The talented, caring team at the Platte County Community Center South in Parkville is ready to connect you with our many programs and services that focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
Hometown: Western Kansas
Y Start Date: May 2004
Certifications: Fort Hays State University Alumnus
Hobbies: Outdoor activities including Kayaking, hiking, fishing and traveling.
Favorite part of working at the Y: “My favorite parts are the community involvement and leadership, mission of our Y and development of others."
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Y Start Date: November 2015
Certifications: Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri - Kansas City
Hobbies: Reading, walking my dog and trying new restaurants around the Kansas City area.
Favorite part of working at the Y: "Seeing how much of an impact small, meaningful gestures of kind words can make on individuals' lives. I love knowing I am working for an organization that is building a stronger community."
Hometown: Paracin, Serbia
Y Start Date: March 2025
Certifications:CPO - Certified Pool Operator
SGE - Star Guard Elite level 2 Instructor
Australian Surf Lifesaving Instructor
European Red Cross Instructor
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
Professional Association of Diving Instructors - PADI Divemaster
Hobbies: I like going on road trips with my wife and see all the amazing places throughout the USA. I enjoy visiting new restaurants and tasting all the amazing BBQ that Kansas City has to offer. I also enjoy spending time near the ocean, diving and exploring the deep blues with my shark friends!
Favorite part of working at the Y: My favorite part about the Y is how engaging everyone is. People love to hang out and talk about anything and everything. Everyone is so friendly and community makes everyone feel welcome regardless of where they are from.
Hometown: Maryville, Missouri
Y Start Date: July 2021
Certifications: M.S. in Exercise & Sport Sciences - Sport Psychology; Red Cross - CPR Pro for Professional Rescuers, NETA Personal Training Certification; USA Weightlifting - Level 1 Coaching Certification; YMCA Group Exercise Instructor Certification; Enhance Fitness Certification; Matter of Balance Coach Certification.
Hobbies: Spending time with loved ones, getting outdoors with my dog, and staying active through sport and outdoor recreation.
Favorite part of working at the Y: I love all the people. It is such a welcoming environment from the staff that I work with to the members and program participants that I engage with on a daily basis. The YMCA is a great place to connect with like minded individuals who are looking to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Hometown: Linden, New Jersey
Y Start Date: February, 2021
Hobbies: Baking, cooking, taking walks and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite part of working at the Y: "Seeing how our work brings people together and creates lasting connections. Being a part of this positive change by helping build a stronger, healthier, more connected community has been immensely rewarding"
Name: Elizabeth Young
Hometown: Elsah, IL
Start date: First time at the YMCA: May 13, 2013; Start date at Platte County Community Center South: October 24, 2024
Certifications: Bachelors of Science in Parks and Recreation Management from Northwest Missouri State University
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
Y-USA Swim Lesson Instructor
Hobbies: Spending time with my friends and visiting theme parks. I grow flowers and am trying to start growing food, as well.
Favorite part of working for the Y: Watching how the Y brings people together, whether it’s friendships formed in swim lessons or my parents who met at YMCA Camp Lakewood, it’s good to be part of the community.
Name: Cristina Burns
Hometown: Parkville, MO
Start date: November 2006, Worked for the Great Bridge Family YMCA in Chesapeake, VA, and the Summit Family YMCA in Peachtree City, GA
Certifications: YMCA Group Exercise, AFAA Personal Trainer, Livestrong National Trainer, Les Mills Bodybalance, Fitour Pilates, MOSSA Group Active, NASM Orthopedic Specialist, personal trainer
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading, walking the dog, and doing arts and crafts
Favorite part of working for the Y: My favorite part of working at the Y is the relationships I have made. I am fortunate that my job has nurtured lifelong friendships. The Y feels like a second home.
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