YWCA of Western Massachusetts

05/22/2026

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Maria Ortiz
Nominated by Brandi Otero, Child and Family Clinician

"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” - Bob Marley

Kindness personified, Maria Ortiz, a Child and Family Clinician, is compassionate, dedicated, and cares deeply for the children she serves in the Children Who Witness Violence (CWWV) program.

“Maria’s passion and drive to help children and families is unmatched,” said Brandi Otero, a Child and Family Clinician for CWWV. “She is always willing to go the extra mile for her clients.”

Maria’s tenure at the YWCA began in February 2018. As a clinician, she provides short-term therapeutic services (approximately 12-15 sessions) for children ages 3 to 18 years old, who have been exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault and other types of traumas. Sessions are free and designed to meet the child’s comfort level. They can be held in-person at the YWCA, the child's school, or virtually from the child's home.

“The treatment can consist of individual child therapy, parenting sessions, and family sessions depending on the needs of the child,” said Maria. Additionally, Maria, who is bilingual, co-facilitates group counseling at John J. Duggan Academy with fellow CWWV clinicians.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Maria moved to Massachusetts in 2009. She has worked in a myriad of clinical positions at nonprofits, serving adults and children in the Hispanic community, throughout Springfield and Holyoke.

“When I started at the agency as an intern, Maria was the first person to greet me and invite me into her sessions,” said Brandi. “She makes herself available to support the team in clinical advice and guidance; she contributes to staff education by holding presentations and offers wise insight on working with children and families who have experienced trauma.”

A pillar of strength for those she serves, Maria faced her biggest challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2025. Despite this diagnosis, Maria’s unwavering determination and commitment propelled her to continue working and prioritizing the children who need her.

“It is a privilege and an honor to help children heal from such traumatic events like witnessing domestic violence and enduring other kinds of abuse,” said Maria.

With the loving support of her family and the joy of being a bonus mom to an adorable pup named Stella, Maria continued to work and see clients while balancing a battery of tests and doctor’s appointments. Ultimately, Maria had the fortitude to work up until the start of her radiation treatments, carrying herself with utter grace and a kind smile.

Maria, whose peers welcomed her back to work with much fanfare in March, barely missed a beat upon her return. Resiliently coming back, as she left, ready to serve the children in her community. Added Maria, “Also, my breast cancer is in remission!! YAY!!”

“Maria continues to be an inspiring, encouraging, and welcoming colleague who I appreciate very much,” added Brandi. “She is always happy to celebrate even the small accomplishments of our team on a professional and personal level.”

“I really love working here and am very grateful to be part of this fierce team at the YWCA and CWWV,” concluded Maria. “The YWCA's mission aligns with my life’s mission ‘dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.’”

05/21/2026

🏒💜 The power of community was on full display Tuesday night as the Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, proudly presented a $5,000 donation to the YWCA of Western Massachusetts ahead of the T-Birds’ playoff game.

The donation marked the culmination of Domestic Violence Awareness Night held on April 4 at the Thunderdome, where proceeds were raised through an online auction of specialty warmup jerseys worn by the Thunderbirds.

“The work the YWCA does across our region is truly life-changing, and we were grateful to partner with the Thunderbirds to turn a night of hockey into something much bigger,” Sheriff Nick Cocchi said. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, this effort will help provide hope, safety, and support to survivors and families throughout Western Massachusetts.”

A huge thank you to everyone who supported this incredible cause and helped make a meaningful impact in our community. 💜

05/19/2026

Welcome to our newest board members: Dawn Fleury, Kiana Lowe and Mollie Sullivan!!

The YWCA of Western Massachusetts has elected three new members to its board of directors as the organization prepares to launch its $7.5 million “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to our very own, Sara Landaverde!

Sara, who began her tenure at the YWCA as a Children Who Witness Violence intern, is currently the Director of Survivor Advocacy & Outreach Programs.

Congratulations again to Sara, and BusinessWest’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026!

05/13/2026

Reminder Publishing interviewed Amber Estelle, Deputy COO & Clinical Director, of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

Amber discusses the misconceptions of what a human trafficker looks like and the red flags everyone should be aware of.

Click below to read the article.

Human trafficking happens in Western Massachusetts. That is the number one message Amber Estelle, deputy COO and clinical director of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, wants to share.

05/12/2026

Monson Savings Bank is honored to support the YWCA of Western Massachusetts with a $100,000 commitment towards their $7.5 Million "Shifting the Paradigm" Campaign - an initiative dedicated to sustaining and expanding critical services for women, children, and families across the region.

This campaign reflects what we believe at our core: addressing needs in our communities, investing in people, expanding opportunity, and building a safer and stronger future together.

Learn more about our commitment and why this work matters: https://brev.is/d0NzV

Give to the YWCA: https://brev.is/xYTZG

Ywca Of Western Massachusetts

04/29/2026

Today is Denim Day.

Today we stand with survivors of sexual assault by wearing denim.

No survivor should be blamed for their assault.

The YWCA cares about the women we serve, and the women we have yet to serve.

