Key Staff
Melissa Roddy
Executive Director
Firestone Park YMCA
Email:
Phone:
330.724.1255
With the Y Since:
March 2000
Experience:
I grew up going to Y camps in Pgh. After college I briefly worked as a SACC Director in Canton. In 2000 I started at the East Akron YMCA, I initially taught English and Special Education. I then served as Teaching Coordinator and eventually, Principal of Phoenix and Associate Executive Director. After 6 years I was promoted to Medina as the Executive Director where I worked with the Phoenix program as one of my top priorities along with expansion of the many other quality programs such as the Supervised Visitation Program and School Age Child Care and Day Camps. After 3 years I became the Executive Director of the Firestone Park YMCA. Having been an active member at this branch through various fitness, sports and parent child programs which affords me a unique perspective which I can utilize in my new role. I have also been involved with the PWY Spirit Committee, Staff Development Committee, Parent Child Program Team, Diversity Initiative and most recently Teen Leaders Program Team. My teaching certificate in secondary education has also given me an opportunity to be an in-house trainer while also serving several terms as Membership Co-Chair of Association of YMCA Professionals.
Qualifications:
Bachelor degree in English and writing from Mt. Union College. Secondary teaching certification, and ongoing education in theology and behavior management & education.
Hobbies:
Reading, Sports, Crafts and spending time with my family
Michele Grubich
Membership Director
Firestone Park YMCA
Phone:
9 Years
Experience:
Started at the Canal Square YMCA in 2001 as a Member Service Representative. I transferred to Firestone Park in 2002 as a full time Member Service Representative. In 2007, I became the Membership Coordinator and then in 2008 the Membership Director.
Favorite Movie, Song, Book /Author, Quote: Favorite Movie: Christmas Vacation
Favorite Song: Time For Me to Fly, By REO Speedwagon
Theme Song: "Get the Party Started" by Pink
What you enjoy the most about working at the Y: the members. I love to watch the children that start out in our infant and toddler care grow into preschool, school aged childcare, sports programs, teen leaders and then on to adult members.
Kristy Liggett
Health & Wellness Coordinator
Firestone Park YMCA
Email:
Phone:
With the Y Since: 3.5 years as Sports Coordinator with the Tuscarawas County YMCA. 2 years as Program Director a the Muskingum Family YMCA and currently in my first year with Firestone Park YMCA
Hobbies/Interests: Bike riding, fishing, hiking, camping, working out, reading, traveling, sports
Favorite Movie, Song, Book /Author, Quote: “Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation”
Favorite movie: “EAT, LOVE, PRAY”
What you enjoy the most about working at the Y: Creating relationships with the members and encouraging them to improve their lives through health and wellness at the YMCA!
Jen Herold
Senior Child Care Director
Firestone Park YMCA & University Park YMCA
Email:
Phone:
With the Y Since: 2005
Experience: I started out at the Firestone Park YMCA as a site administrator for the before and after school program. I also served as the day camp coordinator. In 2007 I came to Canal Square and assumed the role of School Age Childcare Director. In 2011 I assumed my current role as Senior Childcare Director of the Firestone Park and University Park YMCA.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Minored in Child Development. Multiple ODJFS required trainings, numerous YMCA of the USA trainings
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Traveling, Being Outdoors, spending time with family and friends
Favorite Movie, Song, Book /Author, Quote: Twilight Series, Nicholas Sparks
What you enjoy the most about working at the Y: I enjoy watching the children in my programs learn, grow and develop. I love the excitement on a child’s face when they discover something new.
Stacie Swarner
Director of Early Care and Education
Firestone Park YMCA and Family Enrichment Center
Email:
Phone:
330.724.1255
With the Y Since:
Experience: Classroom Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Daycare Director
Qualifications: Elementary Education Degree and Pennsylvania State Teaching Certificate
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Being Outside, Camping and Hiking, Crafts, Jewelry Making
Favorite Movie, Song, Book /Author, Quote: Dr. Seuss (Author), The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (book), Top Gun (movie), “Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never ceased to be amused” (quote)
Special Talent: anything with crafts and event planning
What you enjoy the most about working at the Y: I enjoy working at the Y because of the amount of people you can reach on any particular day. I enjoy the collaborations in the community and the family atmosphere in the child care centers and membership branches.
Jacquelyn Minor
YMCA- Voris Community Learning Center Director
Firestone Park YMCA
Email: jacquelynm@akronymca.org
Phone: 330.690.9744
With the Y Since: May of 2008
Experience:
Program Director, YMCA-Voris Community Learning Center-Fall 2008-2010
Unit Director, YMCA Camp Y Noah-Summer 2008
Community Assistant, The University of Akron-Fall 2004/Spring 2008
Resident Assistant, The University of Akron-Fall 2004/Spring 2008
Internship, United Way of Summit County-Fall 2006
Hobbies/Interests: Reading
Favorite Movie, Song, Book /Author, Quote: Favorite Book "The Color Purple"
What you enjoy the most about working at the Y: Serving my community!
