Whether through a swimming lesson, an art class, or simply a smile, each day the Tucson J staff brightens the lives of our members and guests. We are proud of the variety of skills and stories that our staff bring to their work, and celebrate this each week through our Facebook and Instagram “Staff Spotlight” series.
Continue reading on for a preview of our June spotlights, and check out the full posts at all @tucsonjcc accounts!
Israel Harris | Gym Floor Associate
Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!
A: I go around the fitness center making sure the place is nice and well kept and welcome people in with a smile.
Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
A: Muhammad Ali. I love boxing and think he would also have a lot of great knowledge to share, along with his philosophy. But I have a lot of answers to this question.
Q: What is your favorite memory at the J or favorite part about your role?
A: My favorite part about my role is that I get to meet a lot of interesting people, and some even share the same interests as I do, which gives us tons to talk about. Overall, I enjoy how friendly the people at the J are or can be.
Veronika Zinsmaier | Personal Trainer and Parkinson’s Exercise Wellness Program Trainer
Over the last 20 years, Veronika Zinsmaier has dedicated countless hours working with clients, both young and old, as a personal trainer at the Tucson J. Her journey at the J began primarily because it was close to home, and also because the flexible schedule allowed her to balance work with being a mom. “I could do four hours a day and then still be home with the kids,” she said.
Having always worked with clients with Parkinson’s disease, Veronika was eventually asked to teach as part of the small group Parkinson’s Exercise Wellness Program. “I thought, I have so many clients here, but it’s like, ‘that will be a challenge.’ I’ve always been interested in finding out new things. I knew about Parkinson’s, but a fitness class in a group setting is different work,” said Veronika.
Read Veronika’s full story here!
Jessie Roth | ECE Office Manager
Q: Tell us about your professional background and role here at the Tucson J!
A: I have worked as an administrative assistant in several different fields, including law, real estate, and non-profit. I have also worked as a case manager in the behavioral health field. The wide range of knowledge and experience I have gained in those past positions means that I can adapt to almost any situation that might come along at work. That flexibility is a great asset for working in the ECE, where every day is different!
Q: Tucson must-see or do?
A: I didn’t grow up in Tucson, but I have lived here for over half my life. During that time, I have learned a lot about Tucson’s long and fascinating history. One of my favorite ways to show off my adopted hometown when I have out-of-town visitors is to take them on the Turquoise Trail walking tour. It starts at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum and loops through downtown, with stops at various sites of historic interest. It’s a great way to get to know Tucson.
Q: What are you most looking forward to as you get further into your role?
A: I’m looking forward to getting to know my coworkers better, as well as the ECE students and their parents. I’m also looking forward to strengthening my connection to the Jewish community in Tucson. I’m also excited about participating in more of the wonderful programs and amenities the JCC offers—I’ve already started using the gym here, but there is so much more I want to try!
Ryan Perham | Stingrays Swim Team Assistant Coach + J-Rays Swim School Private Lesson Instructor
Ryan is a dedicated swim coach and former Division I athlete with over 20 years of experience in competitive swimming and water polo. He competed for the University of Arizona, specializing in sprint freestyle and butterfly events. During his collegiate career, Ryan earned CSCAA All-American honors and contributed to setting a school record in the 200 freestyle relay, which placed 12th at the NCAA Division I Championships. He also helped secure a third-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay at the Pac-12 Championships.
After his competitive years, Ryan transitioned into coaching, working with swimmers of all ages and skill levels, including those with special education needs.
Alongside his work with the Stingrays and Swim School, you can catch Ryan coaching campers in Water Polo and running some of our adult stroke clinics!