Meet Nicole Gaudet

It was during the height of the pandemic when past Y CEO, Jason Dickson approached a popular Zumba instructor, Nicole Gaudet to inquire whether Zumba had any sort of aqua program.  At the time, the Y was looking to re-invigorate its programming. Nicole reached out to Joan Gillespie, our manager of wellness programs and after an intensive 8 weeks of preparation, Nicole qualified for her aqua license and quickly began her first Aqua Zumba class on October 9, 2020.

Nicole admits that the first few weeks were rough. It turns out, performing saucy latin moves in the water takes some getting used to, but once everyone got into the swing of things, Aqua Zumba became one of the most popular classes in the pool at our Y!

As of October 2024, Nicole is the longest serving Aqua Zumba instructor in the city! Her popularity and her mentorship in the Fredericton Zumba community has inspired other instructors to certify for Aqua Zumba, thus rendering it a popular pool activity in Fredericton!

Nicole tells us, “I have taught as far away as Alberta within Canada and typically when I am down south on vacation, the resort quickly realizes that I am a Zumba instructor and will ask me to teach a class or two.  Because of that, I have taught in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic.”

Nicole has also been active in organizing our popular Zumba and Aqua Zumba fundraisers for the Strong Communities Fund. In the past, Nicole has offered a spooktacular Hallowe’en Zumba fundraiser and a jolly Christmas Zumba fundraiser. Stay tuned to our socials to see if any FUNdraisers are in the works!

It’s no secret that the key to Nicole’s success and popularity is due to her ability to make her class participants feels special and seen as individuals. Nicole makes sure to arrive 30 minutes before class to prepare and meet each one of her students. After class, Nicole likes to check in with the participants to make sure they had an enjoyable time, solicit feedback and thank them for the great experience. Nicole takes her feedback very seriously and is always looking for ways to improve her classes and address the needs of her participants.

When Nicole isn’t busting a move, she works as an Inside Sales Team Lead for an IT company. Nicole is also a part of a dachshund rescue and recently rescued a 14 yearold blind/deaf dog and her personal goal is to make sure her sweet dog has the best life possible in her golden years.

Nicole wants everyone to know, “I love the Y and have been treated extremely well with my 4 years.” Nicole, your friends at the YMCA love you too and appreciate the heart you put into everything you do! Happy 4-year Y Anniversary!