grammar school levels (and as a mother of three) to design and implement a plan of action designed to create an enjoyable and educational experience for all the children who come to visit her and her well-qualified staff at the Y.
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