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!
Micaela Hidalgo | Fitness Floor Associates and Semi-Private Basketball Coaches
Q: Tell us about your background and role at the Tucson J!
A: I’m excited to be part of the J and already love its strong sense of community. As a Fitness Floor Associate, I enjoy building connections with members and helping them discover programs that align with their goals. I competed for four years in intercollegiate basketball at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and I’m passionate about giving back to young athletes. Coaching semi-private lessons that help them develop character and a strong work ethic has been very fulfilling.
Q: What would your perfect weekend look like?
A: My perfect weekend starts on Friday night, erev Shabbat, when my family comes together for Kiddish and then eats lots of food. I love being active, so over the weekend you might find us on an early morning hike, playing pickup basketball, competing in a pickleball tournament, playing a flag football game, and/or rock climbing. You’ll also find me jamming out to Morgan Wallen in the kitchen — probably baking a sweet treat.
Q: If you could switch roles with anyone at the J for one day, who would you choose and why?
A: I would like to spend the day with our partners at the Weintraub Israel Center to simply engage with Israel’s authentic culture.
Gabe Parada | Personal Trainer
Q: Tell us about your role at the Tucson J?
A: I have been working at the J as a personal trainer for 7 years now, starting in August of 2018. I also have a role in our Healthy Aging Program’s Movement/Arts Immersion Group Classes. Every Tuesday and Thursday, we have fun playing pickleball, corn hole, and basketball, or simply coloring and making puzzles!
Q: What inspired you to become a personal trainer?
A: I’ve always enjoyed exercise. As a kid and even more so in high school, when I was playing football, I enjoyed hitting the weight room before practice and watching my body change and grow through lifting weights. As an adult, I wanted to give that same feeling by helping people get strong and fit so that they can feel better about themselves and enjoy life in a healthier and happier way.
Q: What’s the biggest myth in fitness that you wish more people understood?
A: If women lift weights, they will get big and bulky like a male. FALSE! Weights are for everyone and crucial to building strong bones as we age, regardless of gender. Lift heavy!
Daphne Safo | Youth Sports Coaches
“Hi! My name is Daphne Safo. I am 16 years old and I’m from Steven’s Point, Wisconsin, and I am a Junior at University High School. I am part of a few different clubs at my school, such as Black Student Union and Dreamcatchers. I have played basketball since I was 10 years old and have played soccer and flag football for some time as well. I love teaching PeeWee Sports and Basketball to kids at the J because they always have energy and excitement!”
