Today on Y Connect, we're joined by Leah Willig, the Y's Director of Teen Programs. Leah brings over a decade of youth development experience, having spent years leading impactful programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta before joining the Y. Her work has always focused on creating spaces where teens can explore who they are, connect, and envision what's possible in their futures.

At the Y, Leah is leading efforts to expand and elevate teen programming across our association from monthly Teen Nights that bring youth together in fun, safe environments to academic and career-readiness initiatives, such as our partnership with The Princeton Review for SAT prep boot camps. She's passionate about helping teens see the Y as a place where they belong, grow, and lead.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How teen youth development programs create consistency through Universal teen night events, providing teens with fun opportunities while building community youth engagement, belonging and connection for youth across metro Atlanta

✅ How the Princeton Review partnership provides free SAT prep bootcamp sessions with certified instructors and 365-day portal access, building career readiness for teens through comprehensive college preparation resources.

✅ How innovative partnerships with Trilith Studios and the changemakers program provide teens with hands-on film production experience, script writing workshops, and connections to industry professionals, helping develop youth workforce skills through project-based learning.

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Leah shares her journey into creating teen youth development programs, discussing her decade of experience creating belonging and connection for youth at the YMCA

06:46 Launch of universal teen night events, creating consistency across branches with themed activities

09:18 Princeton Review partnership providing free SAT prep bootcamp sessions, teaching career readiness for teens with certified instructors

13:18 Trilith Studios partnership offering fully-funded after-school programs for teens, teaching cinematography and scriptwriting, while planning a 12-week changemakers program film festival

18:22 Leah shares how moving to Atlanta for college soccer taught her to encourage teens to step outside comfort zones, emphasizing the Y as a place of belonging and connection for youth

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Success in teen youth development programs isn't measured only by attendance numbers—it's about ensuring teens in each community are engaging with their Y, whether through work opportunities, college tours, SAT prep bootcamp sessions, or monthly teen night events, meeting each branch's unique needs.

💎 The Princeton Review partnership provides free career readiness for teens through comprehensive SAT preparation, giving all Y teen members access to certified instructors, practice booklets, and a 365-day online portal—making college preparation accessible regardless of when students plan to take the test.

💎 Building relationships through listening is essential for effective teen programming—visiting branches, learning teen names, understanding what each youth development director and their community needs, and staying current with evolving career interests ensures programs remain relevant and impactful.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Leah Willig brings over 10 years of youth development experience to our team and has served in various director roles at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Throughout her career, Leah has developed dynamic programming that provided diverse career opportunities for teens while building partnerships with local corporations and communities for unique learning experiences.

Trilith Studios - Website

Princeton Review - Website

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Today on Y Connect, we're joined by a powerhouse leader whose commitment to purpose and community is shaping what corporate social responsibility looks like in Metro Atlanta and beyond, Carley Stephens, Director of Corporate Giving at Gas South and Executive Director of the Cobb EMC Foundation. Gas South, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cobb EMC, is one of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's most generous corporate partners, giving not only through financial support but also through the countless volunteer hours employees dedicate to helping others. Carley is known for leading with heart and innovation, always focused on where actual impact happens: in the lives of children and families. Under her guidance, Gas South continues to expand its "Fuel for Good" philosophy, a purpose that's about caring for customers and employees while elevating communities. In addition to her leadership role, Carley serves on the board of the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead and is helping shape the Y's 2026–2028 Strategic Plan as part of our Board Task Force.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How purpose-driven companies like Gas South bring their values to life by empowering employee volunteerism and listening to what matters most to their teams and communities

✅ Why authentic leadership matters in corporate social responsibility—and how asking more profound questions leads to more meaningful nonprofit partnerships that address real needs beyond surface-level solutions

✅ The difference between traditional charity and systemic change, including why companies must invest in living wage and employee benefits for their own workforce before expecting nonprofits to solve community challenges

