(Y) Connect Podcast

On today's Pathway to the "Y" episode Ian Thomson, Director of Racquet Sports at the Carl Sanders Buckhead Family YMCA, and Dr. Michael O'Reilly, the Amateur Pickleball Association's Georgia state champion for mixed doubles level 3.0, share how their connections with other Y Members have made their time at the YMCA truly special.     IN THIS EPISODE: Ian Thompson shares how another Y member inspir...

Ian Thomson, Director of Racquet Sports at the Carl Sanders Buckhead Family YMCA, and Dr. Michael O'Reilly, the Amateur Pickleball Association's Georgia state championship for mixed doubles level 3.0, join our hosts today for a lively conversation about pickleball. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America which all ages can enjoy.  There is talk about making it an Olympic sport which tel...

On today's Pathway to the "Y" episode Oliver and his mom, Juliet share their Y story and how thankful they are to the friendly and generous staff at the YMCA.   IN THIS EPISODE: Oliver and his mom, Juliet, share their Y story   KEY TAKEAWAYS: The staff at the Atlanta Y's have a reputation for friendliness.    RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA...

Today 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...

Today's Pathway to the (Y) episode features Monique Lee, the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth Y's Associate Executive Director.  She shares how she first became connected to the YMCA and why she feels fortunate to still be there 17 years later. IN THIS EPISODE: Monique shares her Y story KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Y draws in those with a calling to help others but in turn helps them develop professionally, sp...

The Arthur M. Blank Family Youth Y, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, is unique in its collaborations, diverse range of programs, and community outreach. Today on (Y) Connect, Associate Executive Director Monique Lee describes the impact of the center's sports programs, educational initiatives, and social activities all of which foster a sense of belonging and unity within the community.  ...

Today, we will hear from Kristin McEwen, the Chief Experience Officer for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.  Kristin shares her Y Story and how she became such a catalyst for positive change within the Y for more than three decades.   IN THIS EPISODE: Kristin shares her Y story   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Kristins endless experience in early learning has made her an invaluable asset to the Y.  RESOURCE LINKS: Faceb...

With more than three decades of experience with the Y, today's guest is Kristin McEwen, Chief Experience Officer. Kristin's enthusiasm is infectious as she shares the countless ways the Y supports individuals, children, and families throughout metro Atlanta.  Whether it's engaging at Y facilities or virtually through YMCA 360, she and the team at the Y are creating meaningful experiences for the w...

Join us today to learn how Dr. Andria McMichael, who is leading the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's effort to provide best-in-class early learning environments for Atlanta's children and families, first became connected to the Y.     IN THIS EPISODE: Dr. Andria McMichael shares her Y story   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Dr. McMichael's endless experience in early learning has made her an invaluable asset to the Y.    R...

Over the last year Atlanta's Mayor Andre Dickens made the city's first-ever funding commitment to Early Learning education through a $20 million investment, a combination of public and private funds. Join us for (Y) Connect to hear from the Y's Senior Vice President of Early Learning Dr. Andria McMichael who shares how the Y is partnering with Mayor Dickens and other organizations to deepen early...

Our hosts today are joined by Y leaders Kim Nelson and Drew Hullinger, they are sharing how they first became involved with the Y camps that are transforming today's youth into tomorrow's leaders. IN THIS EPISODE: Kim and Drew share their Y stories RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Bold and Gold Video...

Our hosts today are joined by Y leaders Kim Nelson and Drew Hullinger who design a multitude of youth programs which include many options to keep children active this summer. The Y operates day camps throughout metro Atlanta and overnight camps at Camp High Harbour Lake Burton and Lake Allatoona. They share how and why it is so important that they make these opportunities accessible to everyone an...

Join us today to learn how Laiah Taylor, Safiyah Pankey and Risa Rivera who are leading efforts meeting the needs of families outside the walls of the Y, first became connected to the Y.     I N THIS EPISODE:  Safiyah, Laiah and Risa share how they became associated with the Y   KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Y employees' passion is evident when you listen to them describe their work but when you hear how the...

