Épisodes

  • From YMCA to Team USA: Kari Knotts’ Volleyball Journey

    From YMCA to Team USA: Kari Knotts’ Volleyball Journey
    Sep 17 2025

    On today’s episode of (Y) Connect, we’re joined by someone who’s already making waves on the national stage while still just beginning her high school journey. At only 14 years old, Kari Knotts has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in U.S. volleyball.

    Kari is a freshman at The Lovett School, a proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, and a fierce competitor for A5 Volleyball Club. She recently became the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, where she was named both MVP and Best Spiker at the Pan-American Cup.

    From her start at the YMCA to winning MVP on the international stage, Kari Knotts joins us to share her inspiring volleyball journey.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • (00:00) Intro: Allsion and Robert welcome today’s guest
    • (02:21) Kari shares her first memories of playing volleyball at the YMCA and becoming the youngest member of Team USA U19
    • (04:19) The moment Kari was selected for Team USA and the demanding schedule required to balance her commitments
    • (06:34) Finding motivation through faith, family support, and joy for the sport
    • (07:22) Lessons from volleyball: discipline, teamwork, and communication
    • (08:17) Staying grounded in humility by being thankful to God for his blessing
    • (08:48) Kari shares future goals: the Olympics, pursuing college and maintaining a passion for sports
    • (10:50) Kari expresses gratitude to teammates and coaches, and she advises children interested in volleyball

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Starting at the YMCA, Kari built strong fundamentals in volleyball and showed how community support can spark lifelong inspiration.
    • Balancing training, high school, and national competition requires discipline, motivation, and support from family, teammates and coaches.
    • Staying grounded in humility while chasing big future goals—including dreams of the Olympics—keeps this young athlete focused and grateful.

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    BIOGRAPHY:

    Kari Knotts is a 14-year-old standout athlete and proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA. A freshman at The Lovett School (Class of 2029), Kari has already built an impressive volleyball résumé. Standing 6’3” with a 10’9” approach, she competes with A5 Volleyball Club on the elite 16-1 Gabe’s team as an outside hitter.

    Kari recently made history as the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, earning both MVP and Best Spiker honors at the 2025 U19 Pan-American Cup in Canada. She is also part of the National Training and Development Program, designed to prepare high-potential athletes for international competition.

    Her teams have captured multiple national titles—including two USAV National Championships, three AAU National Championships, and two Triple Crown titles—with Kari securing MVP honors at 12U, 13U, and 14U. Despite her many accomplishments, she remains grounded, crediting her YMCA beginnings for shaping her love of the game and community.
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    13 min
  • Fan Favorite: Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants

    Fan Favorite: Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants
    Sep 3 2025

    In this Fan Favorite Episode, we delve into a story of resilience, reconciliation, and community spirit. Forsyth County, with its complex history, is making strides towards healing and inclusivity. Joining us on (Y) Connect is Durwood Sneed, an organizer of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a pivotal initiative aimed at honoring and supporting the descendants of those who were unjustly expelled from the county, a racial cleansing campaign that took place in 1912 forcing Black residents out of the county. Additionally, we are joined by Joshua Byrd, a descendant who bravely returned to Forsyth County and shared his inspiring journey during the recent Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Forsyth County Family YMCA. This was the second year the Y’s Caroline Del Carmen organized this community-wide event and she rounds out the conversation as well.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • (02:03) Zarinah introduces the subject of today's podcast

    • (03:23) Listen to a clip of Joshua speaking at an event, explaining why he decided to move back to Forsyth County

    • (08:33) Joshua shares the Strickland Family’s ancestry

    • (15:33) Caroline describes her part in organizing the Juneteenth event in Forsyth County

    • (20:23) Durwood discusses how he worked hard to alleviate fear around the event, and Joshua talks about how he was excited about the expression of love

    • (23:49) Durwood explains the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship and how he learned about the events of 1912

    • (29:34) Joshua discusses what the scholarship program means to him and his family. Durwood comments on how the program is making a change and how the media and politicians spin race issues

    • (38:33) Caroline shares what plans they have for the future

    • (41:52) The guests share their Pathway to the Y

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • In 1912, black families were evicted from Forsyth County.

    • In 1987, Forsyth County, Georgia, was known as the most racist county in America. The goal is to make it known as the country known for love.

    • The answer to this crisis is to acknowledge it happened, shine a light on it, and ensure it never happens again.

