STAY
YMCA
Our Staff
Natalie Barney: YMCA Teen Service Director
email: nbarney@graniteymca.org
Natalie has extensive experience as a teacher for at-risk middle school students as well as working as a Behavior Specialist in a school-based behavioral therapy unit. Natalie graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Social Work and Special Education. After working more than 9 years in the Salt Lake City, Utah School District, she moved to New Hampshire. Once in New Hampshire, Natalie oversaw a 504 Program at a NH high school before accepting a position as the YMCA STAY Program Coordinator in 2012. She has since been promoted to her current position as Teen Services Director. Natalie oversees operations of the Y STAY programs at Hillside, Southside, Parkside, and McLaughlin Middle Schools in Manchester, NH. She also supervises the alternative Y STRIVE Program and the Y’s after school outreach Teen Center. She works with students, families, school personnel, and other community leaders to bring enrichment into the lives of the youth in our community.
Chris Stetson: Hillside STAY Teacher
Hi, my name is Chris Stetson, and I am very excited to be working with the STAY program over at Hillside. I attended the University of Connecticut as an undergrad and Sacred Heart University for my Masters in Education. I have spent the last nine years working with youth in a hands-on science-based environment. Recently, I moved from Connecticut and joined Power Scholars for the summer, teaching and having a blast at Parkside Middle School. I look forward to continued leveraging of my skills by fostering a deep respect for one's self and others, as well as the confidence life can often demand from us within Manchester's STAY students!
Monique Lafond: Parkside STAY Teacher
Ms. Lafond is a 20 year veteran of the Granite YMCA, but this is her first year as a STAY teacher. Monique began her journey as a lifeguard and swim instructor were she fell in love with the mission of the Granite YMCA and has enjoyed fostering their cause through her many roles over the years. She holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Juvenile Justice from Saint Anselm College. Ms. Lafond has always had a passion for working with youth of any age, but really found her niche with the teen population. She loves being at Parkside and helping her students become the best version of themselves.
Charity Rush: Southside STAY Teacher
Hey, all! I'm Mrs. Rush and this is my fourth year running things over at our Southside STAY classroom. I have a Bachelor's degree in Middle School Education with a focus in Social Studies and Language Arts. I LOVE middle school and high school kids and have been working with them every summer through Day Camps since my freshmen year of college. I pursued a degree in teaching not wanting to just teach students the subject content, but I wanted to teach them how to succeed at life and be a better person through the information I presented. I've found that perfect balance here in the STAY Program by being able to teach our students character values that will help them be better people and leaders now and in their futures, and I love it!
Dylan Ramsdell: McLaughlin STAY Teacher
Hi, everyone! My name is Dylan Ramsdell and I am the STAY Teacher at Mclaughlin Middle School.
I recently graduated at NHTI and received a degree of Associate in Science with a major in Criminal Justice. Previously, I was a substitute teacher for the Manchester School District as well as a Leader - In - Training (LIT) Director for an overnight camp through the Granite Y, Camp Mi-Te-Na. As the LIT Director, I programmed and taught a two week schedule that builds up kids self- esteem, self-confidence, and public speaking skills. I am super stoked to be a part of this program and invest in our teens!