Fry Family YMCA Staff Spotlight: Mackenzie Ostermeier
Mackenzie Ostermeier, Fry Family YMCA’s Aquatics Director, joined the Fry Family Y team in April 2023. She has worked in aquatics for 11 years, moving from a swim instructor to lifeguard to lifeguard instructor to pool manager and now Aquatics Director!
Originally from Carol Stream, Illinois, Mackenzie has lived in many towns around the state. Outside of her experience in aquatics, she also used to be a Behavioral Specialist at a therapeutic day school for youth on the autism spectrum. Mackenzie loved working with all of her students and getting to see them grow everyday.
During her downtime, she likes to read, spend time outside, get together with friends, and play video games!
Q: What is your job as the Aquatics Director of the Fry Family YMCA?
A: As the Aquatics Director, I make sure that everyone that comes to the Y to swim is safe. I also hire and train all of the lifeguards and swim instructors that work here at the Fry Family YMCA.
I answer a lot of questions and help schedule swim lessons for people of all ages. I also attend a lot of meetings where we plan ways to implement new and fun programs here at the Fry Family Y!
Q: What is your favorite part of working at the Y?
A: It feels like one big family!
Q: What do you like most about the work that the Y does?
A: The YMCA really engages with families and people of all ages!
Q: What is your favorite memory from working at the Fry Family Y?
A: How happy people are when they are swimming at the pool!
Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far?
A: That I have helped a lot of people through really tough times.
Q: What’s something new you’ve learned about yourself in the last year?
A: I am very resilient!
Q: If you could hang out with any person (real or fiction), who would you choose and why?
A: Mario, because he is one of my favorite video game characters!
Q: If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
A: Speaking other languages!
Q: What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
A: Be open to all the possibilities life has to offer!
The Fry Family YMCA believes in the power of play. We play for fun and for progress. Whether it’s through group fitness, Day Camp, aquatics, or any of our other core community offerings, we empower our community to learn, grow, and thrive. We are committed to connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other.
Here at the Fry Family Y, we want to show off our dedicated and talented staff, as well as their amazing talents and contributions to our community. Does our mission resonate with you? We’re always looking for even more talented, community-oriented individuals who want to work at the YMCA!