Friday, March 29, 2024

Introducing the Fresh Faces of Champions Club

The autumn season has brought a whirlwind of exciting changes to Champions Club, and we can’t wait to share the buzz with you. One of the most thrilling updates is the arrival of our new team members, each bringing their unique energy to elevate your experience.

First in line is Ryan Tompkins, our enthusiastic Fitness Supervisor. With a passion for motivating you towards your fitness goals, he’s here to make your workouts extraordinary. Ryan is very excited to join the Champions Club team. “The people (members, staff, co-workers, and supervisors are awesome! Everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome in joining the team!”

Here are a few fun tidbits about Ryan:

  • Ryan has 4 sons. The two oldest currently play football for the Air Force Academy. The last two are twins, Seniors in high school and both committed to the Air Force next year for football and wrestling.
  • Apart from normal strength and conditioning workouts, Ryan has spent years studying how the mind impacts overall performance, whether in sports, business, or life in general. He practices a variety of mindset training techniques for a few years.

But that’s not all—say hello to Hayde Miranda, our new Guest Services Supervisor! Hayde’s exceptional performance as the Champions Club Rentals Coordinator earned her this role, and she’s all about delivering world-class experiences.

Discover what Hayde has to say about her exciting new position. “It has been a pleasure working with the Southlake community and getting to know all our wonderful members. Southlake is an incredibly vibrant city, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Community Services team. Our team delivers excellence and is wholeheartedly dedicated to providing world-class experiences!”

  • Hayde embraces new experiences and enjoys exploring new destinations.
  • You can find her researching the next exciting place to visit or the most reviewed restaurants in town.
  • She just welcomed a new puppy to her family to encourage her to spend more time outdoors. She’s excited about exploring new parks with her boy, Bombi!

Next up is Vanessa Sanchez, the creative genius behind our member appreciation events, fabulous giveaways, and goal-crushing campaigns as the Membership Services Coordinator. Get ready to be wowed by her innovative ideas as you embark on your Champions Club journey. When asked about her impressions of Champions Club so far, Vanessa stated, “I have enjoyed the community that surrounds me. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind to me throughout my time here at Champions Club. I appreciate all the help and patience from those I work and interact with every day.”

Get to know her a bit better:

  • Vanessa is recently married so her name will be changing soon!
  • She used to be a Choir Director and is a classically trained singer.
  • Vanessa enjoys spending time outdoors and going on walks with her dogs. She practices mindfulness every day and journals when she can.
  • She enjoys attending concerts and going country dancing.

Last but not least, meet Anna Valdez, the Rentals Coordinator extraordinaire. She’s your go-to for transforming our spaces into epic event zones. Imagine your next birthday party becoming a life-long memory, all thanks to Anna. Anna has already made a great impression. “What I have enjoyed most about working at Champions Club so far is the fun environment that I am welcomed with every day when coming to work. Whether it’s with the guests or my coworkers, Champions Club knows how to have fun!”

Find out more about her and her talents:

  •  Anna graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Sports Management. She previously worked with the City of College Station as an Events Specialist for two years before moving to Dallas.
  • Anna practices wellness in her personal life by maintaining a balanced diet and getting 8 hours of sleep every night. She enjoys doing puzzles and walking for at least 45 minutes every day to get her steps in!

These incredible individuals have already hit the ground running in their new roles, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them as part of the team. To our Champions Club members, be sure to give them a warm welcome and say hello when you see them. Together, we’re shaping the future of Champions Club!

Meet Jenni Mesa: Champions Club Manager on Duty

There’s a new Manager on Duty in Champions Club, and her name is Jenni Mesa!

Loyal Champions Club members might have noticed a new face sporting the fashionable black polo reserved for the Manager on Duty. Jenni Mesa is the newest member of the Guest Services team at Champions Club, and we are very excited for our members to get to know her.

Jenni is no stranger to municipal government or Parks and Recreation. Let’s learn a little more about her journey!

What’s your professional background?
I have worked in municipal government ever since I was 16 years old. I started as a lifeguard when I was a junior in high school. I then got my Water Safety Instructor certification and eventually my Lifeguard Instructor certification. I later became the manager for the City of Gainesville pools.

In other words, parks and Rec is everything I have ever done! I work as a Youth Library Technician for the City of Lewisville in addition to my MOD position here. I am working on my Master’s in Library Sciences and hope to become a Librarian. Ideally, I want to work for a youth department in a city library, but I’m open to whatever life throws at me. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in English from the University of Florida (go gators) and currently attend the University of North Texas.

When did you start with the City, and what other positions have you had?
I started about six weeks ago as a Child Watch Spec. And now I am here as MOD!

What are you looking forward to the most about your new position?
My favorite part about working for the public is building a repertoire with the community I serve. I’ve loved that with all my public positions, and I’m sure I’ll love it here once I learn the faces and names of our current regulars! I also am very open to hearing my coworkers’ wants, needs, and complaints. As a manager, I am here to help the Champions Club staff and our members!

What do you like to do when not at work?
Considering my current degree in progress, it’s no surprise that I love reading. Need a recommendation? Hit me up! I also have two dogs, so they take up a lot of time with cuddles. I am an excellent cook and baker if I do say so myself! Expect baked goods in the breakroom in the fall. I also like to play video games and have a Nintendo Switch and a PS5. My “to-be-played” list of games is way too long.

What’s something our Champions Club Family should know about you?
Champions Club staff should know that I am approachable, and I will always have your back! I believe in second chances, and I believe in taking opportunities to learn. Something fun about me is that I will argue until the end of time that Yoda becoming Grand Master and the Jedi General is a reason why the Jedi Order fell.

Our Champions Club members should know that I am trying my best to get in the swing of things, and it won’t be long until I do!

Congratulations on your new position, Jenni! We look forward to seeing your positive contributions to Champions Club!

 

Meet Roberto: Guest Services Supervisor

Champions Club members know that our staff is always ready to go above and beyond to create life-long memories for our guests.

When it comes to world-class customer service, Champions Club is ready to exceed expectations. Setting a high bar for a superior recreation and fitness experience is the priority of our new Guest Services Supervisor, Roberto Aldana. Roberto may be new to the Champions Club family, but he’s no stranger to Parks and Recreation and developing high-performance teams.

Let’s get to know him better.

What is your professional background?
I have a very diverse background which ranges from working in non-profits, Parks & Rec, and most recently, working as a training manager in the restaurant industry. I earned a bachelor’s in Psychology/Sociology and a Masters in Human Relations and Organizational Development with Employment Law.

What do you love most about Guest Services/ Parks and Recreation?
What I love most about Parks and Rec is the opportunity to serve your community. We are not just a recreation center or Department; we are a place where our community comes together, and I think that is very special.

What are you most excited about for your new position?
I am very excited to get to know our community! Our members are fantastic and play a significant role in making Champions Club what it is today. I’m also thrilled to work with the Southlake team. Everyone has a strong desire to deliver excellence in Southlake, and we hold each other accountable for it. The Southlake team has been extremely encouraging and supportive, and I am happy to be a part of it!

What is something people should know about you?
I am a very passionate and energetic individual with a drive to do the best I can every day… and I love coffee!

What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time with my wife and our German Shephard, Bartolo Barkopolis. We love exploring new dog parks! If we’re not with our dog, you can catch us playing golf or going for a run.

Welcome to the team, Roberto! We look forward to seeing the positive impact you’ll have on our guests and members. Don’t forget to say hello to Roberto in person next time you’re in Champions Club!