At the 2018 Institute and Expo we announced the 16 chosen cohorts for the Class of 2019 Academy of Leadership Development program. After a year of hard-work, dedicated research and monthly sessions with national experts, it’s time to celebrate these young professionals and all of their achievements.
Congratulations to the Class of 2019–the future leaders of our Industry.
Jason Aguirre, CPRP
Recreation Programmer | City of Rowlett
University of North Texas, BS | Recreation & Leisure Studies-2013
Being involved in my community has always been a passion of mine since I was young. Both of my parents worked from the City of Dallas and between the two of them they dedicated over 60 years of service to the community. They always taught me that giving back to the community through service is greater than any monetary value. I’ve lived by those words my whole life and now have dedicated myself to grow and learn as much in my profession and field as I can and be the best leader I can be.
Amber Barnes, CPRP
Special Event Coordinator | The Woodlands Township
University of Oklahoma, BS | Sociology-2009
Within one year as a full-time employee, I knew I wanted a career in parks and recreation. I earned a promotion within my first 6 weeks. By the end of my second year, I passed my CPRP. Over the past three years, I have found my passion in leading my community. Given the right tools, I can improve my community by fostering an environment that moves people out of homes and into parks, rec centers and out to community events. I believe I can enhance the lives of others by being a leader in our parks and recreation department.
Jesse Enriquez, CTRS
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | Laurel Ridge Treatment Center
Texas State University, BS | Recreation Administration-Recreation Therapy-2015
I am emerging leader for this organization (TRAPS) because I am from a diverse multicultural background, can understand information quickly, and I have the ability work well under pressure. These factors give me confidence that I can become successful within the TRAPS organization.
Anthony Garza
Recreation Specialist II | City of Allen
Texas State University, BS | Recreation Administration-2014
Given my upbringing, experiences and current position in the parks and recreation field, I feel I am a great example of an emerging leader within my organization, TRAPS and the parks and recreation field. This is demonstrated through my passion to provide recreational services to a community that strives for a better quality lifestyle. Through my willingness to be a part of a cause that strives for a common goal; and by serving my community and organizations as a part of a team that understands the impact we can make on a community.
Kelsey Heiden
Recreation Center Manager | City of New Braunfels
Texas State University, BS | Recreation Administration
I feel that I am an emerging leader in my organization because I strive for perfection and have a passion to see our department succeed in providing the best services possible for our community. The Texas Recreation and Park Society has helped me become an emerging leader by providing opportunities for training, networking and professional development. I have participated in the Central Region Planning Committee for over four years in various roles and chaired the 2015 Central Region Workshop.
Laurel Heizelman, CTRS
Recreation Program Coordinator | City of Austin
Texas State University, BS | Recreation Administration – Therapeutic Recreation
I attended my first TRAPS Institute earlier this year and returned to Austin with an invigorated drive to become more involved in TRAPS and to take a leadership role in my profession. I presented at the TRAPS Day Camp Summit in May and have continued to seek leadership roles on innovative committees within Austin Parks and Recreation. I value building new relationships to improve my community. I am determined to make a difference and change the status quo of the view of inclusion within parks and recreation and believe my involvement in TRAPS could help make a difference statewide.
Rashad Jackson
Recreation Coordinator | City of Lancaster
University of North Texas, BS | Recreation, Event & Sport Management
The word emerge means to rise or come forth. I believe this is that path that has been designed for me. I believe I am an emerging leader for the City of Garland/Lancaster because of my passion and desire to always strive for more. I believe Leadership is a choice and it happens when people choose to behave in ways that make them effective in guiding others. I have been successful in my current role because I want to become the most successful leader I can be.
Jesslyna Olivares
Recreation Program Coordinator | City of Austin
Texas State University, BS | Recreation Administration
I am a recreation professional that is a product of the system. Now, 15 years after my first CIT job, I am developing programs, training, and community partnerships that support development and opportunity for people of all ages and abilities. My involvement with TRAPS as a member and session speaker as well as my membership and conference experience with NRPA has catalyzed a new desire in how I make a difference through Parks and Recreation. I want to take my knowledge and development to the next level in order to further impact my community, my region and my state.
William Bailey Ross
Athletic Coordinator | City of Harker Heights
University of Mary Hardin Baylor, BS | Sports Management
In my two and half years with the City of Harker Heights, I have worked my way into a position of reliability among co-workers. This is due to my hard work and dedication to my job; and the want to lead by example. I am an individual that does not mind staying late or arriving early to see a program succeed as I take great pride in knowing the programs I work so hard for everyday have chance to positively influence the community around me in ways only recreation activities can do.
Chris Saddler
Park Superintendent | City of Galveston
Lamar University, BA | Applied Science
I have been with the Galveston Park Board of Trustees for 4 years; with my leadership, we have raised the bar on our parks in increasing visitation and 10% in revenues. I have been tasked with working with local stakeholders to have more involvement with Galveston Park Board. I am staff chair for the PAC Committee for Park Board, with the committee I have developed year work plans and goals for the committee to carry out.
Katy Wainwright
Recreation Coordinator | City of Bedford
University of Texas, BA | American Studies
I have been with Bedford Parks and Recreation now for six years. Starting as a seasonal employee, I have now grown to train, mentor and lead the position that I was once in. There is no greater feeling than creating a culture that you have helped inspire and motivate. After being a part of the Bedford team for so long, I have found that my passion lies within Parks and Recreation. TRAPS played a huge role in this realization. After attending the State TRAPS Conference in Irving, I wanted to pursue a greater involvement within the organization.
Elizabeth West, CPRP
Recreation Coordinator-Special Events | City of Conroe
University of Houston, M.ED. | Sports Administration
University of Houston, BS | Sports Administration
I have been playing soccer my entire life and one thing the my coaches always praised me on was my coachability. This attribute continues to help me as I have moved into the workforce as a young professional and has prepared me for my current tole with the City of Conroe. I am able to listen to feedback, receive constructive criticism without taking it personally, and am willing to take a look at my own performance in order to improve it. I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given while working for the City of Conroe to attend all TRAPS state institutes, attend regional lunch and learns and achieve my CPRP certification. These opportunities have helped me learn and grow as a Parks and Recreation professional and I would love to be selected for the Academy of Leadership Development. I am eager to learn from other’s experiences, wisdom and skills and use them to help me on my journey.