North Kansas City YMCA

Hometown: Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Y Start Date: 1999

Hobbies: Spending time being active with my family, cheering for and supporting my kids from the sidelines and bleachers as they do what they love, gathering with friends and family

Favorite part of working at the Y: “Relationships! I get to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. Coming together with others in our community to serve a need and to be a bright spot in other peoples’ days. I love the mission of the Y and that I get the opportunity to continuously support others through the work we do at the Y.”

Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL

Y Start Date: June 2017

Certifications: Bachelors Degree is Global Business Management; MA in Sports Exercise and Psychology; International MBA in Sports Management. Home school PE Teacher for grade school and high school, building monitor, personal trainer, fitness coach, Livestrong Coach, ESL Instructor, Certified Cycle Instructor, Program Coordinator, Teen Coordinator, Building Monitor Lead.

Hobbies: I enjoy writing music and scripts and ideas. I currently play pickleball and softball. In my past I played professional indoor football for 7 years.

Favorite part about working at the Y: Making a difference in the lives of the young people in this community and their parents. “I have a feeling that I help the parents with their teenager’s difficult years. I give the teens a safe place to discover and explore who they are, what skills they have, and what they want to learn more about.”

Hometown: Austin, TX

Y Start Date: May 2024

Certifications: NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, Stretching and Flexibility Coach

Hobbies: Cooking new recipes and trying new food spots, fishing, camping, pickleball, and disc golf.

Favorite part about working at the Y: The connections we build. Bringing people together to support one another in living healthier, happier lives and reaching their goals is what it’s all about!

Hometown: Raytown, Missouri

Y Start Date: August 1996

Certifications: Lifeguard and CPR Instructor

Hobbies: Watching the Chiefs play, movies, traveling and watching my son, Greyson, grow up.

Favorite part of working at the Y: I enjoy watching adults and children get excited when they learn to swim and seeing how the YMCA impacts peoples’ lives for the better. The YMCA has always had a positive impact on my life.

Hometown: Smithville, Missouri

Y Start Date: October 2024

Certifications: Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education & Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management

Hobbies: “Outside of work, I’m a mom of two daughters who loves the little things in life and always finds a way to stay busy. You’ll usually find me reading a good book, doing crafts, or turning something simple into a fun project. I’m also a proud “plant parent,” happily keeping my plants alive (and sometimes thriving), and I enjoy volunteering at events and jumping in wherever I can to help out in my community.”

Favorite part about working at the Y: “My favorite part of working at the Y is the people, hands down! I love seeing familiar faces and getting to connect with families every day. It’s really rewarding (and honestly fun). Knowing we’re making a positive impact, even in small moments, and being part of something that helps people feel supported and welcome. “

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Y Start Date: 2018

Hobbies: “Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, with my husband Carlos, my daughters Payton and Gianna, our 2 miniature pinchers and bearded dragon. Home is wherever they are, and where I’m happiest. Whether I’m cheering them on at a volleyball game or admiring their latest creations at an art show, life with them is always an adventure, and I’m enjoying every moment of the ride. “

Favorite part about working at the Y: “It’s a welcoming, fun environment where making a positive impact and building meaningful connections happen every day. The community that surrounds the Y is something that I am proud to have my family a part of; we love being a Y family!”