Well, I just had to send out one more Y Associate Shout Out email this week due to the overwhelming response I’ve received from so many folks around our organization.  The genuine enthusiasm and support that shines through each submission is incredible and a testament not only to the quality of people we have working here at the Y but to the focus everyone has on our core values as an organization – Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Here are ten more Shout Outs for your reading pleasure:

Tina Antkowiak (The Hill Family Y in Westminster)

Tina Antkowiak has done an amazing job with our growing Senior Group at the Hill Y! She has created a monthly Senior Connection Flyer listing all Senior Activities for the current month, which have included bowling, Senior Prime Time Breakfast, cooking demos with Carroll Hospital Center, bus trips to the outlets, and seasonal craft times. She has also added Pickleball and Table Tennis to the growing list of Senior Class offerings. All of this on top of her regular responsibilities as Fitness Director! (Submitted by Karen Farley)

 

Maggie Coulter (The Y Swim Center in Dundalk)

Maggie is a wonderful swim instructor. Her enthusiasm and passion for teaching young children a vital life skill has made her one of my most popular instructors. She is able to excite the children to the point they cannot wait for their next lesson. With Maggie’s hard work and dedication she is making sure all participants are not only learning but having fun. (Submitted by Kathleen Lee)

 

Rachel Cuffley (The Hill Family Y in Westminster)

An amazing co-worker who is always willing to help out with projects; a phenomenal care giver to the many wonderful children who walk through our doors; patient and kind. Her soft spoken nature allows her to listen with an open mind, and her work ethic is top standard. She is always on time, and brings a smile through the door every day that she works. (Submitted by Jennifer Harvilak)

 

John Derwent (The Dancel Y in Ellicott City)

John has in the last two months gone above and beyond all of my expectations.  As our Center director likes to say, he “puts his fingers in everyone’s cereal bowl!” This has the effect of making us all better associates, giving us valuable feedback, helping to improve processes, and supporting the back-end operations of the various departments. John helps us brainstorm ideas and present proposals. John has impressed me with his tireless dedication and unlimited energy, that if nothing else he deserves to be recognized by his peers and his supervisors. I can safely say that John has made my transition to the Dancel Y a most pleasant experience. (Submitted by Uchenna Obinabo)

 

Gail Ford (Y Lula G. Scott Head Start Center)

Ms. Gale is the true definition of an educator. She loves her children and families. Ms. Gale is always on top of everything with minimal supervision. Thank you for giving our children and families the true Head Start experience. Keep up the great work! (Submitted by Shatia Jones)

 

Kelsey Hinchliffe (The Walter and Betty Ward Y in Abingdon)

Kelsey has a greeting that lights up the entire welcome center at Ward. She is incredibly and consistently upbeat, attentive and thoughtful. Not to mention that she truly makes everyone walking into the building feel like an honored guest. (Submitted by John Rappaport)

 

Jill Plvecc (Y Kenwood Head Start/Early Head Start Center)

Jill comes in every day with high spirits and a bubbly attitude. She is extremely dedicated and works hard to make our classroom run smoothly. Jill is always looking for opportunities to make our class stronger! She is our in-kind go-to and is always reaching out to parents to get them involved. Jill has been in the classroom longer than me and was amazing in helping me learn the classroom, the students and Head Start. She makes the day enjoyable even when we are having a difficult behavior day. Jill is an outstanding friend as well. She checks in with me not just as a co-teacher but as a friend. Jill keep striving and doing what you do….because what you do is amazing!! (Submitted by Rachel Boucher)

 

The Awesome Eight (The Y Preschool at UMBC)

I cannot thank the Awesome 8 that I lead enough! They make me proud every day to work with them. Elizabeth Cluster, your flexibility and selflessness to go to Catonsville so many times when needed was so helpful! Brittany Buchheit, your attention to your lessons and engaging activities are wonderful! Megan Davis, your dedication to the building and the team are appreciated. Doreen T Hunter, I cannot thank you enough for always keeping me on my toes. Your attention to the details keeps us running. Nicole Dutton, your tireless assistance with the NECPA binder and enthusiasm with parents and students is so refreshing. Myeisha Jones, your bubbly wit and personality with our children is wonderful. We love that smile. Ashley Brock, your creativity and ongoing lobby décor is amazing. I can’t wait to see what’s next!! Jacquetta Dixon, you always offer and go out of your way to assist your team and me. It is no wonder your peers nominate you annually for a Superstar!

This team is what makes UMBC stellar and extraordinary. The future of our site blossoms each day with the hard work and commitment that goes above and beyond!

 

The Finance team, led by Susan Maldonado and Don Yeager with huge support from Mike Walburn, Tina Mahon, Carolyn Carcel and Kristy Cole (Association Office)

Our external auditors were just in doing two weeks of field work and were quoted on their last day as saying “this audit was the most efficient work we have ever seen.” We have a strong group of accounting professionals supporting all our reporting requirements. A job well done this February and always! (Submitted by Jeremy Trimble)

 

Natasha Vilgrain (The Y in Catonsville)

Natasha recently obtained her Personal Training certification and started training in our center. She has done a phenomenal job connecting with members and learning about their needs so she can best help them. She hit the ground running and is helping our members be the best versions of themselves! She is always positive and definitely embodies the Y in all that she does. Thanks Natasha! (Submitted by Alea Burke)

If you’d like to nominate someone, just follow this link: Y Associate Shout Out Nomination Form

Have a great weekend!

All the best,

John

John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland