The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is incredibly proud of the work our staff does to ensure a high quality experience for our members. One of the newest full-time team members at the Galowich Family YMCA is Membership Director Michelle Weston. Michelle stepped into her current role last October. Her warm and friendly personality makes her perfectly suited to lead the Galowich Y’s membership team. You can learn more about Michelle in the Q&A below:
Q: How did you get started with the Y?
Weston: Two years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom and I saw an ad that the Avery YMCA was hiring. I sent a message, got to come in for an interview and ultimately got hired. My time at the Avery Y made my transition a bit easier when I became the membership director at Galowich. I have been that busy person at the front desk and I know what it can feel like. I am hoping to build on those experiences here at the Galowich Y.
Q: How do you view your role in the big picture of the Y?
Weston: The membership team is the face of the Y and the first impression for everyone that comes through the door. We have to be able to provide our members with all the tools they may need and answer any questions they may have. We care about customer service because we care about our members.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
Weston: It’s definitely the members and seeing them come in with smiles on their faces. When members have a goal they are trying to attain, and we can help them along the way, it is truly awesome to see them succeed. I’ve also made some great friends at the Y, both with co-workers and our members.
Q: What is your favorite Y memory?
Weston: This was my first year being fully involved in Toys for Tots. There was a woman who won one of our Christmas trees and she said it was the first tree she had ever had in her life. That brought tears to my eyes.
Q: What do you like to do outside the Y?
Weston: My husband and I try to spend as much time as we can with our kids. They are in the school band and that is a real commitment. On weekends we love to play board games like Clue and Monopoly. My husband is also a part of the Minooka Lions Club and I like to do things with him there.
Q: What should someone interested in a Y membership know about us?
Weston: We do our best to build relationships with people. We want to know about your day, what is going on with your kids, and where you went on your last vacation. You don’t have to just check in and check out. It’s about being a part of a community and a family. We hope that our members feel like the YMCA is their second home.
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We encourage members to meet with Michelle or anyone from the membership team when visiting the Y. They are a great resource and always ready to help provide the best possible Y experience. You can reach Michelle at (815) 744-3939 ext. 309 or [email protected]
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The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to announce a pair of two-day Fitter and Faster Swim Clinics this spring. Olympian Brett Hawke and Paralympian Tucker Dupree will lead a clinic at the Smith Family YMCA in Joliet on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15. NCAA Champion Amy Bilquist will lead a lead a clinic at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26.
When someone joins the Y, they are not just joining a gym. Members will find a supportive community full of friendly faces at the YMCA. At the Galowich Family YMCA, one of these friendly faces belongs to Jose ‘Jaime’ Portales. 
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