Riverbrook Regional YMCA Team
The staff at the Riverbrook Regional YMCA are dedicated professionals, with most of our senior department heads having a long career of YMCA experience. We are here to serve our members and the community by being informed, responsive, caring, and willing to go the extra mile to be sure your needs are met.
Executive Management
Christene Freedman
Chief Executive Officer
203-762-8384 x280
cfreedman@riverbrookymca.org
Christene joined the Riverbrook Regional YMCA family as CEO in October 2023. A non-profit executive with 25 years experience, she previously served for seven years as the Chief Development Officer at the Riverbook Y responsible for steering the $6M Building New Stories fundraising campaign. She began her career in non-profit leadership working as the Supervisor of Visitor Education for the New England Aquarium in Boston and continued her career from there in various leadership positions at national museums and private schools, serving most recently as the Chief Advancement Officer for Waveny LifeCare Network. This career path, coupled with her commitment to volunteerism, aligns with Christene’s personal priority that communities are safe, inclusive and sustainable. She serves as District Governor for Rotary International and is a member of the Rotary Club of Wilton. She and her husband David have two children, Zachary and Madison and a very energetic 9-year-old dog Horizon. Christene enjoys eating chocolate (daily), gardening, traveling, the beach, and spending time having fun with friends and family.
Operations
Samantha Lusher
Chief Operating Officer
203-762-8384 x211
slusher@riverbrookymca.org
Samantha has been in the YMCA system since 2008. She has been in aquatics, in the roll as a swimmer, lifeguard, swim instructor, and Red Cross instructor for her whole life. Samantha has a master’s degree in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University in PA. In her very small amount of spare time she loves to play with her son in the pool or on the playground.
Administration
Shana Russnok
Chief Financial Officer
203-762-8384 x275
srussnok@riverbrookymca.org
Shana has been working at the Wilton Family YMCA since 2013 and has been the Chief Financial Officer since our merger with the Norwalk YMCA in 2015. She was certified as a CPA after graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Shana lives in Wilton with her family and enjoys volunteering with various community groups. In her free time, she likes eating pizza and spending time outside in the sun!
Financial Development
Davie Cedela
Director of Development
203-762-8384 x279
dcedela@riverbrookymca.org
Davie Cedela joined the Riverbrook Regional YMCA as the Director of Development in September 2025. She has 16+ years experience in nonprofit leadership, with strengths in program development, mission advancement, and community engagement. Before joining the Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Davie served as Vice President of Family and Youth Development at the New Canaan YMCA, where she was recognized for building inclusive teams, strengthening relationships with community leaders and donors, and driving program growth through equity-focused partnerships.
She earned her B.S. in Human Services from Springfield College. Davie volunteered with Kids In Crisis, served on the Junior Board of Advisors for Family and Children’s Agency, was an active board member for the YMCA’s Professional Network local chapter, served on the board of the Connecticut Camping Association, as was an active member on the Recreation Department Advisory Board at Southern Connecticut State University.
Davie and her wife, Mary, live in Norwalk, CT with their two cats, Bean and Razzle. She enjoys spending time outdoors in her yard, walking at local beaches, taking spontaneous day trips to explore other areas of CT, and participating in stained glass classes.
Human Resources
Aaron Britton
Director of Human Resources
203-762-8384 x298
abritton@riverbrookymca.org
Aaron has been with the Wilton Family YMCA since 1998 and has been serving the Y’s mission since 1993. Aaron’s previous roles at the Y have been Gordyland Camp Director, Afterschool Director, front desk staff and preschool teacher. He has a Bachelor of Science from Western Connecticut State University in Community Health Education and is highly involved with the Connecticut Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as well as being a commissioner with the Newtown Parks & Recreation Department. Aaron lives in Newtown with his wife and two daughters, both of whom are lifelong Gordylanders.
Marketing
Michelle Wishna
Director of Marketing
203-762-8384 x222
mwishna@riverbrookymca.org
Michelle began her Y career in 2002 after relocating to the area with her 2 young sons. Starting as Membership Coordinator for 1 year, she then moved to the position of Membership Director with additional duties in marketing and communications. From there Michelle advanced to her current position as Director of Marketing. Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Broadcasting and spent 6 years at CBS News in NYC. When Michelle is away from the Y she loves to travel, sail and backpack.
Membership
Molly Blosser
Director of Membership Experience
203-762-8384 x283
mblosser@riverbrookymca.org
Molly began her career here when she was 17 years old as a summer camp counselor and loved it so much, she never left. Through the years she has worked throughout the childcare and camp, as well as IT and Member Finance. She is thrilled to be the Director of Membership Experience and cares deeply about our Y and our incredible members. Molly was inspired by the collaborative and caring work being done in Wilton through our Y and obtained a degree in Human Services to be a more effective and impactful leader. In her free time, she loves to be outside with a good view and a good book.