If you, or someone you know needs help-- you are not alone.

24-hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault HOTLINES
(413) 733-7100
(800) 796-871

Llamanos Spanish-language
(800) 223-5001

04/25/2026

If you, or someone you know needs help-- please call our hotline.

24-hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault HOTLINES
(413) 733-7100
(800) 796-871

Llamanos Spanish-language
(800) 223-5001

In light of the tragic domestic violence incident involving a Wilbraham man allegedly killing his wife at University of Massachusetts Amherst this week, we are reminded of a difficult but urgent truth: situations like this are often closer than we think.

Domestic violence does not always come with warning signs that others can see. It can happen behind closed doors, in silence, and escalate quickly. No one should ever feel trapped, unsafe, or alone.

It can happen to anyone, regardless of socio-economic factors, gender, race or sexual orientation. And it’s NEVER your fault.

If you or someone you know may be in a dangerous or unhealthy relationship, help is available right here in our community through the YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

📞 24/7 domestic violence/sexual assault hotline
(413) 733-7100 or (800) 796-8711

Llamanos Spanish-language sexual assault hotline: (800) 223-5001

🤝 Free, confidential support, including safety planning, advocacy, and emergency shelter

You do not have to wait for things to get worse. You do not have to handle this alone.

“Domestic violence thrives in silence. If you are in danger—or even unsure—reach out,” said Sheriff Nick Cocchi. “There are people in our community ready to listen, support, and help you find a safe path forward.”

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

04/24/2026

Happy World YWCA Day!

The YWCA of Western Massachusetts and all the YWCAs around the world care about the women we serve, and the women we have yet to serve.

The YWCA of Western Massachusetts is a powerful advocate and champion for families, providing a safe haven for women and children in crisis for nearly 160 years.

We serve survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking and homelessness.

The YWCA’s trauma-informed, client-centered approach reduces as many barriers to services as possible, giving agency back to survivors and empowering them to become self-sufficient and financially independent.

Join us in celebrating our mission driven work, while honoring our past and co-creating our future together!

04/23/2026

The YWCA's CBDV & SA team is hosting an event center on consent, community, and crispy fries.

Please Note: Only open to clients and guests receiving services at the YWCA.

04/17/2026

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Tiera Wright
Nominated by Amber Estelle, Deputy COO & Clinical Director

Written by Bettina Meade

“Who needs AI when you have Tiera?” - Amber Estelle

It could be easy to overlook “how much Tiera actually does for this agency” given her propensity to stay behind the scenes, but her colleague Amber Estelle describes her as “the glue that holds this agency together.” From her superb writing skills to her dedicated work ethic, having Tiera as VP of Communication and Development makes the YWCA team stronger. From the updated Department Phone List that is pinned to the top of our email inbox, to keeping the team connected with the Monthly Newsletter, and managing social media posts, Tiera’s contributions make everyone’s work that much easier.

Beyond the support that she provides to her colleagues, Tiera- true to the mission of the YWCA- aims to empower clients. As the person responsible for tracking and managing donations Tiera works to ensure that all client needs are met, and where gaps exist, she works to close them. Amber shares an anecdote of Tiera being intentional with funding allocations by purchasing “hair products, specifically for people of color and those with curly textured hair. Many black women grow up being taught the importance of our hair, the connection that we have to it, and how it is a part of our identity. All our survivors deserve to feel cared for and beautiful, and this is a small thing that will go a long way with our curly haired survivors.”

Born and raised in Springfield, Tiera grew up passionate about reading and going to the movies with aspirations of becoming a writer. In 2012, she graduated from Bay Path University (formerly Bay Path College) earning her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with minors in English and Communications. After which she spent twelve years as an Account Executive for the advertising department of The Republican newspaper. In her free time Tiera values spending time with her “fierce loyal friends” whom she “loves dearly.” She also divulged that she has recently “entered my ‘Me Era’ and has started to travel more.”

Tiera expressed that she has “always strived to be a positive force within the community.” With that in mind she joined the team at the YWCA in March 2024 in a role where she declared she has the opportunity “to mesh my love for writing with helping people.” As the creator of the Employee Spotlight feature, Tiera never misses an opportunity to honor others, “I truly appreciate Liz Dineen, the CEO giving me the opportunity to work at the YWCA. I am genuinely happy coming to work every day. I have met so many amazing people and have made friends that I think will last a lifetime.”

Busy working on the Capital Campaign, giving tours of the YWCA to prospective Board Members, spreading the word about what she refers to as “the great work our programs are doing,” or organizing the next YWCA food pantry event, Tiera can always be found championing the work of the YWCA. By her own standards Tiera plays “a small part helping the betterment of our clients’ lives,” those who work with her would beg to differ. Beyond being “accurate, efficient, professional, and trauma-informed,” Amber also describes Tiera as “a joy to be around, she is hilarious and always keeps it real. Tiera is not someone who steps into the spotlight, so I am shining it on her now. More people deserve their flowers while they are still here to smell them, and I am honored to give her hers now.”