What is your name?
Tammy Stafford
What is your position with the Y?
Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Yoga Teacher and Small Steps Coach
What Y centre do you work with (regularly, outside of COVID-19)?
Downtown YMCA
What do you always find yourself saying?
YOU GOT THIS!!!!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Paul Check, a world-renowned expert in the fields of corrective and high performance exercise, kinesiology and holistic wellness. My hero.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Nobel Peace Prize!
Please share one fond memory you have of the Y.
I have an abundance of memories where my coworkers and I are having the best time laughing and being hilarious. It’s a contagious energy that members love and often partake in. Such a good crowd and I’m so proud to be part of it.
What are you doing to stay connected while at home (personal connections)?
Lots of WhatsApp, Zoom, talking on the phone
Are you staying connected with your Y family during this time, and if so, how?
We have been WhatsApping lots and have done a Zoom meeting, it’s been great to stay connected!
Where is your favourite place to “dine”/order takeout in the Okanagan right now?
MADE IN INDIA
What is your favourite activity while social distancing in the Okanagan?
I’ve been going on absolutely amazing bike rides almost every day.
Who inspires you?
I really look up to Rose in my Y family, she is an amazing yoga teacher and person.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel Thailand, travel Peru and become a certified CHEK practitioner.
Tell us about a defining moment in your life.
My life changed when I did my yoga teacher training, it allowed me to identify limiting beliefs and step into my power.
What are you passionate about?
Inspiring personal empowerment through fitness and yoga.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
I’ve had many. They all involve nature, biking, my family and takeout from Made in India. I like to keep it simple, haha.
What do you miss the most about your Y?
Everything! But especially the support I receive from my team. They are always there to encourage me and answer my questions, even the ones I feel silly asking.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Opening a yoga retreat centre in nature that focuses on addiction services.
What 3 qualities do you feel your Y exemplifies?
Community, support, and inclusivity.
How does your Y team make a difference every day?
I feel so much support from my team and know that I can reach out to them at any time I am having a tough day. Collin reached out to all of us individually to make sure we are doing well and it means the world to me.
What words of encouragement would you say to our Y members/participants/families right now?
We’re almost there! We did such an amazing job pulling together as a community to keep everyone safe. Now we know how strong we are and moving forward there will be a leap of growth for all of us, individually and as a team!
What would you like to say to your fellow staff/volunteer team?
I MISS YOUR FACES SOOOOOOO MUCH
What does community mean to you?
It means a safe space for me to grow and support others on their journey.
What Y team member would you like to give a shout-out to and why?
I would like to shout out Collin for keeping us all informed and checking in on us, for caring so deeply and being an amazing leader.