Ed Salata

Branch Executive Director

Dave Mays, Program Director

Dave has been working for the Hammond Branch YMCA since May of 2009. Before working at the Hammond Branch YMCA, Dave worked at the Southlake YMCA in Crown Point, IN. for seven years. Dave oversees our Toddler, Youth and Adult Sports programs, "Home School Gym and Swim" program, Enrichment programs and our Fitness Center. Dave is currently the chairperson for the "Yise 9" Neighborhood Sports Directors and is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Hammond, IN. Dave received his B.S. degree from Calumet College (2009) and is a graduate of Crown Point High School (2003). Dave and his wife, Kendra live in Crown Point, IN. Dave says, "I went to college to become an elementary school teacher and worked at the YMCA to gain experience working with kids, parents and the community. Working at the YMCA was a life changing experience that I could not leave." 

Rebecca Christian, Preschool Director

Rebecca started working with the Y as a parent volunteer while both of her children attended the Discovery Preschool. In January 2006, she was hired as an Assistant Teacher and in 2009 was promoted to Preschool Director. She loves working with the children and enjoys the family-orientated atmosphere. She also enjoys seeing her previous students’ families coming in to visit the YMCA and Preschool Room. "It’s a great feeling to see how far each child comes along the way, from the beginning of the school year, not knowing how to perform some tasks, to the end of the year when they light up with joy because they CAN do it. I always tell the children, there’s no such thing as 'I can’t.' It’s 'I will try.' If you try, you will have already succeeded because you didn’t give up.”

Karyn became a member of the Hammond Branch YMCA in March 2002. Seven years later she joined the staff as an aerobics instructor. In January 2011, she became the Aerobics Coordinator. Karyn is a mother of two children, both of whom participate in many of the programs offered at the Hammond Y.  One of Karyn’s favorite things about working here is being able to interact with the members.

Chris has been working with the Hammond Branch YMCA since 2007. Christina started out as a counsler in our Child Care Department and in 2011 she was promoted to supervisor over KIDS ZONE. Christina attended Southwestern Michigan where she obtained her Associates in Liberal Arts degree. Christina also has a degree in Dental Assisting and Medical Billing.

Lynette McDermott, Community Relations Coordinator

Lynette has been working at the Hammond YMCA for over two years. You might have seen her in our community at Health Fairs, Job Fairs and other events. She is also the person behind our blood pressure checks, chair massages, our annual golf outing, Healthy Kids Day, food drives and other activities. Being out in the community and talking about the YMCA gets the word out about what our YMCA has to offer to people. She enjoys her job and working with people at the YMCA and throughout the community.

Ilynda has been with the Hammond Branch YMCA since August of 2006 first as a Site Director in the Childcare Department, and then Camp Counselor during the summer. In August of 2009, Ilynda became the Newsletter/Childcare Coordinator. As the Editor of the Hammond Branch YMCA newsletter, Ilynda produces a monthly newsletter for the members and staff of the YMCA. As Childcare Coordinator, Ilynda assists with the daily duties and responsibilities of the Childcare Dept. Currently, Ilynda attends Purdue University- Calumet in Hammond, where she is pursuing her 2nd Bachelor's Degree. "I love the work I do with the Hammond Branch YMCA; being able to be a role model not only for the kids, but for my peers as well, and continuing to write from the heart."