Congratulations to Chris U., our November 2024 Employee of the Month!

Chris' bio: Hi, I'm Chris, I have now been working here for just about a year and it's been the most positive job I've ever had. Everyone here has been easy and pleasant to work with, I'm never apprehensive about coming to work, and even look forward to it most days. I'm an avid reader of light novels and a big board and video game fan. If I have a spare moment, I'm usually reading something.

Congratulations to Denise B., our October 2024 Employee of the Month!

Denise's bio: Four years ago, I retired from the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation as the Athletics Program Manager. I knew working at the Y would be a great way to remain connected and serve the community. I've enjoyed being a Y member for about 15 years and a Wellness Attendant for 2 years. I always look forward to visiting and assisting members, encouraging them and helping my fellow fitness & wellness crew. It's like having a second family! Thank you for this recognition!

Congratulations to Eryn R., our September 2024 Employee of the Month!

Eryn's bio: Eryn Rask joined our YMCA team in 2022, wanting to work closer with the community. She is our resident artist, often found drawing our announcement boards and face painting at special events. Outside of the Y, she is historical fiction author, Eryn LaPlant with several novels in her bibliography. She is a wife, mother to one of our lifeguards, and dog mom to three active Corgis and a crazy Pomeranian. Eryn can usually be found connecting with members (or singing) at the Member Experience Desk. Come by and say a happy hello to her any time!

Congratulations to Junias H., our August 2024 Employee of the Month!

Junias' bio: I've been with the Y for a year, starting as an intern and then transitioning into the Wellness Coordinator role. I moved here from Michigan three years ago to pursue my degree in public health, which has aligned perfectly with my work at the Y. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have grown from an intern into the Wellness Coordinator role, where I've been able to apply what I've learned in a practical setting. Being active and staying fit is something I'm passionate about, so working here has been a great fit. It's been a rewarding journey so far, helping me grow professionally while staying connected to my passion for wellness. I'm excited to keep learning and contributing to the Y.

Congratulations to Vicki C., our July 2024 Employee of the Month!

Vicki's bio: I started teaching water aerobics at the YMCA 5 ½ years ago. Between COVID "breaks", my class moved around on Saturdays 4 times between 7:30am-1pm. Since we've opened our new facility, I've been able to add 2 new formats, 2 evening classes and a class on Sunday. Having the opportunity to be an instructor at the YMCA is full circle for me. I learned how to swim here as a child, learned how to exercise here as a young adult, and both of my children have been involved in programming here. I am so proud to say I'm part of this family!  I look forward to adding more classes when I can retire from my "day" job!!!

Congratulations to Sue M., our June 2024 Employee of the Month!

Sue's bio: A little over 14 years ago, I walked into the Bloomington-Normal YMCA to see if there was a need for any fitness instructors. It just so happened that the instructor that taught the Active Aging classes at the time had just put in her notice and hadn't been replaced yet. That same week, I started instructing the class. The people in the class welcomed me with open arms. Shortly after, I began teaching an Aqua Fit class too and have continued to teach that as well.  Together we became stronger, increased our endurance and balance and became each other's support.

We have shared joys and sorrows and have become a family that supports each other and eagerly welcomes new participants into the classes at the YMCA. 

My first job at age 15 was at a YMCA in Wisconsin, I met my husband at the YMCA in Springfield, IL and I predict that when I'm ready to retire, my last job will be at the Bloomington-Normal YMCA.

Congratulations to Adriann R., our May 2024 Employee of the Month!

Adriann's bio: I have worked at the YMCA for about a year and a half. I love to work out, paint, and travel. My favorite things about the YMCA are the people and the atmosphere. I love the color pink and anything glittery. 

Congratulations to Riley D., our April 2024 Employee of the Month!

Riley's bio: I have been working at the front desk for just under a year now, and there have been so many amazing opportunities given to me! I have built amazing relationships with my coworkers as well as members in such a short time span. It’s relieving knowing that I truly enjoy my job and what I do, and I am beyond excited for what more is to come.

Congratulations to Jon H., our March 2024 Employee of the Month!

Jon's bio: Working at the Y over the past year has been a blessing. I have the good fortune of working with great leadership and coworkers. I have some of the best clients that anyone could ask for, they are hard working and truly enthusiastic about their health and wellness. I feel honored to be selected for Employee of the month as I know there are many people that dedicate a large amount of effort and time to their work and are more deserving than I am. Thank you!

Congratulations to Bee B., our February 2024 Employee of the Month!

