Board Members

Amy is the Parks and Recreation Manager of Recreation Programs for the City of Des Peres. Much of her career has been involved with aquatics programs. She is certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and she is passionate about water safety and raising awareness about the dangers of drowning and the ways to prevent it.

I started working in Parks and Recreation when I was 16 years old as a lifeguard. I quickly fell in love with making a positive impact on people’s lives and decided to pursue a career in the parks and recreation field. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism- M…I…Z…! I also have a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois in Recreation, Sport and Tourism.

After college, I went on to pursue my career in Parks and Recreation with the Waukegan Park District in Waukegan, Illinois as their Fitness and Aquatic Specialist. Returning to Missouri in 2010 as the Aquatic Specialist with the City of Des Peres allowed me to be closer to home and the state I love. I have been with the City of Des Peres as their Aquatic Specialist and was promoted to the Aquatic Supervisor in 2016. I currently oversee both an indoor and outdoor aquatic center as well as being a supervisor on duty for all departments. I hold the following certifications: Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, Certified Pool and Spa Operator, American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, Athletics and Fitness Association of America –Group Exercise Instructor as well as a Certified Program Planner through the LERN Network.

I have served the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association as the Aquatic section secretary and president. Currently, I serve as the MPRA Conference Chair for 2020. Starting in June of this year I will be taking over as one of the Board Members at large for the organization. Other roles that I have held with MPRA include leading the Programming Support Group, volunteering for multiple MPRA events, and have attended multiple conferences. I am active in the St. Louis Aquatic Professionals group and enjoy mentoring new professionals in the field. I have also served on the American Red Cross Hero’s committee where I have had the pleasure to nominate and select local hometown heroes for courageous and lifesaving actions. I am very passionate about the field of parks and recreation and have truly enjoyed my involvement with MPRA over the years.

As of June of this year, I recently became part of the SWIM ON Foundation to keep the memory of Nicholas alive. I am so proud to be part of this organization and honored to serve the community. I am passionate about water safety and raising awareness of the dangers of downing. I look forward to educating the community on the different layers of protection that prevent drowning and unsafe pool environments.