The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 10, 2007 - 25www.oakvillebeaver.com

HEAR OUR STORIESTake three minutes to listen to some amazing advice from Jeanette Heywood, YMCA of Oakville Supervisor of Health, Fitness and Recreation. Go to www.ymcaofoakville.comand click on ‘Hear Our Stories’.

“What changes can you make that you know you can stick to?...What you have to think about first of all is ‘What do I like doing?’…

Jeanette Heywood, Supervisor of Health, Fitness and Recreation, YMCA of Oakville

DEANNA MALICKITAKITT NG STEPS WITH KIDSThere’s a fresh new face on the block at the YMCA of Oakville and if you have a pre-school child, this is a lady you should meet. Deanna Malicki is the new Coordinator of the YMCA of Oakville’s group of programs called ‘Steps & Stages in the early years’. Her warmth and ready smile are a great indication of what Steps & Stages is all about – providing help for young families with pre-school children.

Steps & Stages is a group of free parent-ing and parent/child programs offered at the YMCA of Oakville to parents of children aged prenatal to 6 years – no YMCA membership is required. A young mother of two children herself, Deanna understands both the joys and struggles of parenthood. “Many people don’t know about these programs, and es-pecially don’t know that they are offered free of charge to the public,” said Deanna, who started with Steps in November 2006. “There aren’t many places you can go to where you don’t have to think about the cost, where it’s safe, and where the toys are clean and new and developmentally appropriate.”

Even more important, says Deanna, Steps & Stages can provide help to parents who are struggling with thechallenges of parenthood. “I can see that these programs could help many families, especially with parent education. After working for 13 years in Y Child Care, you get a sense of the type of help that parents need. They would ask us for parenting advice on everything from toilet training to food and nutrition and were not sure where to turn. Steps is here to empower parents and give them some choices and tools to work with.”

Deborah Thomson, the YMCA of Oakville’s Supervisor of Philanthropy, commented on the importance of the Steps programs to fulfill the Y’s mission. “As a charitable organization, the Y is committed to being open to everyone, and Steps & Stages is part of that purpose. We want to make sure that all families have the op-portunity to be part of the Y and to get the help that they need. Funds that we collect through our annual giv-ing campaign, YMCA Strong Kids, go directly to support programs like Steps & Stages which are so vital to the health of the whole community.”

Deanna would like to see all families in Oakville take advantage of Steps drop-in programs like ‘Wiggles and Giggles’ and ‘Adventures in Storyland’, or pre-registered parenting programs like ‘COPEing with Toddler Behaviour.’ She would especially like to see young dads come in to the Y. “There are dads who are staying at home and don’t know what a program would be like. I would like them to know that we’re here and that they can drop in and try Steps & Stages – it’s a great way for them to make contact with other parents and for their children to make friends too.”

Come in and meet Deanna Malicki and the other kids and parents at Steps & Stages. For information, go to www.ymcaofoakville.com and click on ‘Programs’ to find Y Steps & Stages in the early years. Or just drop in to the Y at 410 Rebecca Street, where you can see how you can play, learn and grow together with your children.

JASON FELICETECHNICAL & PEOPLE SKILLS... … make the ideal trainer

Jason Felice supported himself through the Kinesiology program at McMaster University by work-ing part-time at the Y. Since grad-uating this year, he’s landed a full-time job in medical sales, but he’s still at the Y too. Why? “I love this place,” says Jason. “The facility is fantastic, the staff is excellent, and the members are terrific. It just feels so good to be here.”

You’ll find Jason leading Cycl-eFit classes, where he has built up quite a base of fans among mem-bers. He also does a great deal of personal training. “I like helping members develop their own per-rrsonal program to work the differ-rrent muscle groups to ensure va-riety and safety and to help them meet their fitness goals,” says Ja-son. “Some of them tell me that if we weren’t working together, they probably wouldn’t stick to their program, so I’m glad to offer that support to encourage them to keep at it.”

Jason brings a special blend of skill and warmth. The latter seems to come naturally – with his winning smile, his calming voice and his spe-cial way of reassuring people. As for the skill, well, he developed it over the years through many courses andthrough working with elite athletes. His studies at McMaster have given him a deep understanding of physiol-ogy and health. And he puts both his warmth and his technical skills to good use when he’s at the Y. “When they ask for help, members are usually curious about proper technique for using the free weights or the ma-chines,” says Jason. “And they also are looking for motivation. Often I’ll help them set up a schedule so that they are making a commitment toward health and wellness.”

Look for Jason in the Wellness Centre and at YMCA of Oakville CycleFit classes. If you need a boost gettingyour own program in gear, talk to him. He’ll listen and he’ll help you get on the path to health and wellness.

than traditional strength training. The new Cardio Wave classes give you an unparalleled cardiovas-

cular workout, focusing on leg muscles and buttocks, without placing stress on the joints. The

machine’s special design means it can be used in a number of po-sitions, making exercise fun and

suitable for everyone.If you’re ready to make a

genuine commitment to a new

year and a new life of health and fitness – and not just a “New Year’s resolution” – come into

the Y for a tour. When you join the YMCA of Oakville, you’re welcomed by qualified, certified

staff who can help you at every step of the way along your fit-ness journey.

Something new is happening at the YMCA of Oakville. Why not find out?Call Deb Thomson at 905-845-5597ext 317. Stay tuned!