✅ Practical strategies for community investment and strategic planning that move corporate giving programs from transactional donations to transformational impact through collaboration and innovation

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Zarinah, Robert, and Allison discussing early educator conferences and leadership development and introducing Carley Stephens of Gas South and Cobb EMC Foundation

05:50 Gas South's "fuel for good" philosophy and how purpose-driven corporate social responsibility evolves through employee empowerment and listening to community needs

08:22 How Gas South and Cobb EMC Foundation work together to create community impact through member-based engagement and hands-on nonprofit partnerships

11:02 The power of asking more profound questions in corporate giving programs and moving beyond surface-level sponsorships to address challenges

18:46 Car seat safety story: How observing families during COVID food distribution led to immediate community investment and mental health support initiatives

23:12 Employee volunteerism through team grants that empower staff to support causes they care about beyond children's programs

26:53 CEO Kevin Griner's authentic leadership and how Gas South's pricing model reflects corporate social responsibility values in daily business decisions

34:04 Gas South's $1.3 million investment in YMCA programs, including Adaptive Swim, and nonprofit funding for inclusive education initiatives

37:44 Strategic planning insights from the YMCA task force and the importance of pressure-testing ideas for systemic change

43:55 Moving from charity to systemic change: Why companies must address a living wage and employee benefits for their own workforce first

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Corporate social responsibility starts at home. Companies must invest in a living wage and employee benefits for their own workforce before expecting nonprofit partnerships to solve community challenges, creating systemic change from within

💎 Employee volunteerism becomes more powerful when workers have autonomy. Gas South provides team grants allowing employees to support causes they're passionate about, from veterans to animals, beyond the company's core focus on children in need

💎 Authentic leadership means showing up and doing the work. CEO Kevin Griner demonstrates purpose-driven values by volunteering alongside employees, pulling weeds with his own tools, and ensuring corporate giving decisions reflect fairness in everyday business practices like pricing

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Carley Stephens is Director of Corporate Giving at Gas South and Executive Director of the Cobb EMC Foundation. With over a decade of CSR experience, she's expanded Gas South's philanthropic reach across multiple states, increasing giving by over 300%. Recognized as an Atlanta Business Chronicle 'Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Top Practitioner' and Atlanta 40 Under 40 honoree, she drives impact through connection, collaboration, and mentorship.

A Kalamazoo, Michigan native with a philosophy degree from Calvin College, Carley is a dedicated wife and mom who loves books, cooking, and coffee.

Gas South - Website

Carley Stephens - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

When people join the YMCA, they have access to more than 3,000 group fitness classes. The Y offers everything from cycling to dance to yoga, flexibility, strength and more, all of which impact a person's overall physical, mental and emotional health. As our guests explain, perhaps one of the best parts of these classes is the close-knit community that is formed as a result.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 02:13 Jennifer describes what goes on in determining the variety of classes offered at the Y and how a participant determines which class they should take depending on their fitness level
• 04:23 Maura explains what motivated her to become a group exercise instructor and what the best part of her job is
• 07:44 Maura keeps the classes engaged and motivated by making class different each time, and Jennifer discusses continuously improving programming and the selection of music
• 15:15 Jennifer discusses new fitness trends
• 19:42 Discussion of the percentages of men versus women in classes

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Taking classes at the YMCA is affordable and a great way to build community and make new connections
• YMCA staff are rewarded by seeing the progress made by the participants
• Exercises can be modified so everyone can participate regardless of the member's fitness level

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

Jennifer has been with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for 18 years and says she loves her job and working with the uniqueness of our various YMCA communities. She is VP of Community Health and Wellness, supporting Y branches' health and wellness programming, community partnerships, and grants. Jennifer also leads the Y's two newest locations – the YMCA at Morehouse School of Medicine and our Y at Good Sam. She enjoys spending time with her husband in her free time, watching their son play baseball and football, working out, doing DIY projects and traveling.

