This entry is part of Homegrown Talent, an Asheville Parks & Recreation series that highlights team members who grew up in our community. Coming from the neighborhoods and areas where community centers and parks are located is a huge value to the city, bringing knowledge, connections, and insight that can only come from spending formative years right here at home. Read more from the series.
What neighborhood or area did you grow up in?
I grew up in the Deaverview area of West Asheville.
When did you join the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team?
In the summer of 2010, I joined the department as a lifeguard, working in different seasonal positions until 2018 when I accepted a job with Waynesville Parks and Recreation. I came back to APR in the fall of 2021.
I’ve been a lifeguard, pool manager, and program leader while working with the department. My current position of Athletic Coordinator allows opportunities to work with people of different ages through programs and events like Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games, midnight madness basketball tournaments, and introductory sports classes and clinics.
What inspired you to join the team?
My family lived very close to Malvern Hills Park’s pool, so I grew up going there every day of the summer. I got to see just how important parks are to the community and how happy they make 
people. I wanted to be part of something that was so important and helped the community.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
I am most proud of my work with North Carolina Senior Games. Being able to see the games grow and thrive after COVID is awesome. We still have a lot of work to do, but the progress we’re making is amazing and I look forward to continuing our work with the community.
As someone who grew up in the area, what does it mean to work for APR?
I was lucky enough to grow up within APR’s youth programs. Seeing the positive impact these programs have from a firsthand perspective gives me pride in what we do and the great things we accomplish.
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
Working with APR has allowed me to remain a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) while gaining real world experience on the benefits of the certification.
How would you complete this sentence? “I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…” 
I care about our community and what happens here. This is my community and I try to have a positive impact on it everyday I come into work.
Join Colt 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.