Kristina joined our Y in 2010 and is presently the VP of Financial Development, Marketing & Strategic Initiatives. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and prior to joining our Y, she worked in the marketing departments of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

George has been part of the New Canaan Y community for most of his life. A New Canaan native and graduate of New Canaan High School, George first experienced the Y as a child through swim lessons. In 2012, he officially joined the staff as a Camp Counselor at Camp Y-Ki, beginning what would become a meaningful and lasting career with the organization. He brings a deep understanding of the Y’s mission and a strong commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all members. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Connecticut and is passionate about strengthening community connections through the work of the Y.

Liz began working with the New Canaan YMCA’s Caimans Swim Team in August 2021.  She started her coaching career as a summer club coach in NJ and never looked back.  She swam competitively for Central Jersey Aquatic Club and the University of Maryland, and graduated from Maryland in 1988 with a B.A. in Communications.  She promptly began full-time coaching at the Red Bank YMCA in NJ.  Shortly thereafter, she began her successful career at Rutgers University, where she served as an assistant coach for four years. In 1993, she was named Head Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Scarlet Knights, a position she held until her retirement. During her tenure, she developed and coached NCAA “B” qualifiers and school record holders.  After three successful years, she stepped away from the pool deck to raise her children and specialize in being a “sports mom.”  Liz returned to coaching in 2011 at the Darien YMCA (where she was the head age group coach through 2020) and began coaching Darien HS boys, whom she led to a State Championship in her first season (2018). Liz is currently the Associate Director of Competitive Swimming at the New Canaan YMCA, serving as the lead coach for the Caimans Junior group and assisting with the Senior group, as well as head coach of the Darien HS boys team and assistant coach of the New Canaan HS girls team. 

Mason has worked for the YMCA organization since 2013, working in various roles from camp counselor, lifeguard, swim instructor, membership, fitness attendant, and more. In May 2022, Mason graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure for Youth Development. That same year, Mason joined the New Canaan YMCA as a Youth Program Associate, where he implemented, planned, and ran various pre-school recreation programs. He reintroduced Bouncing Bears Open Gym, birthday parties, and Red Cross Babysitting Courses. While working full-time as a Youth Program Coordinator for the New Canaan YMCA, in December 2024, he obtained his Master’s degree in Recreation Administration. This year, Mason transitioned into his current role of Assistant Director of Programs/Camp Mini Director, fully overseeing bouncing bears, pre-school recreation, and Camp Mini. 

Coach Brian Fazzino returned to the New Canaan YMCA in 2018 after serving two years as the Head Coach of the Franklin Pierce University Women’s Swim Team. Brian was at the New Canaan Caimans between 2014-2016 as the Head Developmental Coach and as an Assistant Senior Coach. Prior to his time in New Canaan, Brian was the Head Senior Coach as well as the Assistant Coach for the National Training Group Eagle Swim Team in Owings Mills, Maryland. In 2012, Brian was the Head Age Group Coach at Gator Swim Club in Gainesville Florida. Prior to coaching at Gator Swim Club, Coach Brian was the Head Coach at the Northern Middlesex YMCA in Middletown, CT. Swimmers on these teams achieved tremendous success ranging from state records and championships to national qualifiers and Olympians.

In May 2019, Kristen graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She then went on to attain her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Fairfield University in August 2020. After spending time as an elementary education teacher, Kristen joined the New Canaan YMCA in August 2023 and is presently the Y’s Childcare Director. Kristen is grateful to be a part of the Y family. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, volunteering, coaching field hockey, and spending time with family and friends.

Katera Kapoor is a seasoned leader in non-profit organizations and currently serves as the Vice President of Family & Youth Development at the New Canaan YMCA. Katera has her B.S. In Exercise Physiology from University at Buffalo (and is a Bills fan all the way!) and her M.S. From the State University of Plattsburgh in Fitness & Wellness Leadership. She is also a graduate and mentor in the HOW Institute for Society’s Moral Leadership Program. Katera comes to us from an expansive career at the 92^nd Street Y in NYC as the Sr Director of Health, Wellness & Athletics where she created an international health talks program and oversaw hundreds of children’s programs and camps. Katera leads by example, is passionate about supporting youth in developing a positive experience with physical activity to create healthy life-long habits and enjoys creating a warm and creative working environment for her teams. Katera is also certified in Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness and enjoys spending time with her two children, being a girl scout troop leader, hiking, writing, and enjoys amateur astronomy. 

