District 3

Hello , My name is KImberlee Caton and I am the Lead Childcare Instructor for the City of Newark Recreation Childcare . I have been an Early Educator for 27 years. I enjoy outdoor activities. My favorite time of year is Summer. I love the warm weather. This year's CPRS conference was great. I appreciated being able to network among other Recreation professionals.

Hello , My name is KImberlee Caton and I am the Lead Childcare Instructor for the City of Newark Recreation Childcare . I have been an Early Educator for 27 years. I enjoy outdoor activities. My favorite time of year is Summer. I love the warm weather. This year's CPRS conference was great. I appreciated being able to network among other Recreation professionals.

Hello , My name is KImberlee Caton and I am the Lead Childcare Instructor for the City of Newark Recreation Childcare . I have been an Early Educator for 27 years. I enjoy outdoor activities. My favorite time of year is Summer. I love the warm weather. This year's CPRS conference was great. I appreciated being able to network among other Recreation professionals.

Hi all!

My name is Alissa Mendoza and I am the City of Walnut Creek's Facility Rentals Specialist in the Arts + Recreation Department. I have been in this role FT for a year, and have yet to have a stressful day at work when working for WC! (*Knock on wood*).

I have been in the hospitality field for 17 years, though this is my first role in the Public Sector. 

In my free time--hooray for work-life harmony!-- I enjoy taking my 3 and 5 year olds around the hundreds of East Bay's parks. (We try to visit 1 new park a week... I wonder when we'll run out?)  We're big on visiting the library for routine book swap-outs and story times, we like picking as much fruit as possible at U-Pick farms year round, and enjoy spending as many weeks as my General Leave will allow up at Sea Ranch in the Northern Sonoma Coast. 

Though I love Summer because of how busy my department/division gets with Summer Camps and event season (SO MANY FACILITY RENTALS), I am a basic Fall fiend through and through. Give me a chunky knit sweater, a Pumpkin Spiced Latte and Halloween year round, and I'm in my element. 

Cheers, 

Hello D3!

My name is Kim Burrowes, and I am the Recreation Manager for the City of Emeryville. Many years ago, I served on the D3 board as Secretary and also the Aging Section rep. I currently serve as the Region 1 Aging Section Representative. I look forward to meeting you if I haven't already! Seniors Rock!!!

 Kim Burrowes

         Recreation Manager

         City of Emeryville

         4321 Salem Street

         Emeryville, CA 94608

         (510) 596-4308 Office

         (510) 209-1028 Cell

        

"Together, we build Community through quality programs and services."

Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/EmeryvilleCSD

Follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/EmeryvilleCSD

 

 

Hi all!

My name is Alissa Mendoza and I am the City of Walnut Creek's Facility Rentals Specialist in the Arts + Recreation Department. I have been in this role FT for a year, and have yet to have a stressful day at work when working for WC! (*Knock on wood*).

I have been in the hospitality field for 17 years, though this is my first role in the Public Sector. 

In my free time--hooray for work-life harmony!-- I enjoy taking my 3 and 5 year olds around the hundreds of East Bay's parks. (We try to visit 1 new park a week... I wonder when we'll run out?)  We're big on visiting the library for routine book swap-outs and story times, we like picking as much fruit as possible at U-Pick farms year round, and enjoy spending as many weeks as my General Leave will allow up at Sea Ranch in the Northern Sonoma Coast. 

Though I love Summer because of how busy my department/division gets with Summer Camps and event season (SO MANY FACILITY RENTALS), I am a basic Fall fiend through and through. Give me a chunky knit sweater, a Pumpkin Spiced Latte and Halloween year round, and I'm in my element. 

Cheers, 

Hello D3!

My name is Kim Burrowes, and I am the Recreation Manager for the City of Emeryville. Many years ago, I served on the D3 board as Secretary and also the Aging Section rep. I currently serve as the Region 1 Aging Section Representative. I look forward to meeting you if I haven't already! Seniors Rock!!!

 Kim Burrowes

         Recreation Manager

         City of Emeryville

         4321 Salem Street

         Emeryville, CA 94608

         (510) 596-4308 Office

         (510) 209-1028 Cell

        

"Together, we build Community through quality programs and services."

Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/EmeryvilleCSD

Follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/EmeryvilleCSD

 

 

Hello D3!

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 All!

