River Crossing Connection

This episode kicks off the first in a recurring series highlighting the work of RCY membership engagement representatives serving in branch welcome centers. Desi Fluck (Quakertown), Dawn Leonard (Deer Path) and Sarah Gemmel (Allentown) discuss the special relationships they share with members and program participants.

This episode features guest Anthony DiMaggio, director of facilities in Central Bucks. Anthony discusses his life growing up in NJ, how he came to the Y, and the work he loves doing for his community.

Episode 11 of River Crossing Connection features a very interesting discussion with Jasmine Ramos, associate director of the New Britain Child Care Center, and Dave Ceran, Universal Pre-K teacher at the Child Learning Center in NJ. The main discussion revolves around their experiences working with young children and families following the period of social isolation during the COVID shutdown, and what it's like working with children who were born or were very, very little at that time. 

In this episode Michael and Abii speak with Alex Gatto, director of camp and enrichment programming for the Lower Bucks region. Alex is in his 10th year with our YMCA, starting when he was just 16 as a part time camp counselor. Alex discusses his Y career, how he's grown as a leader, and his eight months in the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce Leadership program last year.

In this first episode of 2026, River Crossing Connection turns to personal health and wellness trainers Anne Hughes and Andrea Brown to learn about their work with members, new years resolutions, and what makes their Y experiences unique. Also, the Executive Leadership Team weighs in with their individual guiding "word" for 2026.  Want to be on the podcast? Have something fun or important to share with your colleagues or work with someone who does? Click here to let us know!

In this shorter, holiday card episode of River Crossing Connection, Michael and Abii share a few laughs recalling highlights and bloopers of podcast past. Looking forward to 2026 at the Y and wishing all a very happy holiday season.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Abii and Michael talk with River Crossing YMCA President/CEO Zane Moore. Zane discusses his favorite Thanksgiving traditions and everyday gratitude. As a bonus, he has shared the Moore Family Deep Fried Turkey Recipe for anyone who would like to try it out. Thank you for tuning in to this special holiday episode of River Crossing Connection, and have a lovely Thanksgiving.

On October 13 River Crossing YMCA hosted over 250 early childhood and school age child care providers for the inaugural Gather and Grow conference. The day served to connect the Y's teachers and care providers from throughout all regions, as well as provide STEAM-oriented professional development. This episode features some bright spots from the event, as well as a selection of one-on-one interviews with teachers and providers of our youngest members.

In this episode Michael and Abii talk with Diana Vargas-Pond (Nazareth), Holly Shenk (Doylestown), Maria Giacalone (Quakertown/WOW Center) and Rob Evans (Development) about preparing to ask members and guests to make gifts to the Y. The conversation provides tips and tricks for asking for donations both in person and over the phone, and Diana, Holly and Maria share stories and perspectives on past success during in person campaigns. 

In this episode, Michael and Abii talk with Kaitlyn Stevens about life growing up at the Y in Doylestown, the unique opportunities the Y provided her as a teen, and her career serving the abilities community in Bucks County. Last year, Kaitlyn was awarded the CEO's Innovation Award for creating Life After 21, a program for young adults with varied abilities for further developing life skills, self-reliance and life-long friendships. Enjoy!

Abii and Michael go on location to Camp Carr in Annandale, NJ and talk Y camp with seasoned counselors and leaders Lizzy Cooper, Rachel Fitzpatrick, Ashley Tronolone and Emily Bussard. They share candid stories from their time as campers, CITs and counselors, as well as extoll on the impact they have on the lives of families in the Hunterdon Region of River Crossing YMCA.

Today Michael and Abii talk with Jess Benson, Program Coordinator at the Allentown branch. Jess, along with Branch Director Tami Unger, oversees operations of the YMCA warming station in Allentown, which recently completed its 7th year of service to the community. Jess runs the show at the warming station, and as you’ll hear, she has had some really incredible experiences working there.

River Crossing YMCA Quakertown branch lifeguards Jodie and Kai, along with Ruth Clement will receive the distinguished Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders from the American Red Cross for their rescue of a YMCA member who suffered cardiac arrest in the Quakertown branch pool back in March 2025. Michael and Abii talk with them about what happened that day, and the life-affirming lessons they took away from the experience.

Welcome to River Crossing Connection, the podcast for River Crossing YMCA Professionals. This brief episode introduces hosts Abii and Michael, and shares a little bit about the purpose of the podcast. We are counting on RCY staff to suggest ideas for interviews and episode content. Content Submission Form