Meet the Y Team: Laura Ferree

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Membership Engagement Director at the YMCA at Pabst Farms, Laura Ferree.

Laura’s dedication to Y members really shines through in all her friendly interactions at the Pabst Farms branch. Here’s a bit more about Laura…

-How long have you worked for the Y? 8 years

-My job at the Y is: My title is Engagement Director. I serve our membership department through planning and execution of member engagement and retention strategies, membership reporting and social media and communication support.

-Pets: Our dog Finley is 8 years old. He loves to eat and nap and gets super excited when you tell him it’s time for a walk.

-Hobbies include: I like to sing at church and run. I also dabble in pottery, painting and sewing.

-I work for the Y because: I’ve always believed in the importance of community building and was excited when we moved to Oconomowoc to be part of the Y community. Working at the Y has helped me get to know the community better and I love supporting a place that so many people see as their second home.

-Favorite music: I listen to a wide variety of music and often change it up based on the season, activity or mood.

-Favorite movie: I like folding laundry to a good romcom. I don’t really have a favorite.

-The most fun part about my job is: I really like working on a team so the best parts of my job are when I’m collaborating to get something big done.

-Favorite sports team: I root for the Packers.

-Favorite restaurant: I like to go out for Mexican or any place with a patio in the summer.

-The most meaningful part of my job is: Getting to hear member’s stories. Sometimes when you’re doing the daily routine, it can be easy to forget that the Y is really important to people or that it has helped them grow and change. I love to hear about what the Y means to folks.

-Favorite way to relax: I like being outside to relax. You might also find me curled up on the couch with a cup of tea.

-Favorite holiday: I get pretty jazzed for Christmas, but I think Thanksgiving is my favorite. The past few years have made us rethink how we celebrate and given our family an opportunity to make our own traditions and try new things. I also really just love the food.

-The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: The staff team at the Y is really focused on how our culture can live out the Y values and that’s give me a lot of practice in grace filled service. In a world that can be harsh and contrary, it feels unique to work at a place that prioritizes serving member and each other with love.

Meet the Y Team: Sharon Kurkiewicz

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Membership Engagement Director at the Watertown Area YMCA, Sharon Kurkiewicz.

Sharon’s dedication to Y members really shines through in all her friendly interactions at the Watertown branch. Here’s a bit more about Sharon…

-How long have you worked for the Y? 8 years

-My job at the Y is: Membership Engagement Director

-Pets: 1 cat, Shelby

-Hobbies include: Bike riding, hiking, playing volleyball, paddle boarding and kayaking.

-I work for the Y because: Its mission makes sense for my life, beliefs and core values.

-Favorite music: Pop

-Favorite movie: Forrest Gump

-The most fun part about my job is: The conversations I have with the members.

-Favorite sports team: I love to watch AVP women’s volleyball. Favorite all time player is Misty May!

-Favorite restaurant: Café Manna

-The most meaningful part of my job is: Connecting with members on a regular basis and knowing more than their name.

-Favorite way to relax: Paddle boarding

-Favorite holiday: Christmas

-The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: You can make a difference, even in the smallest of measure, in someone’s life!

Meet the Y Team: Emily Lopez

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Health and Wellness Director at the YMCA at Pabst Farms, Emily Lopez.

Emily’s contagious smile matches her friendly personality! Here’s a bit more about Emily…

-How long have you worked for the Y? Since June 2021

-My job at the Y is: Health & Wellness Director

-Pets: 1 Pup – George

-Hobbies include: Working out, Coaching Lacrosse, Going to concerts & live sporting events

-I work for the Y because: At first, I just needed a job that was in my field and would allow for personal and professional growth. Now, a year later, I work at the Y because it truly feels like home and I cannot imagine working anywhere else! 

-Favorite music: Country, but I listen to everything.

-Favorite movie: Fever Pitch

-The most fun part about my job is: Hanging out with some of the most fun, energetic people I’ve ever met.

-Favorite sports team: Is that even a question? GO PACKERS!

-Favorite restaurant: Uncle Julio’s Mexican 

-The most meaningful part of my job is: Being a part of someone’s health and wellness journey. If I am helping in any capacity, then I’ve won.

-Favorite way to relax: Drinking coffee on my back patio.

-Favorite holiday: Christmas

-The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: The Y loves everyone. We are a safe, welcoming environment for anyone in our community and will call this home to whomever walks through the doors. I have never felt acceptance like I do here.