YMCA instructor award

Karyl Woolery was presented a Certificate of Excellence for her work as a Silver Sneakers instructor at the YMCA of Darke County. Sam Casalano, YMCA CEO, spoke about Karyl’s dedication to Y members and her caring personality.

DARKE COUNTY, OHIO- The YMCA of Darke County has been this area’s leader in health and wellness for many years. Karyl Woolery, one of the Y’s certified Silver Sneakers specialists, has recently been chosen by her class participants and Tivity Health to be recognized with a Certificate of Excellence for the Instructor Spotlight of the Quarter. With this national recognition, she joins other winning instructors from Florida and Arizona in the running for Silver Sneakers Instructor of the Year.

The Y offers the Silver Sneakers program for senior citizens, which brings many people into the Y where they can take group exercise classes that are geared to work on balance, strength, mobility and cardiovascular health. They also are encouraged by the camaraderie of other members who have similar wellness goals for continuing health and independence.

The Y hosted a special luncheon event to recognize Karyl’s achievement on Thursday, September 14. This event coincided with the monthly carry in lunch the Silver Sneakers have each month.

“The YMCA of Darke County appreciates all that Karyl does for our SilverSneakers members every day. We would like to join Tivity Health in honoring and recognizing her for a job well done,” said Sam Casalano, YMCA CEO. “Besides Karyl’s skills as an instructor, her genuine spirit, her magic smile, and her caring personality demonstrate the the Y’s core values as she works with our members each day,” he added.

Karyl has been a Silver Sneaker instructor at the Y since 2006. “I love my job, it is so rewarding! I hear testimonials from members every day about how these classes have changed their lives,” she says.

She added that she sees participants in her classes typically improve their balance and flexibility, and also often see a lowering of their cholesterol and blood pressure. She also works with many seniors who have had knee, hip or shoulder replacements done.

“Their doctors comment on how fast their recovery is because of doing the Silver Sneakers classes prior to surgery,” she said.

For more information on the YMCA’s programs, stop by any time for a tour. The Y has two locations in Darke County ready to serve members- in Greenville at 301 Wagner Avenue and in Versailles at 10242 Versailles-Southeastern Rd.