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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 ext.103
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. 107
Send EmailAllison Vershaw joined the YMCA in April 2025, bringing with her over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, event planning, and fundraising. A proud Central Illinois native, Allison holds both a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Bradley University. Her commitment to the nonprofit sector runs deep, with a strong focus on building community engagement and advancing meaningful causes. Prior to joining the YMCA, Allison spent 10 years serving as the Event Director at Easterseals Central Illinois, where she led numerous successful campaigns and events that significantly advanced the organization’s mission. At the Y, she is excited to support programs, staff, and events while driving increased awareness, recognition, and fundraising efforts. Passionate about community impact, Allison is eager to help grow the YMCA’s mission throughout Central Illinois. Beyond her professional endeavors, Allison has been a beauty educator with Mary Kay Cosmetics for over 14 years and serves as the Assistant Dance Coach at Morton High School. Outside of work and coaching, she’s a proud cheer mom to her daughter, Kherington, who is active in high school football and basketball cheer, competitive cheerleading, and lacrosse.
P: 309.692.7631 ext. 111
Send EmailDonnie became a valued member of the YMCA team at the end of 2024 and has quickly established himself as a warm and welcoming presence within the facility. This summer, he is especially looking forward to seeing families—particularly children—enjoying the pool. For Donnie, there is no greater reward than witnessing children thrive and experiencing the joy that results from dedication and effort. When asked about his motivation, Donnie’s response is refreshingly simple: “Why not?” He finds fulfillment in helping others, bringing smiles to people’s faces, and embracing each day with an open mind. To him, every day at the Y presents new challenges, meaningful connections, and opportunities for personal and professional growth—exactly the environment he thrives in.
P: 309.692.7631 ext. 110
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 ext. 102
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 ext. 115
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 ext. 126
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 x104
Send EmailAmber Scarbeary brings a strong background in aquatics and recreation to her new role at the YMCA. From 2015 to 2018, she served in several capacities at the Bloomington-Normal YMCA, including Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Waves Assistant Swim Coach, and Home-School Swim Instructor. Now, she’s excited to return to the Y, bringing over a decade of experience in the recreation industry with her. Amber holds both a Bachelor's and Master’s Degree in Recreation Management from Illinois State University and has a well-rounded professional background in aquatics, event coordination, risk management, and sales. Her very first job—lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons at her hometown pool—taught her emergency preparedness, responsibility, and how to effectively connect with youth, all of which continue to guide her work today. She’s most excited to build and strengthen community ties within the Tri-county area through a trusted organization like the YMCA. Amber’s “why” is grounded in her passion for leadership, engagement, and creating positive experiences. She looks forward to giving back to the community that helped shape her, and to continuing her Y journey by helping others thrive.
P: 309.692.7631 ext. 110
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.
P: 309.692.7631 ext. 129
Send EmailJordan Lindsay is thrilled to join the Peoria YMCA team as the new Director of Sports and Community Engagement. A proud Peoria native, Jordan brings a deep-rooted passion for strengthening the community through sports and meaningful relationships. With years of experience organizing and planning sports events, Jordan first became involved with the YMCA as a Volleyball Instructor. She finds great joy in witnessing the growth, confidence, and teamwork that sports can foster. In addition to her role at the Y, Jordan also serves as the Head Volleyball Coach at Peoria Manual High School. She is especially excited to lead the Rec N Roll programming in partnership with the Peoria Park District, expanding opportunities for fun, fitness, and connection for families across the region. A proud parent of two wonderful children, Jordan is driven by her passion for building relationships and making a positive difference in others' lives. She looks forward to contributing to the continued success of the Peoria YMCA and expanding its impact through dynamic and inclusive sports programs.