My name is Ivan San Pedro, and I'm one of the Recreation Supervisors for the City of Dublin. I'm nearing my one-year mark with the City and have been enjoying my time overseeing Special Events, the Senior Center, and Family Programs! Originally from Southern California (Orange County, to be specific), I have been in this field for 7 years, starting my career as a Recreation Leader.

I'm excited to build relationships here in Northern California, especially in D3! I understand the importance of connecting and networking through CPRS, and I hope to assist and continue that in our District. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello All!

My name is Ivan San Pedro, and I'm one of the Recreation Supervisors for the City of Dublin. I'm nearing my one-year mark with the City and have been enjoying my time overseeing Special Events, the Senior Center, and Family Programs! Originally from Southern California (Orange County, to be specific), I have been in this field for 7 years, starting my career as a Recreation Leader.

I'm excited to build relationships here in Northern California, especially in D3! I understand the importance of connecting and networking through CPRS, and I hope to assist and continue that in our District. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello All!

My name is Ivan San Pedro, and I'm one of the Recreation Supervisors for the City of Dublin. I'm nearing my one-year mark with the City and have been enjoying my time overseeing Special Events, the Senior Center, and Family Programs! Originally from Southern California (Orange County, to be specific), I have been in this field for 7 years, starting my career as a Recreation Leader.

I'm excited to build relationships here in Northern California, especially in D3! I understand the importance of connecting and networking through CPRS, and I hope to assist and continue that in our District. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello D3!

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!

Hi D3! 

Well, the timing seems right with all the email notifications you all must have received from me just now, to introduce myself.

My name is Shalini Reddy and I am an Office Assistant for the City of Dublin in the Parks and Community Services Department. This is my 4th year with the City of Dublin and I thoroughly enjoy my time here in the PCS Department and have provided administrative support in various areas that include Aquatics, Youth/Adult Sports, Family Services Division, Facility Rentals, and help oversee Picnic Rentals and the Adopt A Bench Program.  I find it most rewarding that we are able to connect with our community through our wide variety of recreation activities and events that we put so much passion and hard work into creating, so that the public can cherish those memories and carry that forward in their lives.

I look forward to learning more about D3 and meeting you all!

So sorry for the notifications! 

Hello All!

My name is Ivan San Pedro, and I'm one of the Recreation Supervisors for the City of Dublin. I'm nearing my one-year mark with the City and have been enjoying my time overseeing Special Events, the Senior Center, and Family Programs! Originally from Southern California (Orange County, to be specific), I have been in this field for 7 years, starting my career as a Recreation Leader.

I'm excited to build relationships here in Northern California, especially in D3! I understand the importance of connecting and networking through CPRS, and I hope to assist and continue that in our District. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello D3!

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!

Hi everyone!

I'm going to keep it going with the City of Dublin! My name is Shelby Perry, and I am a Recreation Coordinator. I currently oversee our historical park, Heritage Park and Museums, as well as Public Art. I have been with the City of Dublin for over 3 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's been fun getting to learn about everyone and I cant wait to see more!

Hi D3! 

Well, the timing seems right with all the email notifications you all must have received from me just now, to introduce myself.

My name is Shalini Reddy and I am an Office Assistant for the City of Dublin in the Parks and Community Services Department. This is my 4th year with the City of Dublin and I thoroughly enjoy my time here in the PCS Department and have provided administrative support in various areas that include Aquatics, Youth/Adult Sports, Family Services Division, Facility Rentals, and help oversee Picnic Rentals and the Adopt A Bench Program.  I find it most rewarding that we are able to connect with our community through our wide variety of recreation activities and events that we put so much passion and hard work into creating, so that the public can cherish those memories and carry that forward in their lives.

I look forward to learning more about D3 and meeting you all!

So sorry for the notifications! 

Hello All!

My name is Ivan San Pedro, and I'm one of the Recreation Supervisors for the City of Dublin. I'm nearing my one-year mark with the City and have been enjoying my time overseeing Special Events, the Senior Center, and Family Programs! Originally from Southern California (Orange County, to be specific), I have been in this field for 7 years, starting my career as a Recreation Leader.

I'm excited to build relationships here in Northern California, especially in D3! I understand the importance of connecting and networking through CPRS, and I hope to assist and continue that in our District. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello D3!

