The Story Place

What do opera and summer camp have in common? According to Dallin Millard, more than you might think! In this episode of The Story Place , Dallin shares how his love of performing and his passion for camp come together in some unexpected ways. Whether he's singing on an opera stage or helping campers put on a skit, it's all about being a little silly, supporting one another, and discoverin...

For Sam, the YMCA isn't just a place he grew up. It's part of his family history. With a grandfather and father who both had connections to the Y, Sam's earliest memories are filled with swim lessons, childcare, camps, and just about every YMCA program imaginable. Years later, a leap of faith brought him across the country to Washington, where he found a new community and a calling in...

In this episode of The Story Place , things get a little more personal as we welcome someone one of our co-hosts knows especially well—her husband, Raylin! A dad, musician, youth sports coach, passionate women's basketball fan, and someone who never misses an opportunity to have fun, Raylin brings plenty of heart and humor to the conversation. Through his work supporting students and families,...

For Riley, hope looks like people learning what they’re capable of—together. In this episode of The Story Place , Riley reflects on growing up at the Y and the people who saw their potential during a time when school didn’t always come easily. Sometimes, having someone say “I see you, and I know you can do this” made all the difference. Today, Riley gets to create those same moments for others. Fr...

For Brian, everyone has a story worth telling. In this episode of The Story Place , Brian shares his own unexpected connection to the YMCA—starting as a kid who wanted to be part of the Y so badly that he would occasionally sneak in with his friends to play volleyball. Today, storytelling is at the heart of his work. Brian reflects on why being present with people matters more than having the perf...

For Gina, inclusion means more than making space for someone—it means making sure they know the space was created for them. In this episode of The Story Place , Gina shares powerful stories from the YMCA’s adaptive programs, where athletes and families are finding opportunities to participate, connect, and belong. From a mom wondering if her child belonged on the field, to another watching her chi...

In this episode of The Story Place , Zac shares the moments that have shown him what YMCA community really looks like. He tells the story of Laura and Frank, who came to the Y after losing their home in the Lahaina fires, and how something as simple as access to a swimming pool could offer familiarity, connection, and a little piece of home during a season of tremendous loss. He also reflects on t...

In this episode of The Story Place , Lauren shares the unexpected path that took her from theater and stage management to working behind the scenes in finance at the YMCA. While the roles may seem worlds apart, Lauren explains how the same skills that once helped her keep a production running now help ensure the resources of the Y get where they need to go. She also reflects on helping the Y adapt...

The Story Place is back next week, but while we’re away, we’re revisiting a few stories worth hearing again. This week, we’re going back to our conversation with YMCA member, volunteer, and Snohomish County Councilmember Jared Mead. Jared shares what it was like growing up at the Y, spending afternoons with his brother, friends, foosball, and plenty of popcorn. Years later, he gets to experience t...

The Story Place is taking a few weeks off for summer, but while we’re away, we’re revisiting a few stories worth hearing again. This week, we’re going back to one of our youngest conversations yet with Aria and Bailey. Through their eyes, we get a glimpse of what the YMCA feels like to the kids who experience it every day: a place to have fun, try new things, make friends, and discover what they’r...

The Story Place is taking a few weeks off for summer, but while we’re away, we’re revisiting a few stories worth hearing again. This week, we invite you to go back to Jason’s episode. Beyond stories of snowboarding and adventure, Jason shares a powerful moment about what can happen when we take the time to show up for someone who needs us. When a mom was doing her best but needed a little help, Ja...

In this episode of The Story Place , Jerry shares memories from Camp Casey's early days, his family's role in its story, and why he's so passionate about making sure this special place belongs to the whole community. Subscribe and share your YMCA story with us at Stories@ymca-snoco.org . Your story may be featured in a future episode.

