2026 Volunteers of the Year

Meet our Honorees

Community service is vital to a thriving society—it’s about selflessly giving our time to uplift others. The YMCA is able to impact thousands of lives each year because of the generosity and dedication of our incredible volunteers. Each year, we honor those who excel in this spirit with a Volunteer of the Year award. Our deepest appreciation goes to this year’s exemplary honorees.

< RETURN TO THE MAIN EVENT PAGE

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

	Amen-ra and Michelle Buckley - CENTRAL YMCA Amen-Ra and Michelle Buckley have made a meaningful impact on the Central YMCA’s sports community through their dedication as volunteer coaches in our all-girls basketball league. What began as an opportunity to support their own children grew into a commitment to helping young athletes build skills, confidence, teamwork, and character. Their leadership reflects the YMCA’s core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty, while inspiring the next generation to embrace the joy and spirit of women’s basketball.
	Wynona Denise Morris - EAST VALLEY FAMILY YMCA Denise strengthens community connections by building relationships with local organizations, listening to members, and creating inclusive displays that celebrate the diversity of those we serve. Through leading the Walk Fit class, she also promotes physical activity and social connection. Her dedication helps members feel heard, valued, and represented while creating a stronger sense of belonging and connection to the Y.
	Tasha Bergson-Michelson - LEWIS & JOAN PLATT EAST PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA Tasha has served as a Youth and Government volunteer for more than 10 years, making a lasting impact through her mentorship, leadership, and dedication to empowering young people. She helps youth build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and civic engagement while creating a welcoming environment where they feel supported to succeed. Tasha also supports program recruitment, helping connect more youth and families to YMCA opportunities.
	Kathy Thibodeaux - EL CAMINO YMCA Kathy is a passionate champion for the Y, bringing energy, leadership, and generosity to everything she does. As a Board of Managers leader and dedicated fundraiser, she inspires others to get involved and give back. Always the first to step up, Kathy leads by example, whether serving 700 Summer Camp staff, supporting events, or lending a hand wherever needed. Her warmth, intelligence, enthusiasm, and generosity inspire others to get involved and give back.
	Ann Marie McCauley - MT. MADONNA YMCA Ann Marie’s volunteerism has made a meaningful impact at YMCA, helping create more organized, engaging, and welcoming experiences across youth sports, senior activities, and holiday outreach. Through her encouragement and positive presence, she helps youth and seniors feel connected and supported, while her involvement in the House of Toys program brings added joy and support to families during the holiday season. Her compassion and dedication continue to strengthen community connections and enhance the impact of YMCA programs.
	Matt Mow - NORTHWEST YMCA Matt’s contributions have made a meaningful impact on the community. A recent Board of Managers member, he brings both deep commitment and active leadership to the organization. He consistently volunteers at family events and supports fundraising efforts, often being the first to step up when help is needed. His dedication helps create positive experiences for youth and families, expand access to YMCA programs, and strengthen a culture of healthy living, community engagement, and giving.
	Kristle Portillo - PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA Kristle Portillo has been a valued part of the YMCA community for three years, first through her family’s involvement in youth sports and now through her own volunteer service. As a first-time Community Campaign volunteer, she embraced every opportunity to give back, attending events with her family and raising funds to help reach our goal. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment to supporting youth and expanding access to YMCA programs reflect a strong dedication to community and social responsibility.
	Michele Gibson - SEQUOIA YMCA Michelle Gibson has been a dedicated Safety Around Water volunteer for several years, helping hundreds of children develop essential water safety and swimming skills. Through her consistent support of instructors and participants, Michelle creates a welcoming, encouraging environment where children can build confidence and feel safe in the water. Her commitment helps the program serve more families while promoting healthy living, water safety, and greater access to life-saving skills in the community.
	Brent Pearse - SOUTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA Brent has been a dedicated YMCA volunteer for more than five years. Through Adventure Guides, he leads volunteers in planning and delivering activities that benefit more than 100 participants and volunteers. As a Community Campaign Division Manager, he has raised funds and inspires volunteers. On the Board, he is a member of the Financial Development Committee. Brent’s commitment, countless hours, and ability to bring people together have made a lasting impact on youth, volunteers, and the Y.
	Nong Vang - SOUTHWEST YMCA Through Nong’s leadership of the Culinary Adventures program, she teaches participants to prepare nutritious meals while celebrating culture, mindful eating, and the joy of bringing people together. As a campaign champion, she raises awareness and support for programs serving youth and families. Nong connects people with needed resources and explores opportunities for teens to get active through pickleball. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment help members feel connected, supported, and inspired to give back.
	Dee Dee Kiesow - YMCA CAMP CAMPBELL Dee Dee has been a dedicated YMCA volunteer for three years, helping strengthen the Y’s fundraising and long-term growth. She has helped double annual giving while guiding the branch in developing year-round marketing plans, campaign calendars, and board development strategies. Dee Dee is quick to share advice, offer new perspectives, and help the team adapt and grow. Her energy and passion for the YMCA, inspire others to support the mission and create lasting relationships with donors.
	Jeff Ostrum - YMCA PROJECT CORNERSTONE For 26 years, Jeff has been a dedicated YMCA volunteer and passionate advocate for youth. Jeff has served as a classroom volunteer, Board Committee member, Campaign Committee leader, and co-creator of the Student Leadership Council, helping young people build leadership and life skills. Jeff has connected the organization with new donors and organizations and secured ongoing corporate sponsorships. Jeff’s optimism, generosity, and commitment inspire others to become engaged leaders and supporters of the community.

