CARROLL TOWNSHIP - When Angel Gulick was a student at California University in 1990, she got a part-time job as a lifeguard at the Mon Valley YMCA.
She never thought she would still be at the YMCA 20 years later.
Well, she's still there but is no longer a lifeguard.
Gulick, a 1989 graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School, plays a much larger role at the facility as the YMCA's programs and aquatics director.
"I remember when I started here as a lifeguard," she said with a smile. "A friend of mine worked here, too, and said they needed lifeguards. I applied.
"And I've been here ever since."
Gulick was named the Y's aquatics director 10 years ago and added programs director to that title three years ago.
As aquatics director, she's responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Y's pool.
That includes the lifeguards, daily schedule for employees, even putting the chlorine in the water.
She also is still active as a teacher for water exercises.
As programs director, Gulick's responsibilities include bringing in or creating new programs that "serve the community and our members," she said.
Those duties include "kinder programs" for children ages 3-5, overseeing the Y's popular summer camp and other programs for both children and adults.
"I currently teach a 'Girl Power' class, which is a self-esteem class for young girls," she said. "I also oversee the physical education classes for Madonna Catholic and Mon Valley Academy."
Among the numerous programs geared toward adults that Gulick oversees are the ham radio certification classes and the popular CPR and first aid classes.
"She's a very reliable and intergral part of the operation here," said YMCA executive director Ken Wiltz.
Gulick says the best part of her job is the day-to-day interaction with the many people whose lives are touched by the YMCA.
"Not only do I get to work with a lot of people, but I get to do a lot of different things here," she said. "I'm not limited to just one area."
She laughed when asked what the worst part of her job was.
"There is no 'worst part,' but the toughest part is keeping up with how busy it gets around here," she said. "It's amazing how busy the pace is here every day. But it's a good pace."
Outside of her job, Gulick and her husband of 16 years, Tom, live in Carroll Township.
The couple has two daughters, Kayla, 15, and Michelle, 11.
Kayla is an aspiring Nashville singer who has already had several studio recording sessions.
"She sings at weddings and does talent shows," Gulick said of her elder daughter. "She will sing the National Anthem for anybody and we are going to get a CD from her last recording session."
Michelle Gulick, meanwhile, is the athlete of the siblings.
"She's active in basketball and golf," Gulick said. "She has played a lot of nice courses and she also has been involved in horseback riding.
"She's my do-all, try-all little gypsy," she said with a laugh.
