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Hi, I'm Kevin Clark, Property Director at the Newton YMCA. I have been with the Newton YMCA 12 years now and I can honestly say that it's the best job I've ever had!
I have lived in Newton all of my life and I previously worked for Maytag, Brockway Mechanical and TPI. I am married to Krista (Roper) and we have 5 children. Derrike works for Baker Electric Kelsey is a dental assistant with Central Iowa Orthodontics, Denae owns her own business - The Wax Bar, Mac works at Amazon, and Jackson will be freshman at Newton High School. My passion in life is auto racing and my son Derrike and I race karts together at the Newton Kart Klub. He moved onto micro sprints and now has moved onto sprint cars. My other favorite past time is taking trips with my wife to Las Vegas where we enjoy the shows, food, and have been known to catch a Def Leppard concert here and there. Contact Kevin at [email protected] or by calling (641) 792-4006 |
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Hi, I'm Erick, Director of Ops.
I may be from Iowa City originally, but Newton has been home as long as I can remember. I met a girl in college who changed my life and 20 years/3 kids later.. here we are! I spent over 10 years working in Energy Efficiency, and another 3 as a consultant, but I was eager to get into the right TEAM environment. I'm also passionate about helping my community and getting the most out of this life, so the YMCA is a perfect fit. Here, I spend my days trying to maximize our impact by optimizing what we do, and expanding our reach. The Newton YMCA is so much more than a gym; sure it is a multi-faceted wellness facility, but most of all... a community. Outside of work you can find me on the tennis courts (coaching or playing), cheering on the Hawks, and spending time with my family. The best life has to offer! Contact Erick at [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006 |
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I was born and raised in Hampton, Illinois. Hampton is a small town on the banks of the Mississippi river near the Quad City area. I have worked for the Y movement for close to 20 years and have loved every minute of it.
Instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through sports is my passion. I am an avid sports fan. My favorite thing to do is watch the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball on TV. Newton has a radio affiliate for Cardinal baseball ~ KCOB AM 1280 on the dial ~ this will make me very happy during the summer months and into October (Sorry Cubs fans)! My hobbies include working out, listening to music, and an occasional game of golf. One of my most memorable experiences is playing basketball in Cal Ripken’s house. I really look forward to making Newton a better place for children and families. Contact Scott at [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006. |
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Hi, I’m Serenity Bookout, Child Care Director at the Newton YMCA. I have been with the Y in an official capacity since 2018, but have grown up inside the Y my entire life. I started in the Early Learning Center at 6 weeks old, left when I turned twelve, came back at eighteen and have been here ever since. You could say this place is a part of me.
I am married to my middle school sweetheart, Cameron. We have a dog and two cats. As you can imagine, we are quite busy. I graduated with a double major in Human Services and Psychology from Buena Vista University in 2022, the same year my son Jaxton was born. We welcomed my daughter Luella in 2024. When I am not at work, you can find me riding my motorcycle, laying on my hammock with my dogs, or shopping at the mall. Contact Serenity at [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006 |
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Hi, I’m Cookie Fuzell, Family and Community Director at the Newton YMCA. I’m originally from Southern California, but after years of traveling for work and running my own clothing company from home, my family and I eventually settled in Newton, Iowa. I studied Art History and Music Theory in college always imagining a future in the arts. However, I found my true calling in community service and public health upon graduation.
My professional journey has centered around nonprofit work and supporting families. I’m excited to bring that experience, along with my creative background, into my role at the Newton YMCA. Having previously served as the Gymnastics Coordinator, this feels like a return to a place that’s always felt like home. I believe that working with youth is one of the most vital ways to strengthen a community. Providing a space where young people feel safe, supported, and connected is at the heart of what I hope to build through programs and events. My goal is to create an environment where every family feels welcome and every child has a place to thrive. I’m a proud mom of two. I’m an avid reader and gardener. I am also a lifelong music lover. I play five instruments and enjoy staying connected to music as a hobby. Creating a space where kids feel seen, safe, and inspired is what drives me every day! Contact Cookie at [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006. |
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Hello everyone! My name is Kaylee Franke, and I am so thankful to be joining your community as our Aquatics Director. I have worked in aquatics for over 14 years, and have held various facility and regional aquatics director positions. I am a proud Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Ambassador. Outside of work I can usually be found talking to my husband about anything under the sun, hiking with our labradors, or working in our street cat sanctuary "Verdant".
I am also excited to personally oversee the Penguins, as well as work with our high school swim teams. Aquatics and Rec are my lifelong passions, and I look forward to having an impact here! Contact Kaylee at [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006 |
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Hi, I’m Sarah Pittman, Fitness Coordinator at the Newton YMCA. I live just outside Newton with my husband, two boys, a high-spirited dog, an irritable old cat, and two leopard geckos. I grew up in a very small town about 30 minutes north of Ames so my husband and I were excited to move to a “big town” when we came here in 2010. I have my degree in Kinesiology and Health from Iowa State University and I am also a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach through the American Council on Exercise.
My life revolves around coffee, dinosaurs, legos, keeping our dog out of trouble and a never ending to do list to fix up our old house. We enjoy anytime we can spend with our families and travel as often as possible. I started at the YMCA in September 2019 as a fitness instructor/personal trainer and am excited about this new opportunity to serve the YMCA and community. Contact Sarah at [email protected] or call (641) 792-4006 |
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CHAD KELLEY | PRESIDENT
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SHAD MARVELLI | VICE PRESIDENT
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BARB BARR | SECRETARY
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TROYT GHOLSON | TREASURER
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Christina Anderson
Barb Barr Troy Garton Keirstin Heitman Andrea Jansen |
Chad Kelley
Shad Marvelli Cameron McGinley Tom Messinger |
Troyt Gholson
Sarah Patterson Clayton Whipple Nick Williams Chris Barton |