Meet the Staff
METRO STAFF
John Barber
Interim CEO
Barber steps into this new role with 15 years of experience providing leadership with the Jamestown Y. In 2007 he began as Director of the Teen Center, but his roles have expanded over the years to also include oversight of Eastside YMCA programs and 4th Street Housing, which provides housing for people with physical disabilities. During his time with the YMCA, Barber spearheaded the organization of a community-based travel sports league for non-varsity teens, launched a summer learning loss program, expanded Latino access to after-school programming, and led the ten-fold expansion of USDA at-risk meal programs.
A Chautauqua County native, Barber is a 1995 graduate of Cassadaga Valley. He holds a B.A. from Grove City College and an M Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary. He lives in Frewsburg with his wife Heather and 3 children. In addition to his role with the Jamestown YMCA, Barber also serves as a Councilman in the Town of Carroll and as Board Treasurer for the UCAN City Mission.
To contact John click HERE
Linda White
Director of Finance and Operations
Linda White serves as the Director of Finance and Operations for the Jamestown Area YMCA, where she combines strategic leadership, financial expertise, and a passion for community impact. She oversees the organization's financial and operational functions, ensuring resources are thoughtfully managed to support the YMCA's mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and an exceptional member experience.
Linda brings leadership experience from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, giving her a well-rounded perspective on organizational growth and operational excellence. She holds degrees in Accounting, Business, Management, Economics, and Finance, providing a strong educational foundation that complements her hands-on leadership experience. She is passionate about building strong teams, developing sustainable financial strategies, and creating opportunities that allow the YMCA to better serve the communities of Jamestown and Lakewood.
Outside of work, Linda enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, their family, and their two boxers, Duke and Cooper. She loves gardening, running, tackling home improvement projects, and spending time outdoors. As someone who believes in leading by example, Linda is committed to living a healthy, active lifestyle and is proud to serve an organization that helps individuals and families build healthier, stronger lives.
To contact Linda click HERE
Melissa Tobias
Human Resources and Admin Office Coordinator
With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership gained through her work in both the nonprofit and public sectors. A lifelong resident of Chautauqua County, she is deeply connected to the community she serves. Melissa is excited to return to the nonprofit field, where she can make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of others.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, finding balance and joy in the simple moments that matter most.
To contact Melissa click HERE
JAMESTOWN DOWNTOWN BRANCH STAFF
Gina Bloomquist
School Age & Family Director
For more than 18 years, Gina Bloomquist has been a dedicated member of the Jamestown Area YMCA family, creating meaningful experiences for children and families throughout our community. Her passion for youth development, family engagement, and event planning has made her an invaluable part of the YMCA team.
As the School Age & Family Director, Gina oversees all aspects of the YMCA's licensed childcare programs, including before and after school care, summer day camp, school break programs, and a variety of family-centered events. She also coordinates many of the YMCA's signature traditions, including the Annual Father/Daughter Dance, Family Nights, and other special events that bring families together and create lasting memories.
Known for her energy, creativity, and commitment to providing safe, enriching, and fun experiences, Gina strives to ensure every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Outside of the YMCA, Gina enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. A proud wrestling mat mom, you'll often find her cheering on her family and supporting her community. Gina is passionate about helping families connect, children thrive, and making the YMCA a place where everyone feels they belong.
To contact Gina click HERE
Cheryl Tabone
Wellness Coordinator
Cheryl Tabone, Ed.D. is a sports medicine and health sciences professional with extensive experience in higher education, coaching, and community wellness. She holds a Doctorate in Sports Management with a focus on sports medicine and leadership, along with advanced degrees in sports science and nutrition.
Cheryl has taught a wide range of biology, anatomy and physiology, and exercise science courses at several Western New York institutions, including Buffalo State University, SUNY Fredonia, Trocaire College, and Daemen University. In addition to her academic work, she is an experienced USA Gymnastics coach and soccer coach with a current US Soccer D License and has led and supported varsity and youth programs for over a decade.
Her expertise spans athlete development, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and health education. She is passionate about promoting lifelong wellness and has a strong history of community engagement through fitness initiatives, nonprofit leadership, and youth advocacy.
Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys working out and spending time with her husband, sons, dog “Cookie,” walking and running with friends, boating, and living life through Christian values of faith, love, and family. She is an advocate of everything health and wellness and volunteers her time in the community to help others live a healthy lifestyle.
Glen Shoup
Aquatics Director
Glen is the Jamestown Area YMCA's aquatics director. Glen specializes in water safety and swimming stroke development. He has been an educator in the Jamestown area since 2008 working with local high schools, Jamestown Community College, and other non-profit entities. When not teaching Anthropology or Sociology, nor coaching swimming or track, he will be on a bike, training for triathlon racing or simply planning the next outdoor adventure.
LAKEWOOD FAMILY YMCA
Crystal Rodriguez
Site Supervisor
Matt Johnson
Director of Tennis
Matt graduated from Berry College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He also completed Berry's USTA-accredited Professional Tennis Management Program.
Matt currently holds certified ratings as an Elite Professional by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), a Performance Associate Instructor and 10 and Under Instructor by the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Professional by the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) and Coach by the Professional Platform Tennis Registry (PPTR).
Matt recently completed University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports (DORS) Certification Program and Mark McMahon’s Certified Racquet Sports Executive (CRSE) Program.
Prior to the Y, Matt was the head women’s tennis coach of SUNY Fredonia where he was named the 2021 USPTA Eastern College Coach of Year. During his tenure, he led the team to a conference semi-final appearance in 2018, with a 12-4 record (4-3 conference), a new college record for wins in a season. In addition, several student-athletes on the 2018 roster established a bevy of career and single-season individual and doubles records under his guidance.
Matt is the Racquets Director at the Kahkwa Country Club in Erie, PA during the summer season.
To contact Matt click HERE
Emily Storms
Head Gymnastics Coach
YMCA CAMP ONYAHSA
Jon O'Brian
Camp Director
Jon is a Jamestown native who started at our YMCA at age 2, in Learn to Swim. He participated as a youth under direction of Spiro Bello, started as a lifeguard at age 16 for Harold Leach, taught swim lessons with Vi Leach, and instructed fitness under Mike Manzel’s leadership, into his college years.
He also started at Camp Onyahsa at age seven, after participating in Y Guides there. Serving as a cabin counselor, waterfront director, and assistant Camp Director, he came to lead the camp in 1987. Since then, Onyahsa has grown from 24 to 180 acres, fully renovated its facilities, come to serve participants of diversity through inclusive programs, and moved to year-round Camp, collaborative, and rental offerings.
He is a full-time professor of History at Jamestown community college and is in his final year of a PhD program at the University at Buffalo. He has offices at both the Jamestown branch and the Camp, and works-out at the Lakewood Y. He lives at the Camp with his wife, daughter, two dogs and three cats, and is super-exited to celebrate Onyahsa’s 125th anniversary in 2023.
To contact Jon click HERE
To visit Camp Onyahsa's website click HERE
Eva Jackson
Assistant Camp Director
Heritage House
Courtney Spence
Interim Child Care Director