List of Staff of the Month winners
Josue Irizarry
President & CEO
Contact Me:
(413) 583 2072 ext: 113
About Me:
Josue has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community impact and fundraising. My goal is to ensure that the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club succeeds in meeting the needs of the community we serve and continues to expand our impact and our collaborative partnerships to build a stronger community.
Before joining the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club. Josue held various titles including Executive Director, Association Child Development Manager, Events Coordinator, and Youth & Family Director at various nonprofits located in Connecticut. Josue received his Bachelors of Science in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University.
Currently, Josue serves on the Board of Directors for the Opportunity Industrialization Center of New Britain. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, visiting museums, traveling, and attending various sporting events such as football, baseball, boxing and basketball.
Katie Mitus
Director of Operations
Contact:
413-583-2072, ext. 104
About Me:
I have worked for the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club since 1996. From 1996 to 2000 I worked as The Program Director overseeing many of the youth athletic and aquatics programs. I became The School Age Childcare Director in 2000 and oversaw The Before-School, After-School, and Summer Camp programs. In 2011 I took on the position as Director of Program Development. I have Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Providence College and Master of Education Degree from The University of Massachusetts.
Job Description:
In my current position I oversee the administration of The School Age Childcare Programs, Preschool, Athletics, as well as Community and Special Events. I also work in collaboration with all programs to implement and conduct Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s programs and activities that are impactful in three priority areas: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character and Citizenship.
Fun Fact:
I was the coach of The Ludlow Sea Lions Swim Team in 1996, the first year they were a part of The Pioneer Valley Swim League.
Cristina Jardine
Director of Development
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 112
About Me:
I started in October 2016.
Job Description:
I work with the Development Team to raise vital funds for the Club’s diverse programs. Specifically, I’ll be helping to strengthen relationships with individual donors and business sponsors while finding new ways to increase the visibility of the Club in the Ludlow community.
Fun Fact:
My two favorite television shows are The Golden Girls and Columbo. Yes, really!
Matt Thompson
Director of Programs
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 123
About Me:
I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport and Recreation Management from Springfield College. I have worked in a variety of settings, from high school athletics all the way to semi-professional sports. I also was a camp counselor at the club for 5 years!
Job Description:
My main responsibility is to plan and deliver sport programs and activities to youth participants by promoting, organizing, and overseeing seasonal sports leagues for all age groups and gender.
Fun Fact:
Outside of athletics, I am a fitness fanatic, music enthusiast, and a hardcore fan of MMA and the UFC!
Christina Yacono
Special Events & Marketing Coordinator
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 112
About Me:
I started at the Club as an Office Manager in 2023 and transitioned to working in development and marketing!
Job Description:
My main responsibility is coordinating our special events to help reach our fundraising goals while also managing our social media platforms to ensure consistent messaging and engagement. I also take pictures of our events and programs here!
Fun Fact:
My current hobbies are teaching my cats tricks, video games, and cooking.
Jessica Siok
Business Manager
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 105
Job Description:
Bri Lewicki
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext 128
About Me:
I was a Club kid for five years. I then became a Before and After School counselor while attending Bay Path University for Child Psychology. Once I graduated, the site coordinator position opened up, and I have loved this position ever since! Around the same time, I joined the Development team as a Development Associate. I was promoted in 2023 to School Age Assistant Director and then School Age Director in 2025.
Job Description:
As the School Age Director, I am responsible for the supervision and the overall operations of the Before & After School Program and Summer Fun. I ensure a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for both children and staff, while maintaining full compliance with all program polices and procdures.
Fun Fact:
Jennifer Kania
School Age Assistant Director
Contact:
413-583-2072 ext. 125
About me:
Job Description:
Emilio Mancuso
Athletics and Fitness Director
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 103
About Me:
I received my Bachelors of Science in Management with a concentration in Sports from Westfield State University. I played soccer at Westfield State for 4 years, and played for Ludlow High school as well. When I was younger I attended the after school program and summer camp here at the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club.
Job Description:
My main responsibility is to plan and deliver sports programs and activities to the youth by promoting, organizing, and overseeing sports leagues and programs for all age groups.
