ENTER AGENDA SECTION HERE- Shari Kunza, Recreation Manager
Title
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: JOY HANDT, RECREATION COORDINATOR
Background
Joy Handt has worked for the Parks and Recreation Department since May of 2008. She coordinates the Play-Net Blaine summer playground program and the Leader in Training (LIT) program. The Play-Net program has approximately 450 participants, 15 staff, and 12 LIT. Joy is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, coaching and evaluating staff; providing the plan for the 8 week summer program; communicating with parents, staff, and participants; and securing supplies. Joy also teaches our babysitting courses and assists at events and on field trips. Joy works full time during the summer months and part-time during the school year. Joy also served as a Park Board Member from 1997-2002.
Joy works as a special education paraprofessional for the Mounds View School District at the Snail Lake Kindergarten Center. Joy has a degree in Child Development and operated a home day care for 11 years. Many of the children who attended her day care are now working for us.
Joy lives in Blaine with her husband Kenny, sons Derek and Nick, and her Yorkie, Minnie. She loves to spend her weekends at her cabin on Knife Lake. Joy also enjoys reading and gardening.
When asked about why she likes to work for our department, Joy responded, “I enjoy being out at the parks and watching the kids”. The playground program provides kids with a fun, structured atmosphere where they can be kids, enjoy their summer, and participate in active games and crafts. Joy helps make memories for these participants and staff that will last a lifetime. Joy’s staff are mainly 17-22 year olds. Joy enjoys helping them develop their leadership skills and to live up to their full potential.
Joy is one of our top performing staff. She brings creativity and energy to our department. She is one of those people that you enjoy working with and want her to stay around forever. We are very grateful to Joy for all she has given to our department and residents of Blaine.
Joy is supervised by Nate Monahan. Nate had this to say about Joy: “Joy is a model employee who has a great passion for making the Parks and Recreation Department the best it can be by showing a great work ethic in all aspects of the job! Joy is someone we could NEVER REPLACE and we plan on keeping her until she retires at ANY COST!”
Recommendation
Informational