District 2

Hey D2! CPRS is challenging all of our members to take a moment to introduce yourself!

The challenge details are: We encourage every member of your District or Section to introduce themselves to the community. Ideally, we'd love for members to share a bit about themselves, but even a simple "Hi" will count.

This is our dedicated thread to gather all the introductions - so please reply here so we can get points!

Thanks for participating and LET'S GO District 2!!!

Hi Kahl! Lions fan and Thanksgiving game, very cool! I am a New York Giants fan, and I went to see the Cowboys and Giants play in Dallas a couple of years ago. It was fun! We didn't win because we aren't a good team, but it was still a great experience. :) Cheers, Nina 

Hi, 

My name is Heather Schelske. I have been with Cordova Recreation and Park District as a Recreation Supervisor II since 2012 and over see our Senior Center. I have worked in the recreation field since 2000. I enjoy being outdoors, gardening and food is my love language. Currently I am hooked on golf and try to play at least nine holes a week. 

Thank you, Chelsey, for getting this thread going! 

Hello D2 Members,
My name is Nina Sinor and I am a Recreation Supervisor II for Cordova Recreation & Park District (CRPD). I have worked for CRPD for nearly 6 years. I supervise operations at the Mather Sports Complex, Youth and Adult Sports, and athletic field rentals district-wide. I am also your D2 Preside-Elect. I am an avid baseball and football Giants fan! Go Giants! 

Hi all, the real Eric Buechler here. I have been with the City of Woodland for just about 7 years now and am a Recreation Supervisor of primarily Teen Services. I am the current District 2 Vice President and am looking forward to the next several years within D2! I take pride in filling my weekends with fun activities and have the motto of "Do It For the Story". 

Greetings,

I had the privilege of being the Interim Business Manager for Feather River Recreation and Park District just over five years ago. Last August, I returned to the district as the Business Manager in full capacity. It truly is an honor and privilege to serve the people of our district. I am approaching my first year and am looking forward to becoming more involved with D2 CPRS activities. 

Ayla Singleterry | Business Manager
Feather River Recreation and Park District
1875 Feather River Blvd. Oroville, CA 95965

Hey D2,

My name is Justin Douthit, and I am a Recreation Supervisor II with the City of Yuba City. I also serve on the D2 Board as the Director of Programming.

I have been with the City of Yuba City for over 10 years, both part-time and full-time. I am passionate about providing quality programs and services to the community I grew up in.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and 10-month-old son, and watching or playing sports. Though it may upset a few members here... Go Dodgers!

Original Message:
Sent: 06-06-2024 11:43 AM
From: Ayla Singleterry
Subject: CPRS June Challenge – Let's Introduce Ourselves!

Greetings,

I had the privilege of being the Interim Business Manager for Feather River Recreation and Park District just over five years ago. Last August, I returned to the district as the Business Manager in full capacity. It truly is an honor and privilege to serve the people of our district. I am approaching my first year and am looking forward to becoming more involved with D2 CPRS activities. 

Ayla Singleterry | Business Manager
Feather River Recreation and Park District
1875 Feather River Blvd. Oroville, CA 95965

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Ayla Singleterry
Business Manager
Feather River Recreation & Park District
Oroville CA
(530) 533-2011
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Nice to meet everyone and thanks for participating. Let's go D2!!

I'm Chelsey! I have been in Parks and Rec my entire life! I just completed my first year at Mission Oaks Recreation & Park District (14 years previously at Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District). I oversee a community center for active adults 55+, Summer Camps, Preschool, and Teens. I am the current D2 Secretary! I love serving my community, growing in our profession, and making connections. In my spare time, I love spending time with family,  going outdoors and camping, and soaking in every moment I can with my 5 & 3-year-old daughters.

Good day!

My name is Nicole Lowery, fun fact I was born into Recreation and Parks and went into the family business. I currently oversee aquatics, special events, facility rentals and contracted classes. My passion is creating spaces for community recreation and mentoring the next generation. I am the CPRS District 2 Treasure. Any outdoor activity is how I enjoy spending my time. 

