AUBURN YMCA-WEIU STAFF
Amy Wallner, Executive Director
Amy is a graduate of SUNY Cortland and a native of Auburn. "I started my Y career as the Child Care Director 18 years ago. I began at the Y by changing lives of our youth. Now I share how the Y impacts lives which include my own family. My son is now an official “Y kid” who uses every program possible. My husband and I are very lucky to have the Y that we do in our community, not only for ourselves but for our son. I am continually amazed by the impact the Y makes in our community through our programs and services."
Michael Barrigar, HR & Finance
Michael is a graduate of Hartwick College and has worked in the Auburn community for over 20 years. Michael lives in Jordan, where he and his wife have raised and homeschooled their three children. Michael enjoys helping take care of the family's horse barn, and he loves coaching youth basketball during his free time. He is very proud to be part of the YMCA and its purpose to serve the community through healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development.
Stephanie Bales, Membership & Marketing Director
Stephanie is a graduate of Empire State University and lifelong local resident. She has had the pleasure of raising 3 children all of whom have been able to enjoy the YMCA during her 14 years with the organization. Her diverse background lends valuable insight to the marketing, public relations, and member services initiatives of our Y. Stephanie offers support for critical fundraising efforts that fund the Y financial assistance program she oversees. Making personal connections with our members and learning about their stories is truly the most satisfying aspect of her position.
Jeff Herrick, Facility Director- Auburn YMCA-WEIU and Camp Y-Owasco
Jeff has worked as a new construction project manager as well as working in code enforcement, surveillance, and security.
He is a life resident of Auburn, and his four sons have enjoyed many programs at the YMCA.
In his spare time, Jeff collects International Harvester antique tractors and currently has 18 in his collection.
My wife Bridget enjoys working with her three dogs walking them on trails, and they frequent the dog park near Owasco Lake.
Kim Cuipylo, Director of Youth Development
Kim has worked for the YMCA as a SACC assistant in Weedsport since October 2020. She has almost 35 years of experience working with children and families in many capacities and looks forward to this position and all the FUN things we can do to support the mission of the YMCA.
Kim received her master's degree in Management from the University of Phoenix, a bachelor's Degree in Community and Human Services from Empire State College and a dual associate's degree in both Early Childhood Education and Liberal Arts with a concentration in business courses. She lives in Weedsport with her husband, Alex. They have four children and seven grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves to travel, go on cruises, camp, and spend time with her own family. She looks forward to continuing the mission of making a difference for the children and families in our community.
Erin Johnson, Senior Program Director
Erin Johnson has come full circle within the Aquatic Department at the Auburn YMCA. As a child she was a member here and a participant of the Stingrays Swim Team, making this facility home away from home! She is a graduate of Truman State University (Missouri) where she obtained a degree in Exercise Science as well as a Masters in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. A native of Aurora, NY Erin is currently the Aquatic Director here and enjoying it! Before moving back to the central New York region, she and her husband lived downstate where she was a Certified Athletic Trainer. Erin previously worked at Victory Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. After the birth of her twins, Erin was a stay at home mother until the YMCA came back into her life. She is a certified Swim Lesson instructor, lifeguard and Certified Athletic Trainer.
Laura Clary, Health & Wellness Director
Laura has 20+ years experience within the Auburn YMCA. She first began as an instructor in a Stretch and Tone class but quickly expanded into specialty areas such as Pregnancy Fitness, Zumba, Active Older Adults, Group Exercise Instructor Trainer and Chronic Disease Management. It was through these experiences that made her appreciate all that the Y has to offer. Following the philosophy of “we have a gym, but we are not JUST a gym”, Laura is excited to help community members succeed in what wellness means to them. She is currently working on partnerships within local agencies to continually expand what we can offer. She currently holds certifications in Personal Training thru NETA, Y- ACE Group Exercise, Enhance Fitness certified trainer, Active Older Adult Program Director, and Chronic Disease Self Management Team leader.
Audra Moore, Childcare Center Director
Audra grew up in Weedsport and attended Cayuga Community College, where she received an Associate's Degree in Accounting. She then received her Bachelor's Degree from Keuka College in Organizational Management.
She ran a home daycare when her children were small and in Elementary School.
Audra was the Auburn Y SACC Director from 2016-2019 and is very happy to be back here working with the families and kids of Cayuga County.
Audra currently lives in Throop with my boyfriend and dog. Her kids are grown up and out of the house now. She enjoys reading, shopping, sporting events, and spending time with her family in her spare time.
Gracie Murphy, Camp & Family Director
Becoming the Camp and Family Director for the Auburn YMCA is a full-circle moment for Gracie.
Gracie began attending Camp Y-Owasco when she was just 8 years old. Since then, she has worn many hats at camp, including Cabin Counselor, Media Director, Program Director and Assistant Camp Director.
Being the Camp Director at Y-Owasco has been her dream job since she was just a little camper.
Camp Y-O led her to SUNY Cortland, where she studied education and outdoor recreation, graduating in 2024.
In her spare time, Gracie enjoys being on the water sailing or kayaking, reading, and spending time with her cat, S’more!