Home > The Y Staff > Program Staff

Programs Hours Membership Staff Board of Directors Newsletter Camp Benson The Y in Pictures NEW! Links What's Happening Contact Us

back to top Tony Hakes Tony Hakes, Camp Benson Director A graduate of the University of Iowa and native Iowan, Tony has been involved with YMCA camping since the age of eight.  He and his wife Nancy, a speech pathologist in the West Carroll School District and Camp Tradin’ Post Director, joined the Camp Benson family in 2004 after three years at a YMCA ranch camp in the Arizona desert.  “We love working at Camp Benson,” says Tony.  “The thick forest, the great facilities and breathtaking views create an excellent camping experience.  Most of all, we have enjoyed the dedicated, fun-loving campers and staff who help make Camp Benson one of the greatest places on earth!”  Tony, Nancy and their daughter Ruby live at Camp Benson year-round.  When not busy at camp, Tony enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing with family dog Tula and serving as an EMT with the Mt. Carroll Ambulance Service.  Please feel free to contact him at 815-244-8722 or E-mail Tony back to top back to top Stephanie Milnes, Aquatics Director Stephanie began working for the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA in 1996.  She then went to Eastern Illinois University where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration.  Stephanie came back to the new YMCA in 2003, taking on lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons and water fitness.  In the summer of 2005, Stephanie managed the Rock River Country Club swimming pool, then became assistant to the aquatic director.  In December 2005, she became Aquatic Director Full-Time.  Stephanie and her husband reside in Morrison.       E-mail Stephanie Melissa Ryan Melissa Ryan, Youth/Adult Sports & Activities Director Melissa joined the YMCA in December of 2005 as the Youth/Adult Sports and Activities Director.  She attended Western Illinois University and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, with a minor in Security and Management.  She was previously employed by Bi-County Special Education and the YWCA of the Sauk Valley.  She resides in Sterling with her husband Joe, who is a middle school math teacher.  They have three sons; Isaiah, Carter and Kael and one daughter Abby.  Email Melissa back to top Shelley McCarty Shelley McCarty, Membership Development Coordinator Email Shelley (2004) Sterling/Rock Falls Family YMCA 2505 YMCA Way, Sterling, Illinois 61081 - 815-535-9622