Angela Mitchell, School Age Director at the Salina Family YMCA was leaving work on June 5th, 2026, when Chris Lehecka, Salina YMCA President/CEO told her she was being removed from her position effective immediately. Angela has never done anything that would negatively impact the team or the YMCA as a whole, so this decision to remove her from her position truly came out of nowhere. This also came 1 week and 2 days after Angela's boss, Marti Prideaux Higdon was terminated from her position as the Senior Director of Child Care. Therefore, this does not seem like a coincidence.
For most people, a truly exceptional manager is hard to come by. Angela is exactly that kind of manager. Her recent dismissal from the Salina Family YMCA has been utterly blindsiding, not just for her, but for the 20+ staff members who relied on her leadership and support. Her dedication to her team, both during work hours and beyond, is unmatched. She stepped up whenever our team was short-staffed, taking on roles as Camp Counselor or After School Staff even though her official position was being the School Aged Director. Every child who interacted with her wanted to give her hugs and talk to her every day. These are only some examples of the heavy impact she has had on the YMCA childcare programs, and the impact we need moving forward. Having a supportive boss who can help in ways many people do not understand how to with the children we serve is crucial to the success of the team.

Before her departure, Angela hosted multiple years of successful summer camps, and after school programs that gave elementary aged children a safe place to go during summer to have fun, as well as a safe haven after school to make friends and learn important social and emotional skills. Under her leadership, participation in programs was exceptional, and team morale was higher than ever. There were campers and staff crying on the final days of last year's summer camp, showing how important our program was to both parties. She has made a difference and been way more than just another boss. This decision made by Chris Lehecka has truly broken us down, and we need support.

We urge Salina Family YMCA decision makers (board members, Chris Lehecka, etc.) to reconsider their decision and reinstate Angela Mitchell to her former position. Her reinstatement is crucial for the future success and cohesion of the team, and for the continued positive impact on the community that we serve.

Please sign this petition to show your support for Angela Mitchell and help us bring back a leader who truly makes a difference.