meet our staff



Gail Fortes
Executive Director
gfortes@ywcasema.org
“What draws me to the YWCA: In one word; everything! Our Mission, Vision, Values, Passion, Commitment to Leadership Development and the programs we provide to women, girls and their families. This is not just a job; it is my life's work!”










 

Catherine Bourassa
Director of Programs and Services
cbourassa@ywcasema.org
“What draws me to the YWCA: The YWCA is a supportive, empowering environment for staff as well as the women and girls we serve.”







 

Athena M. G. Mota
Director of Advocacy and Communications
amota@ywcasema.org
“What draws me to the YWCA is the legacy of women that have rooted us in this movement and pioneered over the past 150 years to make it possible for my voice to be at the table. The mission of this organization is weaved into the fabric of my life. The YWCA has opened many doors for me and I am committed to seeing this leadership development happen for other young women. My work challenges me everyday, and it deepens my appreciation for the women before me who have paved the path for my journey to take place and new branches to grow.”


 

administrative services - Back To Top

Lisa Calvano
Director of Finance
lcalvano@ywcasema.org












 

Linda Larsen
Office Manager
llarsen@ywcasema.org
“I was originally drawn to the YWCA to work with children. Now, I enjoy the collaboration of the staff and our supporters to fulfill our goals.”




Annamarie Lopes
Administrative Assistant
alopes@ywcasema.org
“What draws me to the YWCA? The friendliness, equality, atmosphere, open-minds and flexibility are just a few things that draw me to the YWCA.”





Linda Rose
Receptionist
lrose@ywcasema.org
“The Widowed Persons Program is what drew me to the YWCA. The support groups helped me through my grief.”




 

Jack Davis
Facilities Manager
“Primarily, what draws me to the YWCA is the Mission. Everyday I’m able to go to work and have the opportunity to learn and contribute to something I really believe in.”




 

Dave Pires
Custodian
“What draws me to the YWCA? I find the work that the YWCA does for young children inspiring, as well as our Executive Director’s passion for her work.”














Domingo Quinones
Custodian




















youth services - Back To Top


Teen Services Coordinator
teenservices@ywcasema.org



Shawneen Fyock
ywkids Site Coordinator
ywkids@ywcasema.org



Taiesha Ribeiro
coordinator of support services
tribeiro@ywcasema.org



Karina Andrade
ywkids Group Leader



Beatrize Guerrero
ywkids Group Leader
“The YWCA cares about women and families and that’s what keeps me motivated to be a part of this organization. We also celebrate diversity and appreciate all that each individual has to offer.”



 

Natasha Iraheta
ywkids Group Leader



Iris Ruiz
ywkids Group Leader
“What keeps me connected to Yw kids are the kids. They make my day. I can’t go a day without smiling or laughing because of them.”






 

Shirley Houtman
Yw kids Clerical Support
“What draws me to the YWCA? I’m here for my children-- their smiles and the love that they show me. I hope to be here for many more years.”







 

wellness for women and girls - Back To Top

Ana Silva
Outreach Specialist
asilva@ywcasema.org
“What draws me to the YWCA? I feel like I’m making a difference.”




 

Valentina Martinez
Outreach Specialist
vmartinez@ywcasema.org

















adult services - Back To Top

Joan Yotides
Widowed Persons Director
jyotides@ywcasema.org
“I have always regarded the YWCA as a safe place to be, from my informative years (from age 11 through 18) and again, in my latter years (late 50's through the present). I learned how to swim here and did other "projects" with other children my age and made new friends here. My memories of the YWCA are very good ones. I have always found the YWCA staff helpful and informative when I needed questions answered. When I was approached to be involved in a new program, the Widowed Persons Program, I agreed to do so without hesitation. I, along with the Widowed Persons Program, have been with the YWCA for nearly fifteen years, now. It's still a safe and informative place to be. The focus of empowering women of all ages and avoiding racism is a big plus. There aren't many organizations who focus on these two very important issues.”


women’s collaborative project - Back To Top

Candy Royster
Resident Assistant