'I found my support system'
It had been 15 years since Galena Flores attended school. One day during the summer of 2020, she heard that Tillamook Bay Community College was offering free virtual classes.
“I have dyslexia, so I’ve always been really nervous about going back to school because high school was horrible for me,” she said.
At the time, Galena was working at the Tillamook County Family YMCA as well as her family’s restaurant, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, both were closed.
“The reason why I started my education journey was because I wanted to just learn more about health and being healthy,” she said. “When I first started going, I wanted to do nutrition and always had the end game of transferring out of TBCC.”
Within two years, Flores had earned her associate’s degree and enrolled in TBCC’s Degree Partnership Program with Oregon State University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health.
“I loved TBCC and the staff there were amazing,” she said. “You can take classes at TBCC prices, at TBCC, but be enrolled at OSU, which is huge.”
The final years of Flores’ education were solely online.
“I never stepped foot on campus until recently,” she laughed. “And it wasn’t even for school, it was for work.”
Flores completed her degree in December 2024 and accepted a position as SNAP Educator at the Tillamook OSU Extension.
“It was pretty exciting and it still seems super unreal,” she said. “It’s a blessing in disguise because when I applied for the position it took me a second to realize that I was applying for a position where I went to school.”
As a part of her position, Flores helps SNAP participants and the community understand how to shop mindfully and prepare food for healthy living.
“I want to help the community be able to spend those dollars wisely and promote a healthy lifestyle," she said. “You can come whether you are a SNAP participant or not; you’re more than welcome to come check out and enjoy the program and benefit from it.”
Flores also has, as she describes, “a soft spot” for older adults.
“I lost my grandparents at a very young age, so it’s been a drive of mine to save all the grandparents so grandchildren have grandparents to hang out and grow up with.”
Flores is certified to teach diabetes prevention classes, and shares tips about how small life changes can have big results.
“It was these classes that fueled me to want to go to school,” she said. “It transformed into where I am now and greatly aligns with my want to help the masses. I wanted to not just help two or three people, but my entire community.”
On the day of her interview for Newsie Features, Flores had spent the morning teaching “Better Bones and Balance” fitness class and then did a “Food Hero” tasting at Tillamook High School.
“I love it because every single day I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this kind of stuff.”
Flores’ own pursuit, and relatable struggles, in health and fitness helps her connect with community members.
Flores grew up helping out in her mother’s restaurants.
“I think that having the restaurants also helps me understand individuals’ relationship with food,” she said. “Food is a connection in so many different aspects and a lot of people don’t even know how they’re connect or triggered by food.”
Nearly a decade ago, an invite change Flores’ life.
“I started going to the YMCA because I was very overweight. I was very depressed. I was in a very toxic relationship. I hated looking at myself in the mirror. I hated getting dressed in the morning; it was the worst thing in the world.”
One day, she attended a fitness class.
“I remember my first day: Michelle Jenck was the instructor. I sat in the back of the class. It was a double bench routine which is extremely hard. I think I stumbled over the bench. I’m pretty sure my life flashed before my eyes. But, I absolutely loved it.”
In fact, Flores returned the next day for another class.
“I just started coming to those classes and I slowly got my tribe: my herd of people who noticed if I wasn’t there.”
Her consistency and dedication resulted in an invite to fill in for instructors. She eventually was asked to start leading her own fitness classes and became a personal trainer.
“Darcy [Fugate] was one of the instructors at the time and she took me under her wing and just dumped all this self-love and information on me. I just absorbed it and learned to love myself again while losing weight and understanding that food is fuel. Self-care is really important.”
She also credits departing YMCA CEO Kaylan Sisco as a strong pillar in her journey.
“He gave me the strength and the support to be able to do what I’m doing,” she said. “I’d ask: ‘Can I do this?’ He’d say: ‘Yeah of course! If you want to do it, go right ahead.’ We’ll miss him. He’s impacted a lot of people.”
Flores has been a fitness instructor at the YMCA for nine years and will continue to lead classes in partnership with her new position with the Tillamook OSU Extension.
“Don’t be scared to go out of your comfort zone,” she said. “Four years ago, I was crying in my chair at my house about how nervous I was to go back to school. But, I did it. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I found my support system. I found my mentors.”
Flores leads the “Better Bones and Balance” classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the Tillamook YMCA. The classes focuses on improving strength, balance, and overall health while reducing fall risks. The class is free for participants.
Flores will also be leading the “Plan, Shop, Save & Cook” courses held at the OSU Extension Office February 15, March 1, 15, and 29. The free four session series will discuss how to save money and cook healthier meals. Register by contacting Flores at: galena.flores@oregonstate.edu.
