Lisa and Kelly’s Story

Familiar faces help make the Darien YMCA feel like a home away from home. Membership services representative, Lisa Ienner and pre-school teacher, Kelly Laccona have been a part of the Y family for over 17 and 25 years. And this summer, their daughters, Cadence & Olivia are joining their moms here at the Y as summer camp counselors!

Cadence & Oliva met as infants in the Y staff day care, later attended Holly Pond pre-school and summer camp together and participated in countless programs over their years at the Darien YMCA. Their earliest memories of the Y begin in the staff daycare, being cared for by Maura Kazi, who 15 years later continues to lovingly care for infants and toddlers here at the Y. The girls cheerfully remember their favorite childhood Y event, the annual Halloween party, where two years in a row, and by chance, they came in matching costumes – Super Girl and Dorothy.

Moms’ Kelly and Lisa both say they love working at the Y. Over the years, Lisa has become the go-to for members answering questions and addressing their concerns. Beyond greeting members by name, she loves becoming friends with Y members, seeing families grow and enjoy time together at the Darien Y. Kelly works with our youngest members at the Holly Pond pre-school, helping to encourage their young minds, develop independence and become strong and social children. She has taught hundreds of families and numerous siblings within a family. Kelly is part of each family’ history. Through their commitment to the Y and its community, Kelly and Lisa have touched the lives of countless Darien Y members.

This summer Cadence and Olivia are also leaning on the lessons they learned from their moms and through their experiences here at the Darien Y. They are inspiring the next generation of campers to “learn new skills and become more confident”. We are so thrilled to have these wonderful mother-daughter duos together here at the Y this summer!