CRPR - Key Persons
Beth joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2003 as the Recreation Supervisor and oversees recreation programs, events, and summer camps. Prior to working for CRPR, Beth served as an Assistant Recreation Director for two years at Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District in Colorado, and previously as a Program Assistant for Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce in Colorado. Beth also has prior experience in instructing and leading programs. She has over 29 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation.
Beth holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Recreation Programming Emphasis from Bowling Green State University, OH. She's originally from Columbus OH and resides is Patton Township with her husband and two children. Her hobbies include skiing, biking, hiking, watching Ohio State football, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Lee began her duties as the Recreation Supervisor on July 14, 2003.
Job Titles:
- Parks Specialist III, Mechanic
Job Titles:
- Parks Specialist I - Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
Dawn joined the Active Adult Center in June 2022 as a part time Office Assistant. Throughout her career Dawn has enjoyed working with people. In the past, she has worked with victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence and with intellectually disabled individuals. Dawn resides in Blanchard with her husband. On her days away from the center, Dawn enjoys gardening, crafting, shopping, reading and spending time with family
Job Titles:
- Active Adult Center Supervisor
Erika joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2022 as the Active Adult Center Supervisor and oversees operations and programs for the Active Adult Center. Prior to working for CRPR, she was the Director of Marketing, Activities Director and Department Manager for a Nursing and Rehabilitation Organization in State College and a Lifestyles Coordinator and Manager for a Personal Care Senior Living Center. Erika has 18 years of management experience and is a graduate of West Branch Area High School. She has an extensive background working with the senior population and long-term care. Erika resides in Drifting, PA with her three children and her husband. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crafting, painting, camping, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and her dogs, Jade and Rigby.
Jada joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2010 as a Staff Assistant, then was promoted to Office Manager in 2015. Her main responsibilities include bookkeeping, general customer inquiries, the Youth Scholarships Program, and working with Park Operations to oversee the Community Gardens at Tudek, and Remembrance Tree, My Veteran/My Hero Tree Program, and Gift Bench programs. She also works in the restaurant industry as a server and has prior experience in Accounts Payable, Payroll, Human Resource Administration, and Assistant Administrator.
Jada holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Lock Haven University. Originally from Tyrone, Jada resides in Ferguson Township and enjoys sports, travel, music, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Light began her duties as the Office Manager on April 20, 2015 and has been with the agency since 2010.
Jeff joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2001 as the Sports Supervisor and oversees the Sports Division for the Agency, which includes concessions, tournaments, leagues, and sports programming. Prior to working for CRPR, Jeff served as a Recreation Coordinator for Punxsutawney Area Community Center in 2000, and previously worked as an Intramural Programming Assistant and Equipment Room and Facility Supervisor for Penn State University. Jeff also worked for CRPR early on in maintenance and was a head baseball coach and tournament director. He has over 34 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation.
Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Park Management, with a minor in Kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University. He is a Certified Youth Sports Administrator through the National Alliance of Youth Sports. Jeff resides in Bellefone with his family. He and his children are very active in sports.
Mr. Hall began his duties as the Sports Supervisor on February 25, 2001.
Jim joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2011 as the Parks Manager and oversees maintenance and operations for Centre Region's regional parks and facilities. Prior to working for Centre Region Parks and Rec, Jim served for 25 years as the Chief of Operations for Summit Metro Parks, in Akron, Ohio. He has over 38 years of experience in the Park Maintenance management.
Jim earned a Bachelor's in Business, majoring in Organizational Management from Malone University in Ohio and an Associate Degree in Recreation and Wildlife with a minor in Natural Resources Law Enforcement from Hocking College in Ohio. He is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) through the National Parks and Recreation Association. Jim and his family reside in Ferguson Township.
Mr. Carpenter began his duties as the Parks Manager on October 10, 2011.
Job Titles:
- Director of Parks & Recreation
Kristy joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2020 as the Recreation Services Manager and was promoted to the Director position in 2023. She has 20 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation having served in a variety of leadership positions. Prior to working for CRPR, she spent over 13 years at Silver Spring Township in Cumberland County as the Assistant Director and then the Parks and Recreation Manager. She brings an extensive background in budget administration, community outreach, fundraising, grant writing/administration, public policy creation, park planning and development, programming, event planning, strategic planning, and project management.
