Staff Spotlight: Jan Tischler Celebrates 25 Years!
Staff Spotlight: Jan Tischler or “Ms. Jan”
Jan started as a member of the YMCA over 33 years ago! She loved the classes and atmosphere and wanted to be more involved. After being a member for some time, she began working for our babysitting department 25 years ago. She was able to bring her young children with her to work and enjoyed the family inclusiveness of the Y. Jan has contributed so much to the Y she has even been named Employee of the Year for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago in 2000 and is still going strong. She inspired both of her children to eventually work for the Y as well, her daughter Val was a camp counselor and her son Tom worked as a lifeguard.
Jan is one of the most generous people we know. She is always willing to help; she volunteers for all of our special events and has always encouraged others throughout her career with the Y. From leading the Kid Zone Department, to the Halloween walk, Reindeer Run, hosting Senior Bingo special events, to Bike club, and encouraging a no sweets annual diet challenge, plus she regularly attends cycle class Jan does it all! She touches every member and staff at every age. Jan says the members and kids at the Y are like a second family to her, she loves seeing families grow and kids progress through our programs.
When not at the Y Jan loves hanging with her pup Bella and going for long walks. She also enjoys traveling and seeing new places. Although lately she is perfectly content to spend as much time as she can with her first grandson, Nico who is now 2 years old!