Danielle Radcliffe

I have been coming to the YMCA since I was a child when my mom worked at the West Y Kid Zone. I remember being so excited the moment I was old enough to go around myself. I remember the first teen nights and how much fun they were. I was so proud when I passed the test to be able to be in the weights area. 

As an adult, it's been great coming back and making these memories with my children now. They are involved in Ninja Zone, swim lessons, and gymnastics! It's a great day when we get to come to the Y.

I started working in the YMCA’s Middle School After School (MSAS) program back in 2014 at Jardine Middle School. My team lead introduced me to this amazing program. 

I am now the site coordinator for MSAS at Mead Middle School. 

MSAS is a lifeline to my community. These students need something more, and this allows us to give it to them. Without this, 90-120 students a day wouldn't get a snack or activity. Students want to come, and it helps them want to be involved in school.

MSAS has pushed me to do more, not only for my students but also for myself. 

I am more active with this program. I started out in 2014 at 340ish pounds, and now I am 190, with two children. I participated in the October walkathon. I jog around all during MSAS and am involved in most clubs. I have a more positive outlook, and I feel like I have a team that shares my passion.

MSAS has taught me patience and leadership. At first, I was stubborn and wanted things a certain way. I have come to grow with my team and see their strengths and lean on them.

I am so proud of the growth and offerings of my program. I am proud of the teachers I work with and how they share their passions with the students. 

Two years ago, Mead didn't have a program, and now we are one of the largest! I grew numbers at Jardine as well in the year that I was there. I am proud of how many more students, staff, and community are involved. 

Overall, this program is part of my life. I never want to quit. I love seeing the impact; being a part of it is even better. I am blessed to work with such great staff.