YPG welcomes new Youth Services Director
In late 2020, the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) community welcomed Melissa Anderson, the new Child and Youth Services Director.
“I am excited to be here in Yuma and looking forward to working with our families and youth,” says Anderson adding, “I love that each day is a new experience with school aged children. As a group we get to learn, grow and have fun. I love being around others and it’s so special to be around the youth that will be our future.”
Anderson was recently working in Rota, Spain with the Navy Child and Youth Program as a teen coordinator, however she lived in southern California and earned her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University (SDSU).
“My interest in sports led me to volunteer coach a youth basketball team working with first and second graders. From that rewarding experience I knew that I wanted to continue working with youth.”
Anderson continued working with recreation programs while attending SDSU and then transitioned to working with Military families.
“I did six internships over the next three years with Camp Adventure working with military children and families all over the world in Child and Youth Services.”
During that time she completed her Master of Education degree with a focus on curriculum and instruction.
Anderson arrived at YPG at the end of year and immediately noticed the tightknit community,
“My first event was Friendsgiving and it was a great way to get introduced to YS and YPG,” she said.
Youth Services is an integral part of the community and hosts many community-oriented events throughout the year. Youth Services’ main mission is providing a safe learning environment for children. Anderson feels the small community at YPG is a benefit.
“My main hope and goal is to provide the community with programs that not only benefit their children, but the family as a whole. The community is small and like a family in itself. I want to provide a positive experience and one that will be enjoyed in all the programs: School Age Services, Middle School/ Teen and Youth Sports.”
Anderson welcomes the community to reach out. “I am just a phone call or email away. I want the community to know I am here for them.”