February 2026 Staff Member of the Month - Alyssa Watkins

What is your role at the YMCA? 

I work as the Family Services Coordinator!

Tell us a little about your Y-story. What made you want to come work at the YMCA? 

I have worked with the YMCA since I was 17 years old. I began my career at the Clover School District YMCA, where I worked from ages 17 to 21 as an after-school counselor and lead summer camp counselor. After moving to West Virginia, I joined the Parkersburg YMCA as an after-school mentor and was quickly promoted to site supervisor at Greenmont Elementary. The following summer, I served as Head counselor for the 4- and 5- year old summer camp groups. That fall, I was promoted to my current role as Family Services Coordinator. I have been a part of the Parkersburg YMCA for nearly 2 1/2 years now. I decided I wanted to work the YMCA because I wanted to be able to help children and be a safe space for them. I thought the YMCA seemed like the perfect place for me to grow and be able to make an impact on children's lives.

How has the YMCA impacted your life? 

The YMCA has deeply impacted my life by surrounding me with people I can always count on and by providing a place I can turn to no matter what is happening in my life. It has given me a sense of belonging and purpose, and I find the joy in the children I have impacted- especially in seeing their faces light up when they see me.

What is something you are proud of from the last year?

I am proud of how far I have come in the last year with being more confident in my role as family services coordinator.