Celeste McClure

Greeting Members with a Smile

Front Desk staff member Celeste McClure is no stranger to the YMCA. She has been involved with the Y dating back nine years ago when she began working at the Peninsula YMCA as a camp counselor. She rotated between Camp Counselor and Youth Leader for three years between facilities.

“When I originally started at the Y as a Camp Counselor I couldn't think of a better way to spend my summer working with kids! It wasn’t until I got the job that I learned of all the wonderful things [the Y does] for the community, and because of that I am proud to say I work for the Y.”

She became a certified Fitness Specialist and worked as a wellness coach for Jack in the Box corporate through the Mission Valley Y. She taught group exercise classes, personal training, and was promoted to Fitness Coordinator.

Unfortunately, Celeste was rear-ended in a car crash and was forced to give up her fitness career for almost 2 years while recovering from a back injury. Injuries aside, Celeste couldn’t keep away from the YMCA! She bounced back and saw that the Downtown location was hiring, and jumped at the opportunity. “It’s been so great to be back,” says Celeste, “what a wonderful three years it has been!”

Working at the Y has allowed Celeste to finish her degree in Environmental Studies and enjoy her passion of backpacking. She goes backpacking in the Sierra Nevada’s every summer where she likes to fish for Golden Trout (catch and release only) and explore. “I could talk about [hiking] all day,” comments Celeste. This summer she will be joining her granddad on his last “Golden Trout fishing trip”. A family oriented person, Celeste is looking forward to spending time with her granddad in the Sierra Nevada’s. She looks up to her grandparents as her granddad has taught her everything she knows about backpacking and her grandmother has taught her to sew and knit, among other things. “I am a better person for having [them] in my life.”

In Celeste’s spare time she enjoys tending to her vegetable garden, hiking, peak bagging, biking, walks on the beach, weight lifting, yoga at the Y, visiting her family in Palm Desert, and Muay Thai training with her boyfriend, Eugene of 11 years. We at the Downtown Y want to honor Celeste for her caring nature as she greets members every morning with pure kindness.

You Can Help Your YMCA!

The YMCA staff and volunteers are committed to creating and maintaining a place for youth, families and seniors to go to grow strong in spirit, mind and body. We are committed to making sure that every YMCA member has a quality experience at the YMCA. All of our programs are designed to teach and promote the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

There are many ways you can help support your YMCA and all gifts truly make an impact.

• Annual Strong Kids Campaign
  Your unrestricted donation helps provide programs to those who otherwise couldn't afford to participate. The YMCA needs you to help children grow up happy and healthy, to support families in their efforts to be strong, and to make your neighborhood a safer, healthier, better place to live and work. The Annual Support Campaign is held each year in February, but donations are welcomed throughout the year.
  
  
• Heritage Club
  The Heritage Club recognizes and honors individuals who include the YMCA in their estate plans. Through their foresight, these dedicated donors assure the YMCA's greatness for tomorrow by establishing their commitment today.