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 will tag on to the City of Dublin chain and introduce myself next. :-) My name is Nicki Wanzenried, and I am also a Recreation Coordinator. I oversee Family Programs, including Camps, After-school programs, Preschool, and YAC. This is my 15th year with the City of Dublin. I started part - time working in preschool and was fortunate to move around to many different program areas during my time with the Dublin. My first job in recreation was when I was 17. I was a camp counselor for the City of Concord. I initially went to school to become an elementary school teacher but halfway through my credential program realized my passion was recreation and have been in Rec ever since. This is a great challenge. It has been so fun reading everyone's introductions.

Hi everyone!

I'm going to keep it going with the City of Dublin! My name is Shelby Perry, and I am a Recreation Coordinator. I currently oversee our historical park, Heritage Park and Museums, as well as Public Art. I have been with the City of Dublin for over 3 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's been fun getting to learn about everyone and I cant wait to see more!

Hi D3! 

Well, the timing seems right with all the email notifications you all must have received from me just now, to introduce myself.

My name is Shalini Reddy and I am an Office Assistant for the City of Dublin in the Parks and Community Services Department. This is my 4th year with the City of Dublin and I thoroughly enjoy my time here in the PCS Department and have provided administrative support in various areas that include Aquatics, Youth/Adult Sports, Family Services Division, Facility Rentals, and help oversee Picnic Rentals and the Adopt A Bench Program.  I find it most rewarding that we are able to connect with our community through our wide variety of recreation activities and events that we put so much passion and hard work into creating, so that the public can cherish those memories and carry that forward in their lives.

I look forward to learning more about D3 and meeting you all!

So sorry for the notifications! 

Hello All!

My name is Ivan San Pedro, and I'm one of the Recreation Supervisors for the City of Dublin. I'm nearing my one-year mark with the City and have been enjoying my time overseeing Special Events, the Senior Center, and Family Programs! Originally from Southern California (Orange County, to be specific), I have been in this field for 7 years, starting my career as a Recreation Leader.

I'm excited to build relationships here in Northern California, especially in D3! I understand the importance of connecting and networking through CPRS, and I hope to assist and continue that in our District. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello D3!

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 D3!

It's so fun to read all about you and your fun facts! I'm Henry Perezalonso, the Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director for the Town of Danville. This June will be my 38th summer in parks and recreation. I started in the '80s (insert old joke here...You know who you are). I had the pleasure of working for the cities of Sunnyvale, Beverly Hills, and Mountain View before making my way to Danville. In between stops, I also had some fun in our world's private and nonprofit sectors.  Fun fact: I have shared a restroom with a US President, had Thanksgiving dinner with someone who played a US President, and have a family member married to a President of another country.

Henry

Hello!

I will tag on to the City of Dublin chain and introduce myself next. :-) My name is Nicki Wanzenried, and I am also a Recreation Coordinator. I oversee Family Programs, including Camps, After-school programs, Preschool, and YAC. This is my 15th year with the City of Dublin. I started part - time working in preschool and was fortunate to move around to many different program areas during my time with the Dublin. My first job in recreation was when I was 17. I was a camp counselor for the City of Concord. I initially went to school to become an elementary school teacher but halfway through my credential program realized my passion was recreation and have been in Rec ever since. This is a great challenge. It has been so fun reading everyone's introductions.

Hi everyone!

I'm going to keep it going with the City of Dublin! My name is Shelby Perry, and I am a Recreation Coordinator. I currently oversee our historical park, Heritage Park and Museums, as well as Public Art. I have been with the City of Dublin for over 3 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's been fun getting to learn about everyone and I cant wait to see more!

Hi D3! 

Well, the timing seems right with all the email notifications you all must have received from me just now, to introduce myself.

My name is Shalini Reddy and I am an Office Assistant for the City of Dublin in the Parks and Community Services Department. This is my 4th year with the City of Dublin and I thoroughly enjoy my time here in the PCS Department and have provided administrative support in various areas that include Aquatics, Youth/Adult Sports, Family Services Division, Facility Rentals, and help oversee Picnic Rentals and the Adopt A Bench Program.  I find it most rewarding that we are able to connect with our community through our wide variety of recreation activities and events that we put so much passion and hard work into creating, so that the public can cherish those memories and carry that forward in their lives.

I look forward to learning more about D3 and meeting you all!

So sorry for the notifications! 

Hello All!