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    BIOGRAPHY:

    Josh Byrd is deeply committed to positively impacting and creating environments that foster love, kindness, and positivity. His work aims to uplift and empower individuals, helping them reach their full potential in both personal and professional aspects of life. As a seasoned business owner, wellness professional and operator of a thriving barbershop for over seven years, he has dedicated his career to fostering community, nurturing growth, and promoting holistic well-being. His diverse background in youth mentorship, coaching, and community activities has shaped his approach to creating inclusive, supportive spaces that serve personal and community needs.

    Durwood Snead is the co-founder and a leader of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a college scholarship for descendants of African Americans violently expelled from the county in 1912. Durwood is a retired pastor from North Point Ministries, where he directed North Point’s global(x) international ministry for almost eighteen years. Before transitioning to vocational ministry, Durwood spent 26 years in business, holding executive positions at CMD Group, AC Nielsen, and Duracell. He also serves on three other non-profit boards. Durwood and his wife Judi have lived in Forsyth County, Georgia, for 35 years, and they make regular visits to see their five children and sixteen grandchildren.

    Caroline del Carmen started working with the Y in Montgomery, Alabama in 2006. Her journey began as a volunteer swim coach when her three children joined the Y’s swim team. Since then, she has worked as a Senior Director in aquatics, sports, and wellness. She is currently the Aquatics Director of the Forsyth County Family YMCA and for the past two years has led the planning and execution of Forsyth County’s Juneteenth Celebration.
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    49 min
  • Tribute to AmeriCorps at the Y

    Tribute to AmeriCorps at the Y
    Aug 20 2025
    Welcome to Y Connect, where we spotlight the people and programs shaping impact across the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. In this episode, we’re honored to feature two leaders whose journeys through AmeriCorps have left a lasting imprint on our communities. Stacia Herbert, AmeriCorps Health and Wellness Advocate at the South DeKalb YMCA, has led transformative initiatives—from launching a community garden and food pantry to hosting nutrition workshops and building partnerships that support young mothers. Her work has been so impactful that the YMCA of the USA plans to feature her story nationally. Joining her is Mark Henderson, Branch Manager for the South DeKalb YMCA. Mark is a proud AmeriCorps alum whose career has spanned public service roles with the City of Atlanta and the late Congressman John Lewis. Mark’s journey began at the Y and continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers. As we reflect on the power of service, we also acknowledge the challenges—like the recent loss of federal funding that supported Stacia’s role. This conversation is a timely reminder of why programs like AmeriCorps matter and what’s at stake when they’re at risk. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Meet Stacia and Mark (04:25) Stacia discusses joining AmeriCorps, discovering public health as a career path, and serving at the South DeKalb YMCA (13:33) Mark recounts starting with AmeriCorps, transitioning from a college student to a service role (19:43) The inception of the community garden and food pantry at South DeKalb YMCA (22:48) Partnering with Atlanta and Midwest Food Banks to establish the food pantry (26:13) Discussion of nutrition workshops, mental health and public health promoting health equity (29:20) How the Y prepared Mark for all the career opportunities he has had (34:35) AmeriCorps provides public health experience and boosts career through service (49:01) Funding challenges are threatening AmeriCorps and making programs self-funding KEY TAKEAWAYS: AmeriCorps and the YMCA drive community support through initiatives like the South DeKalb community garden and food pantry, fostering health equity and social connections via partnerships with organizations like Helping Mamas. Volunteerism and leadership in AmeriCorps provide critical capacity building, offering firsthand public health experience and networking opportunities for career transitions, as exemplified by Stacey Herbert’s work in nutrition workshops. Despite funding challenges, civic engagement through service at the YMCA sustains impactful programs, ensuring long-term mental health and community support initiatives continue to benefit low-income communities. RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta AMERICORPS — Hands On Atlanta National Service in Georgia | AmeriCorps BIOGRAPHY: Stacia Herbert, originally from Guyana, is a public health professional with nearly two decades of experience in education. She now focuses on nutrition, family and community health, and chronic disease prevention, serving marginalized communities through her work with the YMCA and the NACDD Public Health AmeriCorps program in South DeKalb. Stacia holds a Master of Public Health from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, and a Bachelor of Education. An AHEC scholar and certified Mental Health First Aider, she is also a wife, mother of two, and lover of cooking, decorating, and reading. Mark Henderson, a Morehouse College graduate, has over 25 years of experience in community service, voter engagement, and political campaigns. He began his career with AmeriCorps and the Metro Atlanta YMCA, later contributing to Atlanta’s HOPE VI housing project. He has received two Congressional awards from John Lewis and was named Georgia’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1996. Today, he serves as Executive Director of the Voter Empowerment Collaborative (VEC). Keywords: AmeriCorps, YMCA, Community Garden, Food Pantry, Nutrition Workshops, Public Health, South DeKalb, South DeKalb YMCA, Service, Partnerships, Health Equity, Volunteerism, Social Connections, Capacity Building, Leadership, Funding Challenges, Community Support, Mental Health, Helping Mamas, Career Transition, Civic Engagement, Atlanta Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, impact, Metro Atlanta, health equity, Helping Mamas
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Dr. Lori Duckett on Inclusion & Impact at the Y

