Longtime YMCA child care worker to retire

Josh Hinke | May 18, 2026

The YMCA‘s Kim Martin will retire at the end of the month, ending a 35-year career in child care.

Martin’s career stretched from New Hampshire to Texas before she attended University of Minnesota Duluth to study elementary education.

“I never did become an elementary school teacher. My heart lies with the littles,” Martin told WTIP.

Martin worked at a YMCA program in Superior before an opportunity opened at the Cook County YMCA. She worked there for two years.

In a profession often marked by burnout, Martin said she has found joy in working with children.

“I have funny stories every day, and I can almost write a book about all the fun and crazy things kids say and come up with,” Martin said. “There’s just something about their little spirits that I just, I can’t get enough of, and they make me laugh, they make me cry, but it is just a wonderful, wonderful career.”

Martin plans to return to her home in Duluth and spend time traveling, though she said she expects to continue working with children in some capacity.

“I already know I want to do some subbing in the schools, and just stay as close to kids as I can,” Martin said.

Martin’s retirement is part of the Cook County YMCA’s plan to change its structure and child care license.

WTIP spoke to Martin about her time in child care and her plans after retirement. The audio of that conversation can be found below.