Carolynn joined our staff as the Director of Special Needs in September 2011 and is presently the Director of Inclusion & Support Services. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology at SUNY Albany and her MSED in recreational education from CUNY Lehman College. She is married with two boys and a dog and enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and taking her dog on walks.

Tetiana Kokorska is the Group Fitness Director at the YMCA, where she leads with energy, passion, and a genuine love for people. She believes fitness should be fun, motivating, and accessible to everyone. Tetiana specializes in Les Mills programs, circuit training, and cycling, designing dynamic workouts that inspire confidence and joy. She is a leader and creates a positive work environment, motivates and supports her team, and helps both staff and members reach their full potential. With extensive certifications and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Tetiana is dedicated to building a strong, healthy, and connected community through movement.

Ida joined our staff in 2017 and is presently the Assistant HR Director.  She loves working in HR, and being surrounded by her colleagues makes her happy. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Connecticut and worked for several years assisting families with children with special needs. In her spare time, Ida enjoys spending time with her three children.

Cathy joined the YMCA in 2023 and is presently the Senior Director of Childcare, overseeing the Y’s Rainbow Station Infant-Preschool program. She has always had a passion for working with children and families. Cathy taught children with special needs in an integrated preschool program for 15 years, and she also took on the role of the Union Representative for her elementary school, where she gained an even stronger passion for advocating for teachers and fostering a positive work environment for all. She holds her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies, a dual Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and an 092 Administrative Degree. Cathy is grateful to be a part of the Y’s family and mission. She lives in New Canaan with her family and enjoys doing philanthropy work for the National Charity League, being outdoors, running, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Bridget has been at the New Canaan Y since 1998 and in the Health and Wellness Industry since graduating with a BS in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts in 1993. Bridget is ACSM certified as a Health and Fitness Specialist and holds several other certifications from AFAA, AASDN, BTS, and the YMCA. Bridget is married to another YMCA professional and has two wonderful daughters.

Margaret joined the Y in 2021 upon retiring from the practice of law. She is a former member of the Y’s Board of Directors. Margaret received her Bachelor’s Degree from Providence College where she majored in Italian and Business and earned her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law. Margaret and her family have lived in New Canaan since 1998 and have been active members of the Y since then.

Diana joined the New Canaan YMCA in 2011 as the Financial Assistance Coordinator. Since then, her roles at the Y have evolved and, today, Diana is the Assistant Director of Development and Community Impact. When not at the Y, Diana can often be found baking and covered in flour as she attempts to get her cakes to rise. Her favorite moments are laughing with friends, getaways with her husband, and any time spent with her two daughters.

Eva joined the New Canaan YMCA in 2013 as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. Prior to working at the YMCA, she managed a corporate Wellness Center in Stamford, and coached gymnastics up to national level. Eva is a former gymnast from Hungary, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2016 with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. Eva holds several fitness certifications, including ACSM certified personal trainer and AFAA certified group exercise instructor. She lives in Norwalk and enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.

Having founded the Whirlwind Diving team in 1997, Joe brings a wealth of experience to the team as the Head Coach and the Senior Director of Competitive Diving and Sports. Joe grew up diving at the Newfield Swim & Tennis Club, was a high school All-American stand-out at Stamford High School, and went on to Clemson University, where he lettered in diving for four years and was a four-time NCAA zone qualifier, an All-American candidate, an All Atlantic Coast Conference champion, and a team captain. In addition to the Whirlwind team, Joe coaches the New Canaan High School team, the Wilton High School team, Convent of the Sacred Heart / Greenwich team, the New Canaan Field Club team, and the Newfield Swim & Tennis team. Joe was awarded the Robert Moss Award in 2001, for his numerous contributions to diving. He is a lifetime member of USA Diving, and is the Junior Olympic representative for the state of Connecticut. During his time at the New Canaan Y, Joe has also coached many top divers including four JO champions and three Team USA representatives that competed at meets such as the British Elite Championships and the Canadian/American Challenge, and one member of the Junior Elite Program. His teams have included over 50 High School All Americans. Joe’s enthusiasm coupled with his knowledge of the sport make him a dynamic and successful coach for divers of all levels.

