Staff Directory
Kristin Irwin
Chief Executive Officer
(734) 241-2606 ext. 227
kristinirwin@monroefamilyymca.org
Kristin has been leading the Monroe Family YMCA as Chief Executive Officer since 2010. She holds a Master’s of Education degree from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor’s of Science degree of Grand Valley State University, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team.
Since serving at the Y, Kristin has led volunteer boards and staff teams that have resulted in significant organizational growth in philanthropy, partnerships and community impact. She thoroughly enjoys the Monroe community and has a commitment to positively impact lives through the charitable mission work of the YMCA. She and her staff work tirelessly to try to make Monroe a better place for all.
She has over 25 years of experience in the Health and Wellness field, including Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Romulus. She also coached women’s basketball and taught fitness and nutrition classes at several colleges including Hillsdale College, Central Michigan University, and Ohio Northern University. She continues to coach youth sports and enjoys teaching children valuable life lessons that they learn through participation in team sports.
Kristin and her husband Ryan have two children, Carson (20) and Kennedy (17), and a dog named Bo, after the great Bo Schembechler (Go Blue!). She enjoys staying busy by spending time with her friends and family, watching her children compete in their athletic endeavors, trail hiking, and doing just about anything that involves being out in the sunshine!
Penny Marino
CFO & Human Resource Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 240
pennymarino@monroefamilyymca.org
Penny joined the leadership team in April 2010 as the CFO and Human Resource Director. With over 30 years of experience in business management, she is responsible for the Monroe Family YMCA’s financial operations. Together with the CEO, she oversees daily operational and administrative functions, and implements internal controls that protect and promote the mission, culture and vision, and strategic plan of the Y. She manages through a balance of transformational and servant leadership.
Known for thinking “what if”, she is an integral part of risk management strategies, with a dedicated focus on child abuse prevention across the organization. In October 2023, she became a Certified Praesidium Guardian as a national leader in risk management of sexual abuse of vulnerable populations. She is also certified in youth and adult mental health first aid and serves on the Y’s scholarship committee. Her passion for ensuring safe opportunities for all is evident in all that she does for the Y and beyond.
She is a devoted supporter of Catholic education, and has served on advisory committees and school boards for multiple Catholic schools throughout the past 20 years. An avid reader, she dedicated countless volunteer hours in two elementary school libraries to implement and deliver the Star and Accelerated Reader programs which measures and promotes early literacy skills.
Penny and her husband Nick have two children, Nicholas and Quincey. In February 2020 she adopted their Boston Terrier, Milo from Deacon’s Hope Rescue. She enjoys Bible studies, reading, listening to music and podcasts, and binge watching a good true crime series. Above all else, her greatest fulfillment comes from time spent and laughs shared with family and friends.
Amanda Schmitz
Financial Development & Marketing Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 229
amandaschmitz@monroefamilyymca.org
Amanda has been with the Y since 2002. Throughout her career, she has served in multiple roles to include Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility and has a true passion for the YMCA as a Cause-Driven Organization. In her current position at the Monroe Family YMCA, she serves as the Financial Development & Marketing Director. Her responsibilities include financial development, with a specific focus on grant-writing & fundraising, community relations, marketing & communications and Christian Emphasis.
She has also been a leader of her Y’s anti-hunger efforts since its inception. She is proud of her Y’s anti-hunger program success, and the ever-growing reach in an attempt to ensure all kids in Monroe County have access to nutritious meals. She is also proud of her Y’s success with their outreach efforts, specifically fostering existing and new community partnerships, to include the pioneering contracts with a number of community churches. Amanda is committed to discovering innovative opportunities that best support the community.
Amanda also represents YMCA of the USA as a Food Service Delivery Facilitator, serving in this capacity since 2016. In this role, she supports year-round anti-hunger efforts for a team of Ys throughout the country. Amanda has also partnered with Share Our Strengths No Kid Hungry, as a Rural Afterschool Meals Champion. Moreover, Amanda advocates for feeding programs throughout the state and the nation, and is passionate to ensure all kids and families have access to healthy food.
Most recently, she has expanded her Y-USA Service Delivery role to include Healthy Aging Practice Process. In this role she supports Ys throughout the nation strategize to ensure the needs of the healthy aging population are met.
Amanda is most proud of her son Lincoln, who keeps her on her toes! She is very involved serving in her church and enjoys being outside and spending time with friends and family.
Gabby Holland
Childcare & Mental Health Services Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 221
Gabby has held the position of Mental Health Services Director since June 2021. She has been employed at the Y for 6 years, previously serving in the Member Services, Youth Development and Tennis Departments. She received her Master’s degree in social work from University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University. She possesses a limited license through the State of Michigan and holds a DP-C through MCBAP.
Her areas of expertise include mental health and substance abuse. Gabby has always had a passion to advocate for youth mental health, leading her to pursue the field in college. She is excited to continue to gain experience, working with YMCA program participants and Monroe County youth.
