My journey with the YMCA began when I was just 8 years old, when my mom enrolled me in after-care through the Montclair YMCA at my school in Verona. From there, I went on to attend camp in West Milford. As I grew older, the Y became even more a part of my life. I worked at Camp at the Lake as a counselor until the age of 24, building lifelong relationships and learning the true meaning of community, leadership, and care.
When I moved to Sussex County, my path continued with the Y. I worked in after-care in Blairstown through the Sussex County YMCA while earning my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. I later graduated from the CNA program at a local nursing facility, and worked as a CNA for several years. While I valued that experience, I realized something was missing. That’s when I knew it was time to return to where my heart truly belonged.
I am now back working in before-care and after-care, and I can confidently say I’m never leaving again. The Y helped me build relationships and has always been my safe space, even during the hardest times in my life. Being back feels like coming home. The sense of familiarity, belonging, and purpose came naturally because the Y has been part of my life for so long. I love working with children and have always wanted to be the same positive role model for them that others were for me growing up.
I am incredibly grateful to be back at the Y and am excited to continue growing here. I truly look forward to my future with the Y.