Sarah Scagliotti is the Olympic Peninsula YMCA’s new Program Executive of Youth Development, the organization announced last week.

Scagliotti succeeds Sarah Hinis, who left the position on July 19 as she and her family move off the Olympic Peninsula.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Y’s dynamic team dedicated to strengthening communities through accessible, inclusive programs and services,” Scagliotti said.

“In this role, I’m committed to nurturing a collaborative and holistic approach to youth development programming.”

Bringing what YMCA representatives call a diverse background in children’s mental health, outdoor leadership, and youth programming, Scagliotti grew up in Michigan and she discovered her passion for working with young people while teaching ski and snowboard camps during high school. This early experience sparked a lifelong dedication to enriching youth experiences, leading her to assume leadership roles in outdoor recreation and education around the country, they said.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in outdoor leadership, Scagliotti worked as an instructor for a wilderness therapy program for struggling youth, and later earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Oregon State University.

Scagliotti relocated to the Olympic Peninsula in 2020. Before joining the YMCA, she worked with families in Jefferson County as a children’s mental health therapist.

Hinis was first hired in September of 2021 as child care director at the YMCA of Port Angeles. She quickly rose to the position of Program Executive of Youth Development in September of 2022 and has contributed to the YMCA’s success in providing quality child care on the Olympic Peninsula, the organization said.

“Providing quality care for the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and all of its youth development programs is a priority. Having a daughter of my own and being on the parent side, I have seen the need for quality childcare programming,” Hinis said.

Hinis has been directly involved in the development of the YMCA’s Early Learning Center being built in Port Angeles as well as the 7th Haven Child Care center in Port Townsend.

She was recently appointed to the Washington Association for the Education of Young Children board and will serve a 2-year term. In this role, Hinis will help ensure kids ages 0-5 years old are in quality education programs, are cared for, and are recognized for their voices.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Program Executive of Youth Development for the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and to work with the local community to provide quality child care programming,” Hinis said.