Each quarter at Heart of the Valley YMCA we highlight extraordinary employees. Here are the star employees that have gone the extra mile and have been named Employees of the Quarter Summer 2017.
Mandi Ateniese
Membership Staff, Downtown Express YMCA
How long have you worked at the Y?
Since October 2016
Why do you enjoy being a part of the Y?
I believe the YMCA represents care and compassion not only for its members, but also for the community. I strive daily to show this to all I meet. A friendly, genuine smile goes a long way, and it impacts people's day to day which is a gratifying feeling.
What makes a great day for you at the Y?
I enjoy meeting new members and getting to know people on a more personal level. There's so much diversity at the Y that it's fascinating learning about people and their lives.
Fun Facts about Mandi!
I enjoy reading Nora Roberts novels and traveling home to Ohio to see family. I'm a HUGE weather fanatic so Huntsville is definitely a town that can quench my meteorology thirst. My husband and I have two children and two dogs. We're super excited to live here!
Bobby Finley
Youth Services Staff, Southeast Family YMCA
How long have you worked at the Y?
10 years
Why do you enjoy being a part of the Y?
A lot of those kids I have seen grow up from kindergarten and on
into middle school.
What makes a great day for you at the Y?
The best days at the YMCA are the days when you feel like you made an impact on child.
Fun Facts about Bobby!
I'm 26 years old, and I’m getting married in October 2017. I'm an Operations Manager at FedEx Ground. But the YMCA was my first job when I was 16 years old, and I haven't been able to quit since. I love Auburn football, basketball and binge-watching TV shows.
Kathryn Lehman
Child Watch Staff, Hogan Family YMCA
How long have you worked at the Y?
4 years and 4 months
Why do you enjoy being a part of the Y?
Since I believe that child care involves more than just watching children, I am happy to be a part of programs in which I can proactively engage the children, depending on their age and interests, in a variety of activities, crafts and games.
What makes a great day for you at the Y?
A great day for me is when I see happy children in the Y’s child care programs with their parents comfortable that their child is in a safe, caring, nurturing and actively-engaged environment.
Fun Facts about Kathryn Ann!
I like to work out, participate in Fitbit exercise challenges, sing in the choir and participate in the children’s ministry at my church, do jigsaw puzzles and take care of my dog Annabelle. I have a black belt in karate and enjoy watching TV reality and game shows.
Shointae Powe
Teacher, YMCA Southeast Early Childhood Education Center
How long have you worked at the Y?
Since September 2014
Why do you enjoy being a part of the Y?
My family and I have been actively coming to the YMCA for years to work out and swim. I loved the fact that the YMCA Staff is so friendly, and it made me want to be a part of that. No matter what position we hold, we are all respected ad work as a team.
What makes a great day for you at the Y?
To finish my work day knowing that I helped make a difference in someone else’s life in a positive way.
Fun Facts about Shointae!
I am a mother of three children ages 16, 14 and 3 years old. Two are in high school and actively involved in sports. In my spare time, I am fundraising or helping at the school. We enjoy family outings such as walks in the park and going to the movies.