I started with the Y in 2024 as a group exercise instructor while searching for a full time job. I soon realized I wanted to follow my passion of fitness and helping others better themselves through exercise. I became the Health & Wellness manager at Wildwood and then soon after transferred to the Monroe Co Y in Columbia IL as the Health & Wellness Director in 2025! One of the first things I noticed was different was this amazing program called TEAMWORK. This program helps young adults with disabilities learn life skills to become independent adults after high school. The Y provides support through education and job training, social events, health and wellness initiatives, and volunteerism. Soon after starting here, I met Heather Chandler who was walking with a walker due to a stroke she had at age 7. I found out she was actually taking classes and workinig out and a few months later, she had graduated to crutches! This is a girl who was told she'd never walk or talk! She's now taking up to 3-4 classes a day and has been walking without her crutches for 2 months! I've been working with her in our MX4 Foundations classes and am amazed at the progress she's made. She lives and breathes fitness and from the start said she'd wanted to work here...I'm happy to say I recently hired her on to my Fitness Staff team! THIS is my "why" for working for the Y. My heart is full when I see how proud she is of herself & the progress she's making and I'm proud that I get to be a small part of her wellness journey!!! I hope this gives you a reason to donate to my branch to continue this wonderful program TEAMWORK!!!

The Y is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy the Y and makes financial assistance available. We offer a great variety of programs and activities that help people of all ages and abilities grow in spirit, mind and body, and we work to strengthen community. EVERY dollar raised during our Community Campaign will stay here and support the Monroe Co YMCA!