Meet Bayside YMCA's New Family Program Director

Michael Squatrito is the new face of family programming at the Bayside Family YMCA.

Squatrito came to Barrington in January from the YMCA in Brockton, Mass., where he was executive director for the youth branch for eight years. He has spent the past 12 years as a 'Y' director, including director of aquatics and youth sports and senior program director at the San Pedro YMCA in California, and aquatics director at the YMCA in Middleboro, Mass.

Squatrito grew up in Bristol, then headed off to college in Vermont, earning a B.S. degree in recreation from Lyndon State College in 1998.  In 2005, he earned an M.S. degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts.

His post at the Bayside Y' requires him to oversee the day camp, the sports and recreation department, the family center, teen programs and ‘Y’ on the move. ‘Y’ on the move?

“It’s a vehicle, a van with the ‘Y’ logo on it,” Squatrito said.  “It’s really a concept of bringing the YMCA programs out into the community. It’s an exciting new venture for us.” 

The vehicle was purchased last fall. It is equipped with large speakers that can project music and storage places for equipment and games. 

What does he like most about his new job?

“It’s a very broad role, it’s a dynamic role," he said. "There’s a tremendous amount of activity here. It’s a very active YMCA that really does serve all the aspects of the community, and we’re looking to do more.”

“We want to do programs that are more non-traditional in nature,” Squatrito continued.  "Programs that will target and promote family activities and let them come together in a common program environment.”

Squatrito and his wife of 11 years, Christina, live in Barrington with their two sons, Nathaniel, 5, and Brian, 3.  They moved here from Warren on March 30 last year, a date know for Rhode Island’s great flood of 2010.

“I love living in Barrington. It’s great,” Squatrito said, “and we’re very happy we moved here. Our children love it.”

When he’s not working, the new family program director enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and listening to music.

And for someone whose job is to plan and oversee the fun and healthy physical activities of others, it’s no surprise Squatrito also enjoys sailing, hiking and camping.