Hi all,

I'm Becky Herz, and I have been the District Administrator at Orangevale RPD for just over 4 months. I am also a Past-Secretary for D2, and currently on the CPRS JEDI Counsel. My fun fact: I have done the swim from Alcatraz to the SF Bay 5 times (4 without a wetsuit).

Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2024 10:44 AM
From: Abhijeet Shirsat
Subject: CPRS June Challenge – Let's Introduce Ourselves!

Hi everyone,

I am a faculty member in the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration at Sac State. It's great to read your greetings. As an education section rep for over three years with D2, I am responsible for updating and bridging the gap between CPRS and our students. I love to travel and do Outdoorsy stuff. I am currently on vacation in Carmel, and I can't say enough good things about this place. Happy weekend!

Dr. Abhijeet Shirsat | Associate Professor  | Graduate Coordinator

California State University, Sacramento Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration 6000 J Street, Solano Hall 4016 Mailbox 6110 Sacramento, CA 95819 USA Tel: (916) 278- 7046   Email: shirsat@csus.edu Zoom: https://csus.zoom.us/my/profshirsat

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Original Message:
Sent: 6/6/2024 5:15:00 PM
From: Tamica Clement Moore
Subject: RE: CPRS June Challenge – Let's Introduce Ourselves!

Hello everyone,

My name is Tamica, and I am a recreation therapy consultant. It has been wonderful reading all your greetings. While I do not work full-time for any city parks and recreation department, I have contracted with many city parks and recreation departments to assess programs for inclusivity, provide staff training, and assist in developing adaptive recreation programs. Please feel free to visit my website at your convenience: www.moorertconsulting.com.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Tamica Clement Moore

Moore Recreation Therapy & Consulting Inc.

www.moorertconsulting.com

530-848-0227

Hello D2!

I'm Ian Roberts, I am the D2 Tech Rep. I work for Fair Oaks Rec & Park District, I graduated from Chico State and have been working in the Rec field ever since. I enjoy tech and try to keep up to date on most things in the Tech field. If you ever have a question on something Tech related always happy to help! Also make sure to keep an eye out for Ian's Insights that get posted to the D2 Social media! https://www.threads.net/@cprsdistrict2 

Good morning! 

My name is Lara and I've been with the Cordova Recreation & Park District since 2021. I'm the Recreation Coordinator at the Neil Orchard Senior Activities Center where I work with our contracted instructors to provide programming, help plan and coordinate with vendors for special events as well as informative presentations for the community. My favorite part of my job is planning daytrips and extended travel for our seniors, as well as seniors in our partner districts. In my off time I enjoy swimming, camping, the arts, exploring local food and drinks, and any kind of makers fair, festival, or farmers market.

Hello D2!

I'm so enjoying getting to know so many of you through these intros!!

I'm Stef (with an 'F'), your CPRS Executive Director.  Did you know that I too, came from a parks and recreation background?  I worked in several senior centers throughout Colorado in my early career!  I then spent a couple of years as a caterer and event planner, before landing at the Colorado Park & Recreation Association and now here with you amazing humans.  I'm one fortunate woman!

Fun Fact... one of my very first duties as CPRS Executive Director was to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium!  Note that I have ZERO athletic ability.  Thanks to a lot of practice and a very patient 'coach' in Jill Nunes, I successfully didn't embarrass myself nor CPRS that day.  It wasn't a long toss and may have bounced once, but it was nice and straight. Yes, there is a video but it may cost you to see it (wink, wink).

Stef hugs to you!

Hello, 

I am Katherine Yang, I just joined the department of YPCE for about 6 months now. I am currently working at Clunie Community center as program leader. I enjoy all the skills and experience I have learned so far. I loved reading everyone's introduction . It is amazing to see how there are so many different roles yet we are all working towards the same purpose. Fun Fact: I enjoy fishing with my loved ones during my free time. I get to relax with nature and it's super exciting when I am able to catch a fish. 

Hey D2! My name is Ashika Lal and I am your Region 1 Representative on the State Board (also your immediate past D2 president). I've been in Parks and Rec for almost 22 years...time flies when you're having fun right?! I am currently the Communication & Media Officer for Southgate Recreation & Park District.

