New JCC director of aquatics comes with experience and enthusiasm

Heather Stearns is the Dwares Jewish Community Center’s new director of aquatics. Born in California, her last position was as program director at Boston Sports Club in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Stearns started swimming early. She was a rambunctious child, so her mother signed her up for swim team at only 5 years old, in the hopes it would help her to burn off some energy. Stearns has been swimming ever since. She has 18 years of competitive swimming experience, eight years of water polo experience and more than 10 years working in the health and fitness industry. She has also coached several club and sanctioned USA swim teams, and done open water coaching as well as triathlon training. In the past, Stearns competed as a sprinter in backstroke, butterfly and freestyle; she also swam anchor for the relays with her teams. 

Stearns says she came to the Dwares JCC in search of a family environment. She hopes to create more opportunities for all ages and help the Dwares JCC become “a visible name within the community of Providence.” Additionally, Stearns says she hopes to “share with the community of Providence that all are welcome.”

When Stearns is not at work, she is often found with her family, training for an endurance race with her sister or traveling the world. She also enjoys exploring the city of Providence and all of the food it has to offer. 

DANA COHEN is the summer intern at The Jewish Voice.