Honored for Excellence

October 29, 2018

At Chelsea Piers, we believe what sets us apart is our people and the exceptional service they deliver across the board. On October 23, we held a lunch to honor the recipients of our Coach of the Year and MVP awards.  These team members were nominated by their colleagues and managers for their dependability, professionalism and for going above and beyond consistently in the service they provide to our members and customers.  Meet our award recipients. 

Igor Vulesevic

Aquatics Coach of the Year

Igor Joined Chelsea Piers In June of 2015 as a recent college graduate and has been an integral team member since. Igor works with stroke development swimmers and assisting with the high performance group, helping develop athletes into some of the top swimmers in the country.  Igor’s passion and knowledge quickly made him a favorite among the stroke development students as well as the swim team athletes and parents. 

Rei Hergeth

Squash Coach of the Year

Rei started playing squash in South Africa where he rose to the top level of South African Junior Squash. Rei has been at Chelsea Piers from the beginning.  He is an excellent player and coach, trusted by elite level players including National Champions and counted on by our best players to guide them both in practice and in competition.  Due to his excellence in coaching, commitment and dedication to the program, our players and their families, he was elevated to Head Professional in 2017.   

Kelly DuBois

CPAC Fitness Coach of the Year

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rutgers University as well as an Associate of Science degree from the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Essex County College. Having over 20 years of experience at various health clubs, Kelly joined the personal training team as a Master trainer. Kelly’s enthusiasm and passion for training attracted a diverse clientele that saw the value in working with her to better their lifestyles.

Kimberly Stewart

Gymnastics Coach of the Year

Kim joined us in the spring of 2017. Kim’s initiative, positive attitude and commitment to the whole athlete elevated her quickly and it was clear she would become an integral part of our coaching team. She demonstrates an eagerness to help athletes learn, by creating a positive and highly engaged instructional atmosphere.

Rodrigo Ramirez

Management MPV

11,128 paychecks were distributed in 2017.  If laid end to end they would stretch from here to Stamford Hospital and every single one of those checks was reviewed by Rodrigo Ramirez. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into everything flowing so seamlessly, and he still ensures that he makes himself available to anyone with any questions, no matter how big or smallAt each opportunity he has risen to the occasion with the utmost friendly, professionalism we see from Rod day in and day out.

Ben Wlazlo

Annual MVP

Ben joined the team in 2014, just about two years after Chelsea Piers opened. Ben’s affected everything in Chelsea Piers and those who work here. For some it’s the desk they sit at every day that Ben built. For others it’s piece of equipment that they work out on or used to train their sport.

Allan Najarro

Aquatics Annual MVP

Allan has worked all over our building as a camp counselor, front desk concierge, fitness concierge, membership associate, registration attendant and much more. Although at the Aquatics Front Desk, every shift that he worked Allan showed an energized, helpful and courteous nature that quickly made him a favorite amongst our Aquatics regulars. Members would come to the desk and before they could get their cards out of their wallets Allan would call them by their first name, tell them they were all set and to enjoy their swim.

Anthea Carbon

CPAC Fitness Annual MVP

Anthea was the fitness center babysitter before we even had the fitness club. Now with her role in the expanded Kids Zone, she knows the name of EVERY child, and there are hundreds, and their parents that come into the babysitting room. Anthea prides herself in delivering the best experience for members.  Her attention to detail and her desire to help are what truly set her apart.

Gina DeSalvo

CP Kids Annual MVP

Gina has been with Chelsea Piers since we opened our doors in 2012.  She is often able to accomplish what no one else can in that room: getting the child who won’t eat to take their bottle, getting the child who won’t sleep to take a nap, getting the child who won’t stop crying to smile.  Her knowledge on infant care is vast and comprehensive and she is a fantastic resource for our new families. 

JP Souffrant

Front Desk Annual MVP

JP started working at the café, his warm personality and outstanding customer service made us realize we needed him working our front desk. JP has many attributes; one of many that set him apart would be his ability to consistently go above and beyond to ensure everyone is welcomed as they enter or exit Chelsea Piers. His interactions deliver the best quality of service.

Ignacio (Nacho) Berasain

Tennis Coach of the Year

Born in Uruguay, Nacho moved to the states to coach at Chelsea Piers in the summer of 2012. He embodies a “can do” spirit, mentality and coaching. He teaches players of all standards, from our most successful juniors through our entry-level adults and everything in between. Nacho always arrives to work with a positive mentality and establishes – and maintains – great energy and purpose for his student. 

Ashley Sullivan

Tennis Annual MVP

Ashley started at Chelsea Piers in 2013. She is always supportive and willing to play any role that is needed to help support our tennis program. Whether she is sitting at the front desk, racquet stringing, helping the junior programs administration, leading as the USTA Leagues coordinator, on-court coaching, or a schedule manager she is always a team player.