Parkville Y Takes On New Leader

Less than two years have passed since the Y of Central Maryland opened the in North Plaza, but already there's been a change in leadership at the center.

Dawn Chrystal-Wolfe took the reins from her predecessor earlier this month and couldn't be more excited to get to know the community.

"Right now, since I just took over I'm mostly familiar with the center," Chrystal-Wolfe said. "One of my goals is to get familiar with the area and the communities. I think that in talking to some of the members my first couple of weeks. They’re really excited to have the Y here, it’s a real asset to the community."

Chrystal-Wolfe, who's been with the Y for 14 years, comes to the Parkville Y from the Dancel Family Center in Ellicott City where she worked in a number of roles: everything from the front desk to associate center director.

"I've had a lot of growth opportunities with the Y," she said.

This recent move is just one more opportunity—Chrystal-Wolfe switched places with Parkville's former Y director Michelle Reedy, in a move she said will give both women a chance to grow professionally.

"I really enjoy the relationship-building aspect of my job. I get to learn about a new community and I get to meet new members, but that’s also a challenge," Chrystal-Wolfe said. "It's about getting out of your comfort zone."

"That’s really what distinguishes the Y in a market of other fitness centers, recreation centers — it’s really all about the community and the relationships we build here," she said.

Do you use the Parkville Family Center Y to keep fit? What's your favorite class there? Tell us in the comments.