Shauna’s journey at the YMCA began with the simple need of a mom - childminding. Her three boys were her world, and finding a place where they could thrive while she pursued her wellness goals felt like a blessing. What started as a convenient solution quickly blossomed into a deeper connection with the Y community.
At first, it was just about getting back into shape and enjoying the fitness classes. But soon, Shauna found herself diving deeper, not just as a participant but as a contributor. She became certified in yoga, started leading strength and cardio classes, and is now finishing her personal training certification. Each step was fueled by her love for health, wellness, and the people she met along the way.
“The kids brought me to the Y,” Shauna shares, “but it’s the Y community that kept me here. It’s like a family. The support, the flexibility—it’s truly amazing.” Whether she’s guiding a group through a workout or simply sharing a laugh with her fellow members, Shauna feels at home.
Life outside the Y is just as vibrant. Shauna and her family became farmers in 2018, trading city lights for rolling fields and open skies. Balancing farm life with her fitness journey might sound like a challenge, but for Shauna, it’s all interconnected. “The connections you make here, even with my life on the farm, it all ties together,” she says.
For Shauna, the YMCA is more than a workplace. It’s a place of belonging, where inclusion is woven into every interaction. “I work with everyone,” she says. “No matter who walks through those doors, they’re welcomed and supported.”
She smiles as she reflects on how far she’s come. “I can’t see myself anywhere else—well, except maybe my farm,” she jokes. But it’s clear that the Y has become her second home, a place where she shines, inspires, and helps others do the same.
Because for Shauna, it’s not just about fitness or farming—it’s about connection, community, and a life that’s lived fully.