Chad Knight
Executive Director

Being a young kid and growing up in the YMCA and Garden City, I have witnessed growth and opportunities. Upon graduation from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk), I took the first opportunity I had with the YMCA and started working as a Supervisor and Program Director. I was fortunate that my mom and dad provided me the opportunities to learn and play racquetball, basketball, swim and many other values at the YMCA. Being the Executive Director, it gives me great honor to lead our YMCA and provide those lifelong skills to others.  I believe in the YMCA Mission, and I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would rather work! I can assure you that we will continue our mission and stress the importance of improving in spirit, mind and body!

    Personal notes: My family includes my wife Roni, daughter Caleigh and son Camden. I enjoy playing racquetball, basketball, swimming, officiating basketball and football and coaching my kids in all their activities.

My name is Karen Berry, Business Director at the Garden City Family YMCA. I have five years marketing experience, 12 years in banking and 17 years bookkeeping. My husband and I reside in Scott City. We are blessed with two adult daughters and recently a son-in-law. I love everyday of being a parent better than the day before.. A few of my favorite things are laughter, nature, learning, movies and books (my favorite is the dictionary). I enjoy spending time with family and friends. It is refreshing to see people at the YMCA being proactive towards their health and fitness.

 I have a little boy named Keeton. I have been with the YMCA for  two years and love it. I love being able to help people become healthier and live a better lifestyle.

 I grew up in Andale, KS and played volleyball, basketball and ran track at Andale High School. I played basketball at Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva, OK and graduated from there with a degree in Wellness Promotions. Before I moved to Garden City, I worked in the youth sports department at the Wichita YMCA and coached middle school track and field. I am so happy that the Garden City Family YMCA brought me here and allows me to incorporate my love of sports into my career in such a great environment.

Hey! I am the newest member of the YMCA Family, as the Aquatics Director. I moved here last August from Grand Rapids, MI where I was raised in the pool! My swimming experience began at the early age of 5, competing on the community swim team, and continued it as I played Varsity Water Polo at Rockford High School. I have worked at numerous YMCA facilities in Grand Rapids, which helped mold me into the water loving junkie that I am today.  I have three brothers who are scattered across the Midwest from Cincinnati to Chicago. Everything in my life has always revolved around water, which makes it always feels like home.  As the Aquatics Director I am most excited to develop a stronger aquatics program while keeping the pool a very safe and wonderful place to exercise, play or just relax. I am very fortunate to be part of such a great team and family here in Garden City!

 I am very happy to be a part of an organization that upholds great family values. I am married with four children, three girls and one son. I have a set of twin grandsons that were born November of last year making me a first-time grandma. I have lived in Garden City for seven years, and my husband was born and raised here. I enjoy playing the piano, singing and spending time with my family. In the past two years, I have met a lot of wonderful people working for the YMCA and continue to find joy in making new friends within the community.

Rachel Friess

Childcare Director

Hello! I am originally from Broken Arrow, OK and moved to Garden City after getting married in December 2007. I attended Oklahoma State University and absolutely LOVE the OSU Cowboys! Go Pokes! I have literally grown up in the YMCA, having started pre-school at age two and continuing in YMCA programs until the age of fifteen when I became a Summer Camp Counselor. I have now worked within the YMCA for almost ten years. I have done everything from front desk and pre-school to Before and After School, Summer Camp, and Assistant Childcare Director. Working with children has always been my passion and I continuously strive to provide the best childcare program possible. I am proud to say that I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day and truly value all of the friendships that I have made with my co-workers and YMCA members. I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful "YMCA family."

Hello!  Moving from Amarillo, TX to Garden City, my wife Diana and I have been truly blessed to raise our two sons and daughter here. Our family has expanded to now include six beautiful grandchildren. Having more than 35 years experience in management and building maintenance, I feel it is a great privilege to be a part of an awesome Christian organization such as the Garden City Family YMCA. What a wonderful opportunity to be able to work hand in hand with so many who really care for the people and community that they live in.

I LOVE the OPPORTUNITY I have to be apart of this wonderful YMCA family!  I moved to Garden City  two years ago from Layton, UT. YES, I do miss the mountains! I have been married for  two years to my best friend Jeremy. I am a HUGE fan a football, basketball, music, camping, fishing, cooking, and smiling. I am eternally grateful for this wonderful OPPORTUNITY, and will always believe and proudly support the YMCA Mission.