Anisia is a life-long Wichitan and member of the Greater Wichita YMCA. She is completed her Degree in Business Administration at Wichita State University, with an emphasis in Economics and Management. After 9 years serving the North Branch YMCA, leading in youth programs, GroupX, and Aquatics, Anisia joined the Downtown family as Branch Director. In this role she looks forward to maintaining a spirit of helpfulness and community.

Rachael was born and raised in Indiana but has called Wichita home for the past 13 years. She graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and began her journey at the YMCA as an intern. Since then, she has had the opportunity to grow through several roles, including Personal Trainer, Wellness Director, and now Senior Program Director, where she oversees Fitness, Group Exercise, Youth & Family, and Membership.

Rachael is passionate about personal growth and helping others grow alongside her. Her time at the YMCA has helped shape her by building her confidence and teaching her the importance of making a positive impact on the people around her. Along the way, she has built some amazing friendships and connections that she truly values. She is naturally competitive and is always up for a challenge. She is motivated by opportunities to learn, grow, and help others succeed.

Garrett Gates is a Wichita native with a passion for community, wellness, and leadership. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science before spending five years in Kansas City building a strong background in sports performance and strength & conditioning. During that time, Garrett worked with athletes at the youth, high school, collegiate, and professional levels, helping individuals develop both physically and mentally through performance training.

In 2023, Garrett returned to Wichita to be closer to family and continue investing in the community that helped shape him. For the past three years, he has served as the Membership Director at the Downtown YMCA, where he is dedicated to creating an environment centered around connection, growth, wellness, and belonging. Garrett is passionate about helping others feel welcomed and supported while fostering a positive experience for members throughout the downtown Wichita community.

Outside of the YMCA, Garrett enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, as well as catching films at the local cinema whenever he can.

Ashlee Ware began her YMCA career as a Personal Trainer in 2024. She is passionate about helping others build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover what they can achieve through fitness.

As someone who actively pursues personal fitness goals through strength training and physique-focused training, Ashlee understands both the discipline and balance required to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She believes fitness should enhance your life, not take over, and enjoys helping others find an approach to health and wellness that supports their individual goals.

Jecica was born in Texas and spent much of her life moving from place to place before finding her forever home in Wichita, Kansas. Since 2020, she has been a dedicated member of the YMCA, where she combines her passion for children with creating safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for families. As a proud mother of 10, Jecica brings patience, compassion, and creativity to everything she does. Outside of work, she enjoys planning family activities, styling outfits, finding great bargains, and sharing her positive energy and warm smile with those around her.

Jessica “Jessie” Silva was born and raised in Mexico City, where she studied law and business administration and built a successful career in financial and corporate institutions for over 15 years. She moved to Wichita in 2013, where she now lives with her husband, Shivi, and their two sons.

Jessie joined the YMCA in 2018 as a Group Exercise Instructor and quickly became known for her energy and versatility. She teaches a wide range of formats including Zumba, STRONG Nation, Cycle, Y-Box, Muscle Pump, HIIT, Water Fitness, Zumba Gold, and Pilates, and holds certifications in Les Mills BodyPump and indoor cycling.

Promoted to Group Exercise Coordinator in 2023, Jessie continues to inspire members and staff alike. In 2025, she received the Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach from the Wichita Business Journal. She is also a featured instructor on YMCA 360, offering classes in both English and Spanish
 

Doug came to the YMCA to do his part to help with the mission and to create a safe and functional environment for the members. His mechanical career started at 14 years old, rebuilding his first car with his dad and it never stopped. He and his wife operate a small fruit and nut tree farm in south central Kansas to serve larger nurseries in the region. They have 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

Stephanie started her career with the Greater Wichita YMCA in 1997 working part-time as a KidZone attendant at the East Branch.  She was promoted to the Youth and Family Director position at the East Branch at which time she also completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Quality Management.  She then moved into the administrative office at the East branch for a bit before moving up into the Metro office where she held several positions before leaving the YMCA in 2006.  She then returned to the YMCA in June of 2017 as a group exercise instructor, in May 2019 she joined the YMCA again in a full-time position as a Member Services Associate and continued to teach Pilates, in August 2020 she moved into the administrative assistant role.

