The Ocean Community YMCA’s Leadership Recognition Breakfast celebrates individuals and organizations whose leadership, generosity, and commitment to service make a meaningful difference in our community.
Each year, community members come together to recognize our distinguished honorees, celebrate their impact, and support the Ocean Community YMCA’s mission to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Join us for a morning of connection, inspiration, and celebration as we honor those who lead by example.
Friday, November 20th, 2026 – 8:00 AM
Ocean House – 1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, RI
Jeff Liguori is a respected investment professional, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime volunteer leader of the Ocean Community YMCA. His service to the Y has spanned many years, including serving as Treasurer and later Chair of the Association Board, where he continues to serve today. Jeff and his family also share a deeply personal connection to Toni’s Kids, an inclusive Y initiative named in memory of his late mother, Toni Liguori, that helps children of all abilities participate and thrive alongside their peers. Through his leadership, generosity, and commitment to creating opportunities for others, Jeff has made a lasting impact on the Y and the community he calls home.
Brothers Michael and Edward Planeta, Jr. represent the second generation of leadership at Acme Wire Products, the family-owned Mystic manufacturing company founded by their father in 1970. Together with their sister, Mary Planeta Fitzgerald, they have continued a family tradition rooted in local business, community involvement, and giving back. Mike’s service has included leadership with the Naik Family Branch YMCA and the Wire Fabricators Association, while Ed has contributed his experience to local economic development and other community efforts. Both brothers, along with Acme Wire, have generously supported the Ocean Community YMCA and numerous organizations throughout southeastern Connecticut, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to strengthening the community where they live and work.
For more than 60 years, the John E. Fogarty Foundation for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has carried forward the legacy of Rhode Island Congressman John E. Fogarty, a nationally recognized champion for public health and individuals with disabilities. That commitment has continued across generations of the Fogarty family, supporting organizations throughout Rhode Island that create opportunities for inclusion, independence, recreation, education, and community participation. Ocean Community YMCA is proud to be among those organizations, with the Foundation’s support helping strengthen inclusive programs such as Toni’s Kids. Through decades of advocacy and philanthropy, the Fogarty Foundation continues to create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate, connect, and belong.
Certifications:
Due to numerous (but always interesting) injuries in her aviation career, experience as a personal trainer and fitness instructor and also many years of physical therapy, Sandy has a deep understanding of how to reach fitness goals while working with each client’s specific needs. She is also patient and easy to get along with.
Certifications:
Certifications:
Sandy is a retired airline captain, a pilot for Fly the Whale, a certified flight instructor and a world record holding skydiver. She’s also been a fitness professional for 35 years, having taught every imaginable fitness class at various YMCAs in Florida and Westerly.
YMCA Group Exercise Instructor; IFTA-Fitness Certified Personal Trainer; CPR certified, and of course just about every flying license known to the FAA.
Due to numerous (but always interesting) injuries in her aviation career, experience as a personal trainer and fitness instructor and also many years of physical therapy, Sandy has a deep understanding of how to reach fitness goals while working with each client’s specific needs. She is also patient and easy to get along with.
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!”