Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady Staff

Alyssa started with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady during the summer of 2022 as the Summer Program Coordinator/ 21st Century Summer Program Coordinator for the four Schenectady City School District sites. She is an alum of the University at Albany where she received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and discovered her passion for serving the communities of the Capital Region. Alyssa comes from an education and nonprofit background, currently serving as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Girls on the Run Capital Region. She previously worked in the City School District of Albany as a paraprofessional providing socio-emotional education, restorative justice, and crisis intervention for middle school aged students. “I am so excited to be a part of the important work BGCS is doing to provide engaging, educational and safe programing for the youth that represent the bright future of this community.”

Michael Baish

Social Media Manager and Administrative Assistant

After having previously worked with BGCS as a volunteer and counselor at Camp Lovejoy, Michael began working at the Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady as an administrative assistant in the spring of 2017. He appreciates the opportunity to interact with club members and their families, as well as the staff and Board at BGCS. When not in the BGCS office, Michael is a member of Club Blue (the Young Professionals Board for the BGCS), is a strong supporter of the local music scene, and enjoys spending time at home with his wife, Erica, and their two dogs.

Michelle Ballou

Administrative Assistant

Michelle comes to BGCS with a background predominantly of an entrepreneurial nature as an Administrative and Virtual Assistant, as well as having owned Decadent Diva Gourmet Chocolates in Ballston Spa. She also has an extensive background in the tax preparation, retail and restaurant fields.

She has been a mentor, has hosted foreign exchange students, has been a foster parent and is an adoptive parent. Michelle has always strived to be an advocate for and be a safe, nurturing and positive resource for children.

“Working for the children of Schenectady through BGCS fulfills my need to work for a greater purpose than myself. I love to see the kids’ smiles!”

Breya Boddie

Community Schools Programs Coordinator

Breya Boddie is a native of the capital area. Her journey in youth development began during her final year at Albany High School. Since then, she has held roles as a Site Director at Sheridan Preparatory Academy and Arbor Hill Elementary School. Breya's experience with the Boys and Girls Club organization has been extensive. As a Program Manager for the Boys and Girls Club of Albany school programs, she has had the privilege of not only delivering impactful programs but also experiencing the profound sense of community and care shared between the club and its members.

Kristen DiPoffi

Director of Programs and Staff Development

Camp Lovejoy Director

Kristen DiPoffi was born and raised in Schenectady. Kristen graduated from the College of St. Rose with her Bachelors in Childhood Education and acquired her New York State teacher certification. She started with BGCS in June of 2007 as a Camp Lovejoy camp counselor and she continued with the organization at the Mont Pleasant clubhouse as a Site Assistant while going to school full time. Eventually, Kristen transitioned into the role of Program Director for the Mont Pleasant Clubhouse and continued onto to become the Program Director at Camp Lovejoy since 2012. She currently holds the position of School Program Coordinator and Contract Manager. “There is no greater feeling than watching a child become an adult and hoping in some way that I had an impact or shaped that person’s life.”

Julie Rouse

Unit Director, Rotterdam Club

Aquatics Director, Schenectady City Pools

Julie started working at the Rotterdam Club of BGCS in January 2006 as a part time Lifeguard, Swim Instructor and volunteered as a swim coach. In August of 2006, she became the full time program director at RBGC and the Aquatics Director for the Pools in Schenectady in the summer time. Besides working with children and families in the community, her passion is raising her two young daughters, ages 1 and 3, and spending time with her loving husband. “Children, families and community is my passion and because I had strong caring relationships with adult mentors during my youth, I feel it is very necessary to provide the same to the youth in our community.”