Ashlee Ware began her YMCA career as a Personal Trainer in 2024. She is passionate about helping others build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover what they can achieve through fitness.

As someone who actively pursues personal fitness goals through strength training and physique-focused training, Ashlee understands both the discipline and balance required to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She believes fitness should enhance your life, not take over, and enjoys helping others find an approach to health and wellness that supports their individual goals.

Karina became a personal trainer in 2018. She has experience in corrective exercise, joint rehabilitation and functional movement therapy. Karina played many sports growing up but her love of movement was heightened when she found Taekwondo at the age of 11. She went on to becoming National champion at 16 and again at 17. Karina has recently slowed her lifestyle down just enough to spend quality time with her two children. She loves helping people achieve their goals and believes that with proper nutrition, movement and a little bit of support, the benefits are endless. She believes that the body is meant to move and approaches fitness with a similar mindset as she did Taekwondo. Teaching clients basic movement patterns that can be progressed and sequenced together to create a routine that safely moves the client towards their goals.

Daniella received her bachelor’s degree at Fort Hays State University in 2022. She then acquired her ACE Certification in personal training. Daniella spent 14 years playing soccer. Once she stopped playing soccer her fitness came to a stop as well. She took multiple years off from exercising and eating right. After all this time, creating a healthier routine was incredibly difficult for her. Once she changed her lifestyle to include regular exercise and intuitive eating, she was able to lose 30 pounds, gain muscle, and gain confidence! This helped her empathize with her clients and plan accordingly to ensure a transformative fitness journey. She understands that fitness is not a one size fits all. Her goal is for her clients to find a happy, well-balanced lifestyle that will minimize future health risks. Daniella is passionate about helping others find their confidence inside and outside of the gym.

Breezy is an extremely motivated & highly enthusiastic fitness professional. Her passion for health and fitness carried her through some of the hardest moments in life. She went to school to become a fitness professional abroad, receiving multiple certificates in Galway, Ireland. Breezy is especially passionate in sharing the how and the why behind the necessity of moving your body to not only look your best, but to FEEL your best.

“When we feel good, we do good. Sometimes a person has to ACT their way into feeling better and exercise is a great way to tap into that better design for living.”

Breezy approaches health and fitness with the same script as being a parent; love. It is her goal to meet people where they are, while reminding them of their worth inside and outside of a gym. She is a magnet of empowerment and self love for her clients and work environment.

“I help people kill their insecurities for a living. My purpose is to love and my passion is to inspire”

I'm a personal trainer, fitness enthusiast, and your biggest cheerleader when it comes to reaching your goals. I believe fitness should be challenging, rewarding, and yes—even fun! My mission is to help people build strength, confidence, and healthy habits that fit into real life.

Whether you're stepping into a gym for the first time, getting back into a routine, or looking to push yourself to the next level, I'm here to support you every step of the way. My workouts focus on building strength, mobility, improving endurance, and helping you feel your absolute best—without the pressure of being perfect.

When you train with me, expect encouragement, accountability, a few laughs, and workouts that leave you feeling strong and accomplished. My goal isn't just to help you crush fitness goals—it's to help you realize you're capable of more than you think.

"Strong bodies build confident lives "

Taz brings a unique blend of athletic experience, personal transformation, and practical understanding to her role as a Personal Trainer at the Downtown YMCA. A former elite gymnast and three-time State Powerlifting Champion, she has competed in numerous events, including the Mud Run and Fittest in Wichita competition.

As a mother of three who has undergone three C-sections, Taz understands the challenges of balancing health, family, and everyday life. Through dedication and evidence-based training, she lost more than 60 pounds and achieved a complete body composition change.

Taz specializes in strength training, weight loss, confidence building, postpartum fitness, and sustainable healthy habits. Whether you're new to exercise, returning after a break, or pursuing athletic goals, she is committed to helping you succeed in a supportive, encouraging environment.