Kaytlin Simmons, ESQ joins the South Orange Family YMCA Board of Directors

I am truly honored to serve on the YMCA Board of Directors. My husband Neville and I have resided in Monroe for nearly 12 years and are the proud parents of our eight-year-old twin daughters, Paityn and Paige. I was born in Port Elizabeth, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and grew up in Canarsie, Brooklyn before moving to Monroe.

My interest in and ultimate decision to join the YMCA Board of Directors was driven by being a part of an organization that has touched so many lives in this community and beyond, from parents who have witnessed their children flourishing in reading or taking that first unassisted leap into a swimming pool; to adults of all ages who are on the road to health and wellness; to those who volunteer their time and resources. I have a deep dedication and passion to utilize my skills, expertise, resources and network to strengthen bonds, family ties and connections to the community and I am committed to ensuring that a diverse and inclusive perspective is embedded in decisions affecting this staple in our community, as we continue to look forward to a post-pandemic world, to better understand and meet the changing needs of our community.

Currently, I am the Deputy Commissioner for Operations at the Department of Investigations (DOI), one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country, charged with combating corruption, fraud, abuse and misconduct through systematic investigations, leading to high-impact arrests, preventative controls and operational reforms that improve the City’s operational integrity, policies and practices. In addition to my role as Deputy Commissioner at DOI, I operate a general practice law firm, Simmons & Associates, specializing in family, immigration, real estate, business and estate law. I am a bookworm at heart and love getting lost in a great story. I also love traveling and spending time outdoors with my family and friends exploring all that Orange County and beyond has to offer.

I look forward to working with the Board to ensure that the South Orange Family YMCA continues to evolve and strengthen our community by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other, mentoring and empowering our youth, improving the health and wellbeing of people of all ages and inspiring positive action to preserve the family-oriented community we all love.