    Dr. Lori Duckett on Inclusion & Impact at the Y
    Aug 6 2025

    Today on (Y) Connect, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Lori Duckett—physician, advocate, and proud member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Dr. Duckett is a passionate supporter of inclusive sports and has been instrumental in introducing Special Olympics programming to the Y. Her leadership is helping to ensure that athletes of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

    In today’s episode, we’ll hear how Dr. Duckett’s medical background, personal experiences, and unwavering belief in equity have shaped her journey—and how the Y community is growing stronger and more inclusive because of it.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • (00:00) Intro: Meet Dr. Lori Duckett
    • (02:35) Dr. Duckett’s Y origin story
    • (05:45) Special Olympics enhances accessibility and engagement and promotes equity and access to sports
    • (09:28) Sports can combat obesity, support health, wellness, and socialization for athletes with special needs
    • (11:41) Reflection on Special Olympics fostering community growth,
    • (17:45) Dr. Duckett explains what inclusion means to her
    • (20:42) Georgia Tech provides Resources and Education for Athletes with Down Syndrome

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • The advocacy for Special Olympics at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA creates a supportive community where athletes of all abilities feel valued and included, enhancing engagement and socialization.
    • Collaborations with organizations like Georgia Tech and Kaiser improve accessibility to sports and education, offering resources and opportunities for athletes with Down Syndrome and their families.
    • Integrating Special Olympics into YMCA programs promotes health, wellness, and equity, empowering athletes and encouraging volunteer involvement for a more inclusive community.

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Dr. Lori Duckett - LinkedIn

    BIOGRAPHY:

    Lori Duckett is a dedicated pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente and a lifelong advocate for children with Down syndrome and pediatric obesity. Inspired by her journey as both a mother and sister to loved ones with Down syndrome, she brings a deep sense of empathy and commitment to her work.

    With 12 years of clinical experience, she blends medical expertise with heartfelt advocacy to support children with developmental differences and those facing weight-related health challenges. Her work centers on inclusive, evidence-based care that empowers families and addresses the unique needs of underserved communities.

    Dr. Duckett has a long-standing history of volunteering with the Special Olympics and is a passionate supporter of efforts that promote inclusion, empowerment, and health equity. She is actively involved in outreach, education, and collaboration with local and national Down syndrome organizations.

    Currently, she is developing virtual pediatric obesity counseling programs and is available for presentations, podcasts, and conference panels focused on Down syndrome, childhood obesity, and equitable care models in pediatrics.
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    25 min
  • Ep. 68 Feedback Fuels the Y’s Summer Camp Experience