Fun Fact:
I enjoy watching the Premier League (Go Arsenal), and I enjoy playing all types of sports whenever I get the chance!
Colleen Tryba
Preschool Director
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 117
About Me:
Job Description:
Fun Fact:
Erin Thibault
Preschool Senior Lead Teacher
Contact:
(413) 583-2072
About Me:
I worked in the afterschool program for a few months, and then substituted in the preschool program. I was hired full time in October 2008. This is my first experience within a Boys & Girls Club.
Job Description:
As a teacher I am responsible for the safety and education of the children. I implement a curriculum that is enriching and fun. I was a science major in college, so I especially enjoy teaching this area of curriculum.
Fun Fact:
I love to garden and care for animals, so I work to engage our children in natural science, and they have a blast! We started a preschool garden, and I also teach embryology with all three classrooms. I also love to do crazy-fun things with the kids. Friday is “Aloha Friday” in our classroom and we do a conga line around the class!
Preschool Lead Teacher
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 114
About Me:
Job Description:
Lexie Buzzell
Preschool Lead Teacher
Contact:
413-583-2072 ext. 121
About Me:
Job Description:
Fun Fact:
Gianna Santucci
Site & STEAM Coordinator
Contact:
(413) 583-2072 ext. 108
About Me:
I’ve been at the Club since 2022, starting as a before and after-school counselor. I then started helping out wherever I could, including at the front desk and as a substitute assistant preschool teacher. In February 2026, I became the STEAM Coordinator, and alongside that position, I became the Site Coordinator in September 2026. I received my Bachelor of Science from Elms College in May 2026, majoring in Chemistry with minors in Biology and Bioethics & Medical Humanities. My time at the Club has allowed me to combine my background in STEM with my passion for working with kids and making a difference in their lives.
Job Description:
As the STEAM Coordinator, my responsibilities include making learning fun and hands-on while incorporating communication and creativity through art into STEM. I create different types of programming that introduce these areas to children, helping them discover their own interests and explore the intersection of science and the humanities. I also manage the eSports room, where I foster an environment that encourages teamwork, good sportsmanship, collaboration, and positive social interactions through both collaborative and competitive gaming. As the Site Coordinator, I oversee the before-school program and help create a positive and welcoming environment while stepping in to help where and whenever I am needed.
Fun Fact:
I once accidentally got stranded in the French countryside… it's a long story, but it was an even longer day!
Haylie Calver
Membership & Outreach Director
Contact:
413-583-2072 ext. 102
About Me:
I received my Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a minor in Fisheries in May of 2026. During my time in college, I competed as a Division I springboard diver. I joined the club in 2024 and spent three summers working as a lifeguard before transitioning into my current role as Membership and Outreach Director. In my role, I really enjoy interacting with all of the members who come through the building and creating meaningful connections with them. I’m passionate about fostering a welcoming environment and building a stronger sense of community within the Club.
Job Description:
As Membership and Outreach Director, I oversee membership services and work to create a welcoming and engaging experience for all of our members. I help introduce members to new programs, services, and opportunities offered by the club, while also connecting with prospective and current members to better understand their needs and interests. I plan and coordinate community outreach events and initiatives that bring members together and strengthen our connection with the surrounding community. My goal is to help members get the most out of their club experience while continuing to build a strong, welcoming, and connected community.
Fun Fact:
I have done a road trip across the country.
Evan Nawrocki
Aquatics Director
About Me:
I originally started here as a lifeguard, and as of Spring 2025 have recently taken on the role as Aquatics Director. I’ve been involved in aquatics nearly my whole life, there’s rarely been a day where I haven't been on a pool deck. I swam competitively for about 10 years, and have lifeguarded at pools and beaches all over Western Mass. I’m extremely passionate about swimming, coaching, and meeting new people. In my free time I enjoy gardening, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Job Description:
In my role as Aquatics Director it is my responsibility to oversee the daily operations of the pool and all aquatics related programs. This includes ensuring safety of swimmers, training lifeguard staff, and maintaining an optimized pool schedule.
Fun Fact:
I own a small vegetable farm.