Meet Kelena Gonzalez!

The Greater Scranton YMCA is so excited to introduce you to Kelena Gonzalez, Food Program Coordinator for the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Year-Round Food Program.

Kelena joined the Greater Scranton YMCA’s staff team in June, 2023. Prior to the Y, Kelena spent her career in food service. Most recently, Kelena was employed at the Fresh Food Company, located in the University of Scranton, for eight years. Her expertise is in vegetarian cuisine.

“I have a passion for cooking,” said Kelena. “I put my love and patience in every dish I make. I have been able to build many relationships with people surrounding food.”

In her new role at the Greater Scranton YMCA, Kelena’s goal is to feed the children enrolled in early childhood education and school age programs food they can get excited about, while still maintaining nutrition and flavor. She hopes to expand their taste buds through integrating new recipes into our menu, like chicken pot pie, Sloppy Joes, and Beef, Macaroni Goulash. Yum!

What Kelena enjoys most about her position so far is getting to meet and make connections with so many people. “I appreciate the atmosphere,” she said. “Health is wealth and everyone here is working toward bettering themselves.” When she was six-years-old, Kelena attended a YMCA in Washington State where she played soccer!

Kelena has two athletic sons, Tay (age 14) and Ty (age 10). “They are my everything,” she said. For Kelena, the four seasons of the year are one of her favorite things about living in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She loves spending times with family, attending wine festivals and paint and sip events and spa days!

Please join us in welcoming Kelena to the Greater Scranton YMCA family!