    Ep. 68 Feedback Fuels the Y’s Summer Camp Experience
    Jul 23 2025
    At the Y, summer is our Super Bowl—a season of high energy, big moments, and unforgettable memories for thousands of kids in our summer day camps. Today, we’re joined by two incredible youth development leaders: Ashley Baker from the Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA and Aminata Lawton-Edwards from the Decatur Family YMCA. They’re not only shaping amazing camp experiences—they’re also listening closely to what families are telling us through surveys and using that feedback to make camp even better. We’ll talk about what makes Y day camp special, what we’re learning from families, and how that insight is helping us raise the bar each summer. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: We’re back! (03:03) Summer camp is the Y's "Super Bowl" (06:48) Creating a "Disney World-like" camp experience (09:57) Importance of collecting family feedback (14:32) Using feedback to improve camp programs (18:32) Why parents should consider Y camp (22:08) How camp leaders stay motivated (24:54) The lasting impact of Y summer camps KEY TAKEAWAYS: Summer camp at the Y is likened to Disney World for many children, providing a magical experience that may be their main highlight of the year. This perspective encourages staff to create unforgettable memories and relationships, even if everything doesn't go perfectly. The Y's summer camp program focuses heavily on social-emotional learning, incorporating daily discussions on core values and group projects that tie into weekly themes. This approach helps children develop important life skills while having fun. Feedback from families is used to make real-time adjustments to the camp experience, with staff meetings addressing both positive shout-outs and areas for improvement. This responsive approach helps maintain high-quality programming and shows families their input is valued. The Y invests significant time and resources into preparing for summer camp, with planning and staff training occurring year-round. This dedication to preparation ensures a safe, engaging, and well-organized experience for campers. Camp counselors are given opportunities for professional growth, including learning to recognize when they need breaks and how to handle challenging situations. This focus on staff development contributes to a positive camp environment and helps young employees build valuable skills. RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Day Camp at Metro Atlanta YMCA BIOGRAPHIES: Ashley Baker began her career with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta as an after-school counselor in the fall of 2016. Working in a school-based after school program provided the opportunity to bring the Y to the community and the community to the Y. Ashley worked in both the after school and day camp programs for several years, eventually becoming an After School Site Director in the fall of 2020. She has served as Youth Development Director at the JM Tull-Gwinnett YMCA since April of 2022. In January 2024, the role expanded to oversee both Youth Development and After School. For Ashley, the best part of her job is the privilege of seeing 6-year-old campers grow into 16-year-old counselors. When she is not working, Ashley enjoys being with her family, reading, college football, and Broadway shows. As an Atlanta native, Aminata Lawton-Edwards proudly embodies her roots and is passionate about the opportunity to give back to her community. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University as well as a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. She believes in the importance of addressing the needs of the whole-child academically, socially, emotionally and beyond. Her six years as a classroom teacher in the DeKalb County School District opened her eyes to the many challenges children face in their holistic development which encouraged her commitment to comprehensive program development. This led her to stepping out of the classroom and towards developing her own tutoring and coaching program for students of all ages. Aminata's own experience as a child nurtured with the support of the Decatur Family Y through day camps and other youth programming paired with her extensive knowledge of supporting children and families strengthened her capacity to create enriching and engaging programs for diverse groups. Her goal is to ensure every child has a positive, rewarding experience and to have fun while doing it. KEYWORDS: YMCA, YMCA, Metro Atlanta YMCA, Day Camp, Summer Camp, Campers, Day Campers, Youth Development, Camp Counselors, Role Models, social-emotional learning, staff development, youth development leaders, Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, Decatur Family YMCA, feedback, YMCA summer camp, camp activities, family feedback, staff motivation, safe spaces for children, community impact, camp themes, specialty camps, child growth, camp leadership, summer programming, outdoor activities, camp ...
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    26 min
  • Ep. 67 Fan Favorite: A 7-Year-Old and His Y Heroes

    Ep. 67 Fan Favorite: A 7-Year-Old and His Y Heroes
    Jul 9 2025

    In this fan favorite episode of the Y Connect podcast, 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 the Y staff

    • (05:01) Juliet tells how she reacted when Oliver made his request

    • (07:20) Oliver is overwhelmed by how the staff at the Y responded and is surprised by how hard the Y staff work

    • (10:10) Juliet is proud of her son, and Oliver has more ideas of how he wants to be generous

    • (14:43) Oliver and his mom, Juliet, share their Y story

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Oliver is a generous giving young man who gives back to those who have enriched his life.

    • A seven-year-old boy can inspire an adult to be kind and generous.

    • The staff at the Atlanta Y’s have a reputation for friendliness.

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

    YMCA Sizzle Reel - YouTube

    BIOGRAPHY:

    After living in Naples, Florida and Chicago, Illinois, seven-year-old Oliver Amoaku and his mother, Juliet, moved to Johns Creek a year ago. Needing to keep up with his swim lessons, friends led them to the Ed Isakson Family Y in Alpharetta. Fortunately, the people at the front desk were so nice when they arrived they signed up with the Y immediately, saying it has been nothing but an amazing experience since. Oliver attends Ocee Elementary School and has two sisters and a brother. He loves basketball, bike riding, swimming and the YMCA.
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    19 min
  • Ep. 66 Drowning is Preventable: The Y’s Call to Action

