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P: 309.692.7631 ext. 105
Send EmailAndy’s 25-year YMCA career began with the Greater Peoria Family YMCA in 1995, where he served first as an intern then was hired as a Program Director serving in the areas of youth sports and childcare. He has served at three other YMCA Associations, including the Canton Family YMCA, the YMCA of Southwest Illinois, and the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA. Andy has served in various roles with the YMCA, including youth sports, child-care, aquatics, property management, and an Branch Executive Director before becoming a CEO for the first time in 2010 at the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA. Peoria is home for Andy and his wife, Dawn, and they both were excited to return in 2017 where Andy could lead the Y that gave him his career start and allowed him the opportunity to meet his future bride, who was also employed at the YMCA in the mid to late 90’s.
P: 309.692.7631 ext. 106
Send EmailEllen graduated from the University of Illinois with her bachelor’s in Accountancy in 2016. She has been with the Greater Peoria Family YMCA since her graduation and has worn many hats during her time here. Ellen started her career in billing, spent time as the Youth & Adult Sports Director, but gladly found her way back into the accounting world as the Y’s Director of Accounting & Human Resources in 2019. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time at the drag strip, on the golf course and playing fetch with her giant dog, Ziggy.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailTrey has been with the YMCA organization since 2013, when he started his career as a sports intern with the Warren County YMCA in Monmouth, Illinois. After his internship, Trey was hired as the Youth and Adult Sports Coordinator and worked with the Monmouth Y until 2020. During this time, Trey obtained his Team Leader certification from the YMCA of the USA. In 2020 Trey decided to further his education and achieve his master's degree; he graduated from Western Illinois University for the second time in May of 2022 with a master's in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, which led him to the Greater Peoria Family YMCA. Trey states that he has been fortunate to serve the Tri-county area since February of 2022; he looks forward to many years of service to his community.
P: 309.692.7631 ext. 111
Send EmailJim's career in Commercial Maintenance and Engineering began in 1986 – 1990 at the Greater Peoria Family YMCA at 714 Hamilton Blvd. With bigger ambitions in mind to further his skill sets to become a more versatile technician and advance his career opportunities, he took a position at Methodist Medical Center Engineering Department from 1990 – 1999. After nine years at Methodist Medical Center and the unforeseen reallocating of staff (including himself) to different departments, he crossed the bridge back to the Peoria YMCA, where his vast skills and knowledge had paid off to better serve the Y from 1999 to the current. Jim has thoroughly enjoyed working at the Y. He feels that there is lots of hard work to keep himself physically fit and the many challenges to overcome to motivate him. Jim feels blessed to work for a Cause Drive Organization that positively impacts the community. Jim loves to engage with the friendly members and staff daily.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailKennedy is a graduate of Grambling State University where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Marketing in 2021. Kennedy has been a part of the Peoria YMCA team for several years as a Wellness Attendant, Membership Experience team member, and Building Supervisor. Kennedy was born and raised in the Peoria, IL area where she has been involved in many community outreach programs/organizations. One of her favorite parts about working for the YMCA is being able to give back to the community that once poured into her. When she is away from the Y, Kennedy enjoys spending time with family and traveling.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailRuthie graduated from Bradley University with her bachelor's in Public Relations in 2019 and her master's in Nonprofit Leadership in 2021. She has been with the Greater Peoria Family YMCA since 2020, where she started as a part-time employee with the Membership Experience Team and billing department. Once she finished her master’s, she applied for the Director of Marketing and Development position; promoted to full-time director in 2021. One of her favorite parts about her role is giving back to her community and making new connections. When she is away from the Y, Ruthie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailKate has been with the YMCA organization for over 12 years. Throughout her Y career, she has held several positions, such as a group fitness instructor (land and aquatic), personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, health coach, and the full-time Director of Fitness for the Warren County YMCA. Kate came to the Peoria Y as a wellness attendant and building supervisor in the spring of 2023. Kate feels very passionate about the organization & its mission and is excited to continue her career in the fitness, health, and wellness industry. Her favorite thing about her job is hearing other people's stories and giving back to the members and community. When Kate is not at the Y, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her big blue great-dane, Tonka.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailTaylor is a graduate of Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science. While in school, she focused on child development, families, and their relationships. Taylor looks forward to making a positive impact on the youth that the YMCA serves through the Before/After School and Summer Day Camp programs!
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailD’Arieus “Dee” Culbert is from Shreveport, Louisiana. He is also a graduate of Grambling State University where he was able to obtain his bachelor’s in the field of Kinesiology with a primary focus in Sports Management. Dee has been a part of numerous roles in the Y including membership experience, wellness attendance, and sports programming. During his free time, Dee enjoys spending time with friends/family and staying physically active. With his role as the Director of Sports and Community, he intends to make a positive contribution towards the city of Peoria and develop lifelong relationships with the people of the community.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailLaToya was born and raised in Peoria, IL. She is a graduate of Peoria High School, Midstate College, and Illinois Central College. Her background of over 10 years comes from nursing, healthcare management, and administration in and outside of the non-profit industry. When she is away from the Y, she shares her life with her husband Johnny, and her 4 kids (plus 1 giant Cane Corso dog). Together, they run their family's small business, It's A Vibe Selfie Studio (a mobile interactive content creation studio). LaToya has a passion for her community through advocacy and involvement. LaToya plans to create a positive, uplifting, engaged youth program(s) that focuses on creating opportunities and providing purpose.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailCandice graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology in 2017. She has since worked to connect youth with animals, the environment, and each other through camps and after-school clubs. Outside of work, Candice enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and playing with her dog, Joe.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailWith a decade of dedicated service to the YMCA across four different associations spanning four states, Sahara brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as the Aquatics Director. Her journey within the Y has been enriched by diverse roles, such as lifeguarding, swim instructing, water fitness instructing, and American Red Cross training. Beyond the poolside, Sahara cherishes moments spent in the company of friends, family, and her beloved furry companions. Game nights are one of her favorite pastimes, alongside rejuvenating hikes and cozy evenings at home with her three dogs and two cats. What truly fuels Sahara's enthusiasm for her work at the Y is the daily opportunity to grow and make a positive impact within the community. Through the aquatic programs, she believes she has the privilege of imparting essential life skills to individuals of all ages. The dynamic nature of Aquatics ensures that there's never a dull moment, and Sahara relishes every chance to contribute to the well-being and development of the community members.
P: 309.692.7631
Send EmailDevyn graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. Born in Peoria, Illinois, he spent his preteen years in Lubbock, Texas, where he formed lasting friendships. Returning to Peoria, he attended several middle schools before earning his high school diploma from Peoria High and his associate degree from Illinois Central College. Devyn is dedicated to enhancing the YMCA experience for members, valuing teamwork and memorable interactions. In his leisure, he enjoys video games, anime, freelance design work, and quality time with his Boston Terrier, Quincy.