Fun Fact: I am originally from Southern CA and as of 2024, I have spent an equal amount of years living in both Southern and Northern CA! Also, I love to travel and enjoy solo traveling the most - I always meet the best people! I love to talk travel and am always willing to give recommendations and swap stories. It's fun getting to know you here and I hope to see you at a D2 event soon! 

Hi D2! My name is Marge McCuan and I have worked in recreation and city government for the last 18 years. I've spent the last 8 years of my career with Southgate Recreation & Park District. I currently oversee our Aquatics and Facilities teams. I love working in recreation and found my passion in college when I went on a rafting trip and someone asked if I was a rec major. The rest they say is history - I changed my major at Fresno State and never looked back. 

Hey D2! My name is Kim Newton. I am the Recreation and Facilities Supervisor for the Georgetown Divide Recreation District (GDRD) in Pilot Hill. GDRD is host to events at the historic Bayley House Barn c.1862. The Gold Rush sent many flocking to California eager for adventure and riches, including Alcander John Bayley of Vermont. Bayley built an impressive 10,000 square foot Southern-style building. The 300,000 red bricks that make up the exterior were manufactured on location, and much of the fine wood used in the interior was milled there as well. Renovations continue to bring it back to its glory. The Bayley Barn next door is a popular event venue. Nice to meet you all.

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Kim Newton
Recreation & Facilities Supervisor
Georgetown Divide Recreation District
Pilot Hill CA
(530) 823-9090
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Hey D -02! Firstly, I'm having a blast reading your posts and getting to know you!

So here I go. My name is Beatriz Godinez-Muniz but you all may know me as Bee, your friendly Membership Services Coordinator. I've been with CPRS since October 4th, 1990. Yeah, I've been here a minute. And boy do I have stories! 😉 All wonderful stories, of course! 😊 I've seen a few of you come in as student members and flourish into the awe-inspiring professionals you are today! You all are an amazing bunch, and I am honored to be working for and with you!

Okay, let's see, fun facts:

1)      I sing, dance, & play Latin percussionist. And my husband & I had an Afro-Cuban Drum & Dance Folklore group called, Ebo Okokán  .  .  .  Offerings from the Heart, for about 20 years (1994-2004), performing at public and private events and at the local school (K-12 & Univ). We performed mostly in Northern California.

2)    Born & raised in Oakland, CA, I played soccer with the world-renowned percussionist, Sheila E.

T

Hi! I'm Tara Gee, Park Planning & Development Manager for the City of Roseville's Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department. I've been with the City for 27 years. Fun fact: I used to be a fast pitch pitcher (softball).

Hello District 2-

It has been fun to read about you all. My name is Tom Hellmann and I am currently the Recreation & Community Services Manager with the City of Folsom. I grew up in D3 and worked for Pleasant Hill Park & Rec before graduating from Sac State and working in D2 for El Dorado Hills CSD and Cosumnes CSD. I am a Past President of District 2 (2012-2013) as well as Past President of CPRS during the 75th Anniversary years of 2021-2022. A fun fact about me is that when I was 12 years old I was a batboy for the San Francisco Giants and have photographic evidence with some great Giants ballplayers. When not working I enjoy playing golf and spending time with the family. I look forward to seeing you all at a future D2 event or training. 

Great idea!

Hey D2!

Hello D2 Members,
My name is Joey Zaokopny. I am a Park Maintenance Superintendent  for the City of Sacramento! I have worked for the City of Sacramento for 2 & a half years. I manage our park maintenance operations for all of the parks south of the American river in Sacramento (120+ sites) . I am also your advancement chair on the board. My wife & I will be expecting our first child next month!

No sleep here we come!

Hello District 2! My name is Maryam Kakar and I'm the Operations and Training Manager here at CPRS HQ. I began working at CPRS in January of 2024 and it has been such an amazing experience thus far. You may contact me for assistance with event registration, Job Center, and any other general inquiries. In my spare time, I like to unwind by spending time outdoors with friends.