    Ep. 66 Drowning is Preventable: The Y’s Call to Action
    Jun 25 2025
    Please note that this episode contains mentions of fatal drownings. Listen with care. Today, we’re diving into one of the most vital—and lifesaving—initiatives at the Y: water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children, and the Y is on a mission to change that. Joining us today are three passionate changemakers who are helping the Y turn the tide on drowning prevention: Megan Benvenuto, Group Vice President and Executive Director of the Northwest Cobb Family YMCA who oversees the YMCA’s association-wide aquatics program; Shannon Atty, Aquatics Director at the Northwest Family YMCA; and Ryan Greenstein, the Y’s Advocacy Program Manager and lead for the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition. Together, we’ll explore how the Y is teaching thousands of children to be safe around water—especially in under-resourced communities—and how partnerships, policy, and passion are driving this work forward. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Intro: Catch up with Zarinah, Robert, and Allison (02:48) Today’s focus: water safety to prevent drownings (03:54) What sparked the guests’ interest in water safety and drowning prevention (09:08) Metro Atlanta faces challenges due to rising drowning rates, and Megan details the plan to teach 10,000 children to swim safely in 2025 (15:14) The focus of the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition (21:16) Shannon recounts a story illustrating the program’s transformative effect (23:05) Engaging policymakers to secure funding and support initiatives (30:02) The importance of dedicated watchers, accessible safety skills, and online resources for drowning prevention KEY TAKEAWAYS: Drowning prevention is critical and is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children, particularly ages 1-4, with rising rates in Georgia, emphasizing the need for water safety initiatives. The YMCA, through the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition, collaborates with community partners, secures grants, and advocates for policy changes, such as offering lifeguard training as physical education (PE) credit. Additionally, the organization provides scholarships to deliver swim lessons to under-resourced youth. Having a designated watcher and teaching accessible, memorable water safety skills (e.g., life jacket use, "reach and throw, don’t go") are crucial to preventing drownings. RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta Atlanta Water Safety Coalition and Atlanta City Council Join Forces to Proclaim May 2024 as Water Safety Month in Atlanta | Children's Healthcare of Atlanta BIOGRAPHIES: Megan Benvenuto, Group VP & Executive Director at Northwest Family YMCA, leads Metro Atlanta YMCA efforts to promote equity. As Aquatics Cabinet Lead, she oversees 16 locations and 23 pools, expanding Safety Around Water to deliver thousands of swim lessons yearly to underserved kids. With 25 years at the YMCA, she doubled giving at Twin Rivers YMCA, boosted membership via Pound Plunge at YMCA Cape Cod, and restored pre-pandemic levels at Northwest Family Y. She earned an MBA from Springfield College (4.0 GPA) and YMCA Organizational Leader certification. A Leadership Cobb 2023 member, she also served on the United Way board. Shannon Atty, with a Physical Education degree from SUNY Cortland, taught for 13 years before focusing on aquatics at Greenbush Area YMCA as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and coach. Relocating to Georgia in 2013, she worked in aquatics with Georgia Parks and Recreation in Smyrna and Cartersville. She is now a certified instructor in Lifeguarding and Water Safety by the YMCA and the American Red Cross. Ryan Greenstein has served as Advocacy Program Manager at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta since January 2025. He focuses on water safety and manages the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition, which the Y co-founded in 2023. Ryan joined the Y from The Carter Center and previously lobbied for various nonprofits in Washington, DC.
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    34 min
  • Ep. 65 - Fan Favorite: A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons

    Ep. 65 - Fan Favorite: A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons
    Jun 11 2025

    We’re back with a fan favorite episode of the Y Connect Podcast! For more than a century, the Y has taught children and adults how to swim. And while the Y is the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, there are countless people who never learn this critical skill. Highlighting the importance of it’s never too late to learn, we have the special privilege of introducing you to an entire family that recently took the swim lesson plunge together.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • (03:36) Jax shares how the multi-generational family swim lesson came together

    • (05:01) Ayanna explains how she and her boys and mother got involved in swim lessons as a family

    • (06:27) Gwendolyn, the grandmother, discusses how comfortable she became, and Jennifer talks about how she became an instructor

    • (09:26) The boys discuss their impressions of taking swim lessons along with their mom and grandmother, and they discuss funny moments during their swim lessons

    • (13:26) Discussion of lessons learned and great memories made

    • (16:08) Ayanna advises other multi-generational families. Ryan and Nicholas discuss what they would tell their friends about taking swim lessons with their family

    • (19:42) Each guest shares their Pathway to the (Y)

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • The Y encourages families to take swim lessons regardless of age.

    • Ayanna’s family proves that this new method of teaching families how to swim simultaneously, works

    • Ayanna’s sons have confessed that taking swimming lessons with their family, although they weren’t excited about it in the beginning, has turned out to be very fun for them.

    RESOURCE LINKS:

    Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

    Volunteer at the YMCA

    YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

    YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

    Strong 4 Life - Website

    BIOGRAPHY: Jax Ruppert

    With a lifelong commitment to the YMCA, Jax began his journey at 16 as a lifeguard, progressing to roles as a swim instructor and swim team coach. Passionate about teaching and inspiring others, he transitioned into the role of Aquatics Director. His focus is on training and developing his staff to excel and taking immense pride in their growth and achievements. Committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, Jax spearheads drowning prevention programs, starting with educating parents on the critical importance of water safety.
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    24 min