RYAN KITRON
Saint Joseph
Summary
Experienced Youth Development professional with more than nine years of progressive leadership in youth programming, licensed child care, summer camp operations, and nonprofit management. Proven success leading teams of 25+ employees while overseeing programs serving more than 300 youth annually. Skilled in staff development, program operations, community partnerships, risk management, and Michigan child care licensing compliance. Passionate about creating safe, engaging environments where children, families, and staff can thrive.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Basketball Coach
Saint Joseph Public Schools
01.2022 - Current
- Coach middle school basketball teams while teaching teamwork, sportsmanship, and fundamental basketball skills.
- Develop practice plans focused on skill development and personal growth.
- Foster positive relationships with student-athletes and families.
Director of Youth Development
YMCA of Greater Michiana
03.2019 - Current
- Lead program planning that supports youth development, safety, engagement, and YMCA mission objectives.
- Direct daily operations for two Out-of-School Time programs and Summer Camp serving more than 300 youth annually.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, and develop more than 25 seasonal and year-round employees.
- Manage staffing plans, scheduling, employee onboarding, training, and monthly operational reporting.
- Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and YMCA departments to create innovative youth programming.
- Conduct annual performance evaluations while developing professional growth plans for staff.
- Resolve operational challenges while maintaining positive relationships with families, staff, and community partners.
- Ensure compliance with YMCA standards and Michigan licensing requirements.
- Complete annual professional development to maintain leadership and regulatory knowledge.
Preschool Assistant
YMCA of Greater Michiana
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Facilitated safe and engaging classroom environment, supporting preschool teachers' instructional efforts.
- Assisted in daily activities enhancing children's physical, social, and emotional development.
- Ensured compliance with Michigan LARA regulations and YMCA policies.
- Engaged families in children's daily experiences through effective communication.
Site Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Michiana
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Managed daily operations of licensed before- and after-school programs.
- Supervised program staff, coordinating daily schedules and activities to ensure smooth operations.
- Ensured safe learning environments and maintained program quality through regular assessments and feedback.
- Cultivated positive relationships with children, families, and school personnel to foster a supportive community.
- Maintained First Aid and CPR certification.
Assistant Delivery Manager
Taylor Rental
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Led five-person delivery and warehouse team, ensuring efficient operations and timely deliveries.
- Coordinated daily work assignments, optimizing routes for customer deliveries.
- Managed event setup and teardown for weddings, corporate events, and community functions.
- Provided exceptional customer service, enhancing customer satisfaction in fast-paced environment.
Parking Attendant
Grand Rapids Parking (Elwood Staffing)
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Assisted customers during large sporting and entertainment events.
- Fee collection, and facility maintenance.
- Delivered excellent customer service in high-volume environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports Leadership – Business General
Grand Valley State University
01-2017
Leadership Accelerator Program -
Lake Michigan College
01-2022
Skills
- Youth Development Leadership
- Program Operations & Administration
- Summer Camp Management
- Out-of-School Time Programs
- Michigan LARA Compliance
- Child Safety and Risk Management
- Staff Hiring
- Training & Supervision
- Performance Coaching
- Team Leadership
- Community Partnerships
- Conflict Resolution
- Event Planning
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
Certification
First Aid & CPR Certified (Current)
Volunteer Experience
- YMCA Healthy Kids Day
- YMCA 5K/10K Events
- YMCA Youth Basketball League
- Harbor Shores Senior PGA Kids Zone
- MLB Green Team (World Series)
- Steelhead Triathlon
Leadership And Community Involvement
- AYSO Region 574, Coach Administrator, Treasurer, & Division Director, 2021 - Present, Recruit and train volunteer coaches, Support league operations and conflict resolution., Assist Regional Commissioner with league administration.
- Career & Technical Education (CTE) Business Advisory Committee, Member, 2022 - Present, Advise local education leaders regarding workforce readiness and career programming., Support development of opportunities connecting students with local businesses.
- Junior Achievement, Volunteer Instructor, 2023 - Present, Delivered elementary financial literacy and community education lessons.
- Saint Joseph Basketball, Scoreboard Operator, 2021 - Present
Timeline
Basketball Coach
Saint Joseph Public Schools
01.2022 - Current
Director of Youth Development
YMCA of Greater Michiana
03.2019 - Current
Preschool Assistant
YMCA of Greater Michiana
01.2018 - 01.2019
Site Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Michiana
01.2017 - 01.2019
Assistant Delivery Manager
Taylor Rental
01.2015 - 01.2017
Parking Attendant
Grand Rapids Parking (Elwood Staffing)
01.2014 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Sports Leadership – Business General
Grand Valley State University
Leadership Accelerator Program -
Lake Michigan College