My bosses were 7 and 10
When Kristin first applied to work with YMCA EarlyON, she had been a stay-at-home mom for ten years. Before having children, she worked in social services, but her own experience of postpartum depression changed the direction she imagined for her career and eventually led her to volunteer with a group supporting other mothers. When she was ready to return to work, Kristin discovered what is now known as EarlyON and saw a place where her experiences could come together. There was just one unconventional addition to her application:
“For 10 years, I had two bosses, and they were 7 and 10 at the time. I had my girls write me a reference letter (in addition to my professional references).”
Growing with the YMCA
The reference from her children stood out! Kristin joined the YMCA as a supply staff member and, over the next 17 years, grew through part-time and full-time opportunities before becoming Supervisor of the St. Anthony YMCA EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Along the way, she learned from colleagues with different backgrounds, leaned on experienced peers, and found leaders who supported her growth.
“There’s always someone to go to to support you. There’s always great peers to rely on.”
Today, those relationships are part of what makes the YMCA not simply a place where Kristin works, but a community she is proud to help build.
Community happens in the little moments
At EarlyON, that community often takes shape in little moments: celebrating a child’s first steps, introducing two parents who have something in common, or sharing a family’s excitement when they announce a new baby. During the pandemic, Kristin created a virtual gathering for new moms looking for connection. Four joined and became friends, eventually going for stroller walks together and staying in touch beyond the program. For Kristin, that’s the goal: creating opportunities for families to find one another and watching those connections grow.
A place to feel safe
Shortly after St. Anthony opened, Kristin answered the door to find a mom and her young son standing outside. Before even saying hello, the mom told her, “I’m out of my comfort zone.” Kristin knew getting there had taken courage. She welcomed them inside without pressure or judgement, and the mom became a regular participant. Over time, Kristin watched as someone once nervous to enter began welcoming other families herself. It captures what the St. Anthony team hopes families find at EarlyON: a place to connect, feel safe, and belong.
That same sense of connection is something that Lizzie and Sawyer have found at EarlyON too!
Come as you are
After 17 years with the YMCA, those moments haven’t lost their significance for Kristin. Families have trusted her team with celebrations, milestones, difficult days, and everything in between.
“Everyone deserves a space to go… I never want families to feel like they ever have to come in and apologize for their children.”
It’s the community Kristin and her team continue to build every day: one where parents, caregivers, and children can come as they are and know there is a place for them.