Since she can remember, Deena Schriks has been a “people person.” Schriks enjoys working with people, being able to lighten up their day and put a smile on their face. After 18 years in a previous guest services position, Schriks was hired as the member services coordinator at the Portage Township YMCA. Member services coordinators are typically the members’ go-to person when it comes to various things, such as services, programs, and questions.
“I went into my interview with the YMCA not even knowing what I was interviewing for. The woman who interviewed me, CC, decided to put me in a member services position since I am very good with people and I like to talk. After about an hour of being interviewed, she thought I would be a good manager,” Schricks said.
Along with being the member services coordinator, Schriks also works in the Fun Zone Area. This is where members of the Y can drop their kids off while they workout.
“I have always known that I wanted to work with people, especially kids. In high school, I took a class that, for half of my day, I was able to go to the Career Center and go to a daycare. I got to play with kids and see how they interact with others. This job really just let me explore that interest, and I love it,” Schriks said.
When Schriks is out of the office, she enjoys mudding with her family. Schriks has traveled to many different courses, and has been able to connect with her family and boyfriend while doing so.
“One of my favorite hobbies is to go mudding. My whole family enjoys it, but my boyfriend is really the one that got me interested. One of the reasons that I really enjoy it is because I love nature,” Schriks said.
Along with mudding, Schriks enjoys photography. She has always enjoyed taking photos, and is mostly interested by nature. Since she can remember, she has been interested in photography and nature, and decided to combine the two. Since she started mudding, Schriks has had more opportunities than ever to take photos.
“I love being able to take photos. I can not really remember a time when I was not into taking pictures. I think nature is just so beautiful. My favorite things to take pictures of are waterfalls and mountains. I like taking pictures of waterfalls mainly because I think they are so beautiful, and they just bring a strong sense of peace,” Schriks said.
Thanks to her love for people and adventurous spirit, Schriks is showing that anything is possible, as long as you set your mind to it. She is showing the younger generation of those in Portage, Indiana that they too can impact the world in amazing ways.