The Darien YMCA is pleased to announce the promotion of Jessica Van Sciver as Health and Fitness Director, and Gene DeNota as Training and Exercise Director.
Health & Fitness Director: Jessica Van Sciver
Jessica has been an integral part of the Darien Fitness Department team since 2010. Starting as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor, Jessica steadily rose through the ranks at the Darien Y. She was promoted to Health and Wellness Coordinator in 2013 where she has been responsible for managing the Y's group exercise instructors for over 100 classes. In addition, she has overseen the supervision of the Wellness Center staff, been responsible for online communications, taught weekly exercise and Lean Machine classes, and conducted personal training.
In her new role as the director of the department, Jessica will oversee all program management, development, planning, and supervision of the department, and will also continue to lead her favorite classes.
Jessica has numerous certifications and awards related to the Y and health and fitness including: AFFA Group Exercise certification, TRX and Zumba certifications, CPR/AED and YMCA Principals and Practices Leadership Competency.
Jessica is a graduate of Roanoke College where she received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Exercise Science, with a concentration in Sports Studies. Born and raised in Darien, we proudly welcome Jessica to the YMCA professional staff team, and look forward to her leadership of the Health & Wellness Department.
Training & Exercise Director: Gene DeNota
Gene DeNota has played a central role in the Darien YMCA Fitness Department for the past two years as Head Personal Trainer. During his tenure, he increased the standards and quality of the Y's personal training program, and was instrumental in the implementation of the "Lean Machine." In addition to training clients, Gene instructs kettlebell classes, teaches group fitness classes, and coordinates the upkeep of all exercise and fitness equipment. Prior to joining the Y, Gene worked as a Master Trainer at Fitness Edge, maintained his own personal training practice, and worked as a store manager and fitness sales consultant for Omni Fitness Equipment.
In his new role as Training & Exercise Director, Gene will supervise and oversee the quality and implementation of all personal training and group exercise instruction as well as continue to conduct personal training session and group exercise sessions.
Gene has a variety of certifications including: ISSA - International Sports Science Association Certified Personal Trainer, Renegade Kettlebell Fitness Certified Trainer, and CPR, First Aid, Advanced Life Saving and Basic Life Support. Gene holds an A.A. degree in Individual Studies from Westchester Community College.
Gene and his wife Jill reside in Stamford with Gene's two sons, James and Nicholas, all of whom are active participants of Y programs. We're delighted that Gene will be joining the YMCA staff team and are grateful to have his training expertise put into practice in our Fitness Department.
Executive Director, Pat Morrissey says, "The Y is extremely fortunate to have two such highly competent and dedicated professionals. Both Jess and Gene embody the Y's core values, and both possess unique skills and strengths that complement and strengthen the Health & Wellness department. Congratulations to Jess and Gene."