A Mission-Moving Team

Celebrating our YMCA Staff During 30 Days of Thankfulness

As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to take time to reflect on what’s important to us. This November, we are celebrating 30 Days of Thankfulness at The Y, taking time to intentionally lift up the people who make our community what it is. One of the greatest assets of The Y is our incredible staff who show up to serve and build community every single day. 

Our team is made up of passionate individuals who strive to create welcoming, safe, and meaningful experiences daily. Whether these staff serve in Membership, Healthy Living, or Youth Development, their commitment remains the same – strengthening the foundations of our community. While there are so many individuals working to support our organization, we wanted to highlight our 2025 Mission Movers. 

Each Fall, the Santa Monica Family YMCA recognizes staff who exemplify the very heart of the YMCA’s mission. A Mission Mover is someone who:

• • Drives the mission of the YMCA forward in meaningful ways.
  • Demonstrates selflessness in their actions and decisions.
  • Engages with others and builds strong, positive relationships.
  • Consistently go above and beyond their regular call of work.

Please join us in congratulating our

2025 Mission Movers! 

Kimberly, After School Enrichment

Kimberly (or Kiwi) has been a tremendous help to our Youth development programs since joining the team over the summer. Kimberly embodies the Y’s Core Values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility) by showing up each day with genuine care, hopeful energy, and unwavering determination. Whether working directly with members & youth or behind the scenes, they make a meaningful impact—always ready to step in, lift others up, and lead with heart. Their commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment has not only strengthened our community but also inspired others to live out the Y’s mission every day. Thank you for making our team better, Kimberly!

Lorena, Member Experience

Lorena is a reflection of responsibility, respect, honesty, and caring – our Core Values. She truly embodies our Y values by making every member feel welcome and valued, regardless of their background, age, or culture. Lorena consistently supports the Membership team, going above and beyond to create a genuine sense of belonging. Her strong sense of social responsibility and unwavering reliability make her an outstanding example of what it means to serve our community. Thank you for all you do, Lore!

Hanna, Healthy Living

Hanna came in from day 1 and made a lasting impact, building genuine relationships with clients and members of the SMYMCA, where her passion around the importance of a healthy lifestyle shines through. Hanna is always here at the YMCA, constantly giving her time and energy to our community, even on days she doesn’t have to. She shows up and shows out daily. Her passion for helping others and helping them see their own potential & agency is evident to each of her personal training clients. Members rave about her assistance and knowledge of our equipment and personal training. Hanna can also make you laugh until your cheeks hurt! We are honored to recognize Hanna as our Mission Mover.

Jeanette, Early Learning Center

Jeanette has served our Early Learning Center for 14+ years, pouring herself into the nurturing care of each of her students. Jeanette is driven to give each child in our ELC the best start possible in their learning journey, leaving a lasting impact on students’ lives. Her deep commitment to the YMCA is seen in the way she has built strong relationships with parents and the community. Jeanette’s love, dedication, and ability to show up every day embody what it means to be a Mission Mover.

Glenn, Aquatics Center

Glenn joined the Aquatics team this year after being an avid swimmer at our Y for years, deciding to become a lifeguard to support his community. Glenn shows up ready to support his team and the swimmers in the pool eagerly. From friendly conversation to his willingness to jump in and help with nearly anything, Glenn brings so much joy and diligence to work every day. We are grateful for Glenn’s contribution to the atmosphere and culture at The Y!

Join us in celebrating 30 Days of Thankfulness at The Y. Fall is the perfect time to reflect and celebrate all the people, places, and things that enrich our lives. This November, we are sharing our gratitude and collecting stories about what matters most to each of us. We invite you to share a story about what you’re grateful for at this link or when you come into The Y!

However you choose to show your thanks this month, know that together we can build a collective sense of appreciation & connectedness that pours back into our community. At The Y, we have so much to be grateful for; our members and participants, our staff and volunteers, and our community that has supported us since 1927.

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The Mission of the Santa Monica Family YMCA is dedicated to serving the Santa Monica, Venice, and surrounding coastal communities by providing programs and services that enrich the quality of the physical, mental, spiritual, and social lives of individuals & families consistently since 1927. In all we do, we are guided by principles of love and respect for all people, embracing diversity in all its forms to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility guide us in everything we do.

We are committed to strengthening the foundations of community through: Youth Development, nurturing the development of every child and teen to achieve their full potential; Healthy Living, improving health and well-being for all; and Social Responsibility, motivating people to support their neighbors and the larger community through service to others. We believe that positive and lasting personal and social change can only come about when we invest in our children, our community, and our health.