Lori Schmidt

Credentials

YMCA Group Exercise Instructor Certified

ASFA Cycling Instructor Certified

First Aid/CPR/AED

Specialties

I have been a Group Exercise Instructor at the Ed Thomas YMCA since September 1996. I started my career at the Y teaching "Step" class. That class evolved into what is now called "C.A.T.S." (Cardio-Abs-Tone-Strength) and includes a variety of workouts. Over the years I've also taught chYsel, Kickboxing, rYde (aka Group Cycling), and I have been a trainer for the Get Fit Team Challenge (fka Lighten Up) since its inception.

I obtained my initial group fitness certification through AFAA, but currently maintain my certification through the YMCA of the USA (partnering with ACE), and obtained my cycling certification through American Sports & Fitness Association.

Why Do I Work At The Y?

I work at the YMCA because: (1) part of its mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for young and old alike; (2) the YMCA has always been a huge, important and impactful part of my family and this community and I trust in the Y's commitment toward youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility; and (3) I love exercise, the classes I have had the privilege to lead, and especially the people that come to them. I have been blessed with many friendships and supportive members throughout my teaching years at the Y.

About me

I've been a resident of McCook my entire life. I attended St. Patrick's Catholic School, MHS and MCC.

I have seven extraordinarily wonderful children: Mishae, Brettani, Tiara, Laurel, Lainey, Ethan and Chance; six unbelievably handsome grandsons: Aidyn, Hudson, Asher, Kayden, Emmett, and Jaxon; and an extremely devoted husband, Brett. My family has taken my teaching schedules in stride and don't remember a time when I wasn't involved with the Y. Four of my children have been employed by the Y, too: Brettani was formerly our Zumba and Strong Nation instructor, Tiara and Lainey worked as building supervisors and front desk staff, and Laurel was once employed as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor. I have other family members who have been a huge part of the Y: my brother Mike served the Ed Thomas YMCA  for 45 years, first as Program Director and then as Executive Director; my sister-in-law Michelle was the first Fitness Director for the Y and a Fitness Instructor; my sister Angie was a former group exercise instructor (in the water and on land); and my brother Jim assisted members in the weight room.

Since 2019, I have enjoyed my weekdays serving as Sr. Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones' Financial Advisor, Stacy Priebe who has served as a board member of the YMCA.

Personal Philosophy

Devote part of your day to yourself in the form of exercise and prayer. Prayer and fitness are huge in making your mind, body and spirit a healthy YOU.

Kelsey Messinger 

Credentials

• Zumba
• CPR/AED

Specialties

• Aqua Zumba 
• Strong by Zumba 
• Cardio Dance

Why Do I Work At The YMCA?

I work at the Y because I have always had a passion for fitness and family and I like to help people achieve their goals. 

About me

I am a mom of two. Paxton (6) & Payton (2). Married to a farmer. Part time cosmetologist. Dog mom. I enjoy community theater and the 5k fun runs. I became an instructor in 2011 and started at the Y in 2012. I can use movie quotes and song lyrics in just about any conversation.

Personal Philosophy

You can either be bitter or be better- the choice is yours.

Travi Rambali

Credentials

• YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise
• CPR/AED

Specialties

My focus is on helping people to get active through the rYde class. Teaching them how to use the spin bikes and get the most from the workouts.

Why Do I Work At The Y?

I started working at the Y to help out with the fitness program because I believe it can greatly improve quality of life as people get older. I saw a need for more daytime classes and am able to offer that through a morning rYde class.

About Me

My family moved to McCook in 2009 after serving our country for 20 years. I am a native Nebraska girl who grew up in the Sandhills and I love being back in my home state. My husband, Darcy, and I have four amazing kids, Tyler Grace, Devin, Riley, and Peyton. Three of them are now married and doing their own thing now but three have also chosen to call McCook home. I have always been a very active person and absolutely love the outdoors and anything that can be done outside. My biggest passion is riding bikes which is why I decided to teach a rYde class at the Y. Since moving to McCook I have gotten into doing races of all kinds including triathlons and most recently several of my friends and I did a paddle board race on the Middle Loup River. My biggest accomplishment as far as fitness goes would be finishing my first full Ironman in 2019. Part of why I was able to accomplish that goal was because I finally learned to swim at the Y after we moved here. 

Personal Philosophy

Put God first in everything you do and He will guide you down the right path. If there is something you want to accomplish then don’t be afraid to go out and try. There is more regret from never trying than from giving something your best and possibly falling short or succeeding!

Martha Roe

Credentials

• AFAA Group Exercise Instructor
• AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
• YMCA Group Exercise Instructor
• CPR/AED

Specialties

• Step Aerobics 
• Cardio Kickboxing 
• Tabata Training
• Body Conditioning

Why Do I Work At The YMCA?

The YMCA mission statement and philosophy have always been dear to my heart. The welcoming atmosphere along with quality programs for all fitness levels have kept me loyal to our Y!! The members, our class participants and my fellow instructors keep me teaching year after year! I have never considered my position at the Y a job, it has been and continues to be a joy!

About me

I started attending early morning classes in 1997 when my youngest child was 2. I was recruited as an instructor in 1999. I passed my AFAA course certifications prior to my YMCA certification as it was not required when I first started. I feel the members I have taught over the years can better describe me and my strengths better than I can! Here is what one member wrote when I ask them how they saw me:

“Martha has patience with all participants, especially newbies. She will adjust classes to accommodate all clients and teach well rounded classes which includes most major muscle groups. She takes a serious interest in each person’s wellbeing and coaching them in various facets of life for their own good, not just for the next beach outing or wedding. Martha reminds us to not get frustrated and give up so easily, we didn’t get out of shape overnight and won’t get into shape overnight either.“

Personal Philosophy

We take what you CAN do and improve upon it. I don’t want to hear what you CAN’T do.