My name is Ivan San Pedro, and I'm one of the Recreation Supervisors for the City of Dublin. I'm nearing my one-year mark with the City and have been enjoying my time overseeing Special Events, the Senior Center, and Family Programs! Originally from Southern California (Orange County, to be specific), I have been in this field for 7 years, starting my career as a Recreation Leader.

I'm excited to build relationships here in Northern California, especially in D3! I understand the importance of connecting and networking through CPRS, and I hope to assist and continue that in our District. I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello D3!

I am Austin Peletta, one of three Recreation Coordinators for the City of Pittsburg, overseeing activities and special events. I have spent most of my career to this point in various roles in youth sports before joining the recreation team here just about a year ago. I spend my free time being a butler/short order cook/jungle gym/punching bag for my two boys (4 & 2). My fun fact is that I was fortunate enough to receive two NBA championship rings from my time working with the Golden State Warriors Youth Basketball Camps. 

Look forward to reading more about and getting to know all of you soon! 

------------------------------
Austin Peletta
Recreation Coordinator
City of Pittsburg
Pittsburg CA
(925) 252-4842
------------------------------

Hi, My name is Angela Freitag and I am a Recreation Program Coordinator with the City of Concord. I oversee our day camps and preschool programs. I started in recreation as a counselor at Backyard Explorers Day Camp, which I now get to oversee, and have been in love with all things camp ever since! I received by B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Cal Poly SLO while spending my summers working at the Happiest Place on Dirt, Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe. In my free time you can normally find me taking my mini dachshund, Frankie, around town or at your local trivia night.

Happy Friday, D3!

My name is Habad "Abid" Ahmad, and I am also a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Concord. I oversee our senior programming including trips, inclusive adult recreation, and health & human services for the 50 & Better Community. Before joining Concord, I worked throughout Region 1 and graduated with a B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Sacramento State.

Fun Fact: I have a growing "fan club" among our senior community who enthusiastically support every program and event that I am a part of. They tend to show up in crowds when I emcee events like a Senior Talent Show and even rush to join me when line dancing on a cruise ship during our Fleet Week trip!

In my free time, you will either find me on top of a mountain, chasing a waterfall, or wandering around somewhere in a forest. Plus, you can occasionally catch me with our trivia team, "Train Rec," barely helping out alongside Angela and the rest of the crew! 

Hi, My name is Angela Freitag and I am a Recreation Program Coordinator with the City of Concord. I oversee our day camps and preschool programs. I started in recreation as a counselor at Backyard Explorers Day Camp, which I now get to oversee, and have been in love with all things camp ever since! I received by B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Cal Poly SLO while spending my summers working at the Happiest Place on Dirt, Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe. In my free time you can normally find me taking my mini dachshund, Frankie, around town or at your local trivia night.

Let's keep the San Ramon party going!

Hey Big 3! My name is Jennifer Gault and I'm sure you've enjoyed your nice break hearing from me. I'm your most recent past D3 President and I'm missing serving on the board big time. I am a supervisor with the City of San Ramon overseeing sports and youth programs. I've also worked with teens, preschool, youth centers and our youth commission. I'm a new pickleball enthusiast (I know.. I went to the dark side, I'm sorry) and just got back from an amazing trip to Alaska. Can't wait to see all of the great things D3 has planned this year! 

Jenn Gault 
Recreation Supervisor, City of San Ramon
(925) 973-3375
JeGault@sanramon.ca.gov 

Let's keep the San Ramon party going!

Hey Big 3! My name is Jennifer Gault and I'm sure you've enjoyed your nice break hearing from me. I'm your most recent past D3 President and I'm missing serving on the board big time. I am a supervisor with the City of San Ramon overseeing sports and youth programs. I've also worked with teens, preschool, youth centers and our youth commission. I'm a new pickleball enthusiast (I know.. I went to the dark side, I'm sorry) and just got back from an amazing trip to Alaska. Can't wait to see all of the great things D3 has planned this year! 

Jenn Gault 
Recreation Supervisor, City of San Ramon
(925) 973-3375
JeGault@sanramon.ca.gov 

The Big 3 with other District Past Presidents jumping on its my turn. My name is Matthew Galindo and I was the District's first Vice President, first to complete the 3 year Presidential Series (Vice President, President Elect and President) and served as the District's President during COVID. Currently I am a Recreation Program Manager with the City of Concord's Recreation Servies Department with Aquatics, Youth Programs and Facility Rentals in my area. Fun fact working with the waterfront staff of our residential camp, Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe I have trained and certified Lifeguards from all over the world (I have tried Vegemite from the Aussie's and it is god awful).  

