Ep. 49 - Igniting Imagination: The Y’s After-School Programs Empower Youth

Today, we’re exploring the exciting world of youth development, focusing on the Y's reimagined after-school programs and our newly launched middle school clubs. Joining us are two outstanding leaders at the forefront of these efforts: Shauna-Kaye Davis, Vice President of Youth Programs for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Tatyana Ferguson, Youth Development Director with the Villages at Carver Family YMCA in South Atlanta. Together, they’re transforming after-school hours into a time for exploration, imagination, and growth. From engaging clubs to career exploration and social-emotional learning, we’ll hear how the Y provides youth the tools they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:41] Explanation of the After-School Initiative

• [11:05] Programming is built around a monthly theme and discussion of middle school-age kids

• [21:47] Example of how the program has made a difference in families and what influences programming

• [29:58] Discussion of “The Island” in the lab

• [35:26] Tatyana and Shauna-Kaye share why they love the work, and they discuss the legacy left behind

• [40:39] Parents should contact After-School Directors or the website to find out more

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The After-School Initiative program overhauls the after-school programs developed in the 70s. The new curriculum combines programs that interest the kids while teaching them exploration, imagination and growth.

• The staff of the After-School Initiative program meets the kids where they are. They don’t speak down to them; Kids are humans, and humans are complex.

• Parents can always know what their child is doing and learning at the Y because there is a virtual bulletin board with a QR code. Parents can scan it while waiting to pick up their kids.

 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: After-School Programs

 

BIOGRAPHIES: 

Shauna-Kaye Davis is a first-generation American with Jamaican roots. She is

originally from Cary, NC, and developed a passion for nonprofit youth

development after growing up in her local Cary Family YMCA. An international travel enthusiast and new mom of 3, Shauna-Kaye enjoys exposing her family to new international cuisine- even when they don’t want her to!

With 24 years of experience in youth development and program design across

Georgia and North Carolina, Shauna-Kaye is recognized for her innovative

approach and visionary leadership. She has successfully facilitated new processes and crafted creative programs that impact lives. As a former leader and coach for over 20 Boys & Girls Club Directors in Metro Atlanta, she has influenced the lives of more than 3,500 youth and families, driving growth and development across multiple club sites.

As the Y's Vice President of Youth Programs, Shauna-Kaye's philosophy centers on empowering youth and community organizations to craft and implement strategies that lead to sustainable success. She excels in big-picture thinking and leverages her strategic planning expertise to tackle challenges while consistently delivering high-quality results. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in Law from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In addition to her professional

accomplishments, Shauna-Kaye has served as Chairperson for the Guilford County NAACP, United Way of Greater Atlanta's Young Professional Leaders program and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Tatyana Ferguson serves as Youth Development Director at The Villages at Carver Family YMCA. She began her Y career in 2014 in Albany, Georgia, as a part-time Afterschool counselor while in college, where she discovered a love for youth and developing others. 

She came to the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. She continued her career journey by leading Afterschool, Camp, and Teen Programming and developing and coaching a successful competitive cheerleading program. She is passionate about leading others and professional development. Her goal is to continue to provide a supportive climate and culture at the Y that is conducive to building relationships and creating a sense of belonging and achievement for this community’s youth and their families. 

She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services focusing on Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in African American Studies. She considers herself a lifelong learner as she continues to advance her postgraduate education in Human Services with a specialization in Leadership and Nonprofit Management.