We know that you place trust in the y to help your child develop and thrive. We place great value on creating the most child-safe environment possible. We believe when you are well informed about safety protocols, it greatly assists our responsibility of remaining vigilant and aware of all individuals who potentially interact with children. The Ocean Community YMCA has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse (including sexual abuse) or mistreatment of consumers by staff, volunteers, and other consumers. Conduct that rises to the level of abuse by any of the above parties will result in intervention and/or disciplinary action, up to an including dismissal from employment (staff) or program (consumer). You are strongly encouraged to immediately report any deviation from these procedures.
The Ocean Community YMCA has over 300 staff and volunteers working with youth in the many programs that we offer. To keep children safe, we follow a comprehensive screening process for potential employees and volunteers that includes a detailed application and interview process, reference checks, criminal background checks, and training.
Our employees and volunteer complete and extensive child abuse prevention training program. Supervisors and managers complete additional training to further promote a child-safe environment. Additionally, all staff and volunteers are mandated to report any suspected child abuse.
This accreditation means that your child’s summer camp or program is fully invested in understanding and implementing policies that reflect industry recognized standards in the health, safety, and risk management of camp operations.
Resource assisting younger kids in understanding consent and setting boundaries
Targets teen dating and healthy relationships
Targets teen dating and healthy relationships
Online safety
If you have any questions or concerns regarding a YMCA staff person or program, please contact us.
Karen Allen, Executive Director: Arcadia Branch, kallen@oceancommunityymca.org, 401-539-2306
Meghan Baxter, Executive Director: Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch mbaxter@oceancommunityymca.org, 401-596-2894
Yolla El Khoury, Executive Director: Naik Family Branch, yelkhoury@oceancommunityymca.org, 860-536-3575.
If you suspect abuse, please contact us immediately at 401-596-2894. If you are not comfortable sharing this information directly with us, please make a report to the appropriate agencies: Connecticut DCF Careline: 1-800-842-2288 or Rhode Island DCYF: 1-800-7424453. If you feel your child is in immediate danger or has been physically injured, please contact local law enforcement and seek medical attention.
You can also send a confidential report using this link:
Jasmine began training as a Fitness Specialist in 1983, gaining 40 years of experience. She has created diverse programs using equipment like weights, bands, machines, and paddle boards. She enjoys focusing on exploring the science of recovery and practical modality instruction.
Areas of Strength: Applying fitness exercises in a variety of gym, spa, and outdoor environments. Aerobic Dance, Barre, Sunrise Yoga, Kids Camp Paddle Fit Training, Weight Training, Aqua Classes, Pilates
Maryann, a longtime YMCA member from Ledyard, CT, has a lifelong passion for health and fitness, starting with high school sports and long-distance running. She now focuses on helping others improve mobility, strength, and balance through foundational fitness, and is committed to continuous learning and growth.
Athletes centric training, sports specific training, advanced lifting technique and programming, breaking bad habits, and pushing through plateaus. “You’ll never be bored and you are always guaranteed a big smile!”
Laurie became a personal trainer to share the benefits of functional movement, focusing on mobility, stability, and balance for better overall movement. She believes everyone can improve fitness and resilience, regardless of age or ability.
Incorporating screening and corrective exercise programming into workouts. Focus on balance, agility training, core and glute control, active aging.
Health & Wellness Director at OCY Naik Family Branch, is a lifelong athlete, dancer, and U.S. Army veteran. With a background in military training and bodybuilding, she believes physical discipline supports balance in work, family, and healthy living.
Provide corrective exercises and fascial network support tailored to each client’s fitness level, promoting a holistic approach to mental and physical balance. “Find your OWN healthy balance in life!”
Janek is a passionate personal trainer at the YMCA. With a love for fitness and a dedication to helping others, Janek is committed to guiding members to achieve their goals. Whether it’s building strength, improving endurance, losing weight, or reaching new milestones, he is there every step of the way. Get ready to be motivated and inspired!
Friendly and easy to approach and connects well with clients of all ages. “Your HEALTH is your WEALTH!”
Heather is an avid gardener and poetry and fiction writer who has worked for the YMCA for 8 years. Her experience teaching the basics with great form will build a foundation for excellent results.
Works well with all ages and fitness levels while specializing in dynamic stretching and strengthening.
Landon volunteers with the Westerly Fire Dept. In his own training, Landon prioritizes the development of barbell movements paired with complimentary Isolation exercises. Landon is going to put you as the client and your goals first.
Improve strength while teaching fundamental movement patterns.
“With awareness and commitment, your goal is never out of reach.”
Jim is a US Marine Corps veteran, dog lover, and retired RI Police Officer. Jim was a defensive tactics instructor on the dive team and assisted the RI Police Academy with physical fitness assessments while on the police force. NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) d personal trainer
Emphatic outlook towards clients with in-depth effort to ensure the most progress in each clients goals.
“If you are looking for someone that believes in the golden rule of quality service (I give the quality service that | would like to receive) then | am the coach for you”
Amy is a retired military officer and navy pilot. Amy has expertise meeting the unique training needs of women, retirees, and cancer survivors. Amy’s passionate about creating a positive, safe & motivating space where individuals can pursue their personal fitness goals
Areas of Strength: YMCA‘s “Women on Weights,” “Livestrong” programs, and is a Livestrong Coach
“Define Your Own Strong–Your Best Workout Starts Today!”
Cameron is our full-time Fitness Coordinator. While working for the YMCA for 3 years, he has become very confident in his ability to listen to and understand the needs of clients and implement the proper program. He is commended for his extensive knowledge of the fitness floor and his easy-going attitude while helping clients to meet their goals.
Connects well with all different types of clients from youth to seniors, demonstrated by his coaching of the youth/teen strength and conditioning classes, Punch Back @Parkinsons Instructor
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Ethan, a Team USA athlete and 9x world games medalist, is also Stonington’s Deputy Harbormaster. A former U.S. Naval Academy rowing captain and wilderness ranger with the National Park Service, he offers training for goals like hiking the AT, preparing for sports, military service, or marathons
Athlete-centric training, sports-specific training, advanced lifting technique and programming, breaking bad habits and pushing through plateaus.
“It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
As a competitive soccer player in Mexico City, Gerardo developed a passion for lifelong wellness and total life fitness—both mentally and physically. He studied Communications and is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and English.
Body core strengthening, functional body weight training, and balance-stability focus especially for seniors
Helen is a triathlete, marathon runner, author, wife, and mother of two. As a Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer, she helps women achieve health goals across 10 life areas, offering personalized nutrition and workout plans for overall wellness.
Strength, nutrition, running, flexibility, LIVESTRONG Instructor
“Anything is possible!”
Anna has 34 years of experience in fitness and is a military spouse, has moved 17 times in 40+ years of marriage. A mother and grandmother, she’s patient and dedicated to helping clients reach their fitness goals. Friendly and approachable, she enjoys sharing healthy habits.
Strength training, women’s programs, cancer survivors, and clients with Parkinson’s. She’s a former WBFF and NPC bodybuilding competitor.
Originally from New Hampshire, Brennan is a former Division 3 basketball player with a degree in sports management. He emphasizes the importance of balancing fitness with daily life to help you thrive and feel your best at any age.
Trigger point therapy, corrective exercises, weight loss, strength training, TRX, Golf & Basketball
“It’s not just fitness, it’s a lifestyle.”
Providing support to current levels of fitness to recovering from surgery, a long bout of inactivity or looking to progress to the next level of fitness.
“My greatest joys are to help my clients discover or rediscover their personal strength, flexibility, range of motion and endurance capabilities waiting to be realized!”