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 this awesome team in January 2024 and am currently a Program Leader at Harvest House Community Center, one of two APR centers specifically focused on programs for active older adults.
I’m a people person. After starting my professional career in marketing and business roles, I felt disconnected from that side of myself. I saw the opportunity to spend every day connecting with my community and making people smile, so I took that leap of faith and got the job. It’s been feeding my soul ever since I started here.
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
Having this job has set me on the path that I want for my career. I’ve been able to attend workshops and courses, met amazing and inspiring people, and been encouraged to shoot for the stars by my peers and manager (thank you, Shana). The next goal I’m reaching for is becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
What I’m most proud of is seeing and hearing everyone say they had a wonderful time after a program. From getting hugs after a successful day trip to cooking 100 pancakes to facilitating a rowdy digital horse race, knowing that I helped someone enjoy themselves or try something new makes me feel accomplished.
I want to create spaces that feel like home and programs that turn into memorable experiences. As a kid, I was always at the park for sports or the playground. We didn’t have robust community centers like Asheville, so it is wonderful to be a part of this special place creating memories for kids and adults alike.
How have impacts of Tropical Storm Helene changed or affected the way you approach your work?
I listen more. The best way to cope is to talk it out and lean on others. All of us were impacted by the storm in horrible ways, but some older adults had little or no ability to get the resources they needed during early recovery. Things like low mobility, loss of social interaction or complete isolation, and even loss of medicine or medical equipment impacted countless older adults in our community. We made sure – and continue to make sure – that we find or provide as many resources as possible.
So I’m there for them. I am a helping hand, I am a listening ear. I try even harder to make Harvest House a place to escape the troubles of post-Helene.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy roller skating, gardening, painting, watching survival TV shows, going camping and pretending to be on a survival TV show, game nights, spending too much money on live music, and hosting trivia in Black Mountain!
How would you complete this sentence: I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…
Providing and facilitating joy, safety, and resources for others to live a fulfilling life provides me with joy, too.
Join Becca 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.