February 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 34

30 UNDER 30
Jennifer Chirino, 24
Recreation Programs Coordinator, City of Doral (FL)
Jennifer Chirino serves as the recreation programs coordinator for the City of Doral,
Florida. Chirino created Genius Labs, a science, technology, engineering, art and
mathematics (STEAM)-based educational program that provides low-cost educational
STEAM exploration to children in the community. Since the program's implementation
in 2019, it has served more than 300 children. Chirino noticed a deficiency in
the programming available for children under 4 years old and created Toddler Time,
a program focused on sensory integration through recreational play. She uses her recreational
therapy background to create the lessons for the program and ensure the
community is receiving the intended benefits.
Elena Christopher, 29
Inclusion and Adaptive Recreation Programs Specialist, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (TX)
Elena Christopher currently facilitates inclusive recreation opportunities for participants with
disabilities in her recreation therapy internship with the City of Austin (Texas) Parks and Recreation,
Inclusion Unit. She is launching an audio-based trails guide in Austin's park systems
to increase access for the blind and visually impaired. This GPS-based project seeks to engage
community members with low vision and blindness in meaningful outdoor recreation and
nature experiences. What's more, Christopher continues to collaborate with park rangers and
nature-based recreation sites, develop relationships with various hiking groups and establish
partnerships with local nonprofits to promote this project.
Jody Dutra, 28
Recreation Assistant, City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation
Department (AZ)
Jody Dutra has developed programs, like the Princess Program,
which help all children unleash their inner creativity
and imagination by engaging in activities that promote socialization,
respect for others, and open a child's perspective
on inclusion. She also has created inner/
outer governmental connections with
501(c)(3)s, library services and the
school district. As a member of
a youth advisory council, Dutra
mentors and acts as a role model
for teens. She also serves as
a supervisor for the free senior
lunch program. Dutra currently
is looking into CAPRA accreditation,
whereby she
has set a path to ensure
her department meets the
national standards.
Danielle Giuliacci, 26
Recreation Coordinator, City of Belmont (CA)
When Danielle Giuliacci began as a youth and teen recreation
coordinator in Belmont, California, she quickly
realized the community's need for a scholarship program
and an all-inclusive camp program. With little resources,
Giuliacci reviewed, applied for and received a $28,800
county grant to provide scholarships to
underserved youth and launched Belmont's
first-ever inclusion camp in
2022. She also purchased Americans
with Disabilities Act swings
for two parks. Because of her initiative,
the city was able to offer the
first and only inclusion camp in
San Mateo County. In addition,
her scholarship
$9,000
provided
program
toward
reduced camp fees (75 to
100 percent discount) for
local families.
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February 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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