Bee's bio: I am honored and humbled to receive this nomination from my beloved Y. I am blessed to be able to work at a place that fulfills my passion for swimming. I am also blessed that our entire staff works tirelessly to create a fun and safe atmosphere, all in the name of good health and exercise. I am going into my 7th year as a swim instructor and a lifeguard.  I was born and raised in Bloomington.  Our new facility is a dream come true. I am so proud of our community building this YMCA. At the age of 2, I went to the original downtown Y for swim lessons. My mother had been a World War II college scholarship swimmer. She understood the importance of water safety and good technique, which the Y represents. I am part fish and love the water. I try to impart that to my students and members. Swimming is for everyone. We teach all children and adults. Swimming is a lifetime sport, all year round. I encourage all our members to please stop in and see our pools. Don’t be shy, everyone is welcome. You can even sit in the bleachers. Even if you have no desire to swim, you have to see our amazing and modern pools. They are truly state of the art and offer everything. I just love all the glass that surrounds the area with great views. Our pools belong to all our wonderful members. And there is something for everyone. So, come check us out! May God continue to bless each and everyone of us as we go forward in this new year, with good health, laughter and love.

Congratulations to Katie Z., our January 2024 Employee of the Month!

Katie's bio: I have had the privilege of being with the YMCA for over six years. Being part of our members' fitness journey brings so much joy to my heart. We have the best community walking through our doors every day and I look forward to giving them a welcoming place to join for years to come.

Congratulations to Megan W., our December 2023 Employee of the Month!

Megan's bio: I’ve been working in the PNC Play and Learn Center for about 10 months now! The YMCA has become my second home and I look forward to being in the facility every day! The staff at the Y are some of the best people you’ll ever meet! My favorite part about being an employee at the Y is being able to build a relationship with kids and parents when they come to Child Watch.

Congratulations to Marsha W., our November 2023 Employee of the Month!

Marsha's bio: I am humbled and grateful to be Employee of the Month! 13 to 14 years teaching fitness has given me confidence to help people achieve whatever fitness goals they may have. Day after day, the YMCA teaches kids and adults of every skill set and background imaginable and I am fortunate enough to see and work with this on a daily basis.

I'm so proud of the YMCA and so is my husband Art.  Between us, we have over 100 years of experiences and classes at the YMCA! WOW!

Our time away from the Y is spent traveling, loving on our grandkids, and on our doggie companions, Luke and Breeze! Thank you so much for this honor. I'm truly blessed!

Congratulations to Cam G., our October 2023 Employee of the Month!

Cam's bio: My name is Cam, I’m 24 and from Elmhurst IL. I’ve been at the Y since September 2020 working for the Youth Development Department. I absolutely love the freedom the Y gives us to be as creative as we want with the kids.

Congratulations to Jon C., our September 2023 Employee of the Month!

Jon's bio: I've been working for the YMCA for 6 months now and I love it. The members and staff are great, and I love the energy this place has. I have found my new love for pickleball here and I want to say thank you for nominating me for the employee of the month!

Congratulations to Joshua B., our August 2023 Employee of the Month!

Joshua's bio: I have worked at the YMCA for just short of a year and can honestly say the best part is interacting with members and coworkers alike. I moved to the area last year with my husband, Bradford and our two dogs from the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Washington, DC. We didn’t know very many people but since working here have really felt part of the community. I think fitness spaces can often be intimidating but the Y has done a really great job at offering something to everyone. When I'm not here at work I'm probably working in the yard, hiking a national park, or taking a nap.

Congratulations to Treniece, our July 2023 Employee of the Month!

Treniece's bio: I have been with the YMCA since July of 2022 as part of our Facilities team. Being a part of the YMCA has changed my life, my heart, and my attitude in many positive ways. I do truly enjoy keeping our facility sparkling clean for the Y community, and I feel loved, appreciated, and uplifted by everyone here.

Congratulations to Lindsay, our June 2023 Employee of the Month!

Lindsay's bio: I have been a Group Fitness Instructor at the Y for just over 11 years - mainly during the (VERY) early morning hours. As a former Division I athlete, I initially joined the Y as a way to stay active. However, after attending some Group Fitness classes and interacting with the Instructors, I was encouraged to use my athletics background to help inspire other members to improve their overall health and fitness. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my husband and two handsome sons, running, baking, and reading. Being a part of the Y has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful and unique people who have ultimately become some of my greatest friends. I look forward to continuing to help members build healthy routines and achieve their wellness goals for many years to come!

Congratulations to Melissa, our May 2023 Employee of the Month!

Melissa's bio: I am a "townie" and have called Bloomington-Normal home for the majority of my life.  I started working at the YMCA in April 2022, and since then, it has become a very special place to me and my family.  My husband Andy and I have been married almost 13 years, and we have three beautiful children (who wish they lived at the Y).  When I'm not working at the front desk, I love to spend time outside:  gardening, taking walks, going to the park with my kids, etc.  I am also a preschool teacher during the school year.  One of my philosophies in life is whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23), and I try my best to serve the YMCA with that same purpose.  It's truly a joy to be a part of this community, and I am so very honored to be nominated as employee of the month!