Hi Everyone,

My name is Steve Voorhies and I currently serve as the Director of Recreation Services for the City of Concord (where I grew up, learned to swim, got my first paycheck from the golf course driving range, volunteered, and have been working ever since, for better or worse – I never left). My first involvement with CPRS was on the D4 board while attending San Francisco State, I've served on a range of CPRS committees and initiatives but feel most strongly about the simply awesome professional network that we all have – and this is a creative way to activate it!

Fun fact, the City of Concord is fortunate to have a summer camp at Lake Tahoe called Camp Concord, the Camp Director who hired me to work there in 1989 suggested I look into the recreation degree and career path, the rest is history, I can fill you in on the story when our paths cross.

The Big 3 with other District Past Presidents jumping on its my turn. My name is Matthew Galindo and I was the District's first Vice President, first to complete the 3 year Presidential Series (Vice President, President Elect and President) and served as the District's President during COVID. Currently I am a Recreation Program Manager with the City of Concord's Recreation Servies Department with Aquatics, Youth Programs and Facility Rentals in my area. Fun fact working with the waterfront staff of our residential camp, Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe I have trained and certified Lifeguards from all over the world (I have tried Vegemite from the Aussie's and it is god awful).  

I had to jump in after a fellow SF State gator! I am Elizabeth Sheets Orcutt, the Community Relations Manager for the City of Walnut Creek's Arts + Rec department. Last week, I celebrated my first anniversary with the City and have been having a blast! With a unique background in dance, health, hospitality, operations, and nonprofit communications, it's been a joy to combine my experiences in this public-facing role over the past year. Our incredible staff has been so supportive, and I'm in awe of them daily.

I rent a great duplex in Walnut Creek with my spouse and our dog (the dog doesn't pay rent, though), and I feel fortunate to serve the community where I live and explore! I'm an avid quilter, a mediocre violinist, and a big proponent of physical movement for mental health.

Hi Everyone,

My name is Steve Voorhies and I currently serve as the Director of Recreation Services for the City of Concord (where I grew up, learned to swim, got my first paycheck from the golf course driving range, volunteered, and have been working ever since, for better or worse – I never left). My first involvement with CPRS was on the D4 board while attending San Francisco State, I've served on a range of CPRS committees and initiatives but feel most strongly about the simply awesome professional network that we all have – and this is a creative way to activate it!

Fun fact, the City of Concord is fortunate to have a summer camp at Lake Tahoe called Camp Concord, the Camp Director who hired me to work there in 1989 suggested I look into the recreation degree and career path, the rest is history, I can fill you in on the story when our paths cross.

The Big 3 with other District Past Presidents jumping on its my turn. My name is Matthew Galindo and I was the District's first Vice President, first to complete the 3 year Presidential Series (Vice President, President Elect and President) and served as the District's President during COVID. Currently I am a Recreation Program Manager with the City of Concord's Recreation Servies Department with Aquatics, Youth Programs and Facility Rentals in my area. Fun fact working with the waterfront staff of our residential camp, Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe I have trained and certified Lifeguards from all over the world (I have tried Vegemite from the Aussie's and it is god awful).  

Hi everyone! I am trying to write in before the June Challenge ends! :) My name is Vannessa Cendejas and I also work for the City of Walnut Creek (shoutout to Elizabeth and Jim who have written already)! I have been here for over 8 years now supporting our adult 50+ programs, community arts (18+), transportation program, summer camp, special events, adult 50+ travel and all age ranges for folks who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. I have worn many hats over the years while being here--happy to say that there has never been a dull moment in my career. I appreciate my colleagues and how much passion they have for our community.  Prior to joining the Walnut Creek team, I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and my B.A. degree from UC Berkeley. I really enjoy learning and teaching and hope to earn my doctorate someday and teach at a university level.

Fun fact: I created the Trunk or Treat event for our community back in 2019, where I had ask our team of 6 to support the "200" people who RSVP'd for our event, but we ended up with 2,000 people (lots of learning curves back then). :) Five years later, the Arts and Recreation team has all hands on deck for this event that now hosts over 8,000 members of our community for the last few years. 

