Leading the Way for a Better Us: Cause Driven Leadership Awards
Twice each year, the Merrimack Valley YMCA honors team members who go above and beyond in service to our community. These Cause Driven Leadership Award recipients exemplify excellence in their work, bring a positive and supportive spirit to all they do, and live out the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening community. Through their leadership, they demonstrate the four principles of cause-driven leadership: Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness, and Personal Growth.
Our winners for Winter 2025 are the following individuals:
Ashley Bautista, Sr. Director of Membership Services
Ashley is instrumental in increasing our membership numbers and being a catalyst for the Andover/North Andover Branch. She is always willing to help all departments in any way she can. She is instrumental in providing a health, safe work environment for our team and members and program participants.
Julia Benjamin, Child Watch
Julia was instrumental in designing the new Child Watch program room at the Andover/North Andover Y, and bringing her artistic creativity to brighten up the children’s experience.
Annie Choiniere, Director of Marketing
Annie has made tremendous contributions by telling our Y story through marketing efforts and social media. Her marketing expertise has broadened our message in the community.
Marina Duffy, Swim Instructor
Marina brings a bright energy to the Y and our aquatic programs. She is mission driven and has compassion for the work of the Y. She carries this in all aspects of her life.
Maryorie Ovalles, Child Care Bookkeeper
Maryorie is always willing to help her team and families at the Y. Her knowledge and efficient manner help make enrollment seamless. She is always helpful and pleasant and is willing to help out wherever needed.
Alan Russell, Maintenance Mechanic
Alan has been a long time team member who is committed to keeping our facility clean and safe. He always goes above and beyond and is the one who is out there shoveling and salting the walkways, while most of our team are still sleeping.
Alyssa Spaulding, Teacher
Alyssa is a long term teacher with the Y. She is a strong role model for the children and fantastic at curriculum planning. She enriches the lives of the many children in our child care programs on a daily basis. She exemplifies our values and mission in all that she does.
Pam Turmel, Healthy and Wellness Group Exercise Instructor
Pam exemplifies our core character values in all our group ex programs and brings the members in by keeping them energized, engaged and healthy. She is an intricate member of our health and wellness team.