We have two inspiring guests today. Jim Snoddy, a member of the Robert D. Fowler Family Y, who has lost nearly 100 pounds through the YMCA's supportive wellness programs, and Beth Girmay, the health & wellness instructor who has guided Jim every step of the way. Jim also serves on the Branch Community Engagement Board, which, as I understand it, plays pickleball almost every day.

Today, we're discussing transformation, body, mind, habits and the role of coaching, community, consistency, and mindset. We'll delve into how the YMCA's Coach Approach & Weight Loss For Life programs support members, what obstacles arose, how Beth worked with Jim, and how Jim persevered. Beth, Jim, thank you both so much for joining us.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How weight loss coaching drives transformation through personalized support and community engagement at the YMCA

✅ The role of coaching and consistency in overcoming obstacles for a sustainable fitness journey

✅ Practical tools like MyFitnessPal that enhance wellness and support weight loss coaching goals

✅ The impact of community-driven fitness transformation on building lasting motivation and mindset shifts

✅ Non-scale victories that boost energy, mood, and confidence through a dedicated fitness journey

Join the Y Connect podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro: Jim discusses weight loss coaching, community and wellness on his fitness journey as a result of the YMCA's accountability partners

07:44 Consistency in weight loss coaching helped Jim lose weight incrementally, using tools like MyFitnessPal to focus on quality nutrition

11:19 How to overcome obstacles, making your fitness journey sustainable, with coaching and activities like pickleball, fostering transformation and connection

17:40 Weight loss goals, tracking methods, and the importance of mindset

24:23 Beth expresses pride in Jim's consistency and community-driven fitness transformation, noting his role in inspiring others

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Weight loss coaching at the YMCA, with personalized coaching from Beth, enabled Jim's transformation, resulting in nearly a 100-pound weight loss.

💎 Community support, through activities like pickleball and group classes, fosters motivation and sustains a fitness journey.

💎 Small, achievable steps and tools like MyFitnessPal enhance consistency and mindset for lasting wellness.

💎 Non-scale victories, like improved energy and confidence, highlight the broader impact of a community-driven fitness transformation.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Jim Snoddy is a member of the Robert D. Fowler Family Y, who has lost nearly 100 pounds through the YMCA's supportive wellness programs. Jim also serves on the Robert D. Fowler Community Engagement Board and is an avid pickleball player.

Betelhem Girmay is a wellness coach and group fitness instructor at the Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA. Using her education in exercise science as well as her passion for wellness, fitness and health, she helps members reach their wellness and fitness goals.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Coach Approach

QUOTES:

"I encourage members to start small with doable steps." Betelhem Girmay

"We start with small doable steps. When members see what they're able to do and they see their progress, they just add more success into it. And before they know it, they reach their goals." Betelhem Girmay

"The Y has pickleball, chair yoga, regular yoga, water aerobics, and adult strength classes. A lot of times you can't start off with regular yoga, you start off with chair yoga and you get a ton of friends there. But the Y has a variety of stuff and it is so great." Jim Snoddy

"Beth taught me about alternatives." Jim Snoddy

On today's episode of (Y) Connect, we're joined by someone who's already making waves on the national stage while still just beginning her high school journey. At only 14 years old, Kari Knotts has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in U.S. volleyball.

Kari is a freshman at The Lovett School, a proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, and a fierce competitor for A5 Volleyball Club. She recently became the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, where she was named both MVP and Best Spiker at the Pan-American Cup.

