“I personally took ballet lessons at the Y’s Grand Street location when I was a child, and my children took swim lessons and gymnastics here growing up. I started working at the Y 6 ½ years ago as a substitute teacher and then gradually started teaching enrichment classes including science, music and gym. I really enjoy seeing how excited the children get when they understand something new. It always makes me feel good when they remember something they learned, especially in science classes. With music and gym, there’s a lot of movement and I enjoy watching the kids interact with each other and release their energy whether we held class indoors or outside. When we were closed, I really missed the staff and children and the personal interactions with them. Now that we’re back, I’m happy to be in a routine again. I’m currently working as an assistant teacher with the 3 and 4 year olds. I’m also happy to be able to provide a safe childcare environment to families in our community. It’s nice to see the kids so excited to be back at the Y. Their laughter is contagious. I’m looking forward to welcoming more children back to school soon and seeing more of the kids I haven’t seen since March. To me, it’s really important that the Y reopens, it’s such an important part of the community. We serve people from all ages and backgrounds – seniors to infants – and it’s amazing to see everyone together. I’m looking forward to the day that we will be in that place again and everyone will be back.”