WAUKESHA — Parents are taking notice of class cancellations for the YMCA gymnastics program in Waukesha. Chris Becker, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, confirmed there have been staffing changes. “We had a recent change in program staff leadership and are in the process of hiring a new director. The Waukesha YMCA is […]
WAUKESHA — Parents are taking notice of class cancellations for the YMCA gymnastics program in Waukesha.
Chris Becker, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, confirmed there have been staffing changes.
“We had a recent change in program staff leadership and are in the process of hiring a new director. The Waukesha YMCA is highly committed to the developmental gymnastics and dance program as we seek new staff leadership and additional instructors. As we rebuild the staff talent, there may be class limitations offered on an interim basis,” Becker said.
Sam Seidel, executive director of the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, also confirmed a change in leadership, which has impacted some class offerings.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition,” Seidel said.
Lauren Friestrom, a mom, said the Waukesha YMCA has had several staffing changes within the gymnastics program during the March-April term.
“This has resulted in several canceled classes, but the YMCA director has been very forward with information both calling and emailing parents with updates. They have even made an offer to refund the course or assist in finding another class the child would be interested in participating in. They are working hard to find more coaches to fill empty slots,” Friestrom said.
She said she received an email that her son’s classes will resume Thursday.
“While this has not been ideal since my kids missed several classes, with spring break as well and voluntarily missing, I appreciate that the YMCA is considering the safety of the children and not just making larger classes or having an untrained substitute start,” she said.
Friestrom said while staffing issues are frustrating this is nothing new.
“Everywhere is short staffed and we have come to expect it at restaurants and retail stores, as it moves into a more education setting it is unsettling as for what that means for the society, especially when parents depend on activities and camps for summer care for their school age children. All I know for sure is that the YMCA has been very open with their communication about the changes and has offered several solutions to the participants’ guardians,” Friestrom said.
Seidel said the staffing challenges experienced in the developmental gymnastics program stem from a combination of factors, including a recent leadership transition and the broader workforce trends impacting part-time and specialty roles.
“Like many specialized youth programs, gymnastics requires instructors with specific skills and experience, which can create occasional gaps as we recruit and train new team members. That said, gymnastics is no different than our other specialty programs when it comes to navigating these challenges — we have clear processes in place to ensure safety, quality, and continuity. When transitions like this occur, we adapt class offerings as needed and work quickly to rebuild our team and restore full programming,” Seidel said.
At the Waukesha YMCA, the developmental gymnastics program supports kids from 6 months to 12 years old. It includes:
Parent & Child Gymnastics (ages 0–3): Focused on exploring movement and developing gross motor skills in a social, engaging setting.
Preschool Gymnastics (ages 3–5): Builds balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility through fun, age-appropriate activities.
School Age Gymnastics (ages 6–12): Progressive classes that teach tumbling, movement skills, and more advanced gymnastic techniques.
“Beyond physical development, kids in these programs gain confidence, discipline, and perseverance. They learn teamwork, goal-setting, and how to grow through encouragement and structured progression — skills that benefit them in every area of life,” Seidel said.