From her start at the YMCA to winning MVP on the international stage, Kari Knotts joins us to share her inspiring volleyball journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Allsion and Robert welcome today's guest
• (02:21) Kari shares her first memories of playing volleyball at the YMCA and becoming the youngest member of Team USA U19
• (04:19) The moment Kari was selected for Team USA and the demanding schedule required to balance her commitments
• (06:34) Finding motivation through faith, family support, and joy for the sport
• (07:22) Lessons from volleyball: discipline, teamwork, and communication
• (08:17) Staying grounded in humility by being thankful to God for his blessing
• (08:48) Kari shares future goals: the Olympics, pursuing college and maintaining a passion for sports
• (10:50) Kari expresses gratitude to teammates and coaches, and she advises children interested in volleyball

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Starting at the YMCA, Kari built strong fundamentals in volleyball and showed how community support can spark lifelong inspiration.
• Balancing training, high school, and national competition requires discipline, motivation, and support from family, teammates and coaches.
• Staying grounded in humility while chasing big future goals—including dreams of the Olympics—keeps this young athlete focused and grateful.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

Kari Knotts is a 14-year-old standout athlete and proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA. A freshman at The Lovett School (Class of 2029), Kari has already built an impressive volleyball résumé. Standing 6'3" with a 10'9" approach, she competes with A5 Volleyball Club on the elite 16-1 Gabe's team as an outside hitter.

Kari recently made history as the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, earning both MVP and Best Spiker honors at the 2025 U19 Pan-American Cup in Canada. She is also part of the National Training and Development Program, designed to prepare high-potential athletes for international competition.

Her teams have captured multiple national titles—including two USAV National Championships, three AAU National Championships, and two Triple Crown titles—with Kari securing MVP honors at 12U, 13U, and 14U. Despite her many accomplishments, she remains grounded, crediting her YMCA beginnings for shaping her love of the game and community.

In this Fan Favorite Episode, we delve into a story of resilience, reconciliation, and community spirit. Forsyth County, with its complex history, is making strides towards healing and inclusivity. Joining us on (Y) Connect is Durwood Sneed, an organizer of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a pivotal initiative aimed at honoring and supporting the descendants of those who were unjustly expelled from the county, a racial cleansing campaign that took place in 1912 forcing Black residents out of the county. Additionally, we are joined by Joshua Byrd, a descendant who bravely returned to Forsyth County and shared his inspiring journey during the recent Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Forsyth County Family YMCA. This was the second year the Y's Caroline Del Carmen organized this community-wide event and she rounds out the conversation as well.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:03) Zarinah introduces the subject of today's podcast

• (03:23) Listen to a clip of Joshua speaking at an event, explaining why he decided to move back to Forsyth County

• (08:33) Joshua shares the Strickland Family's ancestry

• (15:33) Caroline describes her part in organizing the Juneteenth event in Forsyth County

• (20:23) Durwood discusses how he worked hard to alleviate fear around the event, and Joshua talks about how he was excited about the expression of love

• (23:49) Durwood explains the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship and how he learned about the events of 1912

• (29:34) Joshua discusses what the scholarship program means to him and his family. Durwood comments on how the program is making a change and how the media and politicians spin race issues

• (38:33) Caroline shares what plans they have for the future

• (41:52) The guests share their Pathway to the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• In 1912, black families were evicted from Forsyth County.

• In 1987, Forsyth County, Georgia, was known as the most racist county in America. The goal is to make it known as the country known for love.

• The answer to this crisis is to acknowledge it happened, shine a light on it, and ensure it never happens again.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

Josh Byrd is deeply committed to positively impacting and creating environments that foster love, kindness, and positivity. His work aims to uplift and empower individuals, helping them reach their full potential in both personal and professional aspects of life. As a seasoned business owner, wellness professional and operator of a thriving barbershop for over seven years, he has dedicated his career to fostering community, nurturing growth, and promoting holistic well-being. His diverse background in youth mentorship, coaching, and community activities has shaped his approach to creating inclusive, supportive spaces that serve personal and community needs.

Durwood Snead is the co-founder and a leader of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a college scholarship for descendants of African Americans violently expelled from the county in 1912. Durwood is a retired pastor from North Point Ministries, where he directed North Point's global(x) international ministry for almost eighteen years. Before transitioning to vocational ministry, Durwood spent 26 years in business, holding executive positions at CMD Group, AC Nielsen, and Duracell. He also serves on three other non-profit boards. Durwood and his wife Judi have lived in Forsyth County, Georgia, for 35 years, and they make regular visits to see their five children and sixteen grandchildren.

