Joy Fay
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Wait...Melrose has a chicken school?!
Yep! Joy Fay has combined her background in early childhood education with her love of the outdoors to create Free Range Kids, a one-of-a-kind school vacation and summer camp for kids ages 4-10. Nestled in Bowden Park, the camp is all about hands-on exploration — think fort-building, fairy house crafting, group games, music, movement, nature studies, and even field trips to the DPW and local businesses. And yes, the kids help care for Joy’s chickens and garden, getting up close and personal with nature in the most fun way possible.
But that’s just one piece of Joy’s incredible impact on Melrose.
She’s a powerhouse fitness professional, entrepreneur, and all-around community champion. As the owner of Joy Healthy Life — which includes Melrose Boot Camp and Joy Yoga — she’s been inspiring people to move, sweat, and feel their best for over two decades.
Joy’s fitness journey kicked off in 2001 when she ran her first Boston Marathon—a life-changing experience that fueled her passion for health and wellness. Since then, she’s crushed 16 marathons (15 in Boston, 1 in Philly!) while raising funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Since 2003, she’s been leading Melrose Boot Camp, where early risers hit Fred Green Field for high-energy outdoor workouts. Prefer working out from home? She’s got virtual sessions too! Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned athlete, her programs are designed to build strength, endurance, and confidence—all with a dose of Joy’s signature encouragement.
Joy’s Advice? Do What You Love. And she truly lives by that motto. Beyond fitness, she’s deeply involved in the community—serving on the Melrose Farmers' Market Board, participating in Community Reading Day, and even bringing her beloved chickens to the farmers' market so visitors can hold them (because who doesn’t need a little chicken cuddle now and then?).
What Joy Loves About Melrose:
- ⭐ The way the community supports businesses
- 🎭 A thriving arts scene
- 👩💼 Strong female leadership
- 🚶♀️ A vibrant, walkable downtown
And the quirkiest thing? The one-drink rule! (After one drink, you have to order food.)
What’s Next on Her Bucket List? Writing a children's book and expanding her garden.
Through all her initiatives, Joy Fay has become a true local treasure — bringing energy, health, and a deep sense of community to Melrose.
