YMCA of the North Shore Hires Director For New Mental Health Role

PEABODY, MA — The YMCA of the North Shore has hired an executive director of mental wellness to fill what it called a newly created role focused on addressing the growing need to combat mental health challenges and support mental wellness programming, training and services across its 25 North Shore communities.

Ranjeev Benjamin was picked for the role, while Rebecca Imperiali was chosen as the YMCA's new vice president of charitable giving.

"We are thrilled to have these two incredibly talented and passionate leaders join our team,"

Chris Lovasco, President & CEO. "Ranjeev and Rebecca bring so much experience and knowledge as well as a fresh perspective to our Y and I am confident they both will be instrumental in advancing our Y's mission in 2024 and beyond."

Benjamin has more than 15 years of experience in community mental health as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. He is a licensed independent clinical social worker with a master's degree from Boston University.

He will lead ONEDOOR, the Y's recent initiative to meet evolving mental health needs across its communities. He will also work to expand Youth Mental Health First Aid certifications for staff working with children and adolescents.

Imperiali will focus on the connection between the Y's vital services and donors. She has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit development.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)