Caroline del Carmen started working with the Y in Montgomery, Alabama in 2006. Her journey began as a volunteer swim coach when her three children joined the Y's swim team. Since then, she has worked as a Senior Director in aquatics, sports, and wellness. She is currently the Aquatics Director of the Forsyth County Family YMCA and for the past two years has led the planning and execution of Forsyth County's Juneteenth Celebration.

Welcome to Y Connect, where we spotlight the people and programs shaping impact across the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. In this episode, we're honored to feature two leaders whose journeys through AmeriCorps have left a lasting imprint on our communities.

Stacia Herbert, AmeriCorps Health and Wellness Advocate at the South DeKalb YMCA, has led transformative initiatives—from launching a community garden and food pantry to hosting nutrition workshops and building partnerships that support young mothers. Her work has been so impactful that the YMCA of the USA plans to feature her story nationally.

Joining her is Mark Henderson, Branch Manager for the South DeKalb YMCA. Mark is a proud AmeriCorps alum whose career has spanned public service roles with the City of Atlanta and the late Congressman John Lewis. Mark's journey began at the Y and continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

As we reflect on the power of service, we also acknowledge the challenges—like the recent loss of federal funding that supported Stacia's role. This conversation is a timely reminder of why programs like AmeriCorps matter and what's at stake when they're at risk.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Stacia and Mark

• (04:25) Stacia discusses joining AmeriCorps, discovering public health as a career path, and serving at the South DeKalb YMCA

• (13:33) Mark recounts starting with AmeriCorps, transitioning from a college student to a service role

• (19:43) The inception of the community garden and food pantry at South DeKalb YMCA

• (22:48) Partnering with Atlanta and Midwest Food Banks to establish the food pantry

• (26:13) Discussion of nutrition workshops, mental health and public health promoting health equity

• (29:20) How the Y prepared Mark for all the career opportunities he has had

• (34:35) AmeriCorps provides public health experience and boosts career through service

• (49:01) Funding challenges are threatening AmeriCorps and making programs self-funding

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AmeriCorps and the YMCA drive community support through initiatives like the South DeKalb community garden and food pantry, fostering health equity and social connections via partnerships with organizations like Helping Mamas.

• Volunteerism and leadership in AmeriCorps provide critical capacity building, offering firsthand public health experience and networking opportunities for career transitions, as exemplified by Stacey Herbert's work in nutrition workshops.

• Despite funding challenges, civic engagement through service at the YMCA sustains impactful programs, ensuring long-term mental health and community support initiatives continue to benefit low-income communities.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

AMERICORPS — Hands On Atlanta

National Service in Georgia | AmeriCorps

BIOGRAPHY:

Stacia Herbert, originally from Guyana, is a public health professional with nearly two decades of experience in education. She now focuses on nutrition, family and community health, and chronic disease prevention, serving marginalized communities through her work with the YMCA and the NACDD Public Health AmeriCorps program in South DeKalb. Stacia holds a Master of Public Health from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, and a Bachelor of Education. An AHEC scholar and certified Mental Health First Aider, she is also a wife, mother of two, and lover of cooking, decorating, and reading.

Mark Henderson, a Morehouse College graduate, has over 25 years of experience in community service, voter engagement, and political campaigns. He began his career with AmeriCorps and the Metro Atlanta YMCA, later contributing to Atlanta's HOPE VI housing project. He has received two Congressional awards from John Lewis and was named Georgia's Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1996. Today, he serves as Executive Director of the Voter Empowerment Collaborative (VEC).

