At the YMCA, we believe in hiring by the KASH method. KASH stands for Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Habit. There are two traits you cannot change; Attitude and Habits. We focus on hiring people with great, positive attitudes and great, working habits. We can give them the knowledger and skills they need to perform their job! Another characteristic we strive for is service. We believe in providing the exceptional service and making a difffence in the lives we serve. Our creed is GYM-GEM. This stands for Greet Your Member, Go the Extra Mile. We want all our team members to 'go the extra mile' and please let us know if you notice someone not doing this!!
Chad Knight, Chief Executive Officer
Being a YMCA rat at a young age and growing up in Garden City, I was blessed to learn many lifelong skills at the Y. I was fortunate that my mom and dad provided me the opportunities to learn and play racquetball, basketball, swim and learn many other values at the YMCA. I graduated from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk) with a Bachelor of Science in Education. My major was Recreation Management. Growing up in the YMCA, it was always my dream to come back and work at the Y. I would always tell the Sports Director, Greg Reinert that I was going to come back and have his job! I was the Sports Director twice before I came back in 2000 to become the Executive Director. Being the CEO, it gives me great honor to lead both of our YMCA branches and provide those lifelong skills to others. I believe in the YMCA Mission and I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would rather work! You could say I am living the dream! I can assure you that we will continue our mission, stress the importance of healthy lifestyles, listen to your needs and wants, and make sure our Character Counts in all of our programs!
Family: My family includes my daughter Caleigh, and son Camden.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing racquetball, basketball and swimming at the Y. I love to officiate all sports, particularly basketball and football. My biggest thrill is coaching my kids, especially baseball/softball, and other kids in all their YMCA activities or other programs.
Krystal Richardson, Chief Administrator
I LOVE the OPPORTUNITY that I have to be a part of this wonderful YMCA family! I have been with the YMCA since 2006 and have worked the front desk, supervised the front desk, served as Family Director, a short stint as Branch Executive Director and now the Chief Administrator . I am married to my best friend Jeremy. I am a HUGE fan a football, basketball, music, camping, fishing, cooking, and smiling. I am eternally grateful for this wonderful OPPORTUNITY, and will always believe and proudly support the YMCA Mission.
Crystal Erives, Membership Director
Hi!! I'm Crystal Erives the Membership Director here at your Garden City Family YMCA. I was born and raised here. I have worked here at the Y since August 2012. I started at our Front Desk, was promoted to Membership Coordinator in November 2012, & in May of 2013 I was promoted to the Membership Director. I love everything there is about our non profit organization. There are so many opportunities working here. The YMCA is like my second home and I wouldn't change it for anything. I enjoy meeting new people each day to help them have a healthier lifestyle.
Matt Richman, Sports Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Melinda Castrellon, Aquatics Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Cippy Rodriguez, Healthy Intiatives Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Caleigh Knight, Community Engagement Coordinator
Not only did I grow up in Garden City Kansas, but I also grew up at the YMCA. I was only two years old when my father became the Executive Director here. From that moment on, the YMCA was a second home to me. I played whatever sport I could, went to every family fun night and YMCA sleepover, attended the Childcare program, as well as watch all the Corporate Cup challenges take place. I adored every minute of it. On top of that, I would help out whenever I was needed. There were many times I’d assist with setting up events and sometimes I had to show the new Directors what to do too. Sure enough, my first part-time job was working the front desk. After graduating with honors from GCHS, I enrolled at Bethany College. Four years later, I graduated summa cum laude with a double major and a minor. Immediately following, I resumed working at the YMCA. That summer we began the SFSP program. It required somebody to take over and run it. Soon enough, I was asked to, and I accepted. The rest is history.
