Staff Spotlight – Stevie

Stevie isn’t shy. She says her outgoing and friendly personality makes her a perfect fit to be at the welcome desk at the South Spokane YMCA.

“Giving people a positive start to their workout is important. Some people want to ease into it, they stay and chat, others want to get right to work. I’m fine with that, as long as they get whatever support they need,” Stevie said.

Support is something Stevie says she sees a lot of around the South Y. She has seen many members join and find communities of people to help keep them motivated and accountable, but most importantly to make it enjoyable.

“When you have people supporting you, it makes it easier and more fun to be healthy,” Stevie said. “At some point people find support…and it evolves from dragging yourself to the gym into wanting to be here.”

Stevie was a staff member at Gold’s Gym prior to the YMCA taking over operations of the facility. The biggest change she has seen since the transformation is the feeling of community. “Before people would just show up, come work out and not talk much. There wasn’t a big sense of connection among members or inclusivity. Since the Y has arrived, you can feel how open and welcoming it is. The mood has shifted and the priorities are different.”

When she’s not working Stevie loves to stay busy and be in the outdoors. She spends much of the summer at Lake Coeur d’Alene on the family boat or taking in the sites at nearby hiking spots. When winter rolls around Stevie likes to lace up the ice skates, “I took skating lessons since I was a little kid, I don’t go out as often anymore but I can still do some cool stuff,” Stevie said.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned Y member, Stevie says it never hurts to strike up a conversation to gain a new connection. “I see it all the time, people talking and finding common ground or helping each other along.”

If you find yourself looking for support in your wellness journey visit Stevie at the South Y and she can help get you started in the right direction.