Keywords: AmeriCorps, YMCA, Community Garden, Food Pantry, Nutrition Workshops, Public Health, South DeKalb, South DeKalb YMCA, Service, Partnerships, Health Equity, Volunteerism, Social Connections, Capacity Building, Leadership, Funding Challenges, Community Support, Mental Health, Helping Mamas, Career Transition, Civic Engagement, Atlanta Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, impact, Metro Atlanta, health equity, Helping Mamas

Today on (Y) Connect, we're honored to welcome Dr. Lori Duckett—physician, advocate, and proud member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Dr. Duckett is a passionate supporter of inclusive sports and has been instrumental in introducing Special Olympics programming to the Y. Her leadership is helping to ensure that athletes of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

In today's episode, we'll hear how Dr. Duckett's medical background, personal experiences, and unwavering belief in equity have shaped her journey—and how the Y community is growing stronger and more inclusive because of it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Dr. Lori Duckett
• (02:35) Dr. Duckett's Y origin story
• (05:45) Special Olympics enhances accessibility and engagement and promotes equity and access to sports
• (09:28) Sports can combat obesity, support health, wellness, and socialization for athletes with special needs
• (11:41) Reflection on Special Olympics fostering community growth,
• (17:45) Dr. Duckett explains what inclusion means to her
• (20:42) Georgia Tech provides Resources and Education for Athletes with Down Syndrome

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The advocacy for Special Olympics at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA creates a supportive community where athletes of all abilities feel valued and included, enhancing engagement and socialization.
• Collaborations with organizations like Georgia Tech and Kaiser improve accessibility to sports and education, offering resources and opportunities for athletes with Down Syndrome and their families.
• Integrating Special Olympics into YMCA programs promotes health, wellness, and equity, empowering athletes and encouraging volunteer involvement for a more inclusive community.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Dr. Lori Duckett - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Lori Duckett is a dedicated pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente and a lifelong advocate for children with Down syndrome and pediatric obesity. Inspired by her journey as both a mother and sister to loved ones with Down syndrome, she brings a deep sense of empathy and commitment to her work.

With 12 years of clinical experience, she blends medical expertise with heartfelt advocacy to support children with developmental differences and those facing weight-related health challenges. Her work centers on inclusive, evidence-based care that empowers families and addresses the unique needs of underserved communities.

Dr. Duckett has a long-standing history of volunteering with the Special Olympics and is a passionate supporter of efforts that promote inclusion, empowerment, and health equity. She is actively involved in outreach, education, and collaboration with local and national Down syndrome organizations.

Currently, she is developing virtual pediatric obesity counseling programs and is available for presentations, podcasts, and conference panels focused on Down syndrome, childhood obesity, and equitable care models in pediatrics.

At the Y, summer is our Super Bowl—a season of high energy, big moments, and unforgettable memories for thousands of kids in our summer day camps. Today, we're joined by two incredible youth development leaders: Ashley Baker from the Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA and Aminata Lawton-Edwards from the Decatur Family YMCA. They're not only shaping amazing camp experiences—they're also listening closely to what families are telling us through surveys and using that feedback to make camp even better. We'll talk about what makes Y day camp special, what we're learning from families, and how that insight is helping us raise the bar each summer.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: We're back!

• (03:03) Summer camp is the Y's "Super Bowl"

• (06:48) Creating a "Disney World-like" camp experience

• (09:57) Importance of collecting family feedback

• (14:32) Using feedback to improve camp programs

• (18:32) Why parents should consider Y camp

• (22:08) How camp leaders stay motivated

• (24:54) The lasting impact of Y summer camps

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Summer camp at the Y is likened to Disney World for many children, providing a magical experience that may be their main highlight of the year. This perspective encourages staff to create unforgettable memories and relationships, even if everything doesn't go perfectly.

• The Y's summer camp program focuses heavily on social-emotional learning, incorporating daily discussions on core values and group projects that tie into weekly themes. This approach helps children develop important life skills while having fun.

• Feedback from families is used to make real-time adjustments to the camp experience, with staff meetings addressing both positive shout-outs and areas for improvement. This responsive approach helps maintain high-quality programming and shows families their input is valued.

