Kathy Workman is a Program Director at the Elston Branch YMCA in La Porte, Indiana. Workman started out as the Aquatics Director in May of 2017, where she was responsible for overseeing operations of the pool and classes, and she also managed and trained a team of lifeguards and swim instructors. Workman moved up to program director in January of 2018 where she organized special events, taught a fitness program, oversaw the pool area, and more.
Workman’s journey began in 2008 where she found her love for personal training and helping others in the community.
“I went on a big weight loss journey back in 2008 where I lost almost 100 pounds, and from there I got my personal training certificate and started doing that,” Workman said.
There are never two days of the same at the YMCA as there are always programs and special events going on for people of all ages. The YMCA’s motto is “Spirit, Mind, Body” referring to the Bible verse John 17:21 - ‘That they all may be one.’
“Here at the Y we try to create a very welcoming and positive environment for adults and children. We are inclusive of everyone; members, non-members, any type of special events are always open to anybody. Everybody here is a part of a huge family,” said Workman.
Workman enjoys all of the events held at the Y, especially all the holiday events. But her favorite event was the recent father and daughter dance for Valentine’s Day.
“It was amazing to see the little girls dressed like princesses and being treated that way by their dads or father figure. One of the first few people that came in, I greeted and told the little girl how beautiful she looked (she was probably five years old), she then responded and said to me, 'Thank you but look at how handsome my dad is.' That was a very emotional and rewarding moment. Any time we can bring families together in a safe environment I feel as if we have accomplished the task,” said Workman.
One of Workman’s favorite memories at the Y is helping a 65 years old member overcome her fear of water.
“We introduced her to aqua aerobics and she felt a little better, but still stayed in the shallow end and always made sure her feet never left the bottom of the pool. She then decided to try adult swim lessons. She took approximately four to six lessons, and by her last lesson she was able to swim the length of the pool and float on her back (feet off the bottom). There were a lot of tears of happiness shed that day. It is always my greatest pleasure to see one of our members conquer something they've never done or have been afraid to do,” said Workman.
As an active spirit, mind, body, Workman stays quite active outside of the Y.
“I love to stay active biking and hiking and also enjoy gardening in my backyard,” Workman said.