Y Staff Story: Eager to Learn and Grow at the Y

By: Mollie Shauger | Wednesday, August 10, 2022 | Child Care

Antinica Armstrong, in front, at a South Mountain YMCA Duck Race.

Name: Antinica Armstrong

First Y Job: Senior Counselor 

Current Y Job: Program Administrator for School Age Child Care/Summer Camp Director, South Mountain YMCA

How many years at the Y: 4

Q: How did your YMCA career begin?

A: I began working part-time at the East Orange YMCA as a senior counselor in the summer of 2018. There, I was able to enjoy creating memorable moments with the youth in my community, going to the pool, going to the garden, playing games, dancing and dressing up. In 2019 I returned to the South Mountain YMCA as the assistant supervisor working with a team to make each theme come to life during our aftercare program each month. When we provided virtual learning during the pandemic, I was promoted to a site supervisor overseeing the operations of virtual learning and aftercare. During the summer I worked as the specialist for Half Day Field Fun Camp, which was always fun. 

Q: What’s great about working for the Y’s Child Care program?

A: You witness the growth and development right in front of you as children transition from one program to the next. It's gratifying and rewarding knowing that the work you do everyday creates a big difference in a child’s life; just knowing that one day they can look back and remember how something they did at the Y has shaped them to be who they are in the future. 

Q: What would you tell someone considering applying to the Y?

A: I would tell them that the Y is a great work environment that allows you to learn or enhance soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving, which are fundamental to any position. It also allows you to gain experience in providing customer service. But most importantly, it is an organization that you can grow within - sometimes quickly - when you are eager to learn new things. 

Antinica, on right, with YMCA campers.