• The Y invests significant time and resources into preparing for summer camp, with planning and staff training occurring year-round. This dedication to preparation ensures a safe, engaging, and well-organized experience for campers.

• Camp counselors are given opportunities for professional growth, including learning to recognize when they need breaks and how to handle challenging situations. This focus on staff development contributes to a positive camp environment and helps young employees build valuable skills.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Day Camp at Metro Atlanta YMCA

BIOGRAPHIES:

Ashley Baker began her career with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta as an after-school counselor in the fall of 2016. Working in a school-based after school program provided the opportunity to bring the Y to the community and the community to the Y. Ashley worked in both the after school and day camp programs for several years, eventually becoming an After School Site Director in the fall of 2020. She has served as Youth Development Director at the JM Tull-Gwinnett YMCA since April of 2022. In January 2024, the role expanded to oversee both Youth Development and After School. For Ashley, the best part of her job is the privilege of seeing 6-year-old campers grow into 16-year-old counselors. When she is not working, Ashley enjoys being with her family, reading, college football, and Broadway shows.

As an Atlanta native, Aminata Lawton-Edwards proudly embodies her roots and is passionate about the opportunity to give back to her community.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University as well as a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. She believes in the importance of addressing the needs of the whole-child academically, socially, emotionally and beyond. Her six years as a classroom teacher in the DeKalb County School District opened her eyes to the many challenges children face in their holistic development which encouraged her commitment to comprehensive program development. This led her to stepping out of the classroom and towards developing her own tutoring and coaching program for students of all ages.

Aminata's own experience as a child nurtured with the support of the Decatur Family Y through day camps and other youth programming paired with her extensive knowledge of supporting children and families strengthened her capacity to create enriching and engaging programs for diverse groups. Her goal is to ensure every child has a positive, rewarding experience and to have fun while doing it.

KEYWORDS: YMCA, YMCA, Metro Atlanta YMCA, Day Camp, Summer Camp, Campers, Day Campers, Youth Development, Camp Counselors, Role Models, social-emotional learning, staff development, youth development leaders, Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, Decatur Family YMCA, feedback, YMCA summer camp, camp activities, family feedback, staff motivation, safe spaces for children, community impact, camp themes, specialty camps, child growth, camp leadership, summer programming, outdoor activities, camp traditions, team building, conflict resolution, parent communication, camp safety, diverse abilities inclusion, camp planning, professional development, camp memories, social skills development

In this fan favorite episode of the Y Connect podcast, you'll meet Oliver and his mom, Juliet. Oliver is a remarkable seven-year-old young man and Y member with a heart as big as the state of Georgia. We invite you to hear his story of extraordinary gratitude. It's a story that will inspire you and remind you what it means to be a superhero.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:16) Oliver shares his Y story and talks about what inspired him to give gifts to the Y staff

• (05:01) Juliet tells how she reacted when Oliver made his request

• (07:20) Oliver is overwhelmed by how the staff at the Y responded and is surprised by how hard the Y staff work

• (10:10) Juliet is proud of her son, and Oliver has more ideas of how he wants to be generous

• (14:43) Oliver and his mom, Juliet, share their Y story

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Oliver is a generous giving young man who gives back to those who have enriched his life.

• A seven-year-old boy can inspire an adult to be kind and generous.

• The staff at the Atlanta Y's have a reputation for friendliness.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

YMCA Sizzle Reel - YouTube

BIOGRAPHY:

After living in Naples, Florida and Chicago, Illinois, seven-year-old Oliver Amoaku and his mother, Juliet, moved to Johns Creek a year ago. Needing to keep up with his swim lessons, friends led them to the Ed Isakson Family Y in Alpharetta. Fortunately, the people at the front desk were so nice when they arrived they signed up with the Y immediately, saying it has been nothing but an amazing experience since. Oliver attends Ocee Elementary School and has two sisters and a brother. He loves basketball, bike riding, swimming and the YMCA.