Today we return to our roots. When the YMCA began 179 years ago, there were no brick-and-mortar buildings. There were no walls, and the Y served people by going out into communities. Joining our hosts today are three women who meet people where they are by taking Y programs and services on the road–an effort that is now being called "Y on the Fly". Join us to meet Laiah Taylor, Safiyah Pankey and...

On today's Pathway to the (Y) Segment, Dr. Desiree McCarthy Keith shares how she and her boys first became connected to the Y and the reasons why she thinks everyone else should be too. IN THIS EPISODE: Desiree shares her Y story   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Desiree's family is Y family. Desiree and her boys appreciate all the support they have received through their ups and downs from the  Y. The Y's program...

Get ready for a heart-warming conversation about the power of community at the Y. Today you'll hear from Y member and YFit enthusiast Desiree McCarthy-Keith. Her journey at the Y began shortly after moving to Atlanta. She shares its positive impact on her health and her family. Their inspiring experience is a testament to the life-long influence of the Y.     IN THIS EPISODE: [03:04] Desiree share...

Today on the (Y) Connect's Pathway Segment, you will hear from Cindy Kennedy, a Parkinson's movement instructor at the Y and Greg Eggert, a former army helicopter pilot diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013, as they share how they first became connected to the Y.      IN THIS EPISODE: Greg's path to the Y started when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Cindy shares her journey to the Y What are the si...

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, slowing its progression and maintaining a quality lifestyle is possible. Today on Y Connect, Cindy Kennedy, a Parkinson's movement Y instructor and Y member Greg Eggert, a former army helicopter pilot diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013 share their story. In recognition of April being Parkinson's Awareness month, together they share the benefits of ex...

Today's Pathway to the (Y) episode 10, celebrates with something a little different.  In this episode, hosts Allison Toller, Robert Wright and Zarinah Winston share something along their personal journey that influenced the path to the careers they hold today at the Y.  They truly are where they are meant to be. IN THIS EPISODE:  What influenced the co-hosts' journey on their paths to the Y KEY TA...

(Y) Connect Podcast celebrates its 10th episode with something a little different.  In this episode, Allison leads a conversation with hosts Robert and Zarinah reflecting on their experiences and the work they lead within the Y. This episode showcases and recognizes their tremendous contributions.  IN THIS EPISODE: [00:53] Allison visits with Zarinah and Robert on this 10th episode of their podcas...

Today on the Pathway to the Y Segment, we will hear from three warm and charitable women. Eron Cooper, Kim Pluhar and Caroline del Carmen share their first connections to the Y and how they not only became advocates for children in need but for the Y as well. IN THIS EPISODE: Caroline, a Forsyth YMCA Director and Kim and Eron foster care liaisons share their Y stories. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Everyone invo...

Today on (Y) Connect, you'll meet three warm and charitable women. Eron Cooper, a Foster Care Liaison and Social Worker, Kim Pluhar the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Liaison, and Caroline del Carmen the Y's Aquatics Senior Director. These inspiring women share a passion for helping families and neglected children. In today's conversation, hear how homelessness is impacting a growing number of...

On Today's Pathway Segment of the Y Connect podcast, we hear from Tynesha Anderson, Director of Engagement for Connections Homes.  She shares how she grew up in the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA and how she credits her success to the staff and mentors who always gave her grace and a sense of safety. Don't miss this deeply inspiring conversation. IN THIS EPISODE: Tynesha wasn't sure she would...

Today on Y Connect, we will hear an unforgettable story of how the Y changed a young woman's life. Tynesha Anderson, Director of Engagement for Connections Homes, grew up in the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA. She credits her success to the staff and mentors who always gave her grace and a sense of safety.  She shares that despite the mistakes she made when she was younger, the Y never stoppe...

Today on the Pathways Segment of the Y Connect podcast, Jill Moore, Group Vice President for the Y, and Kristel Tanzo, STEAM & Esports Coordinator share how they became connected to the Y and why they are perfectly qualified for the positions they currently hold within the Y.    IN THIS EPISODE: Jill and Kristel relate how they each became familiar with the Y   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Jill and Kristel come...