Ian joined the New Canaan YMCA in 2024 and is presently the School-Age & Camp Y-Ki Director, overseeing the Kids Unlimited afterschool program, Vacation Camp, youth archery, Ski & Board club, and Camp Y-Ki. Prior to joining the New Canaan Y, Ian spent over seven years with the Fairfield YMCA, where he developed a comprehensive background in youth development, athletics, and recreational leadership. He served the roles of Camp and Afterschool Counselor, Assistant Director, and Youth Camp Director, providing a renewed focus on culture-building, program quality, and enriching camper experiences.

Ian has a passion for youth engagement, leading others, and designing inclusive, high-energy programming. With his deep roots in the YMCA movement and a background in sports and recreation, he strives to bring a dynamic and valuable perspective to his role.

James has been part of the New Canaan YMCA community for most of his life. A New Canaan native, his journey began at Top of the Rainbow Full-Day Preschool – before it became Rainbow Station! Over the years, he remained closely connected to the Y through programs like Y-Ball, Sports Camp and Camp Y-Ki. The YMCA played a meaningful role in his childhood, helping shape the person he is today. James earned his B.S. in Hospitality Management from Pennsylvania State University. After moving to New York City, he completed his MBA in Financial Management at Pace University while working full-time. He returned to Connecticut in 2019 and joined the New Canaan YMCA in February of 2023 as the Vice President of Finance. James is grateful to once again be part of the YMCA family.

Adam Vance is from Pennsylvania, where he began diving at 10-years-old in the Philadelphia area. While diving with LaSalle Diving Club, he was an eight time junior national qualifier and finalist, Pennsylvania State High School Champion and named to the All-American team. After high school, he competed for LaSalle University and earned Atlantic 10 Athlete of the Year. After LaSalle, he continued his collegiate diving career, with Dr. Ronn Jenkins, at West Chester University.  Adam went on to become a Division II All-American diver, and national medalist.

He has coached all levels of diving, and understands what it takes to become a successful junior diver from his own experience as a diver and coach. Through his fundamentals first philosophy, Adam strives for each diver to be challenged by continuing to learn through a positive and safe path. In addition to the physical training, he hopes all of the athletes leave the program with better life skills such as time management, communication, resilience, and philanthropy.

Adam has also coached at Darien High School, where he has had five state champions. During his tenure at Darien, five different divers achieved All-American status. In addition, he is the Head Diving Coach at Sacred Heart University, and is currently coaching in the Fairfield County Swimming and Diving League in the summers.

Christian is the founder of the James Vick Foundation, which is a multi-sport foundation that has served athletes in over 50 cities, served as the Head Field Hockey Coach at St. Luke’s, created the Yale Series Field Hockey tournament, and helped lead the way to young people securing college scholarships. In his spare time, he still actively supports field hockey and lacrosse athletes on and off the field.  He has experience in sports reporting and played professional basketball in Europe for several years. Christian is eager to bring his multi-sport and communications skill set to the New Canaan YMCA Sports Department and community.

Liz has been part of the New Canaan YMCA community since she was a camper at Camp Y-Ki. In May 2015, she began her employment at the Y as an Assistant Teacher in Rainbow Station’s Preschool classrooms. Liz is a graduate of Roger Williams University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations. In May 2019, she joined the Y’s director team and is presently the Y’s Director of Marketing & Communications. In her free time, Liz enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends.

Carolyn is thrilled to have joined the Y in June of 2022 as the VP of HR and Risk Management. Carolyn has a Masters’ Degree in Social Work from Hunter College, where she focused on advocacy for Children and Families. Carolyn brings with her decades of experience working in non-profits, including the past 15 years working in hospice/palliative care in many roles including Director of Human Resources and Chief Compliance Officer. Carolyn lives in Danbury with her two sons, where she and her family were active members at the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut for many years.