Meet your staff …

The staff of the National Partnerships division of NRPA creates programs and initiatives that have a long-lasting effect on communities throughout the country. Although it is a big task, the staff of the department is more than able to meet the challenge.

National Partnerships Director Kathy Spangler, CPRP, is a veteran NRPA staffer, working in different capacities at the association for 17 years. Some of her titles have included regional director, marketing director and APRS liaison. Prior to that she spent 10 years in the field. She enjoys all kinds of recreation, even though she's allergic to almost anything green.

Shawnna Hughes, program assistant for National Partnerships, hails from Washington State. She drove cross country with her family and two cats to start work at NRPA at the beginning of this year. She's no stranger to travel though, working at the United States Army Morale Welfare and Recreation as the fitness and outdoor recreation specialist in Bavaria, Germany. While there, she also spent time as a ski instructor.

After working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga., Heidi Melancon joined NRPA as assistant director of National Partnerships in January of this year. Her job involves working with national partners, like those involved in the Step Up to Health summits. She says, "I like working in parks and recreation because it's an integral part of my life."

Jessica Parker, CPRP, may be new to her position as program manager at NRPA, but she definitely isn't new to recreation. Prior to starting here, she worked with Leesburg Parks and Recreation in Virginia for four years, and likes the variety and fun that the field offers. When she isn't working with sports partners for NRPA, she's playing sports like soccer and golf with her husband and friends.

As the Community Outreach Specialist for Health and Wellness, Susan Ports has spent her three years at NRPA helping communities develop recreational programs and activities centered on health. Her background in therapeutic and outdoor recreation, as well as overseeing grant projects has helped her in her role at NRPA. In her spare time, she enjoys working on her new house.