YCTC EARLY
CHILDHOOD
Development
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YCTC YOUTH
ATHLETICS
Creating opportunities to empower and strengthen our community
OUR STAFF
Our team is made up of a diverse group of business professionals and child care providers with a wide range of expertise and experiences. Together, we aim to provide responsive programs and services of the highest quality for the communities of Yamhill and Carlton.
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Kay Gilgan
My family and I moved to Carlton five years ago. Over those years I have been a part of many of the youth sports that YCTC has to offer. My two oldest children have participated in almost every sports program YCTC. While attending their practices and games, I have found a passion for supporting our youth and, subsequently, the programs they are enrolled in. I stepped in to take over the Youth Cheer Program as Director back in November 2024. Dedicating my time to expanding the program, while connecting with the athletes has brought me so much joy. Becoming a Director fueled a fire in me to give back more to other programs under YCTC. I wanted to extend a hand in any way that could support these kids coming through the programs, giving them something to look forward to. I joined the YCTC Board of Directors where I spent the last year giving my time, efforts, love & skills to try to further programs, advance fundraising, and place help where it was most needed.
I am so beyond excited for the opportunity to join YCTC as the Executive Director, where I hope to further offer a helping hand and provide structure to the programs we all know and love. In a world full of screens and technology, I think it’s so important to keep kids today engaged in sports, learning critical thinking, and developing social skills. I hope to help build a stronger organization that supports these kids while also bringing the community together.
BOOKKEEPER/PAYROLL SPECIALIST
BEKKI JANSEN
Bekki Jansen has been with YCTC since 2018. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management at Portland State University in 2005, and brings her 18 years of experience in the accounting field to YCTC.
Ever since moving to Carlton with her husband and 3 kids in 2015, she had a strong desire to be involved in her community. Outside of work, she has also had a very active role with the Yamhill Carlton Elementary School PTO, most recently serving as the President for the past 3 years.
Bekki also has 3 young children who are all involved in YCTC programs, so much of her free time is spent either watching them participate or taking them to support other programs in the YC Community.
Bekki loves living in a small town and having such a close community, and believes that YCTC plays a big and important role in supporting our youth and community as a whole.
PRESCHOOL LEAD TEACHER
Marina Nelson
Marina has been a homemaker for the last 11 years. She joined the learning for life preschool team with her knowledge and experiences with her own family and surrounding friends. The 2023-2024 school year will be Marina’s second year being a 4 year old preschool assistant.
My biggest joy in working at the Learning for Life preschool is listening to the children’s stories as well as watching their faces light up when they have learned something new while they are exploring!
Marina enjoys spending quality time with her Husband Troy and their two kids Jocelyn and Liam. On her spare time she likes to work in the garden and go running.
3'S PRESCHOOL TEACHER/
TIGER ACADEMY
DIRECTOR
SOPHIA SCOTTO
Sophia’s passion for working with children started at an early age. During high school, she started working in various early childhood settings and fell in love with childcare. Sophia felt it was meant to be when she stumbled upon YCTC in May of 2021. After being hired Sophia found herself quickly filling into the roles needed in Tiger Academy and Learning for Life Preschool. While working as an assistant, she shortly after became qualified as Director and Teacher Lead. She continues to advance her knowledge in childhood development and is always coming up with new and exciting things for the children to engage in. Sophia knows that all children need a place where they can explore, learn, and feel at home. She believes that making close connections with the children in her care empowers the children to build a sense of belonging in their community. “I believe in cultivating an environment that welcomes children to learn hands-on and grow into the world’s next generation of confident leaders.”
When she’s not working with our communities children she enjoys going on adventures with her family, partner Aaron and their two children Venna & Lumina. Sophia loves to make art of all kinds, play games, and enjoys being outdoors.
3'S PRESCHOOL aide/
TIGER ACADEMY
teacher
Henry Meyer
Henry Meyer joins the Learning for Life and Tiger Academy team with a strong connection to the Yamhill Carlton community and a passion for working with youth. A YC graduate, Henry has been involved with YCTC as both a program participant and a youth worker during his high school years.
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After spending several summers working at Tiger Academy, Henry developed a love for mentoring students and creating a positive environment for kids to grow and learn.
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We are excited to welcome Henry to the team full-time. His experience, dedication to the community, and enthusiasm for youth development make him a great addition to our staff.