Kristy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management from Pennsylvania State University and an Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Fitness Specialist from Penn College. She is a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP) and a Certified Festival and Event Associate, through the National Parks and Recreation Association. She also worked for YMCA's and a Fitness Center early on in her career. In 2022, she served as Co-Chair for the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society (PRPS) State Conference, and has received two Presidential Citations and Excellence in Programming awards, showcasing community events and a "Culture of Health" initiative for Summer Camps. Originally from Altoona, Kristy resides in College Township and enjoys all things outdoors, especially biking, running, hiking, and various sports. She also enjoys spending time with her fiance and two dogs, Duke and Dunkin.
Ms. Owens began her duties as the Parks and Recreation Director on June 12, 2023 and has been with the agency since 2020.
Lourdes joined CRPR at the main office as a part-time Office Assistant in June 2015. Originally from Miami, Florida, she attended the University of Florida in Gainesville and now lives in State College with her family. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and doing puzzles with her husband. In February 2017, she moved to a full-time Office Assistant position with the Active Adult Center.
Mara joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2019 as the Staff Assistant and handles customer service, registrations, facility checks, rentals, and helping with special events for the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. Mrs. Hartzell began her duties as the Staff Assistant on March 18, 2019.
Melissa joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2009 as a Program Coordinator which began as a seasonal position and eventually expanded to a year-round position in 2014. She then transitioned to the Nature Center Supervisor position in 2015, and was recently promoted in 2023 to the Assistant Director position for the Agency. Melissa has over 15 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation. She brings an extensive background in budget administration, community outreach, fundraising, grant writing/administration, programming, and facility management.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ag & Environmental Science Education from Pennsylvania State University. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, canoeing, and birding.
Mrs. Kauffman began her duties as Assistant Director on December 4, 2023 and has been with the agency since 2009.
Sergeant Babcock was named Military News Film Cameraman of the Year in 1972. This honor was awarded to him, along with one other Staff Sergeant, for the film clip entitled, "U.S. Air Force- Civilian Cooperation Saves Lives." This clip was released to television stations throughout the United States.
During that year, the 1365 th Photo Squadron won 13 of the 19 awards presented by the DOD Agencies. Topics of the winning clips included Southeast Asia operations, military exercises, missile launches, airborne fire medics, and Air Force humanitarian efforts such as flood and earthquake relief. The squadron's achievements also included coverage of the recovery of the three astronauts after the near-disastrous Apollo 13 mission. Sergeant Babcock received the USAF Outstanding Unit Award as a member of the squadron.
Sergeant Babcock is a 1964 graduate of Bellefonte High School and has a BA degree in broadcasting and film from Stanford University. Subsequent to his military service, Babcock was employed by WPSX (currently WPSU) at Penn State University. He remained at Penn State for over 30 years as a Supervisor of the Videography Department. He continued to receive recognition for his many award winning documentaries that aired on WPSX, Channel 3, as well as his videography on the popular Outdoor Pennsylvania series.
Job Titles:
- Staff Assistant ( AAC & Admin )
- Staff Assistant ( Admin & Active Adult Center )
Todd joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2002 as the Aquatics Supervisor and oversees Park Forest Community Pool, Welch Community Pool, and all indoor/outdoor aquatics programming for the agency. He is is currently coaching for Penn State Aquatics. Prior to working for CRPR, Todd spent a few years as an Aquatics Director with the Carlisle Swim Club and Head Coach for the Carlisle YMCA. He has held several coaching positions for YMCA's, Penn State University, State College Area School District, Shippensburg University, Science Park, and Nittany Lion Aquatics Club. He is a certified lifeguard and instructor.
Todd holds a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Pennsylvania State University and is a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Certified Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO). He also maintains a PA State Pesticide 24 - Swimming Pools certification. Todd and his family reside in State College Borough. His hobbies include coaching Water Polo and participating in Spartan Races.
Mr. Roth began his duties as the Aquatics Supervisor on January 22, 2002.
Ty-Nica Davis joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CPRP) in 2019 as the Staff Assistant and handles customer service, registrations, rentals, and annual reporting for the CRPR Administrative Office. Prior to working for CRPR, she was a Member Services Representative and Coordinator for YMCA of Centre County and held positions as a Childcare Supervisor, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Team Leader, and Volunteer Coach.
Ty holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences with a minor in Linguistics and Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL. Ty is a NCAA D1 Cross Country/Track and Field Athlete and enjoys running, hiking, backpacking, camping, game nights, and putting together puzzles with friends.
Ms. Davis began her duties as the Staff Assistant on March 25, 2019.