Staff Spotlight – Brandon
Every day presents a different challenge for Brandon at the North Spokane YMCA, but he wouldn’t want it any other way. Brandon joined the North Y team this summer and enjoys thinking on his feet to help members find solutions for their wellness journey.
“No matter what a person is looking for they are all here to become better. Whether it be working out or just some time to focus on their mental health, we’re here to help them get what they need,” Brandon said.
Brandon first became a member of the YMCA family as a child taking karate lessons at the old Y downtown. “That kind of blossomed into a huge passion for martial arts for me,” Brandon said. Over the years he focused more on Taekwondo and rose to the level of second-degree black belt. “Sometimes this job can be a bit like teaching martial arts. You have to think quickly, and problem solve right away.”
Working in a supportive environment at the Y is something Brandon really appreciates, “a lot of places you work or go might say they are like a family, but it’s actually true here. It feels like a family.”
Currently a student at Eastern Washington University, Brandon is studying mechanical engineering with hopes to join the aerospace industry. He dreams of working for NASA or Boeing one day. When he’s not working or going to school he likes relaxing with some video games or creating origami. “If you find random origami pieces around the branch, that’s all me. It’s something I enjoy doing in downtime,” Brandon said.