Transitioning Youth Development Leadership

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA will transition its Program Executive of Youth Development position from Sarah Hinis to Sarah Scagliotti. Hinis’ last day at the Olympic Peninsula YMCA will be July 19th. She has served as the Program Executive of Youth Development overseeing childcare, youth enrichment, and all Olympic Peninsula YMCA youth development programs in Port Angeles, Sequim and Port Townsend. Hinis will be moving to Vancouver with her family as her husband prepares to retire from the Coast Guard.

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 Y’s success in providing quality child care on the Olympic Peninsula.

“Providing quality care for the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and all 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 child care 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 early learning center in Port Townsend. Hinis was recently appointed to the Washington Association for the Education of Young Children board and will serve a 2-year term. In this role, she will help ensure kids ages 0-5 years old are in quality education programs, are cared for, and are recognized for their voices.

"It has 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. All of the friendships and connections that I have created I will continue to carry with me,” Hinis said.

Thank you Sarah Hinis for all your contributions to the Y!

Welcome Sarah Scagliotti!

Sarah brings to the Y her diverse experience in children’s mental health, outdoor leadership, and youth programming. Growing up in Michigan, 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. After earning her bachelor’s degree in outdoor leadership, she worked as an instructor for a wilderness therapy program for struggling youth, and later earned her master’s degree from Oregon State University in mental health counseling.

Sarah relocated to the Olympic Peninsula in 2020 with her husband and their dog. Before joining the Y, she worked closely with families in Jefferson County as a children’s mental health therapist, integrating play-based therapy techniques to foster healing, growth, and development.

During her tenure, she deeply appreciated the support of community resources and found the Y’s youth programs and services to be invaluable. Sarah is thrilled to be part of the Y’s dynamic team dedicated to strengthening communities through accessible, inclusive programs and services. In this role, she is committed to nurturing a collaborative and holistic approach to youth development programming.

We are excited for the experience and expertise that Sarah Scagliotti is bringing to our programs.