MacKenzie Fawcett is one of the YMCA Personal Trainers who works in the Wellness Centre at 570 York Street.  We caught up with MacKenzie to find out why she loves our Y!

Q: What do you love about our Y? 

What isn’t there to love about the Y? I love how the Y connects people and encourages everyone to be their best. The focus on inclusivity and accessibility is something I really believe in. A big part of that for me is my personal training clients – they inspire me every day. Getting to watch members make progress and celebrate small wins is incredibly rewarding. I always leave work feeling grateful to do what I do!

Q: What is your position & how did you find yourself working in the field of health and wellness? 

I grew up playing soccer and later got into distance running and functional strength training, which are still big passions of mine. I did my undergrad in kinesiology thinking I’d go into physio or OT. Through that experience, I realized how much I loved the interpersonal side of healthcare – but also that it wasn’t quite the right path for me. While in school, I started working at the Y in the wellness center and was lucky to have a great mentor, which is where I found my passion for community wellness. I later moved to Fredericton to pursue my MBA in Sport and Recreation Management and began working as a personal trainer. It’s been rewarding to build a career around something I care about, and the Fredericton Y helped me feel at home in a new province.

Q: What makes the YMCA of Fredericton so special?

There’s a real sense of care and heart in the people who work here. I appreciate how Darcy is such a hands-on CEO – always going the extra mile to improve the facility and connect with members. The same goes for Joan, who has a natural warmth and a way of making people feel truly valued. And the members really make the space what it is – it’s a welcoming environment where people genuinely enjoy being.