Meet Our Staff
Gail Fortes
Executive Director
“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
“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
“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
Lisa Calvano
Director of Finance
.
.
.
.
.
.
Linda Larsen
Office Manager
“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
“What draws me to the YWCA? The friendliness, equality, atmosphere, open-mindedness and flexibility are just a few things that draw me to the YWCA.”
Katrina Semich
Communications Assistant
Linda Rose
Receptionist
“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.”
.
.
.
.
.
youth services
Stephanie DeSousa
Coordinator of Teen Services
Shawneen Fyock
YWkids Site Coordinator
“What draws me to the YWCA is the opportunity to work for an organization that is dedicated to helping others. I have a strong passion to work with today’s youth. I love working at YWkids, it is a lot of fun and extremely rewarding. I enjoy being a positive figure and having the chance to guide them in the right direction.”
Kathryn Nunes
Coordinator of Support Services
Natasha Iraheta
Kindergarten Coordinator
“What draws me to the YWCA? The drive and passion I have gained to implement the mission of the YWCA in my personal life and lives of those I may come into contact with, draws me to the organization.”
Iris Ruiz
YWkids Group Leader
“What keeps me connected to YWkids are the kids. They make my day. I can’t go a day without smiling or laughing because of them.”
.
.
.
.
.
Melissa Alicea
YWkids Group Leader
Kaitlyn Correia
YWkids Assistant Group Leader
Shirley Houtman
YWkids 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
Ana Silva
Outreach Specialist
“What draws me to the YWCA? I feel like I’m making a difference.”
.
.
.
.
..
Valentina Martinez
Outreach Specialist
.
.
.
.
.
.
adult services
Joan Yotides
Widowed Persons Director
“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.”
residential services
Candy Royster
Resident Assistant