What is the name of your business and where are you located?
McKinney Family YMCA located at 300 Ridge Rd, McKinney TX 75072 at the corner of Ridge and Virginia across from the Dowell Middle School.
Give us a brief description of your business.
The McKinney YMCA is a nonprofit organization. We are a family friendly place to work out and offer over 50 group exercise classes. We have a variety of programs for all ages, ranging from youth sports to youth & government classes, child & adult diabetes prevention classes and senior adult strength classes. We welcome everyone and provide reduced priced memberships and programs to those who qualify. Our goal is to not turn anyone away due to their finances. I started working for the McKinney Y a little over 14 years ago. I was looking for a part time job where I could take my youngest son to work with me. At the time I never imagined that it would turn into a career. All 3 of my boys have also worked for the McKinney Y. It has been a second home for us and I am very blessed to be part of such a great organization.
Why are you an Ambassador?
I became an Ambassador after I graduated from the Leadership McKinney Class of 2018 (Best Class Ever!) I originally was looking for another way to connect the McKinney Y with businesses in the community. I have been able to do that plus a lot more. I love getting to hear about how some of these businesses have started. I love seeing the passion some of these owners have and love that I’m part of group that can help them grow their business which in the long run is not only good for them but for the city of McKinney.
Tell us about your involvement in the Community?
In addition to being an Ambassador I am a Leadership McKinney Alum and for the last 2 years I have volunteered at several non-profit agencies which I connected with through Volunteer McKinney. So far this year I helped build the HUGS Greenhouse, helped at CityChurch’s youth camp, Collected and passed out backpacks at the Back to School Rally at Old Settlers and was just on the New Teachers Breakfast committee. I am also very involved with my church, St. Gabriel’s and after being a parishioner for the last 20 years am excited to see our permanent sanctuary finally being built.
What are your hobbies?
I love to travel. I have been lucky enough to travel all over the united states. Last month I took my first trip out of the country to Belize and was also blessed to be part of an amazing mission trip. I also love thrift store shopping. I never know what I will find and sometimes will spend hours looking. Running is one of my newest hobbies. Along with losing weight and getting healthy, one of my New Year’s resolution was to complete 5 5ks in 2018. I have already completed 3 and have 2 more scheduled for November and December.
Can you share a little about yourself and your family?
I grew up in a small town in Canby Oregon which at the time only had around 4k residents. I moved to San Jose CA after I got married in 92 then moved to Texas in 94. I have lived in McKinney since 99 and absolutely love it. It has a lot of the small town feel that I remember growing up. All of my boys are true Texans. I have 3 ages 21, 19, & 17. My youngest is a senior at Boyd High School which means that next year I will officially be an empty nester. Which means I can travel and shop more! I also have two very spoiled fur babies, BB and Raider.