Aquatics
Liam Colleran
Aquatics Director
203-762-8384 x299
lcolleran@riverbrookymca.org
Liam joined our Y in 2018 and has grown with the organization through a wide range of roles within the Aquatics Department. He began as a seasonal lifeguard and advanced through roles including swim instructor, aquatics supervisor, camp waterfront director, & aquatics operations manager before stepping into his current role as Director of Aquatics. His experience across these positions gives him a deep understanding of both the operational and community-focused sides of aquatics programming.
Liam’s passion for swimming began at 8 years old with the Zeus Swim Team in Norwalk. He continued his athletic career at Fairfield Prep, winning the 100yd Backstroke at the 2018 State Opens Championship. At Trinity College in Hartford, he competed on the Varsity Swim & Dive Team and served as Men’s Team Captain. During his collegiate career, he set varsity records in the 50yd, 100yd, and 200yd Backstroke, and contributed to record-setting 200yd and 400yd Medley Relay teams. He graduated from Trinity in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences.
Outside of the Y, Liam enjoys traveling, spending time with his dog and friends, and listening to music.
Healthy Living
Rhoda Kasparek
Director of Healthy Living
203-762-8384 x282
rkasparek@riverbrookymca.org
Rhoda joined the Riverbrook Regional YMCA in 2017 as a Personal Trainer after previously working at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Brownings Fitness in New York City. She graduated from the University of Richmond in 1998 with a degree in Health and Business Administration and has always had a passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals. After starting a family and moving to Norwalk, Rhoda was drawn to our Y for the child watch, pre-school, and camp that her children have fondly enjoyed over the years. She has run and medaled in countless road races and Triathlons of all distances from 5K’s to Marathons and even a Half-Ironman; but more recently has grown to love the sport of pickleball and can often be found playing a pickup game with members on any given Friday afternoon. She believes fitness is to be enjoyed and loves to help members find the best way to stay active while having fun.
Sports and Special Needs
Eric Lindahl
Director of Sports and Special Needs
203-762-8384 x207
elindahl@riverbrookymca.org
Camp
Mike Kazlauskas
Director of Riverbrook Regional YMCA Camps
203-762-8384 x277
mkazlauskas@riverbrookymca.org
Mike or “Coach Kaz” as some kids like to call him, started working at the Wilton YMCA in 2007. He started working at the Summer Camp as a specialist for many summers until he became one of the Unit Directors. In that time, he worked at the Front Desk as well as the Sports Department, including supervising Archery. Mike got elevated to a fulltime position as the Camp and Sports Director in 2017 and then in 2025 to the Director of Riverbrook Regional YMCA Camps. Mike graduated from WCSU with a Criminal Justice degree. In his free time, he can be seen being a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Ridgefield, CT where he has been serving since 2013. He likes to live by the saying “FTK” or For The Kids!
Childcare
Kimberly Fejes
Early Childhood & School Age Development Director
203-762-8384 x293
kfejes@riverbrookymca.org
Kimberly began working at the Wilton Y in 2009 in the Camp & Afterschool Programs. After graduating with a degree focused on Early Childhood Education from Bay Path University, she taught as a 4’s Preschool Teacher and the Kindergarten Enrichment Class for several years before she took on her current role overseeing all Childcare related programs. Kimberly is certified as a Positive Discipline Trainer for Teachers and Parents, is the Y’s Certified Praesidium Guardian and is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid among others. Kimberly will be celebrating her 15th Camp Summer, having supervised specialists and our Camp-To-Come-To counselors for 12 years before becoming the Assistant Camp Director. Miss Kimberly enjoys running, cooking, crafting and All Things Disney.
Norwalk Community Relations
Jason Tagariello
Director of Community Relations and Programs for the Norwalk YMCA
203-762-8384 x14
jtagariello@riverbrookymca.org
Jason has spent the majority of his life working with youth and supporting community-based programs. Having grown up in Norwalk, he brings a deep understanding of the community he serves. Jason has been with the YMCA since 2021 and currently serves as the Director of Community Relations and Programs for the Norwalk YMCA. He brings a strong background in education, youth development, and program leadership, with a focus on creating inclusive, engaging opportunities that strengthen partnerships and support families throughout the community. In his free time, Jason enjoys staying active, playing and coaching sports.
Wahoos Swim Team
Eric Holden
Wilton YMCA Wahoo Swim Team Director
203-762-8384 x289
eholden@riverbrookymca.org
Eric has been with the Wilton Family YMCA since 2017 as the Associate Head Coach/Head Age Group Coach since 2019 and the Director of Wahoos Swim Team since January of 2025. Eric is a Level 3 ASCA Swim Coach and has swimming and coaching experience on all levels of competitive swimming. Eric attended The University of Virginia where he served as the Varsity Swim and Dive Team Captain and graduated with a Masters in Health and Physical Education. When not at the YMCA, Eric enjoys teaching elementary physical education, anything outdoors, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family. Eric lives in Wilton with his wife, Ashley and son, Mills.
Gymnastics
Victoria Bronson
Gymnastics Director
203-529-3636
vbronson@riverbrookymca.org
Buildings & Grounds
Rossvin Badilla
Chief of Building and Grounds Officer
rbadilla@riverbrookymca.org