Some people see a camp kitchen. Auntie Jackie sees 21 dinner tables. For Jackie, every meal is an opportunity to create something much bigger than food. It's a chance for stories to be shared, memories to be made, and for every camper and guest to feel like they belong. Rooted in her Portuguese-Italian family tradition where every celebration, milestone, and even heartbreak happened around the...

This week on The Story Place , we explore the lasting impact of YMCA Camp Casey with Senior Vice President of Island County and Camping Services, Kyla McNulty. From the breathtaking views of Puget Sound to the life-changing experiences that happen every summer, Kyla shares why Camp Casey has become such a special place for generations of campers. We talk about the importance of unplugging in a scr...

This week’s episode is a little different! Join us as we walk the grounds of YMCA Camp Casey with Senior Graphic Designer Lincoln Young, talking about the evolution of the YMCA of Snohomish County’s brand, storytelling, and what it means to create a brand that reflects our mission. We encourage you to watch the video to experience the beautiful scenery along the way. Subscribe and share your YMCA...

For Rob, every detail matters because every person matters. In this episode of The Story Place , Rob shares how his work creating and caring for YMCA spaces is really about creating opportunities for connection, belonging, and joy. From helping a member with dementia maintain her independence, to dressing up in an inflatable dinosaur costume to delight campers, to his passion for making programs a...

For Amy, the YMCA has always been more than a gym. In this episode of The Story Place , Amy shares how the Y became a source of support during one of the most challenging seasons of her life. As she navigated postpartum depression, the YMCA provided a place where she could move her body, find connection, and know she would be seen and welcomed. Amy also reflects on parenting, community, and why sp...

For Carlos, supporting young people starts long before they face life's biggest challenges. In this episode of The Story Place , Carlos shares his journey from working in the prison system to serving children and families in early learning. Drawing from his experience in corrections, he reflects on the impact of trauma, the importance of early intervention, and why helping children build confi...

For Mary, the YMCA is a place where people are encouraged to try, grow, and belong. In this episode of The Story Place , Mary reflects on her journey from a hesitant first-time participant to a dedicated member, volunteer, and advocate for the Y's mission. She shares how the encouragement of others helped her discover confidence, why community matters at every stage of life, and the important...

In this episode of The Story Place , Danen shares how the Y creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect, grow, and discover what they're capable of. From group exercise classes and aquatics to first jobs and leadership opportunities, she reflects on how the YMCA helps people build confidence, develop relationships, and learn through both success and failure. It's a conversation...

For Jared, the YMCA has always been about community. In this episode of The Story Place , Jared reflects on growing up at the Y, where afternoons were filled with friends, foosball, popcorn, and a place to belong. Today, as a parent, volunteer, and community leader, he sees that same impact through a new lens as he shares those experiences with his own son. Jared also shares why he believes the YM...

For Lauren, STEM is about more than science experiments. In this episode of The Story Place , Lauren shares why STEM education matters for young people today and how curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking help kids grow into future changemakers. From hands-on projects to unforgettable moments like studying a gray whale that washed up on shore, Lauren reflects on the joy of helping kids disco...

In this episode of The Story Place , Tom shares how aquatics can build confidence, connection, and lifelong skills at every age. From toddlers learning coordination and comfort in the water, to adults finding calm and confidence through swimming, Tom reflects on the impact the pool can have far beyond swim lessons. His passion is simple: help people feel comfortable enough to jump in. It’s a conve...

In this episode of The Story Place , Andi reflects on the moments that make the YMCA more than a building. From walking into a cycling class terrified, to watching families find support during unimaginable seasons of life, to seeing older adults experience the same joy and connection as kids at camp, her stories remind us what community can look like at its best. This episode is a powerful reminde...

In this episode, Melissa reflects on the quiet ways the YMCA becomes a place of support, connection, and care for people from all walks of life. From a woman experiencing homelessness finding dignity and kindness through everyday interactions at the Y, to moms finding friendship and relief in group exercise classes, Melissa shares how community is often built in simple but meaningful moments. What...