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

	Dhruva Rao - CENTRAL YMCA Druvha’s volunteerism has created a positive impact on both his personal growth and the younger children he mentors. Through his dedication, he has developed confidence, leadership, and responsibility while becoming a role model for ages 5–6. His encouragement and support help young participants build skills, stay engaged, and enjoy practice, creating a more inclusive, positive, and inspiring environment for all.
	Katherin Bautista - EAST VALLEY FAMILY YMCA Katherin has made a meaningful impact through her kindness, initiative, and dedication to helping others. She supported Group X registrations, kept the lobby welcoming and organized, assisted Spanish-speaking members and families through her bilingual skills, and supported Early Learning Readiness. Her maturity, compassion, and positive attitude strengthened connections with members and staff while helping create a more inclusive and welcoming YMCA community.
	Owen Boyle - EL CAMINO YMCA Owen, a former Y kid, is giving back to the place that helped shape him by creating a safe, fun, and welcoming play space for today’s Y kids. This summer, he will refurbish the Oak YMCA’s outdoor play area, including its playhouses, sheds, and sandbox. His efforts will bring new life to a space that has been underused and in need of care, giving young children a refreshed place to play, explore, and connect.
	Siena Marku - LEWIS & JOAN PLATT EAST PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA Siena has made a meaningful impact by leading a swim gear donation drive that provided much-needed goggles and flippers for YMCA aquatics programs. Her efforts have helped remove barriers for youth who may not have their own swim gear, making lessons more accessible and comfortable. A passionate swimmer and compassionate community leader, Siena is now pursuing her goal of becoming a YMCA swim instructor so she can continue supporting youth and families.
	Kary Camacho - MT. MADONNA YMCA Kary Camacho has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Mt. Madonna YMCA through her compassionate and dedicated volunteer service. From assisting with senior meal service and building meaningful connections with participants to supporting youth programs and community activities, Kary consistently goes above and beyond. Her warmth, leadership, and willingness to help reflect the YMCA’s values and have made a lasting, positive impact on the community.
	Jacob and Ari Bushler - NORTHWEST YMCA Ari and Jacob are inspiring youth to take action on climate change through free, hands-on energy workshops that make learning engaging and meaningful. Their six-week program has created excitement, connection, and a sense of purpose among Y youth, empowering them with practical ways to make a difference. They are committed to reaching as many young people as possible through free educational opportunities.
	SangJoon Lee - PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA SangJoon has been a dedicated front-desk volunteer at the YMCA for seven months, creating a warm and welcoming environment for members and staff. Through his kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to help with daily tasks, he has built meaningful connections within the branch and strengthened a culture of inclusion and belonging. His consistent positive attitude embodies the YMCA’s values and makes a lasting difference in the community.
	Youth Advisory Board - SOUTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA Formed in July 2025, the Youth Advisory Board has provided ongoing leadership in helping the YMCA better understand and serve local youth. The board members lead their own meetings, identify topics, and create seminars on financial literacy, job interviews, college applications, and social media. By partnering with community leaders, teachers, and other Y members, they are creating meaningful opportunities for teens to learn, connect, and belong while encouraging more youth to engage with the YMCA.
	Kaushal Vadlamudi - SOUTHWEST YMCA Kaushal, founded the Circuits and Gears Academy to bring hands-on engineering education to middle school students. Through lessons in circuits, robotics, aerospace, and mechanical design, he has helped students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a lasting interest in STEM. His initiative has created an engaging program that continues to inspire students to explore engineering-related courses and careers.
	April Santos - YMCA CAMP CAMPBELL April is an outstanding Volunteer Cabin Leader who creates a safe, joyful, and supportive environment for campers. She consistently advocates for campers, builds positive relationships, and brings energy to each day through songs, games, and encouragement. Whether supporting campers during activities or helping them prepare for bed, April leads with patience, positivity, and perseverance, making her a valued role model and example for future volunteers.
	Anisa Chandra - YMCA PROJECT CORNERSTONE As a two-year Student Leadership Council member, Anisa turned her passion for speech and debate into a six-week public speaking course for 12 elementary students. She created and led weekly lessons that built confidence, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while incorporating Developmental Assets such as caring, honesty, and positive peer influence. Through her patience, creativity, and leadership, Anisa created a welcoming environment where young students found their voices and gained confidence sharing them.