Gabby is also responsible for implementing the Monroe Family YMCA Family and Adult Scholarship Programs. These programs support the Y’s initiative to ensure memberships and programs are available to all, despite financial hardship. She also works closely with the Teen Leaders and Schoolage Childcare Programs, specifically engaging participants and staff in social-emotional learning opportunities.
Gabby married her husband Luke in October 2021 and added a beagle puppy, Clover, to their household. They also have two cats, Crookshanks and Cooper, demonstrating her enthusiasm for Harry Potter. When she is not at the Y, she is spending time with her family and friends or reading.
Zach Boyan
Aquatics Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 225
Zach has been in the role of Aquatics Director since August 2024. His experience with the Monroe Family YMCA spans his entire life, beginning as a participant in Y programs. He was involved in swim lessons as a young child and was a member of the very first YMCA Tide Swim Team. While in high school, Zach was part of the Leaders In Training (LIT) Program during Summer Day Camp. This program led him to a position as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor in 2021, and the role of Aquatics Coordinator in 2023.
Zach is also a college student, studying Business Management. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, playing golf and pickleball. He also loves spending time with Ziggy, his Toy Australian Shepherd.
Lizzy Stritt
Community Relations Director
lstritt@monroefamilyymca.org
Lizzy has been Community Relations Director since October 2023. Prior to this role, she was Youth Development Director from 2017-2023, providing oversight of Before & Afterschool Care, Day Camp and Youth Sports. She began her work at the Y as a Lead Counselor for the Y’s Healthy Out of School Time and Year-Round Food Programs. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Eastern Michigan University.
She has over 15 years of experience working with youth. Lizzy has a passion for positively impacting kids in Monroe County through relationship-building and providing safe and enriching spaces for all. Among her accomplishments, she has attained a 5-Star Rating with the Childcare Network Great Start To Quality.
Lizzy met her husband Kenny at the YMCA, who works part time leading Youth Sports. They have two fur babies, Dumbledore & Winston. Lizzy enjoys traveling, sports, spending time outdoors, being with family and friends and most of all pizza!
Michelle Lee
Grant Compliance & Fundraising Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 228
Michelle has been part of the YMCA family since 2022. Previous to her current role, she was part of the Member Service Department. She began her current role in January 2025. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience, including six years focused on grant management, Michelle is well-equipped to support the YMCA’s mission. Her responsibilities include enhancing the organization’s grant and fundraising capacities, advancing charitable work, and leading the Y’s Annual Campaign.
Michelle’s educational achievements include an Associate’s Degree from Monroe County Community College, a Bachelor’s of Education, and a Master’s of Education and History from the University of Toledo, and coursework in Administration at Eastern Michigan University.
The YMCA has been a pillar of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle for Michelle and her family. She appreciates the opportunity to give back to an organization that gives so much to the families in our community.
Carrie Powell
Anti-Hunger Initiatives Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 242
Carrie has been on the Leadership Team since 2019. In her role as Anti-Hunger Initiatives Director, she provides oversight of the Y’s meal distribution programs, including kitchen operations, fostering community partnerships, operating USDA food programs, and implementing special events & nutrition education programs. She began her work with the Y in 2014 as a Summer Day Camp Counselor and then transitioned into the role for Food Program Coordinator.
During her time as Youth Outreach Director, she has successfully led the Monroe Family YMCA’s meal distribution efforts, including being awarded the USDA Turnip The Beet Award for three consecutive years. This prestigious honor recognizes youth meal programs that provide nutritious and culturally relevant meals. Most recently, Carrie has been recognized in No Kid Hungry’s 2021 Out Of School Time Meals Hall of Fame.
Previous to working at the Y, Carrie was a Teacher Aide for the Monroe County Intermediate School District for 19 years. In this role, she worked with students with severe autism, physical limitations, and learning impairments.
Carrie continues to be driven for her family. She is the proud mother of two boys, now in their mid-20s, has a beautiful granddaughter, Rose and 3 bonus grandchildren, Alayna, Aiden, and Kingston. Her family is what she treasures most and they brighten her day (and keep her busy)! She recently updated her nearly 100-year-old home and loves to hike Michigan’s outdoor trails.
Hawk Mielke
Community Recreation & Youth Sports Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 239
hawkmielke@monroefamilyymca.org
Hawk has been part of the Monroe Family YMCA team for 16 years, currently serving in the role of Community Recreation & Youth Sports Director since January 2022. In this position, he is responsible for the oversight of community recreation leagues and youth sports. Prior to this role, he worked as Summer Day Camp Coordinator and Lead Counselor. He has led youth basketball clinics for several years.
A life-long YMCA enthusiast, Hawk has been involved with the Y since 1968 either as a member, volunteer or employee. Prior to coming to Monroe, he worked at two different YMCAs in different states. He has over 40 years of experience working with kids in camp and coaching capacities. He enjoys working with youth and has a passion for basketball. He appreciates the reward of witnessing kids discover and apply new skills.