I had to jump in after a fellow SF State gator! I am Elizabeth Sheets Orcutt, the Community Relations Manager for the City of Walnut Creek's Arts + Rec department. Last week, I celebrated my first anniversary with the City and have been having a blast! With a unique background in dance, health, hospitality, operations, and nonprofit communications, it's been a joy to combine my experiences in this public-facing role over the past year. Our incredible staff has been so supportive, and I'm in awe of them daily.

I rent a great duplex in Walnut Creek with my spouse and our dog (the dog doesn't pay rent, though), and I feel fortunate to serve the community where I live and explore! I'm an avid quilter, a mediocre violinist, and a big proponent of physical movement for mental health.

Hi Everyone,

My name is Steve Voorhies and I currently serve as the Director of Recreation Services for the City of Concord (where I grew up, learned to swim, got my first paycheck from the golf course driving range, volunteered, and have been working ever since, for better or worse – I never left). My first involvement with CPRS was on the D4 board while attending San Francisco State, I've served on a range of CPRS committees and initiatives but feel most strongly about the simply awesome professional network that we all have – and this is a creative way to activate it!

Fun fact, the City of Concord is fortunate to have a summer camp at Lake Tahoe called Camp Concord, the Camp Director who hired me to work there in 1989 suggested I look into the recreation degree and career path, the rest is history, I can fill you in on the story when our paths cross.

The Big 3 with other District Past Presidents jumping on its my turn. My name is Matthew Galindo and I was the District's first Vice President, first to complete the 3 year Presidential Series (Vice President, President Elect and President) and served as the District's President during COVID. Currently I am a Recreation Program Manager with the City of Concord's Recreation Servies Department with Aquatics, Youth Programs and Facility Rentals in my area. Fun fact working with the waterfront staff of our residential camp, Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe I have trained and certified Lifeguards from all over the world (I have tried Vegemite from the Aussie's and it is god awful).  

Hi everyone! I am trying to write in before the June Challenge ends! :) My name is Vannessa Cendejas and I also work for the City of Walnut Creek (shoutout to Elizabeth and Jim who have written already)! I have been here for over 8 years now supporting our adult 50+ programs, community arts (18+), transportation program, summer camp, special events, adult 50+ travel and all age ranges for folks who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. I have worn many hats over the years while being here--happy to say that there has never been a dull moment in my career. I appreciate my colleagues and how much passion they have for our community.  Prior to joining the Walnut Creek team, I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and my B.A. degree from UC Berkeley. I really enjoy learning and teaching and hope to earn my doctorate someday and teach at a university level.

Fun fact: I created the Trunk or Treat event for our community back in 2019, where I had ask our team of 6 to support the "200" people who RSVP'd for our event, but we ended up with 2,000 people (lots of learning curves back then). :) Five years later, the Arts and Recreation team has all hands on deck for this event that now hosts over 8,000 members of our community for the last few years. 

I had to jump in after a fellow SF State gator! I am Elizabeth Sheets Orcutt, the Community Relations Manager for the City of Walnut Creek's Arts + Rec department. Last week, I celebrated my first anniversary with the City and have been having a blast! With a unique background in dance, health, hospitality, operations, and nonprofit communications, it's been a joy to combine my experiences in this public-facing role over the past year. Our incredible staff has been so supportive, and I'm in awe of them daily.

I rent a great duplex in Walnut Creek with my spouse and our dog (the dog doesn't pay rent, though), and I feel fortunate to serve the community where I live and explore! I'm an avid quilter, a mediocre violinist, and a big proponent of physical movement for mental health.

Hi Everyone,

My name is Steve Voorhies and I currently serve as the Director of Recreation Services for the City of Concord (where I grew up, learned to swim, got my first paycheck from the golf course driving range, volunteered, and have been working ever since, for better or worse – I never left). My first involvement with CPRS was on the D4 board while attending San Francisco State, I've served on a range of CPRS committees and initiatives but feel most strongly about the simply awesome professional network that we all have – and this is a creative way to activate it!

Fun fact, the City of Concord is fortunate to have a summer camp at Lake Tahoe called Camp Concord, the Camp Director who hired me to work there in 1989 suggested I look into the recreation degree and career path, the rest is history, I can fill you in on the story when our paths cross.