The Fond du Lac Family YMCA announced several employee promotions that have occurred in leadership staffing changes over the last few months.
Amanda Bodden – Director of Youth Programs
Amanda was recently promoted to Director of Youth Programs. She will provide direct leadership to several different areas of youth programming such as Gymnastics, Youth Sports, Family and Preschool Enrichment, and Aquatics. Prior to her new role, Amanda joined the Y as our Gymnastics Coordinator in May of 2018 and was then promoted to Gymnastics & Sports Director in June of 2019. She has grown both the Youth Sports and Gymnastics programs during her time at the Y. Amanda is a Marian University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Sports and Recreation Management. Her previous roles include a gymnastics instructor at the Stevens Point Area YMCA, a referee for basketball and soccer, and the Varsity Volleyball Coach at Lomira High School.
Ericka Wawrzyn – Healthy Living Director
Ericka was recently promoted to Healthy Living Director where she will oversee the Y’s healthy living direction. Ericka will provide leadership and guidance to Personal Training, Group Exercise, Healthy Living programs and Physician Referrals. Ericka joined the Y in 2013 as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. Prior to her new role, Ericka was promoted to Personal Training Coordinator in August of 2018 and was then promoted to Wellness and Personal Training Director in April of 2021. Ericka has grown the Y’s personal training program over the past several years and led the Y in safely relaunching our Healthy Living programs post-pandemic.
Nikki Schneider – Aquatics Director
Nikki was recently promoted to Aquatics Director. She will be responsible for creating a positive member experience at the Y while providing direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for Aquatics staff. Nikki has been a Y employee for 15 years, holding roles in both the Child Care and Aquatics departments. Prior to her new role, she was promoted to Aquatics Supervisor in May of 2022. Nikki has many years of experience leading pool operations in the Fond du Lac area and is also a Fond du Lac High School Swim & Dive coach.
Ella Memmel – Aquatics Specialist
Ella was recently promoted to Aquatics Specialist. She will assist with administering and supervising the Aquatics swim programs and will help lead lifeguards and swim instructors to create a positive member experience in Aquatics. Ella joined the Y in 2018 as a swim instructor. Prior to her new role, Ella was promoted to Summer Aquatics Supervisor in May of 2022. Her previous roles include swim instructor at the Stevens Point Area YMCA, lifeguard at the Fairgrounds Family Aquatic Center, and Program Aide at the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac.
Michaela Buechler- Gymnastics Coordinator & Head Coach
Michaela was recently promoted to Gymnastics Coordinator & Head Coach. She will oversee the recreational and competitive gymnastics programs. She will also continue to coach all levels of competitive team. Michaela joined the Y in August of 2018 as a team gymnastics coach and was promoted to Gymnastics Head Coach in March of 2022. Michaela was a competitive gymnast at the Heart of the Valley YMCA for 8 years, then worked there as a gymnastics instructor and coach starting in 2016. She will be graduating from Marian University in May of 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Lydia Thompson – Gymnastics Specialist
Lydia was recently promoted to Gymnastics Specialist. She will assist with managing the recreational gymnastics program. She will also continue to coach several levels of competitive team. Lydia joined the Y in June of 2018 as a gymnastics instructor and coach. Lydia was a competitive gymnast for the Fondy Flyers for 8 years, up until she graduated high school in June of 2022.
Lisa Wiercinski – HR and Volunteer Specialist
Lisa is being promoted to HR and Volunteer Specialist effective January 2023. She will be taking on more responsibilities in recruiting and onboarding and will handle all volunteer resources and placement. Lisa joined the Y in February 2022 as an HR assistant, bringing over 20 years of experience in Human Resources. Her previous roles include Human Resource Specialist at CESA 6, Administrative Assistant at ADVOCAP, HR Assistant at the City of Fond du Lac, and Administrative Assistant and Accounting at Family Resource Center. Lisa also worked at the Greater Green Bay YMCA while earning her Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.
According to JJ Raflik, CEO/Executive Director, “The Fond du Lac Family YMCA is pleased to make this employee announcement. The Y likes to take the opportunity to promote within our organization when possible. That way, both our staff and our members benefit from the knowledge and skills acquired over time, with a continued focus on membership growth and engagement, and employee development.”