Hawk has lived in many different places throughout the eastern and southern states, but claims West Virginia as home. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mercyhurst University and Doctor of Chiropractor from Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic.
Hawk is single parent and enjoys spending time with his two daughters. Keegan attends Grand Valley State University and Mackenzie will be attending University of Michigan in the Fall. He enjoys most water sports especially, surfing and paddle boarding. He also enjoys camping and being outside, as he is an avid disc golfer and golfer.
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Jay Heinzerling
Y On The Fly Mobile Sports Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 220
Jay began working at the Y in March 2022, as Youth Ball Coordinator, transitioning into his current role as Y On The Fly Mobile Sports Director in August 2022. Prior to joining the Y team, he worked as a supervisor in the automotive industry.
Jay graduated from Monroe High School in 1996, where he played football and baseball. This is when he discovered his passion for coaching. With over 20 years of experience, he has coached the Golden Gophers First Downers Jr. Football, baseball and softball. He enjoys working with kids and encouraging them to engage in various sports to stay active. He appreciates the awarding experience of watching the development of skills and self-confidence.
Jay lives in Carleton with his wife Andrea. The two married in 1998 and have three kids-Jordan, Allyson and Alivia. He also has two dogs, Bo and Zoey. He enjoys hunting, fishing and cheering on the Detroit Tigers, U of M football and the Green Bay Packers.
Jerry Escheck
Tennis & Racquet Sports Director
(734) 241-2606 ext. 232
jerryescheck@monroefamilyymca.org
Jerry has been Tennis and Racquet Sports Director since March 2015. His responsibilities include coordination of tennis lessons & leagues, USTA Travel Teams and implementation of Tennis, Racquetball and Pickleball tournaments & special events. Jerry’s goal is to provide players of all ages a positive, welcoming environment and opportunities for relationship-building. Jerry’s focus is fun, fitness, friendship and family!
Jerry has a life-long love of tennis and racquet sports, playing since 1984. He has coached Varsity Boys and Girls Tennis for Airport High School since 1991. He captains, coordinates and plays for numerous USTA Adult Travel Teams. They have competed at all levels, including Midwest Sectionals and the 2014 USTA Nationals, 4.5 Men’s Championships in California. As a Junior Travel Team coach, he has taken two Junior Teams to Nationals in Arizona.
Jerry graduated from Jefferson High School with a vision of turning his passion into a career. He began working for the Downriver Racquet Club in 1990 and since has acquired much experience as Head Tennis Pro and Director. He has led operations at the Grosse Ile Racquet Club, Fairlane Club, Dearborn Racquet and Health Club and Park Colony Club. He has been Parks and Rec Tennis Program Director/Tournament Director for the cities of Allen Park, Carleton, Gibraltar, Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate, Trenton and Wyandotte. Jerry is a quintessential part of the tennis community in Downriver and Monroe county areas.
He has received numerous coaching awards as Regional, Huron League and Monroe County Coach of the Year and Michigan High School Athletic Association as the 2015 Division 3, Boy’s State Coach of the Year.
If not on the court, Jerry is rooting for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins either in person or on TV. He also loves to garden and spending time with family and friends.
Jim Grossmann
Property Manager
(734) 241-2606 ext. 226
jgrossmann@monroefamilyymca.org
Jim has been in the role of Property Manager since October 2021. Serving in the US Navy directly after high school, Jim has acquired over 40 years of experience in electrical trade, machinery design, build, repair and preventive maintenance.
Jim appreciates the opportunity to lead preventive maintenance, supplies purchasing, equipment repairs, and building and grounds improvement efforts at the Y. He takes pride in knowing the building and grounds are maintained to offer the Monroe Community the best experience possible.
Jim and his wife Karen have been residents of Monroe since 2005. Jim has been a member of the Monroe Family YMCA since 2008, where he enjoys a morning ½ mile swim every day. When he is not spending his time at the Y, he enjoys playing guitar and home improvement projects.
Haleigh Hurley
Aquatics Coordinator
(734) 241-2606 ext. 225
Haleigh has been in the role of Aquatics Coordinator since August 2024. Her focuses include aquatic safety, group & private swim lessons & Tide Swim Team. Her responsibilities also include training and oversight of CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certifications. She began working for the Monroe Family YMCA in 2013 as a swim instructor. Since then, she has fulfilled various positions including Aquatics Director, Membership Director and Accounts Payable.
Haleigh graduated from the University of Toledo in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Leadership. Her position at the Y is ideal, as she is incredibly fond of the Monroe Family YMCA and the Monroe Community. She grew up as a Y member, which provided a positive experience, guiding the trajectory of her career path. She appreciates the opportunity to provide the same experience to others, building relationships with members and potential members and swim participants.
Outside of the Y, Haleigh enjoys spending time with her husband Adam, their son Blake and their two dogs, Evie and Louie.