APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone.
When did you join the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team?
I joined the team as a Program Leader in 2024 at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. I like that every day can look a little different because I wanted to be in a space that didn’t look the same or feel the same every single day.
You meet different people daily with the programs you have. You meet all sorts of folks, but you also see consistency too. I like being able to see families who are choosing to grow with us, from toddlers to youth programs and teens up to adult programming. There’s space for everyone in our programs, and we work hard to ensure that everyone has access to recreational opportunities. I also like being able to take things I enjoy, make programs out of them, and see what comes out because it brings parts of myself to work that might be appreciated and celebrated.
In my time with the department, I have also collaborated with amazing organizations including Southside Community Farm, Mountain Pet Rescue, and Youth Artists Empowered on projects, events, and every day enrichments. I’ve learned a lot about local organizations that do great work in and for our community.
I’ve also learned about the importance of having mentors in the field. Thus far, I’ve found really meaningful mentorship by applying to be a mentee in the mentorship program through American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration. I am eternally grateful to my mentors, Cleaster Cotton, John Blevins from Prince William County Parks & Recreation, and Kim Kennedy from Stephens-Lee Community Center!
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
Working with APR has strengthened my commitment to public service and given me the confidence to take on larger responsibilities in the future, especially in roles that involve community building and outreach. It’s also challenged me by working with folks who think and approach projects differently and navigating different communication styles to reach a desired outcome that we can all be proud of.
I’m a sponge – just soaking it all up, still learning and finding my path and footing with the department! I’ve been on committees that programmed Parks & Recreation Professionals Day, Haunted House on the Hill (sadly Helene took a lot of this learning experience away, but it was fun while it lasted), Truck City AVL, and Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games with which I’m helping to establish an ambassadors program.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
The resiliency of our team as a whole as we shifted into new roles in the immediate aftermath of Helene was amazing – giving out water and working with armed forces at resource stations or working at Stephens-Lee Center so public works staff and visiting law enforcement had a place to stay while they were here helping us. There was a lot of uncertainty, but one thing was for certain was that we were going to be there for as long as it took and show up however it looked.
Secondly, I am really proud of the accomplishments of my colleagues who create new programs out of passion or sheer curiosity, not knowing how it’s going to look, but know they’re making a memorable experience for community members. It’s amazing to see their confidence skyrocket and witness their processes from start to finish. There is a lot of joy in helping folks figure out what programs can look like and support them along the way. We have a ton of creative forces on our team and a lot of energy that’s waiting to be tapped into.
How have impacts of Tropical Storm Helene changed or affected the way you approach your work?
My mindset is “see the need, meet the need,” but post-Helene it’s even more about showing up, putting yourself in a space to listen, and reminding yourself that you never know what people mentally bring into community centers and parks. People wear their stories and experiences on their sleeves and come into these spaces looking to cultivate connection and be seen. The ways Helene taught us to connect with each other when times are tough has put us in a place to continue creating spaces for each other to find that connection we all need, which is an absolute privilege.
What do you do when you’re not working?
You can usually find me listening to all sorts of music, reading books, at a thrift shop, trying to keep plants alive, plotting my next tattoo, or just at home with my partner and two cats.
How would you complete this sentence: I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…
I believe in creating equitable spaces for everyone to be seen and heard and enjoy fun and unique experiences that bring people together and make our city a better place to live.
Join Fallon and other parks and recreation professionals making significant impact as they work to build a strong, healthy, and happy place to live. Current opportunities to work with Asheville Parks & Recreation can be found online.