Erika Smith
Recreation Supervisor
[email protected]
Started with GIVE: March 2014
Favorite Park: West
I am very proud to be the leader of the GIVE 365 Volunteer and
Outreach program for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation. I have a master's degree in
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources and I am passionate about public spaces and leisure opportunities for all the ways they enrich life! It is a joy
to work in this city as the Ann Arbor park system is large, diverse and oh, so
special. The GIVE program is rooted in community engagement and volunteerism
and we are so fortunate to be in a community that values parks, stewardship and
civic involvement. Here at GIVE, we work side by side with our volunteers to
improve and enhance our awesome park system.
Meet the team!
Melissa
Adopt-A-Park
Coordinator [email protected]
Melissa has a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management from GVSU. She works with long term volunteers, coordinating resources and providing support to park adopters. She loves advocating for unique park projects and if you are interested in adopting a park, you will love working with Melissa!
Started with GIVE: April 2016
Favorite park: Mary Beth Doyle
Conor
Assistant Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator [email protected]
Conor received his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from MSU. He sought out his current position as Outreach Assistant at GIVE 365 to be a part of a work effort he is passionate about! In his role, he enjoys engaging with the community and fostering relationships with individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering at Ann Arbor’s parks. In his free time, Conor enjoys reading, running, and discovering new music.
Started with GIVE: September 2022
Favorite park: Island
Ryan
Assistant Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator [email protected]
Ryan earned a bachelor's in Social Sciences from EMU and a master's in Higher Education from the University of South Carolina. At GIVE he leads volunteer workdays, specializing in river clean-ups, and works on creative projects and updating our park websites. In his free time, he loves seeing live music, being outdoors, hiking, and spending time with friends. Ryan has been to all 162 parks!
Started with GIVE: April 2014
Favorite parks: Black Pond Woods Nature Area
Andy
Playground Technician [email protected]
Andy is a loving father of two highly energetic and eternally curious little girls. Within GIVE 365, he helps to oversee the maintenance of Ann Arbor's 70+ city playgrounds by prioritizing parks most in need of volunteer care. Outside of GIVE 365, he visits parks with his daughters, draws comics, strums a banjo, and hikes through the quiet of nature constructing cairns along the way.
Started with GIVE: May 2021
Andy's favorite park: Bird Hills
His daughters' favorite park: Waterworks
Amelia
Gardener [email protected]
Amelia is our resident gardener! At GIVE 365, she works independently and with volunteers in gardens and landscaped areas big and small throughout the parks. In her free time she runs, hikes, bikes, and listens to lots of podcasts and NPR, works on a farm, and - you guessed it- gardens! She is passionate about continued self-education and sustainable land management.
Started with GIVE: May 2021
Favorite park: Hanover Square
Oliver
Crew/Event Team [email protected]
Oliver is working towards earning his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Michigan. At Give 365, he works with volunteers and staff alike to ensure our parks stay maintained, clean, and safe. In his free time, he loves swimming, films, music, and being outside.
Started with GIVE: May 2019
Favorite park: Barton
Dominique
Crew / Event Team [email protected]
Dominique is studying audio engineering and broadcast arts at Washtenaw Community College. At GIVE 365, you may encounter Dominique leading your volunteer workday. He enjoys parks, working outside, and being in nature. In his free time, he loves watching anime, writing music, and bike riding.
Started with GIVE: June 2022
Favorite park: West
Jakob
Crew / Event Team [email protected]
Jakob grew up exploring our parks! When not on the baseball diamond or playing trading card games you can find him wandering nature looking for the next food web to note. He is currently studying environmental science at Washtenaw Community College. You can find Jakob out in the field in parks and at volunteer events.
Started with GIVE: August 2023
Favorite park: Redbud Nature Area
