.png)
.png)
Lisa Fritz She/Her
Snow Site Director
Middletown
I have been in all realms of the childcare/youth development field for over 23 years. I started as a parent volunteer in my son's preschool and worked my way up to the Director position in that same preschool, which grew into a full-time childcare center. I now enjoy working as a Site Director with school-age children. I like making a positive impact during their formative years and find the experience both rewarding and inspiring.
Outside of work, I am a very proud mother of 2 adult sons. I grew up with sports being a large presence in my life and was fortunate my sons chose the same path, where I could enjoy watching them play. I enjoy spending time with family, baking, and am an avid animal lover!
Olivia Fickett She/Her
Lawrence Site Director
Middletown
Hi! My name is Liv Fickett, and I am the Site Director at Lawrence Elementary School. I have been working with the Middlesex YMCA for 9 years, and I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in math. I have been involved with many of the programs within the YMCA, including Kids Korner, the preschool, and even Camp Ingersoll.
When I am not at Kids Korner, I enjoy playing with my cat, sitting by the pool, and listening to music while I paint. One fun fact about me is that I am a quadruplet, and my sibling Michelle is the Site Director at Farm Hill.
Ben Carlson He/Him
School Age Care & Teen Programs Director
I have been in the youth development field for over 12 years, starting my career in Manchester, Connecticut. I have worked in school age programs, summer camp, and many more youth programs. Throughout my career, I have been involved in youth sports coaching, teen programs, and professional development training and am very happy to have landed in the Middlesex Community!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time golfing and staying active as an athlete. I participate in sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball – helping me stay very active and engaged with the students we work with!
Chrissy Fontana
School Age Assistant Director
I have been working in childcare for over 8 years now. I have loved working with children and being around them ever since I was a teenager and knew it was going to be my passion. I have had extensive experience with young children of all different ages—from nannying for many different families, volunteering at camps, and working in daycares, to being an assistant teacher and head teacher in classrooms and now serving as a Site Director.
Working with young children brings so much joy to my life, and I am passionate about having a positive influence on their early stages of life and providing them with a safe and nurturing environment each and every day where they feel loved and supported. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends (going out to eat, shopping, watching movies, visiting arcades, etc.), and I also enjoy watching and playing basketball!
David Lyon He/Him
Childcare Financial Manager
I joined the YMCA and the childcare field in October. Prior to this, I worked in a number of financial positions in both the public and private sector. I graduated from UConn with a Bachelor's in Economics and Philosophy and soon after received a Master's degree in Philosophy from NYU.
I'm a big proponent of weightlifting and fitness in general. If you use our fitness center (which I hope you do), chances are you'll see me there sometime after work. I also play a range of instruments, currently working on the drums.
Nelly Rosales They/Them
Bielefield Site Director
Middletown
Janelle (Nelly) Rosales - I like to say that I have a lifetime of childcare experience, as I am the oldest of 8 children! I have previously volunteered with the YMCA and have experience in childcare, education, program coordination, youth services, and community outreach. As a Kids Korner Site Director, I look forward to building community and providing a safe and fun environment for students to challenge themselves and flourish. I am very happy to share my skills and do my part in preparing our youth for their bright futures!
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" is a motto I carry with me in my everyday life. Other things in my everyday life include my three dogs (Caballero, Milo, and Princess), theatre and the arts, singing and music, and quality time with my family. I also enjoy beginning crochet projects and other crafts (but not necessarily finishing them, haha!).
Giulie Cacace She/Her
WIS Site Director
Cromwell
I have been in childcare since I was 16, and I have been working at Woodside Kids Korner since 2022. I spend my free time reading and drawing, and I love to share my knowledge of history with the kids! I graduated from CCSU with a Bachelor's degree in History and am working towards getting certified to be a teacher!
Tati Delgado She/Her
ECS Site Director
Cromwell
I have been working in childcare for about 6 years, starting in New Britain, CT. I have worked mostly in infant/toddler care in the past and began working with school-age children at Kids Korner about 3 years ago.
In my free time, I work towards finding more creative mediums to foster my love for theatre and music. Creativity is vital to my own life, and I strive to help my students cultivate their own creativity, even in the case of mistakes.
Ray Lavoy He/Him
Gildersleeve Site Director
Portland
Hi, I'm Ray, the Site Director for Kids Korner at Gildersleeve School. I've worked for the YMCA for going on 11 years now in multiple capacities involving youth development and care. I grew up playing soccer, tennis, frisbee, and baseball, and I love science.
Kaden Powers He/Him
Moody Site Director
Middletown
Hi everyone! My name is Kaden Powers, and I'm the Moody Site Director this year! I graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2024 with a BA in Elementary Education, and also work as the CIT Director at YMCA Camp Ingersoll in the summer! In my free time, I love to read, play basketball, and build Lego!
Domani Ferris He/Him
Spencer Site Director
Middletown
I've been working for the Y at Kids Korner for over 2 years, originally starting out in Cromwell and Portland, then working my way up to Site Director here at Spencer. When I am not working, I like to spend my time outside going for hikes, and as the Spencer students know, I am a big superhero fan!
Michelle Fickett They/Them
Farm Hill Site Director
Middletown
I have worked with the Middlesex YMCA for 10 years now, starting and still working at Camp Ingersoll and now at Kids Korner. I was the Site Director for Gildersleeve last year before moving to Farm Hill here in Middletown! I went to school in Florida, where I earned a degree in Communications.
Outside of work, I am passionate about many sports, especially soccer, which I coach in my free time.
Derrick Barber He/Him
Macdonough Site Director
Middletown
I grew up in Manchester, Connecticut, where I played both basketball and baseball, developing a lifelong passion for sports and competition. I am the Founder and Program Director of the Vision Elite War Ready AAU program, where I oversee youth basketball development and program operations.
In addition to overseeing youth programs, I also coach basketball and baseball with the goal of helping youth grow through discipline, teamwork, and consistent skill development. Outside of coaching, I enjoy fitness and staying active through all sports. I am dedicated to the mission of youth development and character development.