Kristoph Kocan - Chief Executive Officer
Kristoph joined the Hornell YMCA staff in June 2019. A graduate of Clarion University, Kristoph was with the Meadville Family YMCA from 2012-2019 where he served as the Executive Director for the Downtown Branch. Before being an employee, he served as a member of the Board of Directors for 6 years. There he oversaw all facility management and competitive gymnastics and aquatics for the Meadville YMCA association and as well as helped coach and work with the YMCA swim team both as a volunteer and as a staff member. Kristoph grew up in the Titusville YMCA where his father was the Executive Director. Both he and his wife share a passion for personal fitness and their children have grown up doing YMCA gymnastics, swimming, and other programs.
Natalie Donahue - Regional Executive Director
Natalie joined the Hornell YMCA team in 2019. Over the years, she has overseen many different departments at the Y, ultimately becoming the Regional Executive Director. Natalie is passionate about community connectedness and actively fosters partnerships with local organizations to strengthen the Y’s impact. She is fully invested in the Y’s mission to help create stronger communities and a more equitable society for all. Outside of her leadership role, Natalie is a strong supporter of community initiatives, volunteering her time with the Togetherhood committee to support causes that promote a healthy and happy environment. She is excited about the progress of the Y becoming more well-known as a trusted and safe organization throughout the region, and is looking forward to continued growth, especially in Bath with the development of our newest branch.
Erica Tenney - Finance Director
Erica began working with the Hornell YMCA in 2013 with the Membership Department. Her role expanded to include Finance, Human Resources, and Membership. Erica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Management & Economics with a concentration in Accounting and Management. She also shares a passion for fitness and nutrition and enjoys helping others along their healthy living journey through our Y.
Kate Warren - Marketing, HR, & Business Office Director
Kate joined the YMCA team in January 2014 after relocating from Ohio. Utilizing her creative talents, Kate designs marketing materials for various programs and activities and oversees the YMCA's social media presence and website management for both the Hornell and Dansville branches. With a deep commitment to the YMCA's mission of community enrichment and inclusivity, she ensures that the YMCA effectively communicates its programs and services and cultivates a culture of growth and empowerment among its staff, ultimately enhancing the organization's impact and reach within the community. Kate holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, & Economics with a focus on Marketing.
Rachel Walsh - Director of Risk, Safety, & Collection Operations
Rachel started at our facility in 2021 and is now the Director of Risk, Safety, & Collection Operations. A mother of two with a passion for child advocacy, she is actively leading efforts to secure organizational accreditation against abuse and oversees training programs that promote safer environments for children and families. With a focus on prevention, education, and accountability, she brings both compassion and strategy to every aspect of her work. Her leadership is defined by a deep sense of responsibility, a collaborative spirit, and an unwavering belief in protecting children at every level of care and service.
Rebecca Weaver Hamm - Music, Arts, & Association Advancement Director 
Rebecca Weaver Hamm enjoys bringing music and art programming to the greater Hornell community through the Y. She joined the staff in 2011. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Wittenberg University and a Master of Arts in Voice Pedagogy from The Ohio State University. She also studied voice at the Eastman School of Music.
Rashell Pastore - VP of Childcare Operations
Rashell joined the Hornell YMCA staff in July 2022. She brings with her 4 years of YMCA Director experience from both the Wellsville YMCA and Southtowns YMCA of Buffalo. A local graduate of Alfred University with a Bachelor's in Social Sciences, Rashell's passion and heart lie in providing opportunities for our youth and community. Rashell is ecstatic to begin strengthening current YMCA programs and provide new opportunities.
Chelsea Larson - School-Age Childcare Director
Chelsea began her work with the YMCA Childcare Department in 2017 and took over as Childcare Director in late 2021. She is currently the Director of the Wayland Before & After School Program, Alfred-Almond After School Program, Canisteo After School Program, and the Hornell After School/Summer Program. She looks forward to expanding future and existing programs within the department. Chelsea has a Bachelor's Degree in Business with an early focus in Childhood Education and a major in Marketing.
Samantha Hanbach - Early Learning Director
Samantha joined the YMCA in 2022 as a Daycare Coordinator and has since grown into her current role as the Early Learning Director for the Tri-County YMCA of NY. In this position, she oversees four daycare sites and plays a key role in expanding and enhancing the YMCA's childcare programs. With a strong passion for providing children with meaningful opportunities to learn and grow, Samantha is dedicated to fostering, nurturing, and engaging environments that support early development. She is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education, further deepening her expertise in the field. Samantha is excited to be a part of the YMCA's continued growth and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the families and communities she serves.
Julie Camacho - Dansville Branch Coordinator
Julie joined the Membership Department in August 2021 with a focus on the Dansville Branch and became the Dansville Branch Coordinator in 2022. Julie is a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University and is passionate about serving the Dansville Community. She is excited about the opportunity to grow along with the Dansville YMCA.
John Rosemier - Sports & Program Director
John is thrilled to be a part of the YMCA as the Sports and Program Director. With a deep passion for athletics, a strong commitment to enhancing the youth and family experience, and a background in organizational management, his goal is to provide a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for all ages to learn, grow, and thrive in. John believes that the YMCA has been a cornerstone of the Hornell community and he is proud to call Hornell home, where he resides with his family.
Erin Wagener - Health and Wellness Director
With a passion for helping people live healthier, more balanced lives, Erin brings both expertise and enthusiasm to their role as Health and Wellness Director at the YMCA. With a background in yoga, personal training, and group fitness, she specializes in creating inclusive fitness programs that meet individuals where they are and support them toward their personal goals. Whether guiding one-on-one sessions, leading energizing classes, or creating new wellness initiatives for the community, Erin is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to move, grow, and thrive.
Amanda Gillette - Aquatics Director
Amanda brings years of experience in aquatics, with a background that includes lifeguarding, swim instruction, and aquatics management. She has led teams, overseen safety programs, and supported swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Passionate about water safety and community impact, Amanda has taught lessons ranging from infants experiencing the water for the first time to adults learning to swim later in life. As a certified Lifeguard Instructor, she is dedicated to training and mentoring staff to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. Amanda loves being a part of the YMCA because of its strong focus on community building. She is excited to continue growing the aquatics programs that not